The Mughal Empire and the Maratha Empire were two of the most significant empires in Indian history, with a relationship that was complex, evolving, and marked by a mix of alliances, negotiations, and conflicts.
The Mughal Empire was established by Babur in 1526 and reached its peak during the reign of Akbar in the late 16th century. The Maratha Empire, on the other hand, was founded by Shivaji in 1674 and expanded significantly under the Peshwas in the 18th century.
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Initially, the two empires were not in direct conflict, as they were separated by large territories and political entities. However, as the Marathas expanded their territory and influence in the 17th century, they began to encroach on Mughal lands and power.
The first major conflict between the two empires took place in the late 17th century when Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, attempted to subjugate the Maratha Empire. This resulted in a long and bloody war that lasted for over two decades and weakened both empires.
Following Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, the Mughal Empire began to decline, while the Maratha Empire continued to expand and consolidate its power. However, the Marathas still maintained a complicated relationship with the Mughal Empire, as they often had to negotiate and cooperate with Mughal officials to maintain their own power.
One example of this was the Treaty of Purandar in 1665, in which Shivaji agreed to become a Mughal vassal in exchange for recognition of his title as king and autonomy over his own territory. The Peshwa also entered into the Treaty of Bassein in 1802, agreeing to become a British vassal in exchange for protection against the Marathas.
The cultural and religious differences between the two empires contributed to their complex relationship. The Mughals were primarily Muslim, while the Marathas were primarily Hindu. The Marathas often resented the Mughals’ attempts to control their territory and influence their politics. The reign of Aurangzeb, in particular, was viewed as a time of religious intolerance and persecution by many Hindus.
Ultimately, the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century allowed for the rise of the Maratha Empire. However, the Marathas faced their own challenges, including internal conflict and external pressures from the British East India Company.
One of the most significant conflicts between the two empires occurred during the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. The Marathas, led by Sadashivrao Bhau, were defeated by the invading Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Durrani, who was supported by the Mughal Empire. The battle resulted in a significant loss of life and power for the Maratha Empire.
In conclusion, the relationship between the Mughal Empire and the Maratha Empire was a complex and evolving one. Their different cultural and religious backgrounds often led to tension and mistrust, even as they attempted to negotiate and cooperate. Despite their challenges, both empires played a significant role in shaping Indian history and culture. While the Mughal Empire declined, the Maratha Empire continued to expand and consolidate its power, eventually facing its own challenges from external forces such as the British East India Company.