History Notes Chapter 10 The Expansion of the Maratha Power Class 7 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – History Class 7
1. Introduction

• The Maratha War of Independence started with the Mughals attacking and the Marathas defending.
• Later, the Marathas became stronger and expanded their power all over India.

2. Release of Shahu Maharaj

• After Aurangzeb died, his sons fought for the Mughal throne.
• Azamshah, one of his sons, released Shahu Maharaj to create a fight between him and Maharani Tarabai.
• This strategy was meant to weaken the Marathas.

3. Coronation of Shahu Maharaj

After his release, Shahu Maharaj marched towards Maharashtra.

Battle of Khed:

• Shahu Maharaj fought Maharani Tarabai and won.
• He captured Satara and became the Chhatrapati.
• Satara became the capital of the Maratha kingdom.

4. Two Maratha Kingdoms

Maharani Tarabai did not accept Shahu Maharaj’s rule.

She declared her son Shivaji II as Chhatrapati in 1710 CE at Panhala.

This led to two Maratha kingdoms:

• Kolhapur under Tarabai.
• Satara under Shahu Maharaj.

5. Shahu Maharaj’s Knowledge

1. He grew up in Mughal camps, so he learned about Mughal politics.

2. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of the Mughal Empire.

3. He decided to change Maratha strategy:

• Instead of fighting Mughals, the Marathas started protecting and using them to increase their own power.

6. Weakness of the Mughal Empire

The Mughal Empire was weak due to:

• Attacks by Iranians and Afghans from the northwest.
• Fights with local rulers (Pathans, Rajputs, Jats, Rohillas).
• Internal conflicts in the Delhi court.

The Mughals needed the Marathas’ help to defend Delhi.

7. Balaji Vishwanath – The First Peshwa

• Shahu Maharaj appointed Balaji Vishwanath as his Peshwa (Prime Minister).

Balaji’s Role:

• He convinced many Maratha Sardars to support Shahu Maharaj.
• He solved conflicts without war, like with Kanhoji Angre, the Maratha navy chief.
• He helped Shahu Maharaj establish his rule firmly.

8. Chauth and Sardeshmukhi

In 1719, Balaji got permission from the Mughal Emperor to collect:

• Chauth – One-fourth (25%) of revenue from Mughal territories in Deccan.
• Sardeshmukhi – One-tenth (10%) of revenue.

This gave the Marathas control over Mughal lands.

9. Bajirao I – The Great Maratha Leader

After Balaji’s death, Shahu Maharaj made Bajirao I the Peshwa in 1720.

Bajirao I’s Achievements:

• Expanded Maratha Empire in North India.
• Fought and won against the Mughals and Nizam.
• Established Maratha rule in Malwa and Bundelkhand.