History Notes Chapter 9 The Maratha War of Independence Class 7 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – History Class 7
Introduction

• After the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Marathas continued fighting against the Mughals.
• Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, and Maharani Tarabai played important roles in leading the war.
• The war lasted for 27 years (1682-1707) and is known as the Maratha War of Independence.
• Even though Aurangzeb himself led the Mughal army, the Marathas remained strong and ultimately won.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (1657-1689)

• Eldest son of Shivaji Maharaj, born on 14 May 1657 at Purandar Fort.
• Became Chhatrapati after Shivaji Maharaj’s death in 1680.
• He was well-educated in civil administration and military warfare.
• He fought against Mughals, Portuguese, and Siddis to protect Swaraj.
• Aurangzeb wanted to capture the Maratha empire from Kabul to Kanyakumari, but Sambhaji Maharaj did not let him succeed.
• He was brave and strategic in battles, often attacking Mughal territories.
• Captured by the Mughals in 1689 and executed on 11 March 1689, but did not surrender his pride and self-respect.

Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj (1670-1700)

• Second son of Shivaji Maharaj, born on 24 February 1670 at Raigad.
• Became Chhatrapati after Sambhaji Maharaj’s death.
• Escaped to Jinji Fort (Tamil Nadu) in 1689 to continue the war against Mughals.
• Used guerrilla warfare and inspired Maratha leaders like Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav.
• Fought against the Mughals for 11 years, protecting Swaraj in difficult times.
• Died on 2 March 1700 at Sinhagad Fort.

Maharani Tarabai (1675-1761)

• Wife of Rajaram Maharaj, took charge after his death.
• Led the Maratha army for 7 years (1700-1707), fighting against Aurangzeb.
• Expanded the war beyond Maharashtra to Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
• Used smart tactics like the ‘Safe Deposit Locker System’-allowing Mughals to take forts and then capturing them back.
• Aurangzeb died in 1707, and the Marathas won the war.
• Her leadership ensured Maratha rule continued after the war.

Key Battles and Strategies

• Sambhaji Maharaj’s campaign against the Siddis (1682) – He attacked the Janjira fort, but had to stop due to a Mughal invasion.
• Sambhaji Maharaj’s campaign against the Portuguese (1683) – He attacked Goa but had to return to fight the Mughals.
• Battle of Ramsej (1682-1688) – Marathas defended the Ramsej Fort near Nashik for 6 years against Aurangzeb’s forces.
• Siege of Jinji (1689-1698) – Rajaram Maharaj’s headquarters was under attack, but he escaped and continued the war.
• Marathas used Guerrilla Warfare, attacking Mughal supply lines and forts strategically.

End of the War and Victory

• Aurangzeb died in 1707 in Ahmednagar after fighting the Marathas for 25 years.
• The Marathas emerged victorious and controlled Delhi in the later years.
• The 18th century was known as the “Century of the Marathas” because of their influence over India.