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The Maratha Empire, one of the most significant powers in Indian history, rose to power in the 17th and 18th centuries. Founded by the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the empire became a dominant force in the subcontinent, challenging the Mughal Empire’s hold over India. Here we will know about the important rulers of the Maratha Empire, their roles in the empire’s expansion and development, and the intricate relationship between the Chhatrapatis and Peshwas.

First Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire

The foundation of the Maratha Empire can be traced back to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the first and most celebrated ruler of the empire. Born in 1630, Shivaji was a military genius and a brilliant tactician, who defied the might of the Mughal Empire and established a stronghold in the western regions of India. His crowning as the first Chhatrapati in 1674 at Raigad fort marked the beginning of the Maratha Empire. Shivaji’s leadership, emphasis on justice, and innovative strategies in both warfare and administration laid the groundwork for the empire’s future growth.

Shivaji’s rise was characterized by his relentless campaigns against the Mughals, his ability to win over the local populace, and his establishment of a centralized administration based on merit. Under his reign, the Marathas expanded their territories significantly, securing several coastal forts and establishing a naval presence.

List of All Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire

The title of Chhatrapati was passed down to Shivaji’s descendants, who continued to rule the Maratha Empire. Here is a list of all Chhatrapatis of the Maratha Empire:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1674–1680): The founder of the Maratha Empire.

• Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (1681–1689): The eldest son of Shivaji, who succeeded him. He continued his father’s efforts but was captured and executed by the Mughals.

• Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj (1689–1700): The younger son of Shivaji, Rajaram took refuge in the southern fortresses and led the Maratha resistance against the Mughal forces.

• Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj (1707–1749): The grandson of Shivaji, Shahu was released from Mughal captivity and played a crucial role in stabilizing the empire. His reign witnessed the rise of the Peshwas as the de facto rulers of the empire.

• Chhatrapati Ramaraja Maharaj (1749–1777): The son of Shahu, Ramaraja’s reign was marked by growing influence of the Peshwa.

• Chhatrapati Shahu II Maharaj (1777–1808): Shahu II’s rule marked a time of decline for the Maratha Empire, with power increasingly shifting to the Peshwas. During Shahu Maharaj’s reign, the Peshwas’ role became more central as he acknowledged their administrative skills and delegated the day-to-day governance of the empire to them.

• Chhatrapati Pratapsingh Maharaj (1818–1839): After the British defeated the Marathas in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, the Maratha monarchy became largely symbolic.

• Chhatrapati Shahaji Maharaj (1839–1848): The last recognized Chhatrapati, whose reign was under the British protectorate.

• Chhatrapati Shahaji II (1848–1879): The title was largely ceremonial, and the real power was held by the British during this period.

Maratha Chhatrapati vs Peshwa

The relationship between the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa was complex. Initially, the Chhatrapati held supreme authority, with the Peshwa being a subordinate official. However, with time, the Peshwas became more powerful and began exercising substantial control over the Maratha Empire. This led to a significant shift in the balance of power.

The Peshwas played a central role in administration, military strategy, and governance, often overshadowing the Chhatrapatis in terms of actual political power. This shift was a key factor in the decline of the Maratha Empire in the 19th century.

List of Peshwas of Maratha Empire:

The following is a list of Peshwas of the Maratha Empire who held significant influence in the empire’s political and military affairs:

• Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa (1714–1720), solidified his position by gaining the confidence of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.

• Baji Rao I (1720–1740), the most renowned Peshwa, greatly expanded the Maratha Empire and significantly weakened Mughal control in northern India. His military campaigns helped spread Maratha influence across vast areas.

• Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) (1740–1761), known for his involvement in the famous Third Battle of Panipat against the Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Durrani, marked the zenith of Maratha power. However, the defeat at Panipat dramatically altered the empire’s trajectory.

• Madhavrao I (1761–1772) revived the fortunes of the Maratha Empire, focusing on internal administration and rebuilding the empire after the setback of Panipat.

• Baji Rao II (1796–1808) was the last significant Peshwa before the British started exercising direct control over the Marathas. His eventual downfall marked the end of the Peshwa’s power.

The Maratha Peshwa Family Tree

The Maratha Peshwa family tree traces the lineage of the powerful Peshwa family, who held sway over the Maratha Empire for much of the 18th century. The Peshwas were initially from the Bhat family, with Balaji Vishwanath being the first to be appointed as Peshwa. His son, Baji Rao I, further solidified the family’s control over the empire.

The Peshwa family tree includes notable figures such as Baji Rao II, who was defeated by the British and ultimately deposed, ending the Peshwa’s rule.

Important Rulers of the Maratha Empire

Here’s a table summarizing the Important Rulers of the Maratha Empire:

This table provides a concise overview of the significant rulers of the Maratha Empire and their respective contributions to the empire’s history.

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