The Coordination Committee formed by GR No. Abhyas - 2116/(Pra.Kra.

43/16) SD - 4
Dated 25.4.2016 has given approval to prescribe this textbook in its meeting held on 3.3.2017

HISTORY
AND
CIVICS
STANDARD SEVEN

Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and

Curriculum Research, Pune - 411 004.
The QR Code given alongside and on other
pages in this book can be scanned with a
smartphone, which leads to link/s (URL) useful
for the teaching/learning of this textbook.
 First Edition : 2017 © Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research,
Pune - 411 004.
he Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research reserves
T
all rights relating to the book. No part of this book should be reproduced without the
written permission of the Director, Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production
and Curriculum Research, ‘Balbharati’, Senapati Bapat Marg, Pune 411004.

History Subject Committee : Cartographer :

Dr Sadanand More, Chairman Shri. Ravikiran Jadhav
Shri. Mohan Shete, Member
Coordination :
Shri. Pandurang Balkawade, Member
Mogal Jadhav
Dr Abhiram Dixit, Member Special Officer, History and Civics
Shri. Bapusaheb Shinde, Member
Shri. Balkrishna Chopde, Member Varsha Sarode
Shri. Prashant Sarudkar, Member Subject Assistant, History and Civics
Shri. Mogal Jadhav, Member-Secretary Translation :
Shri. Aniruddha Chitnis
Civics Subject Committee : Shri. Sushrut Kulkarni
Dr Shrikant Paranjape, Chairman Smt. Aarti Khatu
Prof. Sadhana Kulkarni, Member
Scrutiny :
Dr Mohan Kashikar, Member
Dr Ganesh Raut
Shri. Vaijnath Kale, Member Prof. Sadhana Kulkarni
Shri. Mogal Jadhav, Member-Secretary
Coordination :
History and Civics Study Group : Dhanavanti Hardikar
Shri. Rahul Prabhu Dr Raosaheb Shelke Academic Secretary for Languages
Shri. Sanjay Vazarekar Shri. Mariba Chandanshive Santosh J. Pawar
Shri. Subhash Rathod Shri. Santosh Shinde Subject Assistant, English
Smt Sunita Dalvi Dr Satish Chaple Typesetting :
Prof. Shivani Limaye Shri. Vishal Kulkarni DTP Section, Textbook Bureau, Pune
Shri. Bhausaheb Umate Shri. Shekhar Patil Paper : 70 GSM Creamwove
Dr Nagnath Yevale Shri. Sanjay Mehta Print Order : N/PB/2017-18/QTY.- 0.75
Shri. Sadanand Dongre Shri. Ramdas Thakar Printer :
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Chief Production Officer
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Prabhakar Parab,
Smt Kanchan Ketkar Dr Vyankatesh Kharat
Production Officer
Smt Shivkanya Patve Shri. Ravindra Jinde Shashank Kanikdale,
Dr Anil Singare Dr Prabhakar Londhe Assistant Production Officer
Publisher :
Invitees : Cover and Illustrations :
Vivek Uttam Gosavi, Controller
Dr Somnath Rode Shri. Devdatta Prakash
Maharashtra State Textbook Bureau,
Dr Ganesh Raut Balkawade
Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 400 025.
 Preface
Dear Students,
You have studied History and Civics in Environmental Studies Part I and II
from Std III to Std V. The subjects History and Civics are taught separately
Std VI onwards. Both the subjects are included in a single textbook. We are
happy to place this textbook of Std VII in your hands.
This book is designed in such a way that you will understand the subject
clearly, find it interesting and you will get motivated by the work done by our
ancestors. We want you to gather knowledge as well as joy when you study it.
For that, we have provided coloured pictures and maps in this textbook. Please
study each chapter in this textbook carefully. If you do not understand any part,
ask your teachers and parents to explain it. The additional information given in
the boxes will add to your knowledge. If you consider that history is an interesting
subject and is our friend, you will definitely like this subject.
In the History section, we have explained the ‘History of Medieval India’.
The textbook has been designed by focusing upon the place and role of
Maharashtra in the making of Medieval India. When you study this textbook, we
expect that you will develop an awareness of being a citizen of India, and also a
sense of duty.
In the Civics part, we have introduced the Constitution of India. The
background for creating a new Constitution, the Preamble to the Constitution, the
Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles in the Constitution are covered in
this part. It explains in simple language, that the government system in our
country is run as per the Constitution, laws and rules. We have provided many
projects so that your learning becomes more activity-oriented. You will enter the
next standard with the feeling that you are the future citizens of the country and
will build the future of our country.
When we study History, we come to know about the achievements of our
ancestors. When it is coupled with the study of Civics, we understand our duties
towards building a nation and a society. That is why the two subjects are studied
together.

Pune (Dr. Sunil Magar)

Director
Date : 28 March 2017
Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook
Production and Curriculum Research, Pune.
 - For Teachers -
We have already taught the History and Civics textbook for Std VI. In this
textbook for Std VII the History of Medieval India is presented.
The special feature of this presentation is that it focuses on Maharashtra.
Even though our State is part of the Republic of India, if we study history from
the perspective of Maharashtra, we will understand the position, role and
contribution of Maharashtra in the History of India, and the students will develop
a more mature national feeling. They will understand what our ancestors have
done for the nation and it will enhance their awareness of their own responsibilities
and duties towards the nation.
In this respect, the foundation of Swaraj by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in
the seventeenth century is very important. To understand the foundation of
Swaraj, the situation in India and Maharashtra before the rise of Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj should be understood first, so that one gets a perspective on
the history of India. That has been our policy while designing this book. We
have discussed how, after the demise of Shivaji Maharaj, Maharashtra faced
the attacks on his Swaraj and protected it. After they had repulsed the attacks,
the Marathas expanded the boundaries of Maharashtra and occupied most of
India. The next part covers the expansion of Swaraj into an empire. We all
know that the British conquered India and ruled here but it is important to
understand how Maharashtra was in the forefront in stopping the British. The
British had to compete with the Marathas and they had to conquer India by
battling with the Marathas. This evokes a sense of our strength and duty. It is
expected that teaching-learning should awaken this feeling in the students’ minds.
This view-point is expressed pictorially on the cover showing the expansion of
the Maratha power with the help of a broad outline map of India.
In the Civics part, we have introduced the Constitution of India. As it is
not possible to teach this subject in one year, it is distributed across two
standards. In this standard, the emphasis is on the need for a Constitution, the
values enshrined in the Constitution, the Preamble, Fundamental Rights and
Duties and the Directive Principles. The administrative machinery and the
political procedures laid down in the Constitution will be taken up in Std VIII.
In this sense, the Civics portion in the two standards is complimentary. It is
arranged in such a way that the students will be able to understand it easily.
The contents have been arranged in an innovative way. It is based on
constructivism, but going even beyond, priority is given to making the students
(responsible) members of the society by removing the apathy towards the political
system. The content has been presented in very simple language. It will increase
the readability of the book.
While teaching this textbook, teachers should use newspapers, news on
television, the analysis by scholars and should help create a comprehensive
vision amongst students. If one studies and teaches History and Civics with
reference to current affairs, it becomes more meaningful and helps in inculcating
values in students.
 CONTENTS

History of Medieval India

No. Chapter Page
No.
1. Sources of History....................................................... 1

2. India before the Times of Shivaji Maharaj................ 5

3. Religious Synthesis .................................................... 11

4. Maharashtra before the Times of Shivaji Maharaj.... 14

5. The Foundation of the Swaraj..................................... 19

6. Conflict with the Mughals.......................................... 24

7. The Administration of the Swaraj............................... 29

8. An Ideal Ruler ............................................................ 33

9. The Maratha War of Independence............................ 37

10. The Expansion of the Maratha Power........................ 44

11. Marathas - The Protectors of the Nation................... 47

12. Progression of the Empire .......................................... 53

13. Life of the People in Maharashtra.............................. 57

S.O.I. Note : The following foot notes are applicable : (1) © Government of India, Copyright : 2017. (2) The responsibility for the
correctness of internal details rests with the publisher. (3) The territorial waters of India extend into the sea to a distance of twelve
nautical miles measured from the appropriate base line. (4) The administrative headquarters of Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab are
at Chandigarh. (5) The interstate boundaries amongst Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya shown on this map are as interpreted
from the “North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act. 1971,” but have yet to be verified. (6) The external boundaries and coastlines of
India agree with the Record/Master Copy certified by Survey of India. (7) The state boundaries between Uttarakhand & Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar & Jharkhand and Chattisgarh & Madhya Pradesh have not been verified by the Governments concerned. (8) The spellings of
names in this map, have been taken from various sources.
 Competency
CompetencyStatements
Statements
Serial Chapter Competency
No.
1. Soures of - Identify the sources of Medieval History of India.
History - Classify the sources of history.
- Tell the importance of the sources in writing history.
- Make attempts to preserve the sources of history.
2. India before - Tell the impact of different rulers on the social life of Maharashtra
the times of in the period before Shivaji Maharaj.
Shivaji - Analyse the effects of the events in the Mughal period on
Maharaj Maharashtra.
3. Maharashtra - Elucidate social life during the period before Shivaji Maharaj.
before the - Explain the different historical events in the Adilshahi and Nizamshahi
times of period.
Shivaji - Analyse the social, political and economic conditions in the period
Maharaj before Shivaji Maharaj.
4. The - Identify the similarity between the teachings of Sants.
Foundation of - Analyse the situation that led to the foundation of the Swaraj.
the Swaraj - Visit forts/historical monuments and collect information.
- Get information about forts with the help of the internet.
- Make efforts for conserving the historical heritage.
- Recognise the importance of the historical win at Javali.
- Become aware that the associates of Shivaji Maharaj were ready to
offer their lives for him.
5. Conflict with - Study the war tactics of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
the Mughals - Study the conflict between the Marathas and the Mughals critically.
- Analyse and describe the decision making ability and courage of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in times of difficulty.
6. Coronation of - Give reasons behind the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Shivaji - Explain the expansion of Swaraj after the campaign of the South,
Maharaj with the help of a map.

7. An ideal - Explain the administrative system of the welfare State of Swaraj

Ruler - Explain the administration and military system of Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj.
- Know the greatness of Shivaji Maharaj in comparison with other
contemporary rulers.
- Take inspiration from the biography of Shivaji Maharaj
- Make proportionate models of forts.
8. War of - Explain the changing policies of the Maratha rule after the death of
Independence Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
- Become aware of the fact that the Marathas preserved their power
in very unfavourable conditions.
- Analyse why Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj transferred the capital
to Jinji.
- Analyse and review the work done by Maharani Tarabai.
9. The Peshwa - Explain with the help of the historical events at that time, that the
Rule and the Maratha power became a dominant power at the all India level.
Expansion of - Analyse the reasons behind the battle of Panipat.
the Maratha - Know about the work done by the Peshwas.
Power - Tell the importance of the work done by the Maratha Sardars.
 1. Sources of History

We studied ancient Indian history last Material Sources

year. This year, we are going to study
Memorials
the medieval period of Indian history.
Broadly, the period from the ninth century Buildings
Forts
ce till the end of the eighteenth century
Physical
ce is considered to be the medieval period Copper Sources Cave
of Indian history. In this lesson, we are Plates Sculptures
going to study the sources of medieval
Coins Inscriptions
history.
History gives us a chronological, all provide insights about that period.
scientific and systematic account of past Looking at them, we come to know about
events. the development of architecture, the
Four factors are very important from economic conditions, the quality of art,
the viewpoint of history. They are   - style of the building construction and
Individuals, Society, Place and Time. people's standard of living in that
History must be based on authentic particular period.
evidence or proofs. These proofs are
known as the sources of history. Can you tell ?
Let us classify these sources into How do coins narrate history ?
material sources, written sources and oral
sources to learn more about them. Let us
also evaluate the sources of history. Let’s learn.
We have to consider many factors Since ancient times, coins like
related to the historical event that we kavadi, damadi, dhela, pai, paisa, ana
want to study. It is necessary to support and rupee were used. Some local
our study with historical sources. These idioms or proverbs are based on coins.
sources have to be verified. We have to For example;
see whether they are authentic. It is * ‘एक फुटकी कवडी देणार नाही.’ Here
necessary to use these sources judiciously phutaki kavadi means ‘the lowest bit
and only after a critical analysis. of money’.
Forts have an important place among * सोलह आना सच! means ‘Hundred
material sources. Some major types of percent true !’
forts are hill forts, forest forts, sea forts
and forts on the plains. Monuments The coins made by different rulers
include samadhis, graves, veergala and using metals like gold, silver, copper are
buildings include palaces, ministerial important sources of history. From these
mansions, Queen's quarters (raniwasa) coins we learn about the rulers, their
and also houses of common people. They period, governance, religious ideas,

1
 Rashtrakuta, Chola and Yadav kings have
been found. An inscription is considered
to be a very important and reliable source
of history. It helps us to understand
features like the language, script, social
life of a period. Inscriptions carved on
sheets of copper are known as ‘copper
plates’. Royal edicts, verdicts, etc. are
inscribed on copper plates.

Veergala Do you know ?

personal details, etc. Similarly, we also Chaityas, Viharas, temples,
learn about the financial transactions and churches, mosques, agiaries, durgahs,
economic conditions prevailing at that mukbaras, gurudwaras, monuments,
time. We also see how far metallurgy had sculptures, wells, minarets, village
advanced in that period. From the images boundaries and gates, weapons, utensils,
of Ram-Sita on the coins of Emperor ornaments, clothes, decorative articles,
Akbar or Shiva Parvati on the coins of toys, implements, musical instruments
Hyder Ali we see the religious are all material sources of history.
co-ordination of those days. The Peshwas
used the Arabic or Persian language on Written Sources : We learn about
their coins. This throws light on the use significant historical events in the medieval
of language in that period. period from sources like the writing styles
An inscription is a carving on a of scripts like, Devanagari, Arabic,
stone, or a wall etc. For example, the Persian, Modi etc. as also from the
inscriptions found in the Brihadishwara varieties of different languages, bhurja-
temple premises in Tanjavur. Many patras, religious manuscripts, treatises,
inscriptions of the period of Chalukya, edicts, decrees, biographies, paintings, etc.
We can gather information about the food
items, attire, conventions and rules of
conduct of the people, festivals and about
people’s life etc. from these sources.
Sources of this type are called ‘written
sources’ of history.
A coin of the Peshwa period
Documents of Geneologies, Correspondence,
proceedings in Shakavali Dispatches
the courts of
kings

Written Sources

Judicial Treatise, Travelogues Chronicles,

Verdicts, Biographies of foreign Tavarikh
A coin of Hyder Ali Orders travellers

2
 During this period, travellers from Folk songs
other countries came to India. They have Myths Gatha
written travelogues or accounts of their
Oral
travels. Some of them are Al Biruni, Ibn Legends Shlokas
Sources
Batuta, Niccolao Manucci. Babur’s
biography, ‘Shrishivbharat’ or the Sanskrit Abhangas
Proverbs
biography of Shivaji Maharaj composed
Powadas
by the poet Paramanand as well as
various other biographies of different generation. Some examples are - owis,
rulers and their correspondence help us to folk songs, powadas, folk tales, legends,
understand the policies and administrative and myths. Such type of sources are
systems of the rulers and their diplomatic called ‘oral sources’ of history.
relations with others. History is written with the help of the
Tavarikh or Tarikh means the three types of sources mentioned above.
sequence of events. Tavarikhs written by Even after it has been written down,
Al Biruni, Ziauddin Barani, Maulana research on it goes on continuously. New
Ahmed, Yahya Bin Ahmed, Mirza Hyder, sources and information come to light
Bhimsen Saxena, etc. are available. through this research. Then history has to
Bakhar is a type of chronicle that be rewritten accordingly. We can see that
originated in Maharashtra. Chronicles our history books and those of our parents
help in understanding aspects like the and grandparents, differ to a certain
contemporary political happenings, extent.
linguistic transactions, cultural life, social
conditions, etc. Many of the chronicles in Do you know ?
Marathi were written many years after
the events had occurred. As a result, they The Powada of Tanaji : Given below is
are seen to rely on hearsays. Some of an extract from a powada composed by
these chronicles are Mahikavatichi Bakhar, Tulashidas Shahir. He portrays the Kondhana
Sabhasad Bakhar, Chitnisachi Bakhar, campaign in it. The powada contains
beautiful character sketches of Tanaji,
Bhausahebachi Bakhar, etc. The works of
Shelarmama, Shivaji Maharaj, Veermata
contemporary western historians like
Jijabai, etc.
Robert Arm, M.C.Sprengel and Grant
Duff are also important. मामा बोलाया तो लागला । ऐंशी वर्षीचा म्हातारा ।।
‘‘ लगिन राहिले रायबाचे तो मजला सांगावी ।।
माझ्या तानाजी सुभेदारा । जे गेले सिंहगडाला ।।
Do this. त्याचे पाठिरे पाहिले । नाही पुढारे पाहिले ।।
ज्याने आंबारे खाईला । बाठा बुजरा लाविला ।।
Make a collection of powadas, tribal त्याचे झाड होउनि आंबे बांधले ।
songs. किल्ला हाती नाही आला ।।
Present them in the cultural सिंहगड किल्ल्याची वार्ता ।
programmes arranged in your school. काढू नको तानाजी सुभेदारा ।।
Oral sources : We understand various जे गेले सिंहगडाला । ते मरूनशानी गेले ।।
aspects of folk life through folk literature तुमचा सपाटा होईल । असे बोलू नको रे मामा ।।
traditionally passed on from generation to आम्ही सूरमर्द क्षत्री । नाही भिणार मरणाला ।। ’’

3
 in which they live and the political
Say your say ! pressures on them. It is also important to
see whether they rely on hearsay or give
Suggest measures for preserving an eyewitness account. We need to
sources of history. consider the exaggerations, metaphors
and other literary devices they use. Their
Evaluating the sources of history :
information has to be verified with the
It is necessary to take certain precautions
help of other contemporary sources. The
before using these sources of history. We
information may be one sided,
have to examine their authenticity and
contradictory or exaggerated. It has to be
see which are genuine and which are
seen in a proper perspective. The sources
fake. Their quality can be determined
have to be subjected to a critical analysis.
with the help of internal standards. We
The author’s impartiality and neutrality
also have to study the integrity of the
are very important in writing history.
writers, their personal interests, the period

Exercise

1. Complete the names of the following (3) Bhurjapatras, temples, treatises,

sources of history. paintings.
l d (4) Owis, tarikhs, folk tales, myths
4. Explain the following concepts.
t h
(1) Material sources
b r (2) Written sources
(3) Oral sources
p a
5. Is it necessary to evaluate sources of
i i i n history ? Give your opinion.
m u t 6. Write why in your words.
(1) A stone inscription is considered to
2. Let’s write. be an authentic source of history.
(1) What do monuments include ? (2) Oral sources reveal various aspects
(2) What is a Tarikh ? of people’s lives.
(3) What qualities of the author  are Activity
important in the writing of history ? Visit any museum that is nearby. Gather
3. Find the odd man out. information about the sources of history
(1) Material sources, written sources, from the period that you are studying
unwritten sources, oral sources. and record it in your activity book.
(2) Monuments, coins, cave sculptures,
stories

4
 2. India before the Times of Shivaji Maharaj

We shall learn about the various The last prosperous power before the
ruling powers in India before the times period of Shivaji Maharaj was that of the
of Shivaji Maharaj in this lesson. Various Yadavas. The capital of Bhillam V of the
ruling powers existed in India during that Yadava dynasty was at Deogiri near
period. Aurangabad. He extended his rule beyond
‘Pal’ in the eighth century was a the river Krishna.
famous dynasty in Bengal. In Central The Yadava period is considered to
India, the Gurjar-Pratihar power spread be the golden period of Marathi language
up to Andhra, Kalinga, Vidarbha, West and literature. It was in this period that
Kathewad, Kanauj and Gujarat. the Mahanubhav Panth and the Varkari
Among the Rajput dynasties in North movement emerged.
India, the Gahadwal and the Parmar Invasions from the North-West
dynasties were the important ones. Among Local dynasties like the Yadava and
Rajputs, Prithviraj Chauhan belonging to Rashtrakuta ruled in Maharashtra. But
the Chauhan dynasty was a valiant King. invaders from the north-west conquered
In the first war at Tarai, Prithviraj the local dynasties there and established
Chauhan had defeated Muhammad Ghuri. their own rule.
But Muhammad Ghuri defeated Prithviraj
In the meanwhile, the Arab power
Chauhan in the second war at Tarai.
had emerged in the Middle-east. Arab
Rajaraj I and Rajendra I belonging rulers turned towards India to expand
to the Chola dynasty in Tamil Nadu were their empire. The Arab General
eminent rulers. The Cholas conquered the Muhammad-bin-Qasim, attacked the Sindh
Maldive Islands and Sri Lanka using their province in the eighth century.
naval strength. King Vishnuvardhan Notwithstanding the resistance of King
belonging to the Hoysal dynasty in Dahir, he conquered the province of
Karnataka had conquered the whole of Sindh. Due to this campaign, the Arabs
Karnataka. came into political contact with India for
During the reign of Govind III of the the first time. In the period that followed,
Rashtrakuta dynasty in Maharashtra, the Turks, Afghans and Mughals from Central
Rashtrakut power spread from Kanauj up Asia came to India and established their
to Rameshwar. Later, Krishna III power here.
conquered the region up to Allahabad.
In the eleventh century ce the Turks
Three dynasties of the Shilahars began to invade India. Expanding their
emerged in Western Maharashtra. One territories they reached the north western
dynasty ruled over Thane and Raigad in frontier of India. Sultan Mahmud of
North Konkan, the second in South Ghazni invaded India many times. He
Konkan, while the third dynasty ruled plundered the rich temples at Mathura,
over some parts of the present day Vrindavan, Kanauj and Somnath and
Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli and Belgaum carried away enormous wealth with him.
districts.

5
Sultanate in the North Harihar was succeeded by his brother
In 1175  ce and 1178   ce, Sultan Bukka. Bukka brought the region up to
Muhammad Ghuri of Ghur from Rameshwar under his control.
Afghanistan invaded India. He appointed Krishnadevaraya : Krishnadevaraya
Qutubuddin Aibak to look after the ascended the throne of Vijaynagar in
governance of the conquered territories in 1509  ce. He conquered
India. Later, after the death of Muhammad Vijaywada and
Ghuri in 1206  ce, Aibak began to rule the Rajmahendri and
Indian territories under his rule, annexed the regions
independently. Aibak, who was initially a to his kingdom. He
slave, became the ruler of Delhi. He died defeated the combined
in 1210  ce. forces of the armies
of the Sultans who
Do you know ? had united under the
leadership of the
After Qutubuddin Aibak, Krishnadevaraya Bahamani Sultan
Iltutmish, Razia, Bulban, Alauddin Mahmud Shah. During Krishnadevaraya’s
Khalji, Muhammad-bin-Tughluque, reign, the kingdom of Vijaynagar extended
Firuz Tughluque, Ibrahim Lodi and from Cuttak in the east up to Goa in the
other Sultans ruled over India. west and from the Raichur Doab in the
Ibrahim Lodi was the last Sultan. He north up to the Indian Ocean in the south.
made many enemies because of his peculiar He died in 1530  ce.
temperament. Daulatkhan Lodi, Governor Krishnadevraya was a scholar. He
of Punjab, invited Babur, the ruler of wrote ‘Amuktamalyada’, a Telugu
Kabul to fight against Ibrahim Lodi. Babur compendium on polity. The Hazar Ram
defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the battle and temple and Vitthal temple were built in
thus the Sultanate came to an end. Vijaynagar during his reign.
The Kingdom of Vijaynagar
The decline of the Vijaynagar kingdom
During the reign of Sultan Muhammad-
began with the death of Krishnadevaraya.
bin-Tughluque of Delhi, there were many
In 1565  ce, at Talikot in the present State
revolts in the South against the central
of Karnataka, there was a battle between
power of Delhi. From these revolts arose
Adilshahi, Nizamshahi, Qutubshahi,
the formidable Vijaynagar and Bahamani
Baridshahi on one side and Vijaynagar
kingdoms.
on the other side. Vijaynagar was defeated.
The brothers Harihar and Bukka, Thereafter, the dominance of Vijaynagar
from South India were Sardars in the came to an end.
service of the Delhi Sultanate. Taking
advantage of the instability in the South The Bahamani Kingdom
during the reign of Muhammad-bin- While Muhammad-bin-Tughluque was
Tughluque, they founded the kingdom of still reigning, some of his Sardars in the
Vijaynagar in the South in 1336   ce. Deccan rose in rebellion against him.
Hampi in today’s Karnataka was the The leader of these Sardars, Hasan
capital of this kingdom. Harihar was the Gangu, defeated the army of the Sultan
first king of Vijaynagar. of Delhi. A new kingdom, known as the

6
Bahamani kingdom, came into existence invaded India. To repel Babur’s invasion,
in 1347  ce. Hasan Gangu became the first Ibrahim Lodi started with his army. There
Sultan of the Bahamani kingdom. He was a battle between Ibrahim Lodi and
made the city of Gulburga in Karnataka Babur on 21 April 1526 at Panipat. In this
his capital. battle, Babur made use of an artillery
Mahmud Gawan : Mahmud Gawan effectively for the first time in India. He
was the Chief Wazir of the Bahamani defeated Ibrahim Lodi’s army. This is
kingdom. He was a good administrator. known as the First Battle of Panipat.
He strengthened the Bahamani kingdom. After the battle of Panipat, Rana Sanga
He started paying the soldiers their of Mewad brought all Rajput kings together.
salaries in cash instead of through land There was a battle between Babur and
grants. He brought discipline in the army. Rana Sanga at Khanua. Babur’s artillery
He introduced many reforms in the land and reserved force played a key role in this
revenue system. He opened a madarsa at battle and Rana Sanga’s army was defeated.
Bidar for Arabic and Persian studies. Babur died in 1530  ce.
After the death of Mahmud Gawan,
factionism increased among the Bahamani Do you know ?
Sardars. The conflict with the Vijaynagar
After Babur, Humayun (1530   ce
kingdom had an adverse effect on the
to 1539  ce and from 1555   ce to
Bahamani kingdom. The provincial
1556  ce) ascended the throne. He was
Governors began to act more independently.
defeated by Shershah. Shershah
This led to the disintegration of the
established the Sur dynasty on the
Bahamani kingdom into five small powers-
throne of Delhi. After Humayun,
Imadshahi of Varhad, Baridshahi of Bidar,
Akbar (1556  ce to 1605  ce) ascended
Adilshahi of Bijapur, Nizamshahi of
the throne. There was a battle between
Ahmadnagar and Qutubshahi of Golconda.
Akbar and Hemu at Panipat in
Mughal Power 1556  ce. This is the Second Battle of
In 1526  ce, the Sultanate of Delhi Panipat. Akbar’s ambition was to
came to an end. Mughal power was bring the whole of India under his
established there. one central authority. After Akbar,
Babur : Babur was the founder of Jahangir (1605  ce to 1628  ce) became
Mughal power. He was the king of the Emperor. During his reign, his
Farghana in Central Asia in today’s wife Nurjahan played an active role
Uzbekistan. He had heard of the wealth in the administration. Jahangir was
in India. So he planned an invasion of followed by Shahajahan (1628  ce to
India. 1658  ce) as the Emperor. The next
Emperor after Shahajahan, Aurangzeb
The reigning Sultan of Delhi at that
(1658  ce to 1707   ce) reigned for a
time was Ibrahim Lodi. Daulatkhan Lodi
very long time. After his death, the
was the Governor of Punjab under the
Mughal Empire became weak.
Sultanate. The relationship between Ibrahim
Lodi and Daulatkhan Lodi was strained. Akbar was the most powerful King
Daulatkhan Lodi invited Babur to march of the Mughal dynasty. When he tried to
on India. Taking this opportunity, Babur bring India under his central authority, he

7
had to face opposition. Maharana Pratap, western part of today’s Chhattisgarh,
Chandbibi, Rani Durgavati struggled northern part of Andhra Pradesh and the
against him. Their struggle is noteworthy. western part of Odisha.
Maharana Pratap : After the death of Durgavati, born in the dynasty
Udaysingh, Maharana Pratap ascended the Chandel Rajput became the queen of
throne of Mewad. He continued the struggle Gondvana when she was married. She
for Mewad’s existence. Till the very end, was an excellent administrator. The
he struggled with struggle of Gondvana queen Durgavati
Akbar to maintain against the Mughals is important in
his indepedence. He medieval history. After her husband’s
has become death, Durgavati laid down her life while
immortal in history fighting against Akbar, but she did not
due to his qualities surrender.
of valour, courage, Aurangzeb : Aurangzeb became the
self-respect, Emperor in 1658   ce. At this time, the
sacrifice, etc. Mughal empire
Maharana Pratap extended from
Chandbibi :
The Mughals attacked Ahmadnagar, Kashmir in the north
the capital of Nizamshah’s kingdom, in up to Ahmadnagar
1595  ce. The Mughal in the south and from
army put the fort of Kabul in the west up
Ahmadnagar under to Bengal in the east.
siege. Chandbibi, the To this Aurangzeb
capable daughter of added Assam in the
Husain Nizamshah of Aurangzeb east, and the regions
Ahmadnagar, bravely of Adilshahi of Bijapur in the south and
defended the fort. At Qutubshahi of Golconda after he ended
this time, there was these kingdoms.
Chandbibi an internal strife Conflict with the Ahoms : In the
among the factions of the Sardars in thirteenth century CE, the people of the
Nizamshahi’s kingdom. This resulted in Shaan community settled down in the
the murder of Chandbibi. Later, the valley of river Brahmaputra. They
Mughals captured the fort of Ahmadnagar. established their Kingdom there. They
But, the Mughals could not bring the were locally known as Ahom people.
entire kingdom of While Aurangzeb ruled, the Ahoms
Nizamshahi under had a prolonged struggle with the Mughals.
their control. The Mughals attacked the Ahoms’ region.
Rani Durgavati : The Ahoms united under the leadership
Gondvana can of Gadadharsinha. Commander Lachit
broadly be said to Borphukan gave an intense battle against
comprise the eastern the Mughals. The Ahoms used the guerilla
part of Vidarbha, part technique in the conflict against the
of Madhya Pradesh Mughals. It became impossible for
to its north, the Rani Durgavati Mughals to create a strong base in Assam.
8
 Conflict with the Sikhs : The ninth Aurangzeb could not obtain the cooperation
Guru of the Sikhs  ,  
Guru Teghbahaddar, of Rajputs. After the death of Rana
protested strongly against Aurangzeb’s Jaswantsingh of Marwad, Aurangzeb
policy of religious intolerance. Aurangzeb annexed his kingdom to the Mughal
imprisoned him and beheaded him in empire. Durgadas Rathod crowned
1675 ce. After him, Guru Gobindsingh Jaswantsingh’s minor son Ajitsingh as the
became the Guru of the Sikhs. King of Marwad. Durgadas Rathod fought
Guru Gobindsingh organised his hard against the Mughals. Aurangzeb sent
followers and encouraged their martial Prince Akbar to Marwad to crush the
spirit. He organised resistance of Durgadas. Prince Akbar
the Sikh youths joined hands with Rajputs and rose in
into a fighting revolt against Aurangzeb. An effort was
force called the made to seek help from the Marathas in
‘Khalsa Dal’. Their Maharashtra. In this revolt. Durgadas
headquarters were Rathod continued this struggle against the
at Anandpur. Mughals for the existence of Marwad.
Aurangzeb sent his Conflict with the Marathas : In
army to fight the Maharashtra, Swaraj was established
Guru Gobindsingh Sikhs. His army under the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj.
attacked Anandpur. Although the Sikhs In his efforts to establish Swaraj, Shivaji
fought fiercely, they did not succeed. Maharaj had to fight the Mughals too
After that, Guru Gobindsingh came to the along with the other enemies. Aurangzeb
Deccan in 1708  ce. There was an attempt came down to the Deccan after the death
on his life when he was at Nanded. Soon of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with the
after, the Guru succumbed to his wounds. intention of conquering the whole of
Conflict with the Rajputs : Akbar South India. But the Marathas offered
had secured the cooperation of the Rajputs stiff resistance to Aurangzeb and defended
with his policy of amicable relations. their independence. We shall study this
struggle later on.

Exercise

1. Name the following. (2)

Adilshahi, Nizamshahi, Sultanate,
(1) The Queen of Gondvana – Baridshahi
(2) The son of Udaysingh – (3)
Akbar, Humayun, Shershah,
(3) The founder of Mughal dynasty – Aurangzeb
(4) The first Sultan of the Bahamani
3. Answer briefly.
kingdom  –
(1) How did the kingdoms of Vijaynagar
(5) The fighting force established by
and Bahamani emerge ?
Guru Gobindsingh –
(2) What reforms did Mahmud Gawan
2. Find the odd one out. make?
(1) Sultan Mahmud, Qutubuddin Aibak, (3) Why did it become impossible for the
Muhammad Ghuri, Babur Mughals to strengthen their base in
Assam?

9
4. Write about them briefly in your own (2) Rana Sang’s army was defeated.
words. (3) Rana Pratap has become immortal in
(1) Krishnadevaraya (2) Chandbibi history.
(3) Rani Durgavati (4) Aurangzeb imprisoned Guru
5. Give reasons. Teghbahaddar.
(1) The Bahamani Kingdom disintegrated (5) The Rajputs fought against the
into five fragments. Mughals.
6. Complete the timeline.
1336  ce …….  ce 1509  ce ………  ce

Establishment Establishment -------------- Establishment

of Vijaynagar of Bahamani of the Mughal
Kingdom Kingdom power
7. Using the internet, find out more about Activity
any one of the personalities you have Obtain more information about the
studied here, and fill in the box below. personalities mentioned in this chapter.
Use reference books, the internet,
I know this : newspapers, etc. Prepare a collage of
the pictures information in your activity
book and display it in the history cell.

Fort Deogiri

10
 3. Religious Synthesis

Diversity of languages and religions is compassion, mercy, etc. Ramanuja and

an important characteristic of the Indian other Acharyas strengthened the base of
society. Considering this feature, the Indian the Bhakti movement in South India.
Constitution has adopted the principle of They told people that God is for all.
secularism. In medieval India, too, attempts God does not discriminate. The teachings
to bring about religious synthesis in social of Ramanuja had a great impact in
life were made on the basis of this principle. North India also.
Among these efforts, the Bhakti movement, Sant Ramanand strengthened the Bhakti
Sikhism and the Sufi sect have a significant movement in North India. Sant Kabir is a
place. These different streams of thought well-known sant in the
arose in different parts of India. They Bhakti movement. He
emphasized harmony between the different did not attach any
sects and religions along with devotion to importance to places of
God. We shall study them in this chapter. pilgrimage, vratas or
Initially, rituals and brahmadnyan were idol worship. For him,
greatly emphasized in the Indian religious Truth was God. He
life. In the medieval period, they gave way taught that all human
to Bhakti Marg - the path of devotion. Sant Kabir beings are equal. He
Bhakti Marg did not give undue importance did not believe in any differences based on
to hierarchies, which further facilitated caste, creed, sect and religion. He wanted to
religious synthesis. In the different regions bring about Hindu and Muslim unity. He
of India, we find different forms of the path criticized the extremely orthodox people in
of devotion, according to the local situation both Hindu and Muslim religions in strong
there. The Bhakti movement used the terms.
common people’s language instead of In Bengal, Chaitany Mahaprabhu
Sanskrit. This helped the development of underlined the importance of Krishnabhakti.
regional languages. Due to his teachings, people joined the
Bhakti Movement : It is believed Bhakti movement in transcending the
that the Bhakti movement originated in boundaries of caste and creed. Under his
South India. The Naynar and Alawar influence, Shankaradeva spread the Bhakti
Bhakti movements emerged in this region. movement in Assam. Narsi Mehta was a
The Naynars were devotees of Shiva, renowned Vaishnawa Sant in Gujarat. He
while the Alawars were devotees of was an ardent devotee of Krishna. He gave
Vishnu. There were also attempts to the message of equality. He is known as
consider Shiva and Vishnu as one and the first poet of the Gujarati language.
the same and bring them together. Sant Mirabai stressed the importance
‘Harihar’ idols which depict half Vishnu of devotion to Krishna. She belonged to the
and half Shiva were produced in this royal family of Mewad. She renounced all
period on a large scale. People belonging pleasures of the royal family and immersed
to all social strata had participated in herself in devotion to Krishna. She composed
these Bhakti movements. They preached devotional verses in Rajasthani and
values like love of God, humanity, Gujarati. Her devotional verses give the
11
message of devotion, tolerance and castes and creeds. He
humanity. Sant Sena was an influential supported equality. He
Sant. Sant Rohidas was a great Sant. He travelled to all parts of
gave the message of equality and humanity. Maharashtra preaching
Surdasa, a great poet of Hindi literature, in Marathi. He preferred
composed the poetical work ‘Sursagar’. Marathi instead of
Devotion to Krishna (Krishnabhakti) is the Sanskrit. This led to the
subject of his work. The verses on development of the
Krishnabhakti composed by the Muslim Chakradhar Swami Marathi language. Many
Sant Raskhan are melodious. ‘Ramcharita- works were composed in Marathi.
Manasa’ of Sant Tulshidas is a beautiful This sect mainly spread in the Vidarbha
composition expressing devotion to Rama. and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra.
In Karnataka, Basaveshwar spread the Riddhipur in Vidarbha is an important place
lingayat stream of thought. He opposed the for people of this sect. This sect had reached
caste system and stressed the dignity of up to faraway regions like the Punjab
labour. ‘Kayakave and Afghanistan.
Kailas’ is his well-
known saying which Do you know ?
means ‘Work is Kailas’
(Work is worship). He Some of the main compositions of
encouraged women’s the followers of the Mahanubhav Panth
participation in his are   :  The treatise ‘Leelacharitra’
movement. Men and compiled by Mhaimbhat describing the
women belonging to all deeds of Chakradhar Swami; ‘Dhavale’
castes began to of the first Marathi poetess Mahadamba,
Shri Basaveshwar participate in the ‘Sutrapath and Drishtantapath’ compiled
religious discussions conducted in the hall by Keshobas, ‘Vacchaharan’ of
‘Anubhava Mantapa’. Shri Basaveshwar Damodar Pandit, ‘Shishupalvadha’ of
conveyed his teachings in the language of Bhaskarbhat Borikar and ‘Rukmini
the people, i.e., Kannada, through the Swayamvara’ of Narendra.
medium of ‘Vachana’ literature. His work
had a great impact on society. His followers
have composed their work in Marathi also. Do you know ?
Of these compositions, ‘Paramarahasya’ A conversation between a Hindu
composed by Manmath Swami is very and a Muslim written by Sant Eknath
well-known. Great sants in Karnataka
is important from the viewpoint of
include Pamp, Purandardasa and others.
religious harmony. The famous quote
They composed many devotional verses in
of Sant Shaikh Mohammad ‘शेख महंमद
Kannada.
अविंध । त्याचे हृदयी गोविंद ।।’ is an example
Mahanubhav Panth : In the thirteenth of this religious harmony.
century, Chakradhar Swami founded the
‘Mahanubhav Panth’ in Maharashtra. This Guru Nanak : Guru Nanak was the
sect preaches devotion to Krishna. Shri founder of Sikhism and the first guru of
Govind Prabhu was the Guru of Chakradhar Sikhs. His work has to be mentioned as a
Swami. The followers of Chakradhara great attempt at religious synthesis. He
included men and women belonging to all visited the holy places of both Hindus and
12
 Muslims. He had tenth Guru of the Sikhs. After Guru
also visited Mecca. Gobindsingh, Sikhs regard the ‘Guru
He realised that the Granth Sahib’ as their Guru, as per the
feeling of devotion orders of Guru Gobindsingh.
is common The Sufi Sect : This is a sect in
everywhere. He Islam. The Sufi saints believed that God
taught that all is full of love and the only way to reach
persons should be him is through love and devotion. Their
treated equally. His main teachings are love for all living
teachings aimed at beings, meditation and simple living.
Guru Nanak achieving Hindu- Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, Shaikh
Muslim unity. He emphasized chaste Nijamuddin Avaliya were great Sufi
behaviour. Saints. The teachings of Sufi Saints led
Many people were influenced by the to unity in the Hindu and Muslim
teachings of Guru Nanak. The number of communities. Sufi music has made
his followers increased day by day. The valuable contribution to Indian music.
followers of Guru Nanak are known as The path of Bhakti taught by the
‘Sikhs’ (Shishyas) meaning ‘disciples’. Sants was easy to follow for the common
The ‘Aadigrantha’, also known as the people. The Bhakti movement was open
‘Guru Granth Sahib’ is the Holy Book of to all men and women. The Sants
the Sikhs. The Aadigrantha includes expressed their thoughts in the language
compositions by Guru Nanak, Sant of the people. The common people found
Namdeo, Sant Kabir and other Sants. them close to their heart. The Bhakti
Guru Nanak was succeeded by nine Gurus movement has contributed greatly to the
of the Sikhs. Guru Gobindsingh was the making of the Indian Culture.

Exercise

1. Write the related word. 4. Complete the following names.

(1) Shri Basaveshwar : Karnataka G G
Meerabai : ......................... .
S S
(2) Ramananda : North India
Chaitanya Maha Prabhu : ............... . G N
(3) Shri Chakradhar : ................... . M m m
Shankaradeva : ..................... . M i
2. Make a chart to show the people and R n n
works related to - K i
(1) Bhakti movement
P p
(2) Mahanubhav Panth
(3) Sikhism Activity
3. Write about it in your own words. Obtain a devotional song in the tradition
(1) Sant Kabir became a renowned Sant of Sufi music and present it in a cultural
in the Bhakti movement. programme.
(2) The impact of Sant Basaveshwar’s
work on society.

13
 4. Maharashtra before the Times of Shivaji Maharaj
At the beginning of the seventeenth Patil. He used to try to bring maximum
century CE, most of the territory in land under cultivation. When there was
Maharashtra was under the control of any dispute in the village, the Patil resolved
Nizamshah of Ahmadnagar and Adilshah it and made peace. A Kulkarni helped the
of Bijapur. The Mughals had entered Patil in his work. The Kulkarni kept the
Khandesh. Their objective was to expand record of the revenue that was collected.
their power in the south. There were There were various artisans in the village.
settlements of Siddi people, who had come They had hereditary rights regarding their
from Africa, along the coastline of Konkan. occupation. The peasants gave a share of
The competition and conflict amongst the their agricultural produce to the artisans
Portuguese, the British, the French and the for the services they rendered to the village
Dutch, who had come from Europe, was community. This share was known as
getting intense during this period. There baluta.
was stiff competition amongst them to Kasba  :  A kasba was like a big village.
capture the markets for trade. The Portuguese It was usually the headquarters of a
had already established their rule in Goa pargana, e.g., Indapur kasba of Indapur
and Vasai on the western coastline. The pargana, Wai kasba of Wai pargana were
British, the Dutch and the French had found the headquarters of those parganas.
an entry through the medium of trading Agriculture was the main occupation. There
companies by setting up factories. All these were skilled artisans like carpenters,
powers assessed the strength of other blacksmiths, etc. in a kasba. There was
powers, kept themselves safe and tried to usually a market (peth) adjacent to a kasba.
dominate as much as possible. This conflict The Shete and Mahajan were the watandars
had created instability and insecurity in of the peth. Every village did not necessarily
Maharashtra. These different people from have a peth. The setting up of a peth was
Europe were called ‘Topkar’ on the basis the job of the Shetes and the Mahajans. For
of their customary headgear. that, they received some land from the
It is necessary to get acquainted with government and some rights from the
the village (mauja), Kasba and pargana to villagers. The Mahajan maintained the
understand the nature of settlements in that accounts of the peth.
period as also of the officers that formed a
link between the rulers and their subjects,
Do you know ?
and also the markets and the craftsmen.
Pargana was made up of many villages. As per the order of Veermata Jajabai,
Generally, the headquarters of a pargana a peth was established in Pashan near
was called ‘Kasba’. A village smaller than Pune. It was called Jijapur. Malpura,
a Kasba was called ‘Mauja’. Let us get Khelpura, Paraspura, Vithapura, in
acquainted in brief with Village, Kasba and Aurangabad are also new peths established
Pargana respectively. in the name of Maloji, Kheloji, Parasoji
Village (Mauja) : Most of the people and Vithoji respectively. ‘Shivapur’
lived in villages. A village was also called adjacent to ‘Khed’ was a peth established
mauja. The chief of the village was the in the name of Shivaji Maharaj.

14
 If it did not rain, crops would fail. The
Let’s learn.
prices of foodgrains rose. It became
The words ‘Budruk’ and ‘Khurd’ difficult for the people to get foodgrains
are used to show that the two villages and other things. There was no fodder for
are different. The original town is the cattle. Water became scarce. It became
‘Budruk’ and the new one is ‘Khurd’. difficult for people to live in the village.
For example, Vadgaon Budruk and They were forced to leave the village. A
Vadgaon Khurd. famine was a great calamity for the
people.
Pargana  :  Many villages together
made a pargana. But the number of A great famine occurred in
villages was not the same in all parganas. Maharashtra in 1630   ce. People were

For example, the Pune pargana was a big greatly distressed due to this famine. It
pargana. It consisted of 290 villages. has been described in these words –
There were 64 villages in the Chakan ‘People were ready to sell themselves for
pargana. The Shirwal pargana was small. a piece of bhakri, but there was nobody
It had only 40 villages. The Deshmukh to buy them’. There was a severe scarcity
and the Deshpande were the watandar of foodgrains. Entire families were
officers of the pargana. The Deshmukh destroyed. Cattle and farm animals died.
was the chief of patils in a pargana. The Agriculture was devastated. The famine
Deshmukh did at the pargana level, what put an end to industries. All financial
the Patil did at the village level. The transactions came to a standstill. People
Deshpande was the chief of all Kulkarnis had to wander to faraway regions in
in the pargana. The Deshpande did at the search of a livelihood. It was a great
pargana level, the work that Kulkarnis challenge to bring back to normalcy, the
did at the village level. These watandar devastated life of the people.
officers were the link between the people The work of the Varkari movement :
and the government. Society was greatly influenced by blind
In case of enemy invasion or drought, beliefs and rituals. People had become
these watandars represented the grievances fatalistic and inert. They had lost all
of the people to the government. initiative. The condition of the common
Sometimes, these officers misused their people was miserable. In such
powers. They collected more money from circumstances, the Sants in Maharashtra
the people than was due or did not remit endeavoured to inspire the masses.
the money so collected to the government
in time. On such occasions, the people In Maharashtra, the tradition of Sants
suffered harassment. which began with Sant Dnyaneshwar and
Sant Namdeo was carried on by Sants
coming from various strata of the society.
Do you know ? People from all strata of society were
Vatan is an Arabic word. In part of the Sant tradition. For example,
Maharashtra, it is used is refer to Sant Chokhamela, Sant Goroba, Sant
hereditary land for which the holder Sena, Sant Sawata, Sant Narhari, Sant
does not have to pay revenue. Shaikh Muhammad, etc. Sant Chokhoba’s
The calamity of a famine : wife Sant Soyrabai, and sister Sant
Agriculture was dependent on rainwater. Nirmalabai, Sant Muktabai, Sant Janabai,

15
Sant Kanhopatra, Sant Bahinabai Siurkar way of worship and conduct which the
and other women were also among them. common people could follow easily. He
Pandharpur was at the centre of the Sant gave the prestige of a religion to the
movement. Vitthal was the object of their Varkari movement. Though his life was
worship. On the banks of the river spent in extremely adverse circumstances,
Chandrabhaga at Pandharpur, the Sants he never lost the calm of his mind and
and pilgrims (varkari) used to rejoice in never harboured bitterness. His
their devotion (bhakti). There, equality ‘Pasayadaan’ in Dnyaneshwari uplifts the
was propagated through bhajans, keertans, mind. The poetic compositions of his
and unity meals (kala). brothers Sant Nivruttinath and Sant
Sant Namdeo : He was a great Sant Sopandev and sister Muktabai are well-
of the Varkari movement. He was a skilled known.
organiser. He performed excellent keertans Sant Eknath : He was a great Sant of
as well. He awakened the Bhakti movement
the sense of equality in in Maharashtra. His
men and women compositions are
belonging to all castes
many and diverse.
through the medium of
They include abhanga,
keertans. His pledge
gavalana, bharud, etc.
was ‘नाचू कीर्तनाचे रंगी  । He has stated Bhagvat
ज्ञानदीप लावू जगी ।।’ His Dharma in detail and
abhanga compositions in a simple manner.
Sant Namdeo
are well-known. Many He has portrayed
Sants as well as common people were Sant Eknath people’s life in
influenced by his teachings. He went up to Bhavarth Ramayana through the story of
the Punjab, propagating his thoughts. His Ram. He explained in Marathi, the Bhakti
compositions are included in the ‘Guru part of the Sanskrit work ‘Bhagwat’. His
Granth Sahib’ of Sikhs. He propagated the abhangas show the warmth of devotion. He
message of Bhagwat religion in all quarters.
demonstrated through his own conduct that
He built a memorial to Sant Chokhamela
there is no need to renounce worldly matters
at Pandharpur. His work is unforgettable.
for attaining the highest truth, Paramarth.
Sant Dnyaneshwar : He was a great He was a teacher of the people in the true
Sant in the Varkari movement. He wrote sense of the term. He believed that our
the ‘Bhavartha-deepika’ or ‘Dnyaneshwari’ Marathi language was inferior to no other
which elucidates the meaning of the language. He asked the Sanskrit Scholars
Sanskrit ‘Bhagavad forcefully. ‘संस्कृत वाणी देवे केली । तरी प्राकृत काय
Geeta’. He also चोरापासुनि झाली ?’ He heavily criticised those
composed the who hated other religions.
‘Amrutanubhav’.
He preached the Sant Tukaram : He belonged to
importance of the Dehu near Pune. His compositions or
path of devotion abhangas are very pleasing and lucid,
through his works reaching the greatest poetic heights. His
and compositions. ‘Gatha’ is a precious treasure of the
Sant Dnyaneshwar He showed a simple Marathi language. He asks us to find

16
God by showing love to the unhappy and of Maharashtra.
the tormented in the following lines : ‘जे There was a deterioration of ethics
का रंजले गांजले  । त्यांसी म्हणे जो आपुले । तोचि and religion in the society. At such a
साधु ओळखावा  । देव तेथेचि जाणावा   ।।’ With time, the Sants came forward to protect
this viewpoint, he threw in the river the society. They taught the true meaning
Indrayani, the documents of the loans of religion. They showed the path of
that people had borrowed from him and devotion by living amongst people and
freed many poor sharing their joys and sorrows. Some
families from the orthodox and dogmatic people opposed
bonds of loan. He them. But the Sants believed that facing
criticized the this opposition was a part of their duty.
hypocrisy and Sant Tukaram has explained the mark of
superstition in the a true Sant in these words – ‘तुका म्हणे
society in very strong तोचि संत । सोशी जगाचे आघात ।।’
terms. He stressed The Sants elucidated the complex
that devotion (Bhakti) dharma of the scholars (Shastris and
Sant Tukaram should be coupled Pandits) in the language of the people.
with morality. His teachings can be They prayed to God using simple,
summed up as ‘जोडोनिया धन उत्तम व्यवहारे । everyday terms. They took the view that
उदास विचारे वेच करी ।।’ Some dogmatic all are equal before God. They taught
people opposed the social awakening that society to do away with the pride arising
he had undertaken, and sank his abhangas out of caste and varna and see everyone
in the Indrayani. Sant Tukaram faced the as God’s children. A characteristic of the
opposition with noble courage. Sants was that they did not forget their
Sant Tukaram’s disciples and duties on the path of devotion. They
associates were of different castes and found God in their work. Sant Sawata
creeds. They include Navji Mali, said, ‘कांदा मुळा भाजी । अवघी विठाई माझी  ।।’
Gavnarshet Wani, Santaji Jagnade, Shivba This statement refers to farm work but
Kasar, Bahinabai Siurkar and applies to work in all walks of life. The
Mahadajipant Kulkarni. An important Sants carried on with their duties even as
task completed by Gangarampant Maval they were engaged in devotion, teaching
and Santaji Jagnade was writing down and composing verses. They developed
the abhangas of Sant Tukaram. the moral sensibilities of the society.
Work of Sants : Sants gave the
message of equality to people. They Let’s discuss.
taught humanity. They preached that
Collect more information about the
people should live together in harmony,
Pandharpur vari and discuss the
unity and love. Their work resulted in following topics.
social awakening. They taught how to
• In which month do the Varkaris go on
live in the face of foreign invasions,
the vari ?
drought-like situations or any other natural
calamities. Their teachings proved to be • How is the Vari planned ?
a big support for people. Their work Ramdas Swami : He was from Jamb
created self-confidence among the people in Marathwada. He explained the
17
importance of physical He propagated the worship of Ram and
fitness to the people, Hanuman. He travelled far and wide to
‘मराठा तितुका मेळवावा   । propagate his thoughts.
महाराष्ट्र धर्म वाढवावा  ।’ Inspiration for independence during
This message of foreign rule : Such was the political,
Ramdas Swami is social, cultural, situation, etc. in
famous. He gave Maharashtra before the times of Shivaji
practical education Ramdas Swami Maharaj. In that period, Maharashtra was
and lessons in good conduct through his under the control of Adilshahi and other
works like Dasbodh, Karunashtaka, powers. It was not independent. Even so,
Manache Shlok. He stated the importance some personalities and streams of thought
of people’s movement and organisation were dreaming of freedom. Among them,
and founded the Samarth Sampradaya. Shahaji Maharaj, who is considered to be
Chaphal was the centre of this Sampradaya. a visionary of Swaraj was on the forefront.

Exercise

1. Complete the following chart. (4) He composed Bharuds -

(5) He explained the importance of
Village
Kasba Pargana physical fitness -
(Mauja)
(6) Women Sants -
What it
.............. ........... .............
means 4. Write about these personalities and
Officers .............. ........... ............. their work in your own words.
Example .............. ........... ............. (1) Sant Namdeo (2) Sant Dnyaneshwar
(3) Sant Eknath (4) Sant Tukaram
2. Write the meaning.
(1) Budruk - 5. Why were droughts a great calamity for
(2) Balut - the people ?
(3) Vatan - Activities
3. Find out and write. (1) Plan how you will help a Varkari
(1) People from Africa who had settled Dindi.
along the Konkan coastline - (2) Dress up as Sants and present their
(2) The author of ‘Amrutanubhav’ - compositions.
(3) Sant Tukaram’s place -

18
 5. The Foundation of the Swaraj

In the first half of the seventeenth and the neighbouring areas in Karnataka
century, an epoch making personality to Shahajiraje.
emerged in Maharashtra  - Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj. He established Swaraj Do you know ?
by challenging the unjust ruling powers
here. Shivaji Maharaj was born at the Jahagir or jagir means the right
Shivneri fort near Junnar in Pune district to enjoy the revenue of a region. The
on the day of Phalgun Vadya Tritiya in Sardars in the service of rulers used
the Shaka year 1551, that is on 19 to get the revenue of the region as
February 1630. In this chapter, we will income instead of getting salaries
study how he founded Swaraj. directly. The region was chosen in
such a way that the revenue would be
Shahajiraje : Shahajiraje, the father
equal to the salary.
of Shivaji Maharaj was a pre-eminent
Sardar in the Deccan. The Mughals had Shahajiraje was valiant, courageous,
launched a campaign to conquer the intelligent and a great political expert. He
Nizamshahi Kingdom. The Adilshah of was an excellent archer. He was also an
Bijapur allied with the Mughals in this expert in using the sword, patta and
campaign. Shahaji Maharaj did not wish spear. He loved his subjects. He had won
the Mughals to many regions in Maharashtra, Karnataka
get an entry into and Tamil Nadu. South India was in awe
the South. So he of him. While Shivaji and Jijabai were
tried to save at Bengaluru, he had arranged for
Nizamshahi by providing excellent education to Shivaji
offering stiff so as to enable him to become a king.
resistance to the He himself aspired to establish Swaraj by
Mughals. But he ousting the powers of foreign people. That
could not is why, he is known as Swaraj visionary.
withstand the He sent Shivaji and Jijabai from Bengaluru
combined might to Pune with loyal and competent
Shahajiraje of the Mughals associates.
and the Adilshah. The Nizamshahi was Veermata Jijabai : Jijabai was the
defeated and came to an end in daughter of the great Sardar Lakhujiraje
1636  ce. Jadhav of Sindkhedraja in Buldhana
After the Nizamshahi was wiped out, district. At a young age, she had received
Shahajiraje became a Sardar of the military training as well as education in
Adilshah of Bijapur. The region comprising various subjects. She helped and
Pune, Supe, Indapur and Chakan parganas encouraged Shahaji Maharaj to realise his
located between the Bheema and Neera dream of establishing Swaraj. She was a
rivers was vested in Shahajiraje as a competent and visionary political expert.
jagir. This was continued by the Adilshah, She constantly guided Shivaji in the
and he also granted the jagir of Bengaluru mission of establishing Swaraj. At times,

19
 she undertook the Bapuji Mudgal, Narhekar Deshpande
task of giving brothers, Kavji Kondhalkar, Jiva Mahala,
verdicts for resolving Tanaji Malusare, Kanhoji Jedhe,
the problems of Bajiprabhu Deshpande and Dadaji
people. She was Narasprabhu Deshpande. On the strength
very particular about of these associates, Shivaji Maharaj
giving excellent undertook the cause of the Swaraj.
education to Shivaji.
She instilled in him
Do this.
values like modesty,
Veermata Jijabai
truthfulness, oratory, Find more information about these
vigilance, courage and fearlessness. She associates of Shivaji Maharaj : Jiva
saw that he was trained in the usage of Mahala, Tanaji Malusare and
weapons and inspired in him, the will to Bajiprabhu Deshpande.
win and the dream of Swaraj.
Shivaji’s Companions and
Associates : Shivaji Maharaj started the
work of founding the Swaraj in the Maval
region. The Maval terrain is full of hills
and valleys and is not easily accessible.
Shivajiraje made use of these geographical
features of Maval very skilfully for the
purpose of the foundation of the Swaraj.
He created a feeling of trust and affection
in the minds of the people. Many
companions and associates joined him in
his work of founding the Swaraj. Among Royal seal (Rajmudra)
them were Yesaji Kank, Baji Pasalkar, Royal seal (Rajmudra) : The objective
of Shivaji Maharaj of establishing Swaraj
is clearly expressed in his royal seal. The
Always remember - following Sanskrit lines are inscribed on
this royal seal (Rajmudra).
Bara Maval : (1) Pavan Maval प्रतिपच्चंद्रलेखेव वर्धिष्णुर्विश्ववंदिता ।।
(2) Hirdas Maval (3) Gunjan Maval
(4) Paud Valley (5) Muthe Valley शाहसूनोः शिवस्यैषा मुद्रा भद्राय राजते ।।
(6) Mose Valley (7) Kanand Valley Meaning : ‘This seal will grow in
(8) Welwand Valley (9) Rohid splendour like the new moon. This seal
Valley (10) Andar Maval (11) Nane of Shivaji, the son of Shahaji, receiving
Maval (12) Korbarse Maval homage from the whole world denotes the
welfare of the people.’
Maval valley in the Sahyadris
was a region in the Pune jagir of The meaning of this inscription on the
Shivaji Maharaj. It is also known as seal is important from many angles.
‘Bara Maval’. Through this inscription, Maharaj has
expressed his gratitude towards his father,

20
his confidence that Swaraj would expand There were the Mores of Javali, the
continuously, his own experience of the Ghorpades of Mudhol, the Sawants of
respect that the Seal, that is, Swaraj Sawantwadi, and other Sardars in the
commanded from all, his commitment to Adilshahi. They were opposed to the
the welfare of his subjects, and the cause of the founding of Swaraj. It was
certainty of ruling over his land necessary to bring them and other
independently. This short inscription likeminded Sardars under control for the
covers the entire concept of Swaraj. purpose of founding the Swaraj.
The capture of Javali : Chandrarao
Let’s learn. More of Javali in Satara district was a
powerful Sardar in the Adilshahi. He
Observe the official seal of our opposed the founding of the Swaraj.
country. Shivaji Maharaj attacked Javali and
What features do you observe ? captured that region in 1656   ce. He
In which places is the official seal established his post there. Then he also
used ? captured Raigad. He attained a huge
amount of wealth from Javali. After this
Towards the establishment of
victory, his activities in Konkan increased.
Swaraj  : The forts situated within the
He built the Pratapgad fort in the Javali
jagir of Shivaji Maharaj were not under
valley. In this way, the conquest of Javali
his control, but were under the control of
increased his strength in all respects. After
Adilshah. In those days, forts were of
this, Shivaji Maharaj captured Kalyan
special significance. With a firm hold
and Bhiwandi on the Konkan Coast.
over a fort, it was possible to control the
There he came into contact with the Siddi,
surrounding area. If one had forts, one
Portuguese and British powers on the
ruled the land. Therefore, Shivaji Maharaj
Western Coast. Shivaji Maharaj realised
decided to acquire the forts that were
that in order to fight these powers, it was
within his own jagir. Such an attempt to
necessary to have a strong naval force.
capture the forts amounted to challenging
Therefore, he concentrated on building a
the Adilshahi power. He captured the
navy.
forts of Torana, Murumbdev, Kondhana
and Purandar, and laid the foundation of Defeat of Afzalkhan : Shivaji
Swaraj. He repaired the fort Murumbdev Maharaj had started capturing the forts in
and renamed it Rajgad. Rajgad was the his jagir and the surrounding area in the
first capital of the Swaraj. Adilshahi territory. He had crushed the
opposition of the Mores of Javali. The
work of founding the Swaraj had gathered
momentum on the Konkan coast. All
these matters were a challenge to the
Adilshahi. At that time, the Badi Sahiba
was looking after the administration of
the Adilshahi. She sent Afzalkhan, a
powerful and experienced Adilshahi
General, to curb Shivaji Maharaj.
Fort Rajgad - Pali Gate

21
 Afzalkhan came from Bijapur to Wai. On this occasion Shiva Kashid, a
He knew the Wai region well. A meeting brave youth came forward. He resembled
of Shivaji Maharaj and Afzalkhan took Shivaji Maharaj in looks. He dressed up
place on 10 November 1659 at the foot like Shivaji Maharaj and sat in a
of Pratapgad near Wai. At the meeting, palanquin. The palanquin left by the ‘Raj-
Afzalkhan attempted treachery. In dindi’ gate. It was captured by the Siddi’s
retaliation, Shivaji Maharaj killed army. It was a difficult situation. Shiva
Afzalkhan. He routed the Adilshahi army. Kashid sacrificed himself on this occasion
Shivaji Maharaj paid compensation for Swaraj. In the meanwhile, Shivaji
to the soldiers who were wounded in the Maharaj left the fort using another
battle. He rewarded those who had fought difficult route. He was accompanied by
well. Those soldiers and officers of Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Bandal Deshmukh
Afzalkhan’s army who fell into the hands and some chosen soldiers. The Siddi came
of Shivaji Maharaj’s army were given a to know that Shivaji Maharaj has escaped
good treatment. the siege round Panhalgad and proceeded
The expedition of Siddi Jauhar : to Vishalgad. His army pursued Shivaji
After the annihilation of Afzalkhan, Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj entrusted the
Shivaji Maharaj captured the Adilshahi responsibility of stopping Siddhi’s army
forts of Panhala, Vasantgad and Khelna. at the foot of Vishalgad to Bajiprabhu
He renamed Khelna as ‘Vishalgad’. Deshpande. Bajiprabhu Deshpande
checked Siddi’s army at the Ghod pass
Shivaji Maharaj had posed a big
near Gajapur. He fought with the greatest
challenge before the Adilshahi. Therefore,
valour. Bajiprabhu died a hero’s death in
the Adilshah sent Siddi Jauhar, the Sardar
this battle. Because Bajiprabhu’s army
of the Karnul region, against Shivaji
held Siddi’s army at bay, Shivaji Maharaj
Maharaj in 1660  ce. The Adilshah gave
could proceed to Vishalgad. While going
Siddi the title ‘Salabatkhan’. Rustum-e-
to Vishalgad, Maharaj also crushed the
Jaman, Baji Ghorpade and Afzalkhan’s
opposition of the Adilshahi Sardars Dalvi
son Fazalkhan were also there to help
of Palwan and Surve of Shringarpur.
Siddi Jauhar. In these circumstances,
Maharaj reached Vishalgad safely.
Shivaji Maharaj took shelter in the
Panhala fort. Siddi’s soldiers laid siege to While Shivaji Maharaj was trapped
the fort for about five months. Shivaji at Panhala, Aurangzeb, who had ascended
Maharaj found himself trapped inside the the throne of Delhi, had sent Shaistakhan,
fort. Netoji Palkar tried to raise the siege a Mughal Sardar to the Deccan. He had
by attacking Siddi’s army from outside, invaded the Pune province. The conflict
but he couldn’t succeed in it as his forces with Adilshahi continued even as the
were meagre. Siddi showed no signs of Mughal army invaded the Swaraj. Maharaj
relenting. So, Shivaji Maharaj opened realised that it would not be prudent to
talks with him. This led to slackness in fight two enemies at one and the same
the siege round Panhalgad. time. Therefore, after reaching Vishalgad
safely, he entered into a treaty with the
Shivaji Maharaj took advantage of
Adilshah. As per the treaty, he returned
this situation.
the fort of Panhala to the Adilshah.

22
 Exercise

1. Find the odd man out. 4. Find out and write.

(1) Pune, Supe, Chakan, Bengaluru (1) Why Shahaji Maharaj is termed a
(2) Jadhavs of Phaltan, Mores of Javali, Swaraj visionary.
Ghorpades of Mudhol, Sawants of (2) Shivaji Maharaj paid attention to
Sawantwadi building a Navy.
(3) Torana, Murumbdev, Sinhgad, (3) Shivaji Maharaj entered into a treaty
Sindhudurg with the Adilshah.
(4) How Shivaji Maharaj escaped from
2. Write about in your words: Panhalgad.
(1) The efforts Veermata Jijabai took for
Activities
Shivaji Maharaj’s education.
(1) Describe a fort you have seen.
(2) Shivaji Maharaj started his work of Suggest measures for conserving a
founding Swaraj in the Maval region. historical site.
3. List the companions and associates of (2) Find out what a 7/12 extract means
Shivaji Maharaj. and relate it to the words in the
chapter.

Fort Panhala - Teen Darwaja

23
 6. Conflict with the Mughals

So far, Shivaji Maharaj had of Bengal. The successful attack on

successfully fought the Adilshahi; but for Shaistakhan had an impact on the people
expanding the Swaraj, conflict with the and their faith in the capability of
Mughals was inevitable. The Mughals Maharaj was strengthened even further.
posed a great threat to the Swaraj even as
it began to expand. Maharaj triumphed
Can you tell ?
over this threat too. He regained his forts
and territories from the Mughals. He got If you want to visit the city of
himself crowned. He took up a campaign Surat, what route will you take ? Show
of the South. We shall learn about all these it with the help of a map.
events in this chapter. Visualise how Shivaji Maharaj
Shaistakhan’s Invasion : In February must have reached Surat.
1660, Shaistakhan left from Ahmadnagar
and entered the Pune province. He raveged The Surat Campaign : In three
the territory of the Swaraj by sending years’ time, Shaistakhan had ravaged
small units of his army to the neighbouring large territories of the Swaraj. It was
areas. He encamped at Chakan. Firangoji necessary to make good this loss. For
Narsala, the Killedar of the fort of this, Shivaji Maharaj devised a plan for
Chakan offered a strong resistance to teaching the Mughals a lesson. Surat was
Shaistakhan’s army. Finally, the Mughals a big trade centre and port under Mughal
captured the fort of Chakan. control. The British, Dutch and French
Shaistakhan set up his camp at Lal had their factories there. Maximum
Mahal in Pune where Shivaji Maharaj revenue was being generated by this city
had lived in his childhood. Khan sent his for the Emperor. It was a rich city.
forces in the regions around Pune. These Maharaj marched on Surat. Inayat Khan,
forces looted the people. Two years the Subhedar of Surat could not put up
passed, but he would not think of leaving any resistance. Maharaj obtained plenty
Pune. Naturally, this had an adverse of wealth from Surat without bothering
effect on the people’s morale. In these the common people. His campaign of
circumstances, Maharaj drew up a bold Surat was completely successful. This
plan. campaign was a stunning blow to Emperor
Shivaji Maharaj decided to raid Lal Aurangzeb’s prestige.
Mahal secretly under his own leadership. Jaisingh’s Invasion : With a view to
On 5 April 1663, Maharaj raided Lal curbing the increasing activities of Shivaji
Mahal at night with a select band of Maharaj, Aurangzeb sent Mirzaraja
soldiers. In this raid, Shaistakhan lost his Jaisingh, an experienced and powerful
fingers. He suffered great humiliation. He Rajput Sardar. Jaisingh came to Pune. He
left Pune and shifted his camp to started rallying all the forces against
Aurangabad. Due to this episode, he Shivaji Maharaj. To the Portuguese of
incurred the displeasure of Aurangzeb. Goa and Vasai, the Dutch of Vengurla,
Aurangzeb transferred him to the province the British of Surat and the Siddis of

24
Janjira, Jaisingh suggested that they few of his trusted people who were ready
should start a naval campaign against to risk their lives for him.
Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj reached Agra.
Jaisingh drew up a plan of capturing Aurangzeb did not treat him with due
the forts in possession of Maharaj. Mughal honour at his court. Maharaj gave vent
forces were sent to various parts of the to his rage. The Emperor then put him
Swaraj. They ravaged the territories of the under house arrest. Undeterred by this
Swaraj. Maharaj endeavoured to resist the action of the Emperor, Maharaj devised
Mughals. Jaisingh and Dilerkhan laid a plan of escaping from this house arrest.
siege to the fort of Purandar. When the He adroitly escaped from Agra and
Mughals put the fort of Purandar under reached Maharashtra safely after a few
siege, Murarbaji Deshpande fought with days. He reached Rajgad. While returning
the greatest of courage. He died a hero’s from Agra, he had left Sambhaji Raje at
death. Considering the seriousness of the Mathura. Later, Prince Sambhaji was
situation, Maharaj began talks for a treaty brought safely to Rajgad. While Maharaj
with Jaisingh. He met Jaisingh personally. was away from Swaraj, Veermata Jijabai
A treaty between Jaisingh and Maharaj and the associates of Shivaji Maharaj
was signed in June 1665. It is known as looked after the administration of Swaraj.
the ‘Treaty of Purandar’. In accordance
On the offensive against Mughals :
with the terms of the treaty, Maharaj gave
Immediately after returning from Agra,
to the Mughals, twenty-three of his forts
Maharaj did not want any conflict with
and the adjoining territories yielding an
the Mughals. However, he wanted to
annual revenue of four lakh hons. He also
assured the Mughals of help against the recapture the forts and territories given to
Adilshahi. The Treaty was ratified by the Mughals as per the Purandar treaty.
Aurangzeb. For this, he prepared a comprehensive
and bold plan. It was his strategy to
capture the forts by sending a well-
Gather information.
equipped army on the one hand, and on
Find out how Shivaji Maharaj the other hand, to keep the Mughals
escaped from his house arrest at Agra. unstable by invading the territories of the
Deccan under their control. Maharaj
Agra visit and escape : After the attacked the Mughal territories of
Treaty of Purandar, Jaisingh launched a Ahmadnagar and Junnar. Then, he
campaign against the Adilshahi. Maharaj recaptured several forts such as Sinhgad,
helped Jaisingh but this campaign of Purandar, Lohagad, Mahuli, Karnala, and
Jaisingh was not successful. Jaisingh and Rohida, one after the other. Then Maharaj
Aurangzeb felt that Shivaji Maharaj ought attacked Surat for a second time. While
to be kept away, at least for some time, returning from Surat, he fought a great
from the Deccan politics. Jaisingh proposed battle with the Mughals at Vani-Dindori
to Shivaji Maharaj that he should visit in Nashik district. Maharaj defeated the
Agra and meet the Emperor. He guaranteed
Mughal Sardar Daudkhan in the great
the safety of Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji
battle. After that, Moropant Pingale
Maharaj set out for Agra. He was
captured Triambakgad near Nashik.
accompanied by Prince Sambhaji and a

25
 Thus Shivaji Maharaj was successful Maharaj ascended the throne of
in the offensive that he had launched Swaraj. He now became the Chhatrapati
against the Mughals. Sardars such as of the Swaraj. As a symbol of sovereignty,
Tanaji Malusare, Moropant Pingale, the Rajyabhisheka shaka (the coronation
Prataprao Gujar etc. made a valuable era) was started. Maharaj became the
contribution in these offensives. Krishnaji founder of a new era. On the occasion
Anant Sabhasad, a contemporary of the coronation, special coins were
chronicler, thus describes this campaign : minted – a gold coin called Hon and a
‘(He) took as many as twenty-seven forts copper coin called Shivrai with the legend
in four months and earned a great ‘Shri Raja Shivachhatrapati’ inscribed on
reputation for himself ’. them. Thereafter, all royal correspondence

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Coronation : The founding of the (Rajpatra) carried the words,

Maratha Swaraj involved a relentless ‘Kshatriyakulaavantansa Shri Raja
struggle for over thirty years. Maharaj Shivachhatrapati’. A dictionary showing
realised that now it was necessary for the Sanskrit alternatives for Persian words
Swaraj to win general recognition as a was prepared. It is known as
sovereign independent State. For this, a Rajya-vyavahara-kosha.
formal coronation was necessary. On
6 June 1674, he had himself coronated at
Raigad by Gagabhatt, a learned Pandit.
26
 Shortly after this, on 24 September
1674 Shivaji Maharaj had his second
coronation performed under the guidance
of Nischalpuri Gosavi. There were two
traditions of religious ceremonies in India
- Vedic and Tantric. Maharaj honoured
both the traditions and had two coronation
ceremonies performed.

Do you know ?

Prince Sambhaji Raje was 17 years

Fort Raigad
old at the time of the coronation of
Shivaji Maharaj. He has described the
Do you remember ?
coronation ceremony in the treatise
Which Indian King started a new ‘Budhabhushanam’. It is based on his
calendar ? own experience.
Without measuring or counting,
plenty of money, clothes, elephants,
Remember this- horses were donated to the great scholars
who had come to attend the coronation
Some equivalent words in the ceremony from different regions.
Rajya-vyavahara-kosha are worth
Thus, Shivaji Maharaj spread his
mentioning. For example,
fame in different directions.
उदा., किताब - पदवी, फर्मान - राजपत्र,
जामीन - प्रतिभूती, हाली - सांप्रत,
माजी - पूर्व, फिलहाल - तत्काळ, Do you know ?
वाहवा - उत्तम, An extremely valuable and grand
वकूब - प्रज्ञा, बेवकूफ - मूढ, throne was made for the coronation of
दस्तपोशी - हस्तस्पर्श, Shivaji Maharaj. There were eight
मुलाखत - दर्शन, कदमपोशी - पादस्पर्श, bejewelled pillars on eight sides of the
झूट - मिथ्या, कौलनामा - अभय, throne. This throne made of thirty-two
‘mann’ of gold had been studded with
फतेह - विजय, फिर्याद - अन्यायवार्ता,
precious jewels.
शिलेदार - स्वतूरगी.
Learn about the unit ‘mann’ from
your teacher.
The coronation of Shivaji Maharaj
was a revolutionary event in the history The Campaign of the South : Three
of Medieval India. While explaining the years after the coronation, in October
importance of this event, Sabhasad (a 1677, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
contemporary chronicler) writes, ‘It was undertook a campaign of the South. He
no mean achievement for a Maratha King went to Golconda. There he called on the
to become such a great Chhatrapati.’ Qutubshah. He entered into a treaty of
27
friendship with him. Later, Maharaj won leave Maharashtra for reasons of safety.
Bengaluru, Hoskote in Karnataka, Jinji At that time, he took shelter in this
Vellore, etc. forts in today’s Tamil Nadu southern fort of Jinji and ran the
and some other territories of Adilshah. He administration of Swaraj from there.
appointed Raghunath Narayan Hanamante Soon after the victorious campaign of
the chief administrator to look after these the south, Shivaji Maharaj passed away
conquered territories. on Raigad on 3 April 1680. His death at
Vyankoji, the half-brother of Shivaji the age of fifty was a great loss for
Maharaj, was then ruling at Tanjavur. Swaraj. A great era came to an end.
Shivaji Maharaj tried to get him to
participate in the activities of the Swaraj.
After Vyankoji Raje, the rulers of
Tanjavur encouraged art and learning.
The Saraswati Mahal library there is
world famous.
In this campaign of the South,
Maharaj had annexed the fort of Jinji in
Tamil Nadu to his Swaraj. This proved
to be of great importance in later years.
When the Mughal Emperor stayed put in
Maharashtra to destroy Swaraj, the then
Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj had to
The Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj - Raigad

Exercise

1. Arrange in chornological order. (3) Shivaji Maharaj’s campaign of the

(1) Southern campaign of Shivaji South
Maharaj (4) Shivaji Maharaj’s preparation for
(2) Raid on Lal Mahal the coronation
(3) Escape from Agra 4. Give reasons.
(4) Coronation (1) Shivaji Maharaj entered into the
(5) Treaty of Purandar Treaty of Purandar.
(6) Shaistakhan’s invasion (2) Shivaji Maharaj took an aggressive
2. Find the names from the chapter. stand against the Mughals.
(1) A dictionary containing Sanskrit Activities
words - (1) How do you prepare for the special
(2) He won Trimbakgad - programmes on Independence Day/
(3) This Sardar was defeated at Vani- Republic Day  ? Make a list with
Dindori - help of your teacher.
(4) A place where the British Dutch and (2) Visit a historical place in your
French had their factories - neighbourhood and write a report on
3. Write about these in your own words. your visit.
(1) The Coronation of Shivaji Maharaj
(2) Escape from Agra

28
 7. The Administration of the Swaraj
Shivaji Maharaj founded Swaraj. He his position. The ministers were answerable
had himself crowned. After the coronation, to Maharaj for the administration of their
Maharaj accomplished ‘Dakshin Digvijay’, respective departments.
the conquest of the South. The Swaraj Shivaji Maharaj selected the Council
expanded comprising large areas of Nashik, on the basis of their merit and
Pune, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, achievements. He did not give them
Ratnagiri, Raigad and Thane districts of jagirs, vatans or gifts or fiefs. They were
Maharashtra. It also included parts Andhra paid handsome salaries instead.
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu States. To ensure The policy regarding agriculture :
the smooth management of the affairs of Agriculture was the main occupation in
the Swaraj and to ensure people’s welfare, villages. Maharaj knew the importance of
Shivaji Maharaj set up an efficient agriculture. That was why he paid attention
administration. We shall get some to the welfare of farmers. He entrusted the
information about it in this chapter. responsibility of organizing the land
Ashtapradhan Mandal (Council of revenue system to his capable and
Eight Ministers) : At the time of his experienced office bearer Annaji Datto. He
coronation, Shivaji Maharaj appointed a warned the officers that they should not
council of eight ministers. The collect more revenue than the amount that
administration was divided into eight was fixed. He encouraged peasants to
departments. A Head was appointed for bring uncultivated land under cultivation.
each department. These eight Heads of If the crop was lost due to excessive rains
department constituted the Ashtapradhan or drought, or if an enemy army had
Mandal. Maharaj alone had the power to devasted the area of the village, remissions
appoint a minister or to remove him from were granted in land revenue and other
Ashtapradhan Mandal of Shivaji Maharaj
Name of the Minister Designation Work
Running the administration and making
1. Moro Trimbak Pingle Pradhan
arrangements for the conquered territories
Ramchandra Nilkanth
2. Amatya Keeping the accounts of the State
Muzumdar
3. Annaji Datto Sachiv Preparing royal edicts
4. Dattaji Trimbak Waknis Mantri Correspondence
Organisation of the Army and
5. Hambirrao Mohite Senapati
protection of the kingdom
Ramchandra Trimbak
6. Sumant Foreign relations
Dabir
7. Niraji Rawaji Nyayadhish Dispensing justice
8. Moreshwar Panditrao Panditrao Looking after religious matters

29
taxes. Maharaj had instructed his officers was the highest officer in the infantry.
to provide peasants with bullocks, ploughs In the cavalry, there were two types
and good seeds for sowing. of cavalrymen, namely Shiledars and
Village economy of that period  : Bargirs. The Shiledar had his own horse
Agriculture was the backbone of the rural and weapons. The bargir was provided
economy. In villages, many occupations with a horse and weapons by the State.
developed to supplement agriculture. In the cavalry, bargirs were more in
Artisans in the village produced goods number. The ranks of the cavalry officers
and fulfilled the needs of the local people. were similar to those of the infantry
In this sense, a village was a officers. The highest officer in the cavalry
self-sufficient unit. Farmers gave a definite was the Sarnobat. Netoji Palkar, Prataprao
share from their produce to artisans. This Gujar, Hambirrao Mohite were some of
share was called ‘Baluta’. the famous Sarnobats of the cavalry.
Trade and business : Maharaj knew
that a kingdom does not prosper without Let’s learn.
an increase in trade. Merchants bring
Obtain information about the
novel goods as also certain necessities
Armed Forces of India.
into a kingdom. Goods become available
State the names of the three Armed
in plenty. Trade prospers adding to wealth.
Forces.
The view that Maharaj took of merchants
What is the designation of the head
is seen in the Ajnyapatra where merchants
of each Force ?
are described as follows: ‘Merchants are
Who is the Head of all the three
the ornaments of the kingdom and the
Forces ?
glory of the king.’
It was the policy of Maharaj to protect Intelligence Department : It was
industries. An excellent example of this is necessary to protect the Swaraj from its
the salt industry. He protected the salt enemies. For this, it was necessary to get
industry in Konkan. At that time, traders precise and timely information about the
imported salt from the Portuguese territory movements of the enemy. It was the job
and sold in Swaraj. That affected the local of the intelligence department to obtain
trade in Konkon areas. So, Maharaj information about the movements of the
charged heavy duty on the salt imported enemies and submit it to Maharaj. The
into Swaraj from the Portuguese territory. intelligence service of Maharaj was very
The intention was that the salt imported efficient. Bahirji Naik was the Head of
from the Portuguese territory would then the intelligence department. He was
cost more and as a result, its import would extremely skilled in his job. He collected
decrease and the sale of the local salt accurate and detailed information about
would increase. Surat before the raid on Surat.
The Military Organisation : There Forts : Forts were of great importance
were two main divisions of the army of in the medieval age. Possession of a fort
Shivaji Maharaj : infantry and cavalry. made it possible to keep an eye on the
In the infantry there were officers such surrounding area. In case of foreign
as the Havaldar, Jumledar, etc. The chief invasion it was possible to protect the
of the infantry was called Sarnobat. He people taking shelter in the fort. It was
30
possible to stock the fort with foodgrains,
war materials, ammunition and military
garrison. The importance of forts in the
foundation of Swaraj is well stated in
the Ajnyapatra : ‘This kingdom was
created by the late revered and exalted
Majesty forts alone.’

Do you know ?

The description of the building of

forts by Shivaji Maharaj in the treatise Fort Padmadurg
‘Budhabhusanam’ composed by
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is its foundation. A sea fort called
remarkable. It is as follows: Padmadurga was built in front of Rajapuri
in order to counter the Siddi power. About
‘Shivaji Maharaj built many
this fort, Maharaj has said in a letter that
impenetrable forts on the ridge of
by constructing Padmadurga, he had set
plateaus in the Sahyadri mountain
up ‘another Rajapuri to overshadow the
range, in many places from Karnataka
Rajapuri of the Siddi.’
up to Baglan. The intention behind it
was to protect this earth. Under his Navy : Enemies on the west coast of
successful leadership, these forts were India, the Portuguese of Goa, the Siddi
built from the banks of the river of Janjira and the British factors of Surat
Krishna up to the sea in all the four and Rajapur, created obstacles in the
directions. In the Rayari fort, Raje work of expanding the Swaraj. It was
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj remained necessary to curb their activities and to
on the forefront among all kings and protect the west coast. For this purpose,
was victorious’. Maharaj raised a navy. He realised that
the one who has a navy, controls the sea
There were about 300 forts in the Maharaj had great foresight.
Swaraj. Maharaj spent a considerable
amount of money on the building and
repairs of these forts. He built hill forts
like Pratapgad, Pavangad and Rajgad.
There was a Killedar, a Sabnis and a
Karkhanis on every fort. The Karkhanis
looked after the storage of foodgrains and
the maintenance of war material on the Gurab Galbat
fort.
Sea forts : Maharaj knew the
importance of sea forts, too. One of the Do this.
sea forts that he built was Sindhudurga
Obtain information about the
at Malwan. It is an excellent sea fort. To
warships in the Indian Navy and make
give strength to the construction of the
a collection of the pictures of ships.
fort, five khandis of lead was poured into
31
 There were four hundred ships of dominance like other things. His main
various kinds in his navy. They included objective was to make his subjects
battle ships like the gurab, galbat and independent. He was aware that if his
pal. Ships were built in the creek of subjects were to really get the joy of
Kalyan Bhivandi, Vijaydurga and Malvan freedom, it was necessary to have a
Maynak Bhandari and Daulatkhan were disciplined administration, take
the chief naval Commanders. comprehensive care of people’s welfare
Concern for the welfare of his and protect the conquered territories.
subjects : Maharaj did not work only Maharaj was not merely a ruler, he
with the limited ambition of conquering was a watchful administrator who cared
enemy territories and establishing for his people’s welfare. This is clearly
seen in his administration of the State.

Exercise

1. Can you tell ? 4. Complete the chart.

(1) A Council with eight departments - Military Organisation
(2) Bahirj Naik was the Head of this
department -
(3) The sea fort built by Maharaj near ------ Cavalry
Malvan -
(4) He looked after the war materials on
the fort  - Havaldar ------ ------ ------
2. Write about it in your own words. Activities
(1) Shivaji Maharaj’s policy regarding (1) Interview a person in your
agriculture neighbourhood who has served in
(2) Shivaji Maharaj - a ruler concerned the armed forces.
about the welfare of his subjects. (2) Visit a market in your town. List the
3. Give reasons. items prepared/grown in the
(1) Shivaji Maharaj established the neighbourhood and those that come
Council of Eight Ministers. from outside.
(2) Shivaji Maharaj raised a navy.

Fort Sindhudurg

32
 8. An Ideal Ruler

Before the foundation of Swaraj, who killed Bada Sayyad at a critical

Maharashtra was under the domination of moment during the meeting with
the Adilshahi, Siddi, Portuguese and Afzalkhan; Shiva Kashid who crossed the
Mughal powers. Shivaji Maharaj struggled siege of Panhalagad in the disguise of
against these powers. He faced all kinds Shivaji Maharaj; Bajiprabhu Deshpande,
of adverse circumstances. He founded an who blocked the advances of the enemy
independent and sovereign Swaraj. He set on the way to Vishalgad; Murarbaji
up a system for the administration of this Deshpande, who defended the fort of
Swaraj. He turned Swaraj into a Surajya, Purander, Tanaji Malusare, who sacrificed
a kingdom that sought the welfare of all. his life while conquering Sinhagad; Hiroji
Maharaj created a new order with his Farjand and Madari Meheter, who risked
capability. In the course of the conflict their lives during the escape of Maharaj
for the founding of the Swaraj, he himself from Agra, etc. Maharaj took great care
had to face many grave dangers. Events of his associates. For example, Kanhoji
like the meeting with the Afzalkhan, the Jedhe was associated with Maharaj in the
seige of Panhala, the attack on work of the Swaraj from the very
Shaistakhan, the escape from Agra, all beginning. When the ageing Kanhoji fell
involved a great amount of risk. Shivaji ill, Maharaj told him not to neglect his
Maharaj emerged successful in all these medicines or treatment on any account.
events. No harm came to him. Caring for the ryot : While
establishing the Swaraj, Maharaj had to
constantly struggle against his enemies.
Think about it.
His subjects suffered due to enemy
Shivaji Maharaj could establish invasions. At such times, Maharaj used
Swaraj due to his loyal and dedicated to take utmost care to protect the ryot.
associates. At the time of Shaistakhan’s campaign,
Collect proverbs from different Maharaj warned the Deshmukh of the
languages that state the importance of Rohida valley not to fail in his duty
friendship. For example, A friend in towards the ryot. He told Deshmukh to
need is a friend indeed. visit every village and shift people to a
safe place down the ghats. He strictly
Organisational Skill : Maharaj told him not to delay even for a moment.
inspired the people around him to work He further warned the Deshmukh that if
for the Swaraj. His organisational skill he did not thus take care of the ryot, the
was unparalleled. With this skill, he drew Mughal army would take the people
around himself brave people who were prisoner and then it would be seen as the
also extremely loyal. These close Deshmukh’s doing. Maharaj also saw to
associates of Maharaj performed their it that the soldiers did not in any way
duty, even by risking their own lives. cause any harm to the ryot.
There are many instances of this in the Policy regarding the army : Maharaj
founding of the Swaraj - Jiva Mahala, maintained a strict discipline in the army.

33
He was particular about paying the
salaries of the army in time. He made to death. It would be as if you are
arrangements to pay the salaries of more atrocious than the Mughals.
soldiers in cash. In various kingdoms in There would be great uproar.”
Medieval India and elsewhere, there was A policy of tolerance : Maharaj had
a system of making payments to soldiers to struggle against his enemies - the
in the form of jagirs. Maharaj set this Adilshah, the Mughals and the Siddis.
practice aside. There was a strict order They were Islamic powers. While Maharaj
to the army that any valuables collected struggled against them, he considered the
during the campaigns in enemy territories Muslims in the Swaraj as his own
were to be deposited with the Government. subjects. At the time of the meeting with
Soldiers were honoured for their bravery Afzalkhan, Siddi Ibrahim was a trusted
in a campaign. He looked after the servant in his army. Siddi Hilal was a
maintenance of the families of soldiers Sardar in the army of Maharaj. Daulatkhan
who died in battle. He took care of the was an important officer in the navy of
wounded soldiers, he treated well the the Swaraj.
enemy soldiers who had surrendered
themselves or who had been captured. Maharaj followed a tolerant religious
policy. In the enemy territories that he
conquered, he continued the facilities that
Do you know ? had been given to the Muslim places of
worship. His contemporary historian
If war broke out during the period Khafikhan writes about the tolerant
of sowing-growing-reaping of crops, religious policy of Maharaj; ‘Shivaji had
there would be no limit to the loss framed strict rules for his soldiers that
of farmers. Not only would the during the campaigns, they should not
movements of army interfere with the harm a mosque. If they came in possession
work of sowing, but the soldiers of a copy of the Holy Quran, they should
would cut off and take away standing hand over the same, with reverence, to a
crops or would destroy them. They Muslim.’
would rob the houses of farmers.
The inspiration for freedom : The
Shivaji Maharaj had ordered the
efforts that Maharaj made to establish the
officers to prohibit his soliders from
Swaraj have a special value. It is the
such actions. The letter written by
value of freedom. He aimed at establishing
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in
and maintaining an independent and
1674  ce to his military officers is
sovereign existence that did not accept
very important in this regard. It shows
the dominance of any other power. While
how minutely Shivaji Maharaj thought
struggling against the foreign powers,
about the discipline in the army.
Maharaj inspired others too, for freedom.
“If you harass and trouble the When Chhatrasal, who was in the service
subjects belonging to different castes of the Mughals, came to see Maharaj,
by robbing them of their grains, fodder, Maharaj inspired him to create an
grass, vegetables, etc., those subjects independent kingdom in Bundelkhand.
would leave their houses and migrate
Greatness of Maharaj’s work :
elsewhere. Many of them would starve
Maharaj established Swaraj while fighting
34
against many enemies. This action itself a different religious perspective. All these
proves that he was a pioneer of a new actions show his revolutionary aspects in
era. But besides this action, many other the field of religion.
noble qualities are found in his personality. When there were threats to Swaraj,
Maharaj was very intelligent. He he would face them with or without his
had mastered many arts. He was associates. Due to this, even his associates
conversant with many languages and were ready to sacrifice their lives for
scripts. The teachings of his parents Swaraj. Of course, his greatness was not
towards the establishment of Swaraj confined to the quality of facing calamities
and ethics were deeply instilled in his bravely and fearlessly. He wanted to have
mind. There was a blend of character an ethical, qualitative base to the Swaraj.
and strength, nobility and valour in his That is why he would give orders, even
personality. He had innumerable qualities regarding minor issues along with the
like leadership, management, foresight, important ones. The order that prohibited
political diplomacy, effective policy soldiers from taking vegetables from the
about regional and military fields of the peasants by force, is
administration, commitment to truth and exemplary from this point of view. The
justice, attitude of equality, visualisation restrictions on the cutting of trees enforced
of future activities, the skill of seeing his by him are also noteworthy.
planned ventures through, rising over the
calamities without giving up, alertness,
vigilance and so on. Think about it.
He used to punish those severely who
would misbehave with women. He used Why is it necessary to grow trees ?
to take care of all sections of the society
like farmers, craftsmen, soldiers, traders, He had ordered that the garbage on
merchants, etc. He used to harbour the the fort should be burnt in an allotted
same respect for people of other religions space without dumping it elsewhere, and
that he had for people of his own religion, vegetables should be grown on its ash. It
without any discrimination. He even becomes clear from this fact that he
established family bonds with them. He would pay close attention to the minutest
brought back into swadharma, their details while establishing Swaraj. He was
original religion, persons who had not just a warrior, but also a sculptor
converted to another religion though there who created a new, independent, ethical
was an opposition to such a reconversion and cultured society. His greatness is
at that time. At that time, there was comprehensive.
opposition on religious grounds to crossing
the seas. Yet he built sea forts like Can you tell ?
Singhudurg and created a navy. This
means that he had made preparation for How is the waste in your area
countering foreign invasions that came managed ?
from the sea. He became the ruler of State the name of the machinery
Swaraj officially through his coronation, that looks after waste management.
he later, had a second Coronation from

35
 In our national movement, Maharaj book about the greatness of Maharaj. The
was a great source of inspiration. In his great Tamil poet Subramanyam Bharati
struggle for equality, Mahatma Jotirao has written a poem about an imaginary
Phule described in his powadas the incident in which Shivaji Maharaj talks to
greatness of Shivaji Maharaj. Lokmanya his associates. Vishwakavi Rabindranath
Tilak brought about national awakening Tagore has written a long poem on
through the medium of Shivajayanti Maharaj. Tagore sees his efforts to found
celebrations. Lala Lajpatrai has written a Swaraj as efforts for realizing a noble
cause. Sir Jadunaath Sarkar has praised
Do you know ? his achievements in his book ‘Shivaji and
His Times’. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru has
Mahatma Jotirao Phule composed said that Maharaj did not belong to
a Powada in 1869  ce on Shivaji Maharashtra alone, he belonged to the
Maharaj. A part of it is given here. whole Indian nation. ... he was a symbol
।। शिवाचा गजर जयनामाचा झेंडा रोविला ।। of many virtues, more especially of love
of country.
।। क्षेत्र्याचा मेळा मावळ्याचा शिकार खेळला ।।
All Indian languages have works that
माते पायीं ठेवी डोई गर्व नाहीं काडीचा ।
talk about him as an ideal ruler and a
आशिर्वाद घेई आईचा ।। source of inspiration.
आलाबला घेई आवडता होतो जिजीचा । Future generations too, will continue
पवाडा गातो शिवाजीचा ।। to look upon this work of Shivaji Maharaj
कुळवाडी - भूषण पवाडा गातो भोसल्याचा । of founding the Swaraj and turning it into
छत्रपती शिवाजीचा ।।३।। Surajya as a source of inspiration, as an
ideal. Shivaji Maharaj was a great
national hero.
Exercise

1. Find it from the chapter. (3) Explain Shivaji Maharaj’s policy

(1) Grave dangers in the life of Shivaji regarding the army.
Maharaj. 3. Give one word for.
(2) They risked their life at the time of (1) An important officer in the navy of
Maharaj’s escape from Agra. Swaraj  -
(3) What warning did Shivaji Maharaj (2) A Tamil poet who composed a poem
issue to the Deshmukh of Rohida on Shivaji Maharaj  -
Valley ?
(3) He created an independent kingdom
(4) What inspiration can future
in Bundelkhand  -
generations draw from the life of
Shivaji Maharaj? (4) He composed a Powada on the
greatness of Shivaji Maharaj  -
2. Write about it in your own words.
Activities
(1) What warning did Shivaji Maharaj
issue to his soldiers to avoid any (1) Tell how you help your friend in his
loss to the ryot ? need.
(2) How do we know that the religious (2) List the places named after famous
policy of Shivaji Maharaj was that personalities.
of tolerance ?
36
 9. The Maratha War of Independence
After the death of Chhatrapati ShivajiChhatrapti Shivaji Maharaj. He was born
Maharaj, the Marathas fought with great on 14 May 1657 on the Purandar Fort.
valour with the Mughals under the After Shivaji Maharaj, he became the
leadership of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Chhatrapati. At this time, the Marathas
Maharaj, Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj were battling against the Mughals. During
and Maharani Tarabai to protect the the same period, Emperor Aurangzeb's son
Swaraj. This long war that lasted for Shahajada Akbar rebelled against his
twenty seven years is called the ‘Maratha father. The Emperor crushed his rebellion.
War of Independence’. In 1682 ce Emperor Then Akbar came to the Deccan to take
Aurangzeb himself led the invasion of shelter with Sambhaji Maharaj. Then the
South. Even then, despite enormous Emperor himself descended on the South
difficulties, the Marathas emerged in 1682  ce to vanquish Akbar. He had with
victorious in this struggle. This war is anhim a huge army and a powerful artillery.
exciting and glorious period in the historyHe asked the Siddi of Janjira to undertake
of India. In this chapter, we shall learn an expedition against the Marathas. He
about this war of independence. also won over the Portuguese to his side.
Consequently, Sambhaji Maharaj had to
The word ‘Maratha’ used here means the face many adversaries at one and the same
‘people who speak Marathi’ or time.
‘Maharashtrian people’. The reign of Sambhaji Maharaj marks
the first chapter of the Maratha War of
Do this. Independence after Shivaji Maharaj.
Shivaji Maharaj had given him excellent
Sambhajiraje speaking... Present a education in civil administration and
role play. military campaigns. Sambhaji Maharaj
had begun to take interst in the
administration of the State and the
command of the army from the age of
fourteen years. While he was still a
prince, he had led attacks on many
territories of the Mughals and the
Adilshah. Then French traveller Abbe
Carrey says about his battle skills, “Even
though the prince is young, he is
courageous and brave like his father was
famous for….”
When Sambhaji Maharaj became
Chhatrapati, the war with the Mughals
became fiercer. Aurangzeb wanted to
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj occupy regions from Kabul to
Kannyakumari and create a grand unified
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj  : Mughal empire. His dream was to destroy
Sambhaji Maharaj was the eldest son of the Maratha State completely using his
37
military and financial prowess. But Campaign against the Portuguese :
Sambhaji Maharaj shattered his dreams The Portuguese of Goa joined hands with
with his bravery and military skills. Troops the Emperor against Sambhaji Maharaj.
of the Maratha army attacked many of the So, Sambhaji Maharaj decided to teach a
Mughal territories. Though the Emperor’s lesson to the Portuguese. He attacked the
generals tried very hard for a long time, Revdanda fort of the Portuguese in 1683  ce.
they couldn’t win the Maratha fort of To counter this, the Portuguese laid a siege
Ramsej near Nashik. Thus, Sambhaji to the Fonda fort of the Marathas on the
Maharaj’s valour brought Aurangzeb to his Goa border. The Marathas broke through
knees. Once he removed his turban in the siege and attacked Goa. In this battle,
frustration and threw it on the floor. He Yesaji Kank showed great valour. The
made a vow that until he had vanquished Portuguese Governor got wounded and
Sambhaji, he would not wear his turban.
retreated. Sambhaji Maharaj followed him.
Sambhaji Maharaj had rendered Aurangzeb
The Portuguese were in deep trouble. At
helpless to this extent.
this time, Sambhaji Maharaj got the news
that the Mughals had attacked South
Do you know ? Konkan. Therefore, he had to abandon the
winning campaign of Goa and return to
Aurangzeb thought that once the fight with the Mughals.
Maratha forts were captured, their The end of Adilshahi and
rule too, would come to an end. So Qutubshahi : Aurangzeb did not succeed
he put a siege around Ramsej fort in his campaign against the Marathas.
near Nashik. Aurangzeb’s army was
Therefore, he suspended that campaign.
huge. The Maratha army was small.
Then he turned towards the kingdoms of
But they fought with perseverance.
Adilshah and Qutubshah and conquered
The siege continued for the next five
them.
years. This bravery of a handful
Maratha soldiers was unparalleled. The wealth and army of both the
This resistance offered by the Marathas kingdoms was now acquired by the
made Aurangzeb realise the difficulty Mughals and it made Aurangzeb even
of fighting with them. stronger. Then he concentrated all his
might on defeating the Marathas. He
Campaign against the Siddi : The attacked their territory from all sides. The
Siddi of Janjira used to harass the people Maratha army General Hambirrao Mohite
in the Maratha territory. He used to raid, got killed during an encounter with the
burn, and loot the Maratha territory and Mughal army. Due to this blow the
commit atrocities. Sabhasada has described military strength of Sambhaji Maharaj
him as a rat in the house. Sambhaji was weakened.
Maharaj started a campaign against him Administration of Sambhaji
in 1682  ce. His army laid a siege to Siddi’s Maharaj  : Even though Sambhaji Maharaj
Dandarajpuri fort, and battered the fort of was busy fighting on various battle fronts,
Janjira with the artillery. But at the same he did not ignore his administrative
time, the Mughal army invaded Swaraj. responsibilities. He continued the prompt
Sambhaji Maharaj had to abandon the justice and revenue system, which was a
Janjira campaign and turn back. characteristic of Chhatrapati Shivaji

38
Maharaj’s era. He severely punished the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was born
landlords who harassed common people on 24 February 1670 on Raigad. He became
and who rebelled against the Swaraj. He Chhatrapati after the death of Sambhaji
gave administrative powers to Maharani Maharaj. Now Aurangzeb thought that his
Yesubai. He gave her, her own stamp. He dream of winning
continued the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj’s the Maratha
welfare policies. kingdom would
Sambhaji Maharaj knew Sanskrit and be realised. He
many other languages well. He studied sent Zulfikarkhan
many ancient books on polity and wrote to put Raigad
their gist in a book called under siege. That
‘Budhbhushanam’. time Rajaram
Maharaj and his
Do you know ? wife Maharani
Tarabai and
Sambhaji Maharaj composed Chhatrapati
Rajaram Maharaj Sambhaji
‘Budhbhushanam’ in the Sanskrit Maharaj’s wife
language. The second chapter of this Maharani Yesubai and his son Shahu were
book discusses polity. It includes on Raigad. It was risky for all members of
information about the virtues of a king, the royal family to stay at one place.
prime minister, princes and their Maharani Yesubai tackled this
education and functions, the advisers to unprecedented calamity very bravely.
the king, forts and the goods and Resolving that, she would not surrender to
materials needed on a fort, the army, the the Mughals under any conditions, she took
duties of a king, espionage, etc. many important political decisions on
Raigad. It was decided that Rajaram
Death of Sambhaji Maharaj   :
Maharaj should escape from Raigad and if
Aurangzeb was trying very hard to defeat
necessary, go to a far off place like Jinji.
Sambhaji Maharaj. He had placed
It was decided that the fight to defend
Mukarrabkhan in charge of the Kolhapur
Raigad would continue under the leadership
province. Mukarrabkhan learnt that
of Maharani Yesubai. Maharani Yesubai
Sambhaji Maharaj was at Sangameshwar
chose to make Rajaram Maharaj and not
in Konkan. He raided the place and
her own son the Chhatrapati. Her decision
captured Sambhaji Maharaj. When
is a shining example of her love for Swaraj
Sambhaji Maharaj was taken to the
and her extreme selflessness. She kept the
Emperor, he faced him fearlessly. By the
Maratha Chhatrapati secure without regard
Emperor’s orders, he was brutally put to
for her own life or that of her son.
death on 11 March 1689. This Maratha
Chhatrapati did not compromise his self
respect and faced his death nobly and Let’s find out.
bravely. The Marathas took inspiration Find Jinji on a map of India.
from his sacrifice and intensified their Rajaram Maharaj leaves for Jinji  :
fight against the Mughals. On 5 April 1689 Rajaram Maharaj
Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj  : escaped from the besieged Raigad with a
Rajaram Maharaj was the second son of few of his associates. He decided to go
39
south to Jinji. The Jinji fort was invincible. Do you know ?
It was not an easy task for the Mughals
to capture this fort. Rajaram Maharaj The Mughal soldiers were so
took his faithful Sardars like Pralhad scared of Dhanaji that when their
Niraji, Khando Ballal, Rupaji Bhosale horse baulked while drinking water,
and managed to reach Jinji. they would say: “Why, do you see
The Movements of the Marathas : Dhanaji in the water ?”
It was difficult to defend the Raigad
fort against the might of the Mughals. Marathas defended the fort bravely for
The Mughals captured Raigad in nearly eight years. The Mughal forces
November 1689 and arrested Maharani engaged in the siege were fiercely
Yesubai and Shahu. While going to attacked from outside by Santaji and
Jinji, Rajaram Maharaj had assigned Dhanaji. Rajaram Maharaj escaped
the duty to fight against the Mughals through the siege, and returned to
to Ramchandrapant Amatya, Shankaraji Maharashtra. Later Zulfikarkhan captured
Narayan Sachiv, Santaji Ghorpade and the fort of Jinji.
Dhanaji Jadhav. The return of Rajaram Maharaj to
From the Maratha point of view, the Maharashtra gave a boost to the Maratha
situation was critical. Aurangzeb had activity. The Marathas attacked the
enticed many Maratha Sardars to his Mughal territories of Khandesh, Varhad
side by giving them watans and jagirs. and Baglan. Rajaram Maharaj inspired
Rajaram Maharaj also used the same hundreds of brave Maratha warriors like
tactics to thwart the Mughal plans. It Santaji and Dhanaji with his understanding
was promised that if a Maratha Sardar nature and statesmanship. He motivated
captured Mughal territory it would be them to protect the Swaraj and thus
given to him as a jagir. Due to this performed a very valuable task. But even
promise, many capable Maratha Sardars as all this was taking place, Rajaram
came forward. They started invading the Maharaj died on 2 March 1700 on
Mughal territory with vigour and defeated Sinhgad after a short period of illness.
Mughal Generals. Santaji and Dhanaji Rajaram Maharaj was thoughtful and
were at the forefont in these actions. kind-hearted. He brought together all the
Against their surprise attacks and capable people in the Maratha empire.
guerrilla tactics, the enormous amount of He united them created a new enthusiasm
war material and heavy artillery of the amongst them. After the death of Sambhaji
Mughals were of little use. The Mughal Maharaj, he fought against Aurangzeb for
forces were at their wits’ end. On one 11 years with great courage and tenacity.
occasion, Santaji Ghorpade and Vithoji Rajaram Maharaj’s greatest achievement
Chavan even cut and carried away the is that he protected Swaraj in those
golden pinnacle of the Emperor’s own extremely difficult times. While describing
tent in a surprise attack. Rajaram Maharaj, noted historian
Siege of Jinji : Once Raigad was Riyasatkar G. S. Sardesai has used the
captured. the Emperor sent Zulfikarkhan adjective ‘Sthirbuddhi’ (Level Headed).
to the South on the campaign of Jinji. He cannot be described in better words
He laid siege to the fort of Jinji. The than these.
40
 Swaraj struggle bravely with the help of
Do this. her Sardars. Aurangzeb captured Satara
and Panhala from the Maratha territory,

Interview the women in your but at the same time the Marathas dashed
neighbourhood who have made great up to the Mughal areas of Madhya Pradesh
achievements in various fields. and Gujarat. Tarabai expanded the war
areas further. Sardars like Krishnaji
Maharani Tarabai : After the death
Sawant, Khanderao Dabhade, Dhanaji
of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj,
Jadhav and Nemaji Shinde opened battles
Aurangzeb thought that he had won the
against Mughals on various fronts outside
war against the Marathas. But it was not
Maharashtra. This was a sign of change
so. Aurangzeb was winning battle after
in the outcome of the war.
battle, but he could not win the war.
Maharani Tarabai, the capable wife of Maharani Tarabai fought for seven
Rajaram Maharaj, came forward to lead years. She kept the Maratha kingdom
the Swaraj movement in the extremely strong. She took charge of the
unfavourable circumstances. administration singlehandedly and
encouraged the Sardars to participate in
the mission of Swaraj. Maratha Sardars
fought against the Mughals up to Sironje,
Mandsaur and Malwa. Khafikhan has
recorded that Rajaram’s wife Tarabai
achieved great things and displayed the

Do you know ?

Maharani Tarabai used the

Guerrilla technique very effectively.
Marathas were comparatively weaker
than Aurangzeb in army power.
Aurangzeb used his army to put siege
to the forts to capture them. Marathas
used to fight for the fort as long as
they could. But when the rainy season
approached, Killedar of the fort
pretended to side with Aurangzeb. A
Maharani Tarabai
bribe was accepted from Aurangzeb
and the fort was handed over to him.
Contemporary Mughal historian
The Killedar used to deposit this bribe
Khafikhan describes Maharani Tarabai as
amount in the Maratha treasury. When
an intelligent and knowledgeable woman.
Aurangzeb repleted the wealth, grains
Her management of the army and
and ammunition on the fort, Tarabai
administration had won renown even
used to capture that fort again. This
during the rule of her husband.
strategy of Tarabai is described as
After the death of Chhatrapati Rajaram ‘Safe deposit locker system’.
Maharaj, Maharani Tarabai continued the
41
qualities of leadership of the army and Mughal-Maratha fight had continued for
management of campaigns. It added force 25 years. Still the Mughals could not
to the Maratha campaigns. defeat the Marathas. In these circumstances,
Emperor Aurangzeb died in 1707 ce at
Do you know ? Ahmednagar. The Maratha War of
Independence ended with his death.
While describing Tarabai’s great This Maratha war for independence
achievements, Poet Devdatta (who was was the fight between the Mughal
the son of Paramanand, the author or Emperor’s greed to expand his empire
Shivbharat) says, and the spirit of independence of the
ताराबाई रामराणी । भद्रकाली कोपली । Marathas. The Marathas emerged
victorious in it. After the death of
दिल्ली झाली दीनवाणी । दिल्लीशाचे गेले पाणी । Aurangzeb, they led others in filling the
रामराणी भद्रकाली । रणरंगी क्रुद्ध झाली । vacuum in the political arena. They
प्रयत्नाची वेळ आली । मुगल हो सांभाळा ।। controlled the throne of Delhi, ran the
affairs of almost all parts of Hindusthan
Thus, Maharani Tarabai kept up the and protected it. Therefore, the
legacy of valour inherited from Chhatrapati th
18 century is known as the century of
Shivaji Maharaj. the Marathas. In the next chapters, we
Due to the forceful campaigns of the will see the achievements of the Marathas
Marathas, Aurangzeb was frustrated. The in that century.

THE FAMILY TREE OF THE BHONSALES

Malojiraje

Shahajiraje
(1594 ce to 1664 ce)

Sambhaji Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vyankoji

(1630 ce to 1680 ce)

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj

(1657 ce to 1689 ce) (1670 ce to 1700 ce)

Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati Chhatrapati

(1682 ce t o 1749 ce) Shivaji Sambhaji
(Son of Tarabai) (Son of Rajasbai)

Chhatrapati Ramraja Ramraja

(Adopted (Adopted by
1750 ce t o 1777 ce) Satara gadi)

42
 Exercise

1. Choose the correct option. (3) To whom did Rajaram Maharaj entrust
(1) Aurangzeb was frustrated by his bravery. the responsibility of protecting the Swaraj
(a) Shahajada Akbar when he went to Jinji.
(b) Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (4) Devdatta has described Maharani
(c) Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Tarabai’s valour in these words.
(2) They cut the golden pinnacles the
Emperor’s tent. 3. Give reasons.
(a) Santaji and Dhanaji (1) Aurangzeb turned his attention towards
(b) Santaji Ghorpade and Vithoji Chavan Adilshahi and Qutubshahi kingdoms.
(c) Khando Ballal and Rupaji Bhosale (2) After the death of Sambhaji Maharaj,
(3) He fought bravely in the Goa battle. the Marathas intensified their war with
(a) Yesaji Kank the Mughals.
(b) Nemaji Shinde (3) It was decided that the Raigad fort
(c) Pralhad Niraji should be fought under the leadership of
Maharani Yesubai.
2. Find in the text in the lesson and write
answers. Activity
(1) Why did Sambhaji Maharaj return Show Goa, Bijapur, Golconda, Jinji,
halfway from the Janjira Campaign ? Ahmadabad and Ahmednagar on a map
(2) Why did Sambhaji Maharaj decide to of India.
teach a lesson to the Portuguese ?

Fort Jinji

43
 10. The Expansion of the Maratha Power
At the beginning of the Maratha war won the battle. He captured Satara. He got
of independence, the Mughals were on himself crowned. Satara became the capital
the offensive whereas the Marathas were of the Maratha kingdom.
on the defensive. This situation however For a while, the mutual opposition
was reversed at the end of the war of between Maharani Tarabai and Shahu
independence. The Mughals were thrown Maharaj continued. Maharani Tarabai
on the defensive against the Marathas. In proclaimed her minor son Shivaji II as the
the latter half of the eighteenth century, Chhatrapati at Pahnala in 1710  ce. This
the Marathas subdued the Mughals and gave rise to an indendepent Maratha
extended the Maratha power to cover Kingdom at Kolhapur besides the one at
practically the whole of India. We shall Satara.
study this in the present chapter. The early part of Shahu Maharaj’s life
Release of Shahu Maharaj : After was spent in Mughal camps. So, he had
the death of Emperor Aurangzeb, there seen Mughal politics from close quarters.
ensued a struggle among his sons for the He knew the finer points of Mughal and
throne of Delhi. Prince Azamshah was in especially North Indian politics.
the South. At once, he marched towards He knew the strengths and weaknesses
Delhi to seize the imperial throne. Prince of the Mughal empire very well. Also, he
Shahu was in his captivity. Azamshah was acquainted with the influential people
believed that if Shahu Maharaj was in the Mughal Court. All these factors
released, there would arise a conflict helped him deciding the new direction of
between him and Maharani Tarabai for Maratha politics in the changing
the gadi of the Maratha Chhatrapati. circumstances.
Azamshah felt that this would sap the Aurangzeb’s successors had given up
Maratha strength and therefore, released his policy of destroying the Maratha power.
Shahu Maharaj. So the Marathas adopted a new policy.
Coronation of Shahu Maharaj : Instead of fighting with the Mughal power,
Immediately after his release, Shahu they decided to protect it and expand their
Maharaj marched towards Maharashtra. own empire in that role. They believed that
He was joined by some Maratha Sardars, restoring an old temple is as good as
but Maharani building a new one.
Tarabai did not The Mughal power faced the threat of
accept his claim to the Irani and Afghani invaders from the
the throne. The north-west and also of the local Pathan,
armies of Shahu local Rajput, Jat and Rohilas rulers. The
Maharaj and internal competition and tussle in the court
Maharani Tarabai had also weakened the Mughal power. Due
fought a battle at to all these the Delhi Court needed the help
Khed on the bank of the Marathas.
of the Bheema.
Balaji Vishwanath : After Shahu
Shahu Maharaj
Shahu Maharaj Maharaj was released by the Mughals, he

44
made Balaji Vishwanath, a Peshwa. Balaji Nizam’s defeat at Palkhed : The
hailed from Shrivardhan, in Konkan. He Mughal emperor Farukhsear appointed
was competent and experienced. He Nizam  –  ul  –  Mulk the Subhedar of Deccan.
convinced many Sardars that Shahu In 1713  ce Nizam tried to establish his
Maharaj was the real heir of the Maratha separate existence at Hyderabad. The
empire and made them join hands with Emperor had given the Marathas the rights
him. to recover Chauthai-Sardeshmukhi from
Kanhoji Angre was the chief of the Mughal areas. Nizam was against it.
Maratha Navy. He chose to side with He captured some part of the Pune
Maharani Tarabai and attacked the Pargana. Bajirao decided to checkmate the
territories of Shahu Maharaj. This gave Nizam. He defeated the Nizam at Palkhed
rise to a difficult situation. Under these near Aurangabad. The Nizam accepted the
circumstances, Shahu Maharaj sent Balaji Maratha right to collect Chauthai-
to fight against Kanhoji Angre. Balaji Sardeshmukhi.
avoided the war and won Kanhoji over to As the Mughal power had become
Shahu Maharaj’s side. weak, Bajirao knew that there was more
Chauthai and Sardeshmukhi rights : scope to expand the empire towards
After strengthening the position of Shahu northern side. Shahu Maharaj supported
Maharaj in Maharashtra, Balaji turned his his policy.
attention to the politics in the North. The Malwa : Malwa in todays Madhya
Delhi court, after the death of Emperor Pradesh was part of the Mughal empire.
Aurangzeb, was marked by bickering and Bajirao sent Malharrao Holkar, Ranoji
confusion. The Sayyid brothers, Abdulla Shinde and Udaji Pawar under the
(Hasan) and Hussein Ali had become very leadership of his brother Chimajiappa to
influential. With their help, in 1719   ce Malwa. There, they strengthened the posts.
Balaji obtained from the Mughal Emperor, Bundelkhand: Bundelkhand means
the grants or sanads to collect chauthai some part of today’s Madhya Pradesh and
and sardeshmukhi from the Mughal territory Uttar Pradesh - areas around Jhansi,
in the Deccan. These sanads gave the Panna and Sagar.
Marathas the rights to collect one fourth King Chhatrasal had established his
part (chauthai) and one tenth part own kingdom in Bundelkhand. The Mughal
(sardeshmukhi) of the revenue from the Subhedar Mohmmad Khan Bangush of
Mughal territory in the Deccan. Allahabad attacked Bundelkhand and had
Bajirao I : defeated Chhatrasal. Chhatrasal appealed
After the death of to Bajirao for help.
Balaji Vishwanath, Bajirao took a large army and went
Shahu Maharaj to Bundelkhand. He defeated Bangush.
appointed Balaji’s Chhatrasal honoured Bajirao. This is how
son, Bajirao I the Marathas established their supremacy in
Peshwa in 1720  ce. Malwa and Bundelkhand.
He expanded the
Bajirao demanded from the Emperor
Maratha Empire
the office of the Subhedar of Malwa. As
during his term of
the Emperor declined this demand, Bajirao
Bajirao I 20 years.

45
marched on Delhi in 1737  ce. The Mughals Portuguese. Chimaji conquered Thane and
were taken by surprise. the adjacent areas. In 1739   ce, he laid
siege to the Vasai fort. The fort was very
strong. The Portuguese had a powerful
Do you know ? artillery. In spite of all this, Chimaji
Chhatrasal wrote a letter to Bajirao. continued the siege with perseverance and
In that he wrote, जो गत आह गजेंद्र की forced the Portuguese to surrender. The
वह गत आई है आज. बाजी जान बुंदेल की, fort of Vasai and large parts of the
बाजी राखो लाज. (My situation is like Portuguese territory passed into the hands
the elephant whose leg is caught by of the Marathas.
the crocodile. You are the only one Death of Bajirao : Nadirshah, the
who can save me.) Emperor of Iran, invaded India. Following
the order of Shahu Maharaj, Bajirao set
The battle of Bhopal : The Emperor out for the North with a big army to
felt uneasy on account of Bajirao’s Delhi defend the Mughal power. By the time he
expedition. He invited the Nizam to reached Burhanpur, Nadirshah had
protect Delhi. Nijam marched against returned to Iran with an enormous booty
Bajirao with his huge army. Bajirao looted from Delhi. In April 1740, Bajirao
defeated him at Bhopal. Nizam agreed to breathed his last at Raverkhedi on the
secure the sanad of Malwa subhedari for banks of the Narmada.
the Marathas from the Badshah. Bajirao was a great General. With
The defeat of Portuguese : The his valour, he established the Maratha
territories of Vasai and Thane on the supremacy in the North. He won status
Konkan coast were in the possession of for the Maratha power as a formidable
the Portuguese. The Portuguese rulers power in the whole of India.
oppressed their subjects. Bajirao sent his In his time, the Shinde, Holkar,
brother Chimajiappa to subdue the Pawar, Gaikwad families attained
prominence.

Exercise

1. Write the meaning. (3) Balaji Vishwanath

(1) Chauthai - (4) Bajirao I
(2) Sardeshmukhi - 4. Give reasons.
2. Write the answer in one word. (1) Two separate Maratha States were
(1) Balaji was from this town in Konkan formed.
.............. (2) Azamshah released Chattrapati Shahu
(2) He ruled Bundelkhand .............. Maharaj from his custody.
(3) Bajirao died at this place .............. (3) Delhi needed the help from the
(4) He defeated the Portuguese .............. Marathas.
3. Write about them in your own words. Activity
(1) Kanhoji Angre Get a biography of Maharani Tarabai
(2) The Battle of Palkhed and present an inspiring event in her
life.

46
 11. Marathas – The Protectors of the Nation
After Bajirao I, Shahu Maharaj Afghans. In return, the Marathas were to
appointed his son Balaji Bajirao alias get cash money, the right to collect
Nanasaheb the Peshwa. Following the chauthai in the territories of the Punjab,
invasion of Nadirshah, there was instability Multan, Rajputana, Sindh and Rohilkhand
in Delhi. In these circumstances, and the Subhedari of Ajmer and Agra
Nanasaheb tried to stabilize the Maratha provinces.
rule in the North. Ahmadshah Abdali As per the treaty, the Peshwa sent the
posed a challenge to the Marathas at Shinde-Holkar armies for the protection of
Panipat. We shall learn about these Delhi on behalf of the Chhatrapati. When
developments in this chapter. Abdali learnt that the Marathas were
Situation in the North : The region marching to Delhi, he went back to his
to the north-west of Ayodhya province at country. Because the threat of Abdali was
the foothills of the Himalayas was called thus thwarted due to the Marathas, the
Rohilkhand in the 18th century. The Emperor gave them Chauthai rights to the
Pathans who had migrated from Mughal subhas. These subhas included
Afghanistan had settled in this region. Kabul, Kandahar and Peshawar. Though
They were known as Rohillas. The the subhas were previously a past of the
Rohillas had wrought havoc in the Doab Mughal empire, now they were part of
region of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Abdali’s Afghanistan. As per the treaty, it
The Nawab of Ayodhya invited the was a duty of the Marathas to win the
Marathas to subdue the Rohillas. The subhas back from Abdali and annexe them
Marathas chastised the Rohillas. to the Mughal Empire. Abdali however,
Conflict with the Afghans : wanted to bring under Afghan control, the
Ahmadshah Abdali, the ruler of region up to the Punjab. So a conflict
Afghanistan, was attracted by the riches between the Marathas and Abdali was
of India. He marched on the Punjab in imminent and inevitable.
1751  ce. There was anarchy in the Mughal Raghunathrao, brother of the Peshwa
territory. The Mughals were facing the Nanasaheb, accompanied by Jayappa
threat of Abdali’s invasion. In these Shinde and Malharrao
circumstances, the Mughals found it Holkar, undertook the
necessary for their own protection, to seek campaign of North
the help of the Marathas. The Emperor India to combat
was sure of the Maratha strength and Abdali.
integrity. There was no other power strong The local rulers
enough to protect Delhi. Therefore, the in the north saw the
Emperor entered into a treaty with the Marathas from the
Marathas in April 1752. According to this South as their
treaty, the Marathas agreed to protect the competitors. They did
Mughal power from enemies like the Peshwa Nanasaheb not take into account
Rohillas, the Jats, the Rajputs and the the broad vision of the Marathas and
47
remained neutral, offering no help to the to come to his help. On receiving the
Marathas. They did not like the Maratha message from Najibkhan, Abdali invaded
supremacy and interventions in the Delhi India again. Dattaji and Abdali confronted
court. Surajmal Jat and Rani Kishori were each other at Buradi Ghat on the banks
the only ones who helped the Marathas of the Yamuna. A fierce fight ensued.
wounded in the battle of Panipat. Dattaji showed tremendous valour. He
Also, some of the orthodox sects in met with a heroic death in this battle.
the North saw Marathas as people
belonging to other religions. They, too,
Do you know ?
left aside the broad vision of the Marathas.
They persuaded Abdali to invade India Dattaji fought very bravely. At
with a view to reducing the Maratha
last, he was severely wounded and
might. They expected that Abdali would
collapsed on the battleground. Najib
defeat the Marathas and drive them away
back to the South, beyond the river Khan Rohilla’s adviser Qutub Shah
Narmada. stepped down from his elephant and
The Maratha standard on Attock : came towards Dattaji. He asked
Najibkhan was a Rohilla chief. He found Dattaji, ‘क्यों पटेलजी, हमारे साथ तुम और
it hard to tolerate the Maratha supremacy भी लढेंगे?’ Dattaji was in a wounded
in the North. At the behest of Najibkhan, state. But after hearing these words
Abdali invaded India again. This was the of Qutub Shah, he replied with pride,
fifth time he had invaded India. He ‘हाँ, बचेंगे तो और भी लढेंग े ।’
captured Delhi. He returned to Afghanistan
with a huge booty. Raghunathrao and
Malharrao Holkar marched to the North Sadashivraobhau : Nanasaheb sent
again. They captured Delhi. Then, driving his cousin Sadashivraobhau and eldest
out Abdali’s officers, they captured the son Vishwasrao to the North to crush
Punjab. The Marathas pursued Abdali’s Abdali. Sadashivraobhau was
soldiers right up to Attock in 1758   ce.
Chimajiappa’s son. He had with him, a
The Maratha standard was raised at huge army and a
Attock. Attock is in present day Pakistan. powerful artillery.
From Attock, the Marathas pushed the Ibrahimkhan
campaign up to Peshawar. However, they Gardi was the
did not make proper arrangements to look chief of the
after this newly conquered territory. artillery. He had
Dattaji’s valour : To get a firm hold defeated the
over the Punjab and to crush Najibkhan, Nizam in the
the Peshwa sent Dattaji Shinde and battle of Udgir in
Janakoji Shinde to the North. Dattaji went 1760  ce, on the
to the North. Keeping Dattaji engaged in strength of this
negotiations, Najibkhan established Sadashivraobhau artillery.
contacts with Abdali. He requested Abdali

48
 The Battle of Panipat : In his their leader had disappeared, the Maratha
campaign of the North, Sadashivraobhau soldiers lost courage. At that very moment,
captured Delhi. The armies of the the reserve contingents of Abdali launched
Marathas and Abdali confronted each an attack on the Marathas with a fresh
other at Panipat. On 14 January 1761, the vigour. The Marathas were defeated. A
Marathas opened the battle by attacking whole generation of young men in
Abdali’s army. This was the Third Battle Maharashtra was killed. Many brave
of Panipat. Vishwasrao fell a victim to Sardars fell on the battlefield. The
an enemy bullet in the battle. When Marathas believed that an outsider like
Sadashivraobhau learnt this, he fiercely Abdali had no moral right to rule here.
attacked the enemy in a frenzy. He The Marathas fought at Panipat with the
disappeared in the battle fray. Seeing that broad perspective that India is for Indians.
49
 at Rakshasbhuvan near Paithan.
Do you know ?
Hyder Ali was the Sultan of Mysore.
Approximately 1,50,000 people were Taking advantage of the Maratha defeat
killed in the battle of Panipat. One at Panipat, Hyder Ali attacked their
letter describes this in a poetic way. territory in Karnataka. The Marathas
defeated Hyder in a battle at Moti Talav
‘‘दोन मोत्ये गळाली. सत्तावीस मोहोरा near Srirangapattan. He then agreed to
हरवल्या ! आणि रूपये, खुर्दा किती गेल्या याची cede the region north of the river
गणतीच नाही.’’ Tungabhadra to the Marathas.
Sadashivraobhau had explained the Peshwa Madhavrao died in 1772  ce.
broad, all-inclusive viewpoint of the In the history of the Marathas, he is
Marathas in his correspondence with the described as an honest, hard-working,
rulers in the North, saying that they were determined administrator who was keen
all native to the land and Abdali was an on public welfare. The death of this
enemy from a foreign country. But the capable Peshwa was an irreparable loss
rulers in the North did not respond to the Maratha State.
favourably to him and took a neutral
attitude. Naturally, the Marathas had to Do you know ?
shoulder the responsibility of protecting
India. We can say that the Marathas Peshwa Madhavrao provided
were the first in our history to realise that special attention towards the welfare
India was one country and it was of farmers. He dug many wells in
necessary for all to lend support to the Pune and increased the water supply
king irrespective of his religion. to the city. Administrators like Nana
Peshwa Madhavrao : After the Phadnavis and judges like
death of Peshwa Nanasaheb, his son Ramshastri Prabhune emerged under
his rule. He reformed the judiciary
Madhavrao succeeded him to the office
for better justice to the common
of the Peshwa. Madhavrao kept the
people. He started artillery and
Nizam and Hyder Ali at bay. He
ammunition factories. He also
established the
established a mint to make coins.
supremacy of the
Marathas in the
North again. The two Peshwas who succeeded
After the defeat Peshwa Madhavrao, namely Narayanrao
of the Marathas at and Sawai Madhavrao, did not live long.
Panipat, the Nizam During their term, Peshwa was in the grip
once again resumed of family feuds. Raghunathrao, who had
his anti-Maratha once raised the Maratha standard at
activities. He Attock, sought shelter with the British to
invaded the Maratha satisfy his greed for power. This led to a
territory. Madhavrao war between the Marathas and the British.
defeated the Nizam Peshwa Madhavrao

50
 Hyder Ali died in 1782  ce. After him Delhi under their own protection. The
his son Tipu became the Sultan of Maratha power was revived in the North.
Mysore. He was a skilled warrior, a The Marathas suffered a heavy loss
scholar and a poet. He used his competence in the battle of Panipat. Abdali’s army
to increase the might of his Kingdom. He also suffered losses. He did not benefit
established contact with French and shook financially in the battle. In fact, Abdali
the foundation of British supremacy. He or his descendants did not muster enough
died in 1799   ce in a battle against the courage to invade India again. They
British. realised that only the Marathas had the
The Maratha Supremacy Rises strength and capacity to control the
Once Again : The Maratha prestige in anarchy in the North. They expressed
the North had suffered a severe setback their wish that the Marathas should
because of the debacle at Panipat. protect the Empire. They sent a messenger
Madhavrao dispatched Mahadji Shinde, to Pune to establish cordial relations. It
Tukoji Holkar, Ramchandra Kanade and is important to note that the Marathas
Visajipant Biniwale to re-establish the overcame the great defeat at Panipat and
Maratha rule in the North. The Maratha successfully revived their supremacy in
army defeated the Jats, the Rohillas and the politics of the North. Malharrao
the Rajputs. The Marathas restored the Holkar, Ahilyabai Holkar and Mahadji
Emperor Shah Alam to the throne of Shinde had a lion’s share in all this.

THE FAMILY TREE OF THE PESHWAS

Balaji Vishwanatha

Bajirao I Chimajiappa

Balaji Ramchandra Raghunathrao Janardan Sadashivraobhau

alias Nanasaheb
Bajirao II

Nanasaheb (adopted)

Vishwasrao Madhavrao Yeshwantrao Narayanrao

(Peshwa) (Peshwa)

Sawai Madhavrao
(Peshwa)

51
 Exercise

1. Name them. 4. Find the names of people in the

(1) They came from Afghanistan ... chapter :
(2) They settled at the foothills of the N n
Himalayas…
(3) The brother of Nanasaheb Peshwa… D
(4) The chief of Jats at Mathura… N
(5) Defeated Nijam at Rakshasbhuvan
near Paithan…
Activity
2. Write in brief about. Find more information about the battle
(1) Raising the Maratha standard of Panipat on the internet and make a
at Attock. presentation in your class.
(2) Conflict with the Afghans
(3) The after effects of the battle of
Panipat.
3. Arrange chronologically.
(1) The battle of Rakshasbhuvan.
(2) The death of Tipu Sultan.
(3) The death of Madhavrao Peshwa
(4) The battle of Panipat
(5) The battle of Buradi Ghat

The Court of Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa

52
 12. Progression of the Empire

Till now we have learnt about the of the Indore administration. She was a
rise of the Maratha power and its capable, astute and excellent administrator.
expansion. We studied the developments She made new laws for agricultural cess,
from the foundation of the Swaraj till its revenue collection etc. and put the affairs
expansion into an empire. In this chapter, of the State in order. She strove to bring
we take a brief review of the Sardar more land under cultivation, digging wells
families, who gave their valuable for farmers, promoting trade and industry,
contribution for expanding the Maratha building lakes and tanks.
kingdom in the northern parts of India. She built temples, Ghats, Maths,
The Holkars of Indore : Malharrao Dharamshalas, drinking water facilities at
was the founder of the Holkar rule at all important places of pilgrimage in the
Indore. He served the Maratha state for a four quarters of India. This effort of hers
long time. He was was important for the cultural integration
well-versed in of the country. She looked into judicial
guerrilla warfare. matters personally and dispensed justice.
He proved his She was very generous. She had great
valour in the love of books. She ruled ably for twenty-
northern campaigns eight years and enhanced the Maratha
of the Marathas at prestige in the North. She brought peace
the time of Bajirao and order to her Kingdom and made her
I and Nanasaheb people happy. Yashwantrao Holkar tried
Peshwa. He was to save the Maratha Kingdom when it
instrumental in was on the decline.
Malharrao Holkar establishing the The Bhosales of Nagpur : Parasoji
Maratha supremacy in Malwa and was given the jagir of Varhad and
Rajputana. He proved to be of great help Gondawan during
to Peshwa Madhavrao in reviving the the reign of Shahu
Maratha prestige in the North after the Maharaj. Among
defeat at Panipat. Punyashloka Ahilyabai the Bhosales of
Holkar was the Nagpur, Raghuji
wife of Khanderao, was the bravest
who was and the most
Malharrao’s son. capable. He brought
Khanderao died in the area surrounding
the battle of Raghuji Bhosale Tirucherapalli and
Kumbheri. After a Arcot in the South under Maratha
few days, dominance. Shahu Maharaj had assigned
Malharrao also to him the chauthai rights of Bengal,
passed away. After Bihar and Odisha. He brought these
him, Ahilyabai territories under the Maratha dominance.
assumed the reins Ahilyabai Holkar In 1751  ce the Bhosales of Nagpur won

53
the Odisha territory from Ali Vardi politics at Delhi, when they felt that the
Khan. Till 1803  ce Marathas dominated Marathas might have become weak after
Odisha. the battle of Panipat. They managed to get
Diwani rights of Bengal province and
wanted to capture the Emperor of Delhi. In
Do you know ? these adverse circumstances, Mahadji
The Maratha ditch – The British Shinde defeated the British and reinstated
at Kolkata used to fear the Bhosales the Emperor on the throne. The emperor
from Nagpur. So, to protect the city was pleased with his bravery and conferred
of Kolkata from a possible Maratha the title of ‘Vakil – i – Mutlak (Chief agent
attack, they dug a ditch around the of the emperor) upon him, which meant
city. That ditch came to be known that he had the authority of civil and
as the Maratha ditch. military rights. He accepted that position
on behalf of the minor Peshwa Savai
Madhavrao. Due to this, the Marathas
The Shindes of Gwalior : Bajirao I gained full control of the Empire. It was
had rightly judged very difficult to save the tottering empire.
the capabilities of Mahadji managed the difficult affairs with
Ranoji Shinde and strong determination and looked after the
made him a Sardar Delhi affairs during 1784  ce to 1794  ce.
in the North. After The heirs of Najib Khan, responsible
Ranoji’s death, his for the Panipat battle, were still plotting
sons Jayappa, against the Marathas in Rohilkhand.
Dattaji and Najib’s grandson Ghulam Kadir captured
Mahadji, too, the Red Fort and tortured the Emperor and
proved their valour his begums for their wealth. He gouged
Mahadaji Shinde and strengthened out the Emperor’s eyes and took hold of
the Maratha rule in North India. the royal treasure. In these circumstances,
Peshwa Madhavrao conferred the Mahadji defeated Kadir. He confiscated
family title on Mahadji. Mahadji was a the wealth from him and returned it to the
brave General and an astute statesman. emperor. He reinstated the Emperor on the
Mahadji was instrumental in throne of Delhi. Thus, Mahadji recovered
re-establishing the Maratha supremacy the Maratha prestige which was lost after
and prestige in North India after the the battle of Panipat. He controlled the
Maratha defeat at Panipat. He realised politics of India by putting the Emperor
that the guerilla tactics of the Marathas under Maratha control.
would not be suitable for the warfare in Due to the family feuds amongst the
the plains of the North. He trained his Peshwas, Raghunathrao opted to go to the
army and modernised his artillery under British camp. He wanted to become a
the guidance of a French military expert Peshwa with the help of the British. It was
de Boigne. With the help of this trained not acceptable to the Maratha Statesmen.
army, he subdued the Rohillas, the Jats, This led to an inevitable conflict between
the Rajputs and the Bundellas. the Marathas and the British. The conflict
The British began to take interest in the between the two great powers. The

54
Marathas and the British would finally Khanderao Dabhade and his son
decide who the ruler of India would be. Trimbakrao laid the foundation of Maratha
From Mumbai, the British marched on power in Gujarat. After the death of
the Marathas via Borghat. The Maratha Khanderao, his wife Umabai routed the
army gathered under the leadership of Mughal Sardar of Ahmadabad. She
Mahadaji Shinde. The Marathas blocked conquered the fort there.
the supply of foodgrains to the British, Later, the Gaikwads made Vadodara
using guerrilla tactics. Both the armies in Gujarat a seat of their power. The
met at Wadgaon (on today’s Pune-Mumbai Pawars of Dhar and Dewas in Madhya
Road). The British were defeated in this Pradesh rendered valuable assistance to
battle and were forced to surrender the the Shindes and the Holkars in expanding
custody of Raghunathrao to the Marathas. the Maratha power in the North.
Delhi was under Maratha control till The Maratha State was in disarray
1803 ce. When we note that the British after the death of Peshwa Madhavrao.
conquered India after battling with the Nana Phadanvis, the famous administrator
Marathas, we understand the importance of the Peshwas and a Maratha statesman,
of Mahadaji’s achievements. After setting set right the
in order, the affairs of Delhi, Mahadaji affairs of the
came to Pune. He died at Wanawadi near State with the
Pune where a memorial is built to him. help of
Like the Shindes, the Holkars and the Mahadaji. While
Bhosales, some other prominent Maratha Mahadaji was
Sardars also rendered noteworthy service busy restoring
to the Maratha Raj. the Maratha
supremacy in the
North, Nana
managed the
affairs of the
Nana Phadnavis South. In this,
he was helped by the Patwardhans,
Haripant Phadke, the Rastes and other
Sardars. As a result of this, Maratha
supremacy was established in the South.
The Holkars of Indore, Bhosales of
Nagpur, Shindes of Gwalior, Gaikwads of
Vadodara brought glory to the Maratha
Shinde Chhatri, Wanawadi, Pune power on the basis of their valour,
The navy raised by Shivaji Maharaj leadership qualities and capability. They
was strengthened by Kanhoji Angre and were the pillars of the Maratha power in
his son Tulaji. With this strong navy, they its last phase.
contained the naval powers of the The Maratha Sardars were successful
Portuguese, the British and the Siddhis. in establishing the influence of the
They defended the coastline of the Maratha power both in North and South
Maratha State. India. After the death of Mahadaji Shinde

55
and Nana Phadanavis, the Maratha power In 1818  ce the British defeated Marathas
began to wane. in the battle of Ashti in Solapur district
At that time, Bajirao II, the son of and finally the Maratha power came to
Raghunathrao was the Peshwa. He did not an end. This event marks a major change
have leadership qualities and had many in the History of India. After this, the
vices. He was unable to unite the Maratha British managed to gain control over a
Sardars. The internal strife between the major part of India. India came into
Sardars weakened their power. contact with the Western world. That led
During the reign of Bajirao II, the to many changes in India’s social system.
Maratha influence in the North and South Many old things became redundant or
waned further. The British replaced the were pushed aside. This was a major
Marathas. transformation. A major change took
place. The medieval period of Indian
The British captured Pune in 1817  ce
history came to an end. The Modern
and hoisted their flag ‘Union Jack’ there.
period began.
Exercise

1. Answer in one word. 3. Write briefly.

(1) She took the charge of the Indore (1) The work done by Ahilyabai Holkar.
administration. (2) The valour shown by Mahadji Shinde.
(2) The most capable and brave man in (3) The Maratha rule in Gujarat.
Bhosale family of Nagpur. 4. Discuss the reasons behind the end of
(3) He reinstated the Emperor on the Maratha rule.
throne of Delhi.
(4) He managed the politics in South. Activity
2. Arrange chronologically. Create a pictorial chart to show the
(1) The battle of Ashti. families that contributed to the expansion
(2) Maratha dominance over Odisha. of the Maratha power. Exhibit it in your
(3) The British flew the Union Jack in school.
Pune.

Shaniwarwada, Pune

56
 13. Life of the People in Maharashtra
The Hindawi Swaraj formed by Customs and traditions : Child
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a State marriages were prevalent. It was
for the people, founded with the noble acceptable to have many wives. There
intention of the welfare of common are a few examples of widow marriages
people, removal of oppression and the in this period. To perform the last rites,
protection of Maharashtra Dharma. In the burning, burial and immersion methods
period after Shivaji Maharaj, Maratha were used as per tradition. Muhurta, or
power spread to all parts of India. It auspicious occasions were sought for
lasted for about 150 years. every little thing, and also to open battles.
We gathered information about the People believed in dreams and omens.
Maratha administration in the last few ‘Anushthans’ were performed to avoid the
chapters. In this chapter, we shall study wrath of gods and planets. Charitable
the social conditions and life of the deeds were also done for the same
people in that period. purpose. People believed in astrology.
Social conditions : Agriculture and There was a general lack of a scientific
occupations based on agriculture were the attitude and offerings to god (navas) were
major sources of production at the village considered more important than medical
level. The Patil was responsible for the treatment.
protection of the village and the Kulkarni Standard of living : A majority of
handled the revenue. The Patil received people lived in villages. The villages were
land as inam for his work as a Patil. He mostly self-sufficient. Only salt had to be
also received a part of the village revenue. imported from other places. The needs of
The balutedars were paid in kind (in the farmers were limited. They grew jowar,
form of objects, foodgrains, etc.) for the bajra, wheat, ragi (nachani), maize, rice
work they did for the village people. The and other grains in their fields. The daily
village occupations were divided into kali diet consisted of bhakari, onion, chutney
and pandhari. Peasants worked in their and an accompaniment. Barter system was
fields in the kali (land, earth or soil) and used for everyday transactions. Village
others, in pandhari - within the village houses were simple mud and brick
precincts. It was considered important to constructions. Wadas with one or two
conduct the affairs of the village with storeys were seen in cities. Rice, dal,
mutual understanding. Joint family system chapatis, vegetables, salads, milk and dahi
was prevalent. products were mainly included in the rich
people’s diet. Men wore a dhoti, kurta,
angarakha and mundase. Women wore
Do you know ? nine-yard sarees and blouses.
Festivals : People celebrated Gudhi
There were twelve balutedars Padwa, Nagpanchmi, Bail-pola, Dasara,
such as the blacksmith, carpenter, Diwali, Makarsankrant, Holi, Eid and
potter, goldsmith, etc. in a village. other festivals. In the Peshwa period,
They worked for the village people. Ganeshotsava was celebrated in many
homes. The Peshwa himself being a
57
devotee of Ganesha, these celebrations
acquired importance. Every year these
celebrations lasted from Bhadrapad
Chaturthi up to Anant Chaturdashi.
Dasara being considered as one of the
three and a half most auspicious occasions,
many new things were started on this day.
Weapons were offered puja, and it was
customary to cross the boundaries
ceremoniously (seemollanghana) and
distribute ‘apta’ leaves on Dasara. The
Marathas launched their campaigns after
Dasara. During Diwali, Balipratipada and
Bhau-beej celebrations had special
importance. In most of the villages, fairs Mallakhamb
were held. Wrestling bouts were a common Sports : Various sports were popular
feature of the fairs, (jatras). Gudhis were in this period. They were a means of
raised to celebrate Gudhi Padwa. entertainment. Wrestling and martial arts
Celebrations included entertainment were very popular. Mallakhamb, dand,
programmes like songs and dances. Tamasha lathi, dandpatta, bothati were practised.
was a popular form of entertainment. Hututu, kho-kho, atyapatya were the
popular outdoor games and chess, ganjifa,
dice were popular indoor games.
Religion and conduct : The two
major religions seen in this period were
Hindu and Muslim. Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj had a liberal religious policy.
The general understanding was that
everyone should follow their own religion
and should not impose it on others. The
government gave grants to pathshalas,
Bailpola temples, madarasas and mosques.
Education : Pathshalas and Followers of both religions took part in
madarasas were the institutes that imparted the celebration of each other’s festivals.
education. Reading, writing and arithmetic Varkari, Mahanubhav, Datta, Nath and
was taught at home. The modi script was Ramdasi panths were prevalent.
used in most transactions. Women’s life : Women’s life in those
Travels and communication : days was full of hardships. Their world
Transport was carried out by roads, was confined to the house of first their
through ghats and across bridges on father, and then their husband. Their
rivers. Cloth, foodgrains, groceries were education was neglected. Only a few
transported by loading them on the backs exceptional women had achieved any
of bullocks. Small boats were used in progress in literacy, administration and
rivers. Messengers and camel riders battle skills. They include Veermata Jijabai,
carried letters to and fro. Maharani Yesubai, Maharani Tarabai,
58
Umabai Dabhade, Gopikabai, Punyashlok Yadav period. The shikhar of the Ambabai
Ahilyabai. Customs like child marriage, temple at Kolhapur, the temples on the
unequal marriage, widowhood, keshwapan, Jotiba hill, Shambhu Mahadev temple at
sati, polygamy had imposed harsh Shikhar-Shinganapur, Ghrishneshwar
restrictions on the way women lived. temple at Verul are excellent specimens of
The period from 1630  ce to 1810  ce sculpture. The Bhavanidevi temple on
is broadly defined as Maratheshahi. Let Pratapgad and the Saptkoteshwar temple
us review the art and architecture of this at Goa were built by Shivaji Maharaj.
period in brief. Other temples of the Peshwa period are
Sculpture : We find references to
restoration of Kasba Ganapati Mandir,
building of the Lal Mahal, construction
on Rajgad and Raigad, building of sea
forts, etc. that are related to architecture.
Hiroji Indulkar was a famous architect of
that period.
While setting up a village, the usual
pattern was : roads cutting one another
at right angles, stone construction along
the sides and extensive ghats (steps) along
the river bank. During the Peshwa period,
Ghrishneshwar Temple
a drinking water supply system was built
like the one at Ahmadnagar and Bijapur. the Kalaram temple at Nashik, the Shiva
The Peshwas built underground pipes, temple at Trimbakeshwar, the Shiva
small dams, gardens and courts, tanks, temples at Kaygaon and Toke on the
fountains, etc. The Mastani Talav at confluence of the Godavari and Pravara,
Diveghat, Hadapsar near Pune city is and the Mohiniraj temple at Newase.
worth a mention in this regard. Ghat : Stone ghats built on a river or
Shaniwarwada and Vishrambagwada at the confluence of rivers are characteristic
in Pune, Sarkarwada in Nashik, of Maratheshahi. The most remarkable
Raghunathrao Peshwa’s wada at specimen of a ghat is the one at Toke,
Kopargaon, the wadas of the Satara Pravara Sangam on the confluence of the
Chhatrapati, as also the old wadas at Wai, Godavari and Pravara. In a flight of steps,
Menvali, Toke, Shrigonde, Pandharpur are there would be one wide step at regular
symbols of the medieval wada culture. intervals. This would lend beauty to the
Baked as well as unbaked bricks entire ghat construction. Strong bastions
were used to build the wadas. Wooden were built at regular intervals so as to
columns, rafts, boards, dressed stones, prevent damage due to water currents.
arches, finely prepared lime, round tiles Painting : The paintings on the walls
for the roof, mud and bamboo were all of Shaniwarwada are the important ones
used in the construction. The wadas were of the Peshwa period. Ragho, Tanaji,
decorated with sketches, paintings, wooden Anuprao, Shivram, Mankoji are some of
sculptures and mirrors. the important painters of this period. The
Temples : The temples of this period painter Gangaram Tambat was famous at
are build in the Hemadpanti style of the the time of Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa.
59
The Peshwas encouraged painting. Wadas temple in Pune, the memorial to Punyashlok
in the Pune, Satara, Menvali, Nashik, Ahilyabai in Madhya Pradesh, the
Chandwad and Nipani regions during the sculptures at the Mohiniraj temple at
Peshwa period had paintings on their Newase.
walls. Temples at Pandeshwar, Morgaon, Metal idols : The Peshwas had
Pal, Benwadi, Pashan near Pune have specially commissioned the metal idols of
paintings on the walls. The themes of Parvati and Ganapati in the Parvati temple
those paintings were Dashavatara, for the purpose of Puja. Wooden sculptures
Ganapati, Shankar, Rampanchayatana, were also seen.
mythological stories, Ramayana, Literature : Important forms of
Mahabharata, festivals and so on. At literature include the compositions of the
Jamod in Vidarbha, Jin Charitra paintings Sants, mythological narratives, ‘teeka’
adorned the Jain temple. Illustrations in the literature, owi, abhanga, treatises, narrative
pothis, minatures, portraits, scenes, etc. poems, biographies, aaratis of deities,
were also painted. powadas, bakhars, historical letters, etc.
Sculpture : Important specimens Drama : At Tanjavur in the South,
include the sculpture of the meeting Marathi plays has emerged near the end of
between Mallamma Desai and Shivaji the seventeenth century. Sarfoji Raje
Maharaj at the time of his Karnataka encouraged this art. Songs, music and
campaign, the sculpture at Bhuleshwar dance were prominent parts of these plays.
temple including sculptures of individuals
So far we reviewed the medieval
and animals (e.g., elephant, peacock,
period of history and the rise and
monkey), the sculptures on the Toke temple
expansion of the Maratha power. Next
and the idols within, the Trishund Ganapati
year, we shall study the modern period.

Exercise
Sr. Point At the time Today
1. Complete the chart. No. of Shivaji
Maharaj
1. Transactions ................ ...............
2. Houses ................ Permanent, well
One who works One who holds - constructed
in the fields Write the vatan cement-concrete
the multi-storeyed
One who manages name houses
One who protects
the revenue of
the town 3. Transportation ................ Bus, railway,
the town
aeroplanes
4. Entertainment ................ ...............
5. Script ................ ...............
2. Which undesirable customs are prevalent
in today’s society ? Suggest measures for Activity
their eradication. Gather information about the capable
women of our country and read it aloud
3. Make a detailed note about the festivals
in your class, e.g. information on P.V.
celebrated in your area.
Sindhu, Sakshi Malik.
4. Use the following points to compare life
in the era of Shivaji Maharaj and today’s
life.
60