Maratha

The Marathas were a warrior group and dominant community in western India, known for establishing the Maratha Empire in the 17th century and for their resistance against the Mughal Empire.

The Marathas were a warrior community and significant political power in western India, whose influence spanned from the 17th to the 19th century. Their origins trace back to local feudal kings, but their true rise began with Shivaji Bhosale, who founded the Maratha Empire in 1674. Under Shivaji and his successors, the Marathas expanded and created an empire that covered much of India. They were known for their effective administration, innovative military strategies, and ability to mobilize local resources. The Marathas played a crucial role in the downfall of the Mughal Empire and resisted British colonial expansion before ultimately being incorporated into British India in the early 19th century. Their legacy remains visible in the forts, palaces, and temples they built, which showcase their rich architectural and cultural history.

India • 45 • Maratha dynasty

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