Maratha Empire: At its peak

 Maratha Empire plays a big role in indian history, it most powerful state and played the most important role in the decomposition of the Mughals. But they lack in unity which were responsible for founding an stable all-India empire.

The empire was founded by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and was only remaining canker left by Aurangzeb (or he can't solve it) which ultimately become the most important reason for the downfall of the Mughals. 

Although Marathas continued to increase their strength, but they could reach their glory at the time of Peshwa rule. Balaji vishwanath (1713) was the first Peshwa ( functional head) . He restored all the ancient parts of his Kingdom from Mughal, In return of 15000 men which helped Mughals in Deccan. Balaji divided the empire into between different sardars, which helped the empire in short run but ultimately become an important reason for its downfall. They were   1. Peshwa at Poona   2. Geakwad at Baroda   3. Sindhia at Gwalior   4. Holkar at Indore   5. Bhonsle at Nagpur 

Baji Rao1(1720) succeeded him and was proved to be one of the greatest exponent of guerrilla tactics. By the time he died in 1740, Maratha won control over Malwa, Gujarat, and Bundelkhand. All through his life he forced Nizam to grant chauth and sardeshmukhi of Deccan provinces. He also started a compain against sidis of janjira and also against Pourtguese. 

Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Sahib) took the throne in 1740 and by 1748 king Shahu died and hence Peshwa become the official head of the empire. In his period Bangal was invaded repeatedly. In 1750 Maratha forced the Nawab to seize Odisha. Mysore and other small states were forced to pay annual charge. The army reached to Delhi in 1752 and from there they marched to Punjab which was under Ahmed Shah Abdali. Hence the two forces met at panipat on 14th Jan 1761 , Maratha under sadashiv Rao bhau but get a big defeat. Even after victory Abdali and his men get a big jolt and was not able to rule even Punjab. Peshwa too died in his way to panipat. 

All this proved to be Destructive for the Maratha but the 17 year boy Madhav Rao once again retained the glory of the Kingdom and within a period of 10 years he again take over most part of the country. But he was proved to be the last great ruler in this series and after his death a civil war started in the empire which ultimately invited British and leads to 1st Anglo Maratha war. After this the empire ruined continuesly and was overtaken by the British empire at the end.

Maratha plays a vital role in saving people from the ill policies of Mughals as in 1705 Aurangzeb adjourned the collection of jaziya, under his try to improve relations with Maratha. Jaziya was finally abolished in 1713.