ASKiIMAN™ MEDIEVAL / HISTORY
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Maratha Expansion

Realm 106: The Lightning Cavalry, The Saffron Flag, and The Withering Tree

WORLD O — 18TH CENTURY & MARATHA SUPREMACY

MICRO-REALM 01

Peshwa Baji Rao I

  • Appointed Peshwa (Prime Minister) at age 20 (1720).
  • An unmatched cavalry general; never lost a battle.
  • Transformed the Marathas from a regional kingdom into an empire.
  • Camped in the saddle, driving his armies at relentless speed.
MICRO-REALM 02

Hindu Pad Padshahi

  • The ideology of a pan-Indian Hindu Empire.
  • Baji Rao's famous quote: "Strike at the trunk of the withering tree."
  • "The branches will fall of themselves."
  • Aimed to replace Mughal suzerainty across the subcontinent.
MICRO-REALM 03

Advance into Malwa

  • The strategic heartland linking North and South India.
  • Marathas launched annual raids before fully annexing it.
  • Defeated Mughal governors decisively (e.g., Battle of Amjhera).
  • Secured permanent Chauth and Sardeshmukhi rights.
MICRO-REALM 04

Gujarat Campaign

  • Targeted the wealthiest province of the Mughal Empire.
  • Pilaji Gaekwad spearheaded Maratha penetration.
  • Extracted massive maritime and trade revenues.
  • Eventually ousted both Mughal and local competitors.
MICRO-REALM 05

Battle of Palkhed (1728)

  • A masterpiece of strategic mobility.
  • Baji Rao outmaneuvered Nizam-ul-Mulk's heavy artillery.
  • Trapped the Nizam's army in a waterless tract.
  • Forced the Nizam to recognize Shahu as the sole Maratha monarch.
MICRO-REALM 06

The Raid on Delhi (1737)

  • Baji Rao made a lightning dash to the Mughal capital.
  • Bypassed the main Mughal armies blocking the route.
  • Caused absolute panic in the imperial court.
  • Retreated swiftly after demonstrating Maratha reach.
MICRO-REALM 07

Battle of Bhopal (1737)

  • Emperor called upon Nizam-ul-Mulk to crush the Marathas.
  • Nizam assembled a massive coalition force.
  • Baji Rao besieged them at Bhopal, cutting off all supplies.
  • Nizam forced to sign humiliating treaty ceding Malwa completely.
MICRO-REALM 08

Bundelkhand Campaign

  • Maharaja Chhatrasal was besieged by Mughal general Bangash.
  • Baji Rao rode to his rescue with startling speed (1729).
  • Defeated Bangash, securing a third of Bundelkhand.
  • Chhatrasal gifted Baji Rao his daughter, Mastani.
MICRO-REALM 09

The Maratha Confederacy

  • Baji Rao delegated conquered territories to military commanders.
  • Scindias (Gwalior), Holkars (Indore), Gaekwads (Baroda), Pawars (Dhar).
  • Created a powerful, decentralized federal structure.
  • Highly effective for expansion, but sowed seeds for future disunity.
MICRO-REALM 10

Naval Power (Angres)

  • Kanhoji Angre secured the Konkan coastline.
  • Built a formidable "Brown Water" navy of Gurabs and Galivats.
  • Successfully fought off English, Dutch, and Portuguese fleets.
  • Ensured Maratha dominance over western maritime trade.