The decentralized “Confederacy” model eventually led to extreme political fragmentation. As the Peshwa’s power declined, the various Maratha houses became more interested in fighting each other than in defending the empire. This disunity created an ideal environment for the British ...
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As the Mughal central authority weakened after Aurangzeb, the “administrative breakdown” in the provinces left a power vacuum. Local governors became independent or grew ineffective, making it easier for the Marathas to demand Chauth and eventually take over these regions. ...
Kanhoji Angre, the legendary Maratha Admiral, focused on challenging the naval dominance of European powers—the British, Portuguese and Dutch—along the Konkan coast. By establishing a string of coastal forts and utilizing agile “Galbats” and “Gurabs,” he successfully protected Maratha waters, ...
The rise of the great Maratha houses was a direct result of the military autonomy granted to them by the Peshwas. These chiefs were given the freedom to lead their own expeditions and retain a portion of the conquered territories. ...
The defining difference between the two systems was their approach to authority. The Mughal system was highly centralized, with power flowing strictly from the Emperor. In contrast, the Maratha system, particularly under the Peshwas, was inherently decentralized. Regional chiefs held ...