In the 18th century, which factor played the most effective role in transforming the Marathas from a regional power into an all-India confederacy?
The shift of power to the Peshwas enabled a policy of delegated authority. By allowing semi-autonomous Maratha chiefs (like the Gaekwads, Holkars and Scindias) to conquer and manage their own territories, the empire expanded rapidly across India. This decentralized “Confederacy” model allowed the Marathas to occupy vast lands that a single central government couldn’t have managed. ANSWER: (C) The rise of the Peshwas and the decentralization of power
Share
The transformation into an all-India confederacy was driven by the Peshwas’ strategic decision to decentralize political and military authority. Starting with Bajirao I, the state encouraged talented generals to carve out spheres of influence in North and Central India. This created a network of powerful hereditary states—the Scindias in Gwalior, Holkars in Indore and Bhonsles in Nagpur—who operated under the umbrella of the Peshwa’s leadership. While this system promoted rapid geographic expansion and resource extraction, it fundamentally changed the Maratha state from a unified kingdom into a loose alliance of powerful regional entities.