Notes Class 11 Chapter 16 History Maharashtra Board

Swarajya to Empire (Maratha Period)

Introduction

The Maratha period marks a significant era in Indian history, characterized by the rise of Maratha power under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who established Swarajya (self-rule) in the 17th century. This period saw the transition from regional autonomy to a vast empire, challenging Mughal dominance and contributing to art, architecture, literature, and socio-economic development. The chapter covers the contributions of sants, the foundation and expansion of Swarajya, the Maratha War of Independence, administrative systems, and socio-cultural developments.

16.1 Contribution of Sants

Context: Medieval Indian society was plagued by superstition, rituals, and fatalism, leading to social inertia and misery among the common people.

Role of Sants:

Sants in Maharashtra revitalized society by promoting equality, humanity, and community harmony.
Their teachings countered the effects of foreign invasions, droughts, and natural calamities.
They fostered a sense of belonging to native culture, language, and literature, boosting self-esteem among the masses.

Key Sants:

Chakradhar Swami, Sant Namdev, Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Eknath, Sant Tukaram, Samarth Ramdas: Laid the foundation of the Bhakti movement.
Women Sants: Sant Nirmalabai, Sant Muktabai, Sant Janabai, Sant Kanhopatra, Sant Bahinabai Siurkar.
Other Sants: Sant Chokhamela, Sant Goroba, Sant Sawata, Sant Narhari, Sant Sena, Sant Shaikh Muhammad.

Impact:

Their devotional songs provided moral support and created social awakening.
They preached unity, love, and harmonious community life, strengthening societal resilience.

16.2 Foundation and Expansion of Swarajya

Political Background:

Alauddin Khalji defeated the Yadavas of Devgiri, marking the start of Delhi Sultanate rule in South India.
The Tughluq and Bahamani kingdoms followed, with the Bahamani kingdom later splitting into five sultanates, including Nizamshahi and Adilshahi in Maharashtra.
Mughal expansion ended Nizamshahi, setting the stage for Shivaji Maharaj’s rise.

Role of Shahajiraje Bhosale:

A prominent sardar in Nizamshahi, later joining Adilshahi as a Mansabdar.
Managed Jahagirs in Pune, Supe, Shirwal, Indapur, and Chakan.
Envisioned Swarajya, laying the ideological foundation for self-rule.
Sent his wife, Veermata Jijabai, and son, Shivaji Maharaj, to Pune with capable associates to realize his vision.

Veermata Jijabai:

A visionary and efficient administrator, she guided Shivaji Maharaj in establishing Swarajya.
Provided education and instilled values necessary for leadership.

Shivaji Maharaj’s Contributions:

Laid the foundation of Swarajya in the Mawal region, leveraging its difficult terrain and the valor of Mawalas.
Captured forts like Torana, establishing Rajgad as the first capital.
Defeated Chandrarao More to secure Javali, expanding activities in Konkan.
Defeated Afzalkhan at Pratapgad (1659), gaining wealth and weapons.
Escaped Siddi Jauhar’s siege at Panhala with the sacrifice of Shiva Kashid and Bajiprabhu Deshpande at Ghodkhind.
Attacked Shaistakhan at Lal Mahal (1663) and looted Surat, Aurangzeb’s economic hub.
Signed the Treaty of Purandar (1665) tactically, later escaping house arrest in Agra.
Coronated in 1674 at Raigad, formalizing Swarajya’s sovereign status.
Undertook the Karnataka expedition but passed away in 1680.

Naval Development:

Built a navy with Portuguese assistance, creating a fleet of 400 ships by 1675.
Controlled coastal trade and countered Siddi and Portuguese threats.
Earned the title “Father of the Indian Navy.”

Key Associates: Kanhoji Jedhe, Tanaji Malusare, Netoji Palkar, Baji Pasalkar, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Murarbaji Deshpande.

16.3 Maratha War of Independence

Context: After Shivaji Maharaj’s death, the Marathas faced continuous Mughal aggression under Aurangzeb.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (1680-1689):

Coronated after Shivaji Maharaj, he continued the fight against Aurangzeb.
Allied with Aurangzeb’s rebellious son, Akbar.
Brutally killed by Aurangzeb in 1689, but his death united the Marathas.

Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj (1689-1700):

Took over after Sambhaji Maharaj, operating from Raigad and later Jinji.
Faced Mughal attacks led by Zulfikar Khan, who captured Raigad in 1689.
Maharani Yesubai and Prince Shahu were imprisoned in Delhi.
Rajaram Maharaj, with leaders like Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav, used guerrilla tactics to resist Mughal forces.
Successfully safeguarded Swarajya despite limited resources.

Maharani Tarabai (1700-1725):

After Rajaram Maharaj’s death, she led Swaraji against Aurangzeb.
Fought for 25 years under adverse conditions, encouraging Maratha expansion beyond Swarajya’s boundaries.
Her leadership marked a shift from defensive to offensive strategies.

Outcome:

Aurangzeb’s death in 1707 weakened Mughal power.
The Maratha War of Independence transitioned from defending Swarajya to expanding Maratha influence across India.

16.4 Administrative System Established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Territorial Extent: Swarajya included Maharashtra (Nashik, Pune, Satara, etc.), parts of Karnataka (Belgaum, Karwar), Andhra, and Tamil Nadu (Jinji, Vellore).

Ashtapradhan Mandal:

A council of eight ministers: Peshwa, Amatya, Sachiv, Mantri, Senapati, Sumant, Nyayadhish, Panditrao.
Expanded with the kingdom’s growth, formalized post-coronation.

Intelligence Network:

Led by Bahirji Naik, it provided critical information for expeditions.

Administrative Divisions:

Swarajya was divided into two parts:
1. Geographically bound province (Maharashtra and North Konkan), assigned to Peshwa, Sachiv, and Mantri.
2. Scattered southern regions, with a separate Karnataka Subha under Hambirrao Mohite and Raghunath Narayan Amatya.
Sarsubhedars (Deshadhikari) managed provincial administration, assisted by Deshmukhs and Deshpandes.

Revenue System:

Replaced Malik Amber’s system with a new measurement unit, “Kathi” (5 cubits + 5 closed fists).
Land measured in Bighas (20 Kathis) and Chavars (120 Bighas).
Revenue based on yield quality and three-year average, excluding barren or grazing land.
Deshmukhs collected revenue and developed cultivable land.

Village Administration:

Villages were self-sufficient, with 12 balutedars (hereditary service providers like goldsmiths, blacksmiths).
New villages received cattle, seeds, and loans under the Batai system (repayment after two years).

Key Officers:

Darakdar, Diwan, Majumdar, Phadnis, Sabnis, Karkhanis, Chitnis, Jamdar, Potdar.
Killedars (fort keepers) and Karkuns (clerks) appointed by the king.

Distinct Features:

Unlike Islamic rulers, Swarajya’s Sarsubhas focused on overall administration, not just revenue collection.
Officials received cash salaries, not land grants (watans).

16.5 Release of Shahu Maharaj

Context: Post-Aurangzeb, the Mughals aimed to weaken the Marathas by releasing Shahu Maharaj in 1707.
Conflict: Shahu Maharaj clashed with Maharani Tarabai, defeating her with Balaji Vishwanath’s support.
Balaji Vishwanath: Appointed Peshwa, he played a key role in stabilizing Shahu Maharaj’s rule.

16.6 Peshwa Period

Balaji Vishwanath: Strengthened Maratha power under Shahu Maharaj.

Bajirao I:

Expanded the Maratha empire to Malwa, Rajasthan, and Bundelkhand.
Defeated the Nizam, consolidating Maratha dominance.

Balaji Bajirao (Nanasaheb):

Faced defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761), which lowered Maratha morale.

Madhavrao Peshwa:

Re-established Maratha power in North India, overcoming the Panipat defeat.

Key Figures:

Malharrao Holkar: Founded the Holkar State in Indore, strengthening Maratha influence in the north.
Ahilyabai Holkar: Administered Indore efficiently, building temples, ghats, and dharamshalas.
Raghuji Bhosale: Expanded Maratha dominance to Bengal.
Mahadji Shinde: Re-established Maratha supremacy in North India, modernizing the army with French assistance.
Nana Phadnavis: Managed state affairs post-Madhavrao, maintaining stability.

Decline:

The untimely deaths of Narayanrao and Sawai Madhavrao weakened Maratha power.
British interference in internal conflicts led to Peshwa Bajirao II’s defeat, establishing British dominance.

16.7 Art, Architecture, Literature

Art

Miniature Paintings:

Found on pothis, pattachitra, and patrikas, illustrating texts like Bhagvat Gita, Dnyaneshwari, and Shivaleelamrut.
Themes included Dashavatara, ragamalas, talamala, and royal processions.
Used vibrant colors (red, green, yellow) and adorned wooden pothi stands.

Murals:

Decorated wadas (Naik-Nimbalkar, Nana Phadnavis) and temples (Mayureshwar, Pandeshwar).
Depicted Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and contemporary social life.

Performing Arts:

Keertan, bhajans, powadas, and lavani were popular.
Powadas by Adnyandas (Afzalkhan’s slaying) and Tulsidas (Sinhagad battle) inspired heroism.
Shahirs like Anantafandi, Prabhakar, and Honaji Bala composed lavani.
Dance forms: Lavani, Koli dance, Gaja Nrutya.

Architecture

Forts:

Shivaji Maharaj built hill and sea forts (e.g., Sindhudurga) for defense.

Wadas:

Constructed with stone (ground floor) and brick (upper storeys), featuring courtyards, wooden pillars, and motifs (parrot, peacock).
Examples: Vishrambaug wada (Pune), Nana Phadnavis wada (Menavali).

Temples:

Three types:
1. Large, star-shaped temples (e.g., Vateshwar, Sangameshwar in Saswad).
2. Stone temples similar to Malwa/Rajasthan styles (e.g., Kalaram, Sundarnarayan in Nashik).
3. Independent style with arches and stucco sculptures (e.g., temples in Pune, Satara).
Featured shikharas, sabhamandapas, and deepmalas (e.g., Jejuri’s stone deepmalas by Shahajiraje).

Civic Structures:

Ghats built along rivers (Nashik, Wai, Menavali).
Chhatris (samadhis) at various locations.

Urban Development:

Cities like Pune, Satara, and Nashik grew with paved roads, wadas, and arched gates.

Literature

17th Century:

Sant Tukaram: Poet of the Warkari sect.
Samarth Ramdas: Wrote Dasbodh and Manache Shlok.
Shivaji Maharaj: Compiled Rajyavyavaharakosha (Sanskrit lexicon for Persian terms).
Sambhaji Maharaj: Wrote Budhabhushan (Sanskrit), Nayikabhed, Nakhshikh, and Satasattak (Brij).

18th Century:

Yatharthdeepika by Vaman Pandit.
Naladamayanti Swayamvara by Raghunath Pandit.
Pandavapratapa, Harivijay, Ramavijay by Shridhar Pandit.
Moropant’s Mahabharata translation.
Bakhar literature: Sabhasad Bakhar, Bhausahebanchi Bakhar, Panipatchi Bakhar.
Bhaktivijay by Mahipati.

16.8 Trade, Industries, and Social Life

Trade

Shivaji Maharaj’s Policies:

Encouraged trade by establishing Peths (market places) managed by Shete and Mahajan.
Protected local industries, e.g., imposed heavy duties on Portuguese salt imports to boost Konkan’s salt trade.

Ports and Trade Centers: Chaul, Rajapur, Dabhol, Kelshi, Ratnagiri.

Exports: Black pepper, lac (Dabhol); silk, opium, indigo (Chaul); cardamom, cotton cloth (Rajapur).
Foreign traders transported goods to the Red Sea and Iran.

Urbanization: Pune, Indapur, Saswad, Kolhapur, and Konkan ports flourished during the Peshwa period.

Industries

Key Industries: Textile, metallurgy, sugar.

Village Economy:

Self-sufficient villages with 12 balutedars (e.g., goldsmiths, blacksmiths).
Weekly markets (Kasba) facilitated trade in daily provisions.

Social Life

Social Structure: Nobility (sardars), landlords (watandars), balutedars, and ryot (common subjects).
Education: Traditional pathshalas in Wai, Nashik, Paithan.
Festivals: Utsavas and vrata vaikalye celebrated enthusiastically, supported by the state to foster harmony.