The Marhattas

The fourth and most vibrant claimants to power were the Marhattas, operating mainly from the southwest. Sivaji, the supreme guerilla, had severely undermined the last years of Auragazeb’s rule and had given the Marhattas a vision of power and supremacy over the whole of India. After Shivaji’s death, there was a brief decline but his daughter-in-law, Tara Bai, and grandson, Shahu, had again lit the flame of glory in the hearts of the Marhatta people. 

The Marhattas had their own warlord houses in the Scindia of Gwalior, the Holkar of Indore, the Bhonsle of Nagpur and the Gaekwad of Baroda who were frequently jostling for power among themselves. Fortunately, Shahu, who was recognized as the titular head of the Marhattas, found in his new Peshwa (main minister), Balaji Rao Vishwanath – a Koncan Brahmin - a man of unique foresight, ability and wisdom. Peswa Balaji Rao set about uniting the Marhattas and organizing their administration, army and finances in such a way that by 1715 the Marhatta resurgence became a reality.

All these four powers (Rajputs, Marhattas, Mughals and Nizam) took turns to claim sovereignty and periodically appointed governors to. However, except for occasional punitive raids against a particularly rebellious local feudal baron, they preferred to claim sovereignty by remote control.