Notes Class 12 Chapter 4 History Maharashtra Board

Colonialism and the Marathas

4.1 Colonialism vs. the Maratha Empire

The Maratha Empire, under leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, resisted European colonial powers (Portuguese, Dutch, French, British) and other groups like the Siddis and Afghans. Unlike other Indian rulers, the Marathas actively opposed colonial expansion through strategies like building a strong navy, constructing sea forts, and imposing taxes to protect local trade.

Key Points:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Vision: He recognized the true intentions of European traders, who came to India for trade but aimed to gain political control.
• Adnyapatra: A book outlining Shivaji Maharaj’s policies, warning against allowing Europeans to settle near sea forts or coasts to prevent them from building strongholds.
• Maratha Resistance: The Marathas were the only Indian rulers to consistently resist European colonization, using diplomacy, military strength, and strategic planning.

4.1.1 Portuguese – Maratha Empire

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in India, referred to as Firangis in historical records. They controlled forts in Diu, Daman, Vasai, and other areas, storing ammunition in Panvel.

Key Interactions:

Shivaji Maharaj’s Actions:

• Established control over Kalyan and Bhiwandi, alarming the Portuguese.
• Built a strong Maratha navy, which challenged Portuguese dominance.
• Attacked Bardesh in 1667, where locals welcomed him due to Portuguese forced conversions.

Portuguese Response:

• Initially helped Marathas with shipbuilding but later withdrew support.
• Supported the Siddis and Adilshah against the Marathas.
• Signed a treaty with the Marathas in 1670 to avoid conflict, agreeing to compensate for plundered ships and not help the Siddis.

Later Conflicts:

• Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj attacked Revdanda and nearly conquered Goa, but Mughal attacks forced him to retreat.
• Chimajiappa (brother of Bajirao Peshwa I) defeated the Portuguese at Vasai in 1739 after a prolonged siege.

Shivaji Maharaj’s Policies (from Adnyapatra):

• Keep Europeans at a distance, maintaining only business relations.
• Never allow them to settle near sea forts or coasts.
• If land is allotted, it should be far from the sea and near villages to limit their influence.
• Prohibit permanent buildings and ensure they don’t cause trouble.
• Fine European traders found in enemy territory during Maratha expeditions.

4.1.2 Dutch – Maratha Empire

The Dutch established a trading factory in Vengurla in 1649, but their trade was disrupted when Shivaji Maharaj attacked Kudal.

Key Interactions:

• Neutral Relations:
• The Dutch refused to help the Mughals destroy the Maratha navy in 1665.
• Shivaji Maharaj allowed them to build a factory in Dabhol, though it never functioned.
• Maratha Favors:
• The Marathas spared Dutch factories during their Surat and Karnataka campaigns.
• In return, the Dutch paid tributes to Shivaji Maharaj.
• Political Relations: Relations changed based on mutual needs, with the Dutch hoping for Maratha help against the British.

4.1.3 French – Maratha Empire

The French established a factory in Rajapur in 1668 with Shivaji Maharaj’s permission and supplied ammunition to the Marathas.

Key Interactions:

• Friendly Relations:
• The Marathas spared the French factory during their second Surat attack, and the French paid tributes.
• Francois Martin, the French Governor of Puducherry, received permission to open a factory with safety assurances.
• Military Influence:
• Ibrahim Khan Gardi, trained by the French, joined the Maratha army in 1761 as artillery chief.
• Mahadji Shinde, inspired by French military training, built a strong army with French trainers (de Boigne and Perron), helping the Marathas dominate north India.

4.1.4 British – Maratha Empire

Relations with the British began during the Afzal Khan episode and were often tense due to British support for Maratha enemies.

Key Interactions:

Early Conflicts:

• The Marathas conquered Dabhol, leading to disputes over ships and British officers being detained.
• During the Panhala fort siege, British officers supplied ammunition to Adilshah, but Shivaji Maharaj escaped.
• The Marathas defeated the British in the Rajapur campaign, imprisoning British officers for two years.

Agreements:

• In 1674, Henry Oxenden attended Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation and signed an agreement allowing British factories in Rajapur, Dabhol, Chaul, and Kalyan, with a 2.5% octroi tax on British goods.
• Shivaji Maharaj banned British coinage and rejected conditions favoring the Siddis.

Later Conflicts:

• Nanasaheb Peshwa sought British help, allowing their political entry.
• Raghunathrao Peshwa’s alliance with the British led to the First Anglo-Maratha War. The Marathas won at Wadgaon (1779), signing the Wadgaon Treaty.
• The British, under Warren Hastings, realized subduing the Marathas was key to ruling India.
• Bajirao Peshwa II’s alliance with the British (Treaty of Vasai, 1802) led to the Second and Third Anglo-Maratha Wars (1803, 1817), ending Maratha rule in 1818.

4.1.5 Siddi – Maratha Empire

The Siddis, from Abyssinia, settled at Janjira and were a constant challenge for the Marathas.

Key Interactions:

• Shivaji Maharaj’s Campaigns:
• Captured forts like Tale, Ghosale, and Rayari in 1648, alarming the Siddis.
• Blocked Janjira in 1671, but the Siddis allied with the Mughals to repel the Marathas.
• Khanderi Fort:
• In 1679, Shivaji Maharaj began building a fort on Khanderi island to counter the Siddis and British.
• The Maratha navy, led by Mainak Bhandari and Daulat Khan, defeated British ships attempting to stop construction.
• Sambhaji Maharaj’s Efforts:
• Planned to crush the Siddis but was distracted by Mughal attacks.
• Chimajiappa’s Victory:
• In 1733, Chimajiappa defeated the Siddis, who accepted a feudatory status under the Marathas.

4.1.6 Afghans – Maratha Empire

The Afghans, led by Ahmadshah Abdali, invaded India multiple times in the 18th century, clashing with the Marathas.

Key Events:

• Maratha-Mughal Agreement (1752):
• The Marathas agreed to defend north India and collect Chauthai from Rohilkhand in exchange for Mughal provinces.
• Abdali’s Invasions:
• 1748: Defeated by the Mughals.
• 1751: Gained Lahore and Multan.
• 1757: Ransacked Delhi and Mathura.
• 1759: Conquered Punjab, killing Dattaji Shinde.
• Third Battle of Panipat (1761):
• The Marathas, led by Sadashivraobhau and Vishwasrao Peshwa, fought Abdali.
• Both Peshwas were killed, and the Marathas suffered heavy losses.
• Despite the defeat, the Marathas’ fierce resistance ensured Abdali never returned to India.

Shivaji Maharaj’s Thoughts on Fort Construction (Adnyapatra)

• Forts should be strategically built to prevent European settlement near coasts or creeks.
• No land near sea forts should be allotted to Europeans to avoid them building their own forts.
• If land is given, it must be far from the sea and closely monitored to prevent misuse.

Treaties Signed by Shivaji Maharaj

Portuguese-Maratha Treaty (1670):

• Compensation for plundered ships.
• Maratha ships to receive the same concessions as Mughal ships.
• No Portuguese support for Siddis.
• No fort construction in Ramnagar.

British-Maratha Agreement (1674):

• Permission for British factories in Rajapur, Dabhol, Chaul, and Kalyan.
• 2.5% octroi on British goods.
• Ban on British coinage in Maratha territory.