List Of Maratha Rulers

The Marathas were a dominant force in Indian history, playing a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the Indian subcontinent from the late 17th century to the early 19th century. The Maratha Empire emerged as a formidable power under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji and expanded significantly under subsequent rulers and the Peshwas. Here is a detailed list of the major Maratha rulers:

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1674–1680)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, was a visionary leader known for his military tactics, administration, and promotion of Hindavi Swarajya. He was formally crowned as the first Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire in 1674 at Raigad Fort. Shivaji’s strategies against the Mughal Empire, Adilshahi, and Portuguese forces laid the foundation for the Maratha dominance in India.

2. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (1681–1689)

Sambhaji, the eldest son of Shivaji, succeeded him as the ruler of the Maratha Empire. He was a valiant warrior and resisted Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s attempts to subjugate the Marathas. He was captured and brutally executed by the Mughals in 1689, but his resistance inspired future generations.

3. Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj (1689–1700)

After Sambhaji’s death, his half-brother Rajaram ascended the throne and led the Marathas in their continued struggle against the Mughals. He moved the capital to Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu to evade Mughal attacks and continued the guerrilla warfare strategy against Aurangzeb.

4. Chhatrapati Shivaji II (1710–1714)

Shivaji II, the son of Rajaram Maharaj, ruled from Kolhapur. However, the Maratha Empire had split into different factions, with one branch ruling from Satara and another from Kolhapur.

5. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj (1707–1749)

Shahu Maharaj, the grandson of Shivaji, was released by the Mughals in 1707 and was supported by the Maratha generals as the rightful heir to the throne. Under his reign, the Marathas expanded their influence across India. He appointed Balaji Vishwanath as the first Peshwa, marking the rise of the Peshwa system.

6. Chhatrapati Ramaraja (1749–1777)

Ramaraja succeeded Shahu Maharaj, but by this time, the real power had shifted to the Peshwas, particularly Balaji Baji Rao. The Chhatrapatis became nominal rulers, while the Peshwas governed the empire.

7. Chhatrapati Shahu II (1777–1808)

During his rule, the Maratha Empire faced internal conflicts and external threats from the British East India Company. The Maratha Confederacy weakened due to internal strife.

8. Chhatrapati Pratapsingh Maharaj (1808–1839)

Pratapsingh attempted to revive the Maratha power but faced challenges from the British. The Treaty of Bassein (1802) had already weakened Maratha sovereignty, leading to increased British influence in Indian affairs.

9. Chhatrapati Shahaji III (1839–1848)

Shahaji III was the last ruling Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire before the British annexed Satara in 1848 under the Doctrine of Lapse. This effectively ended the independent rule of the Marathas.

The Rise and Role of the Peshwas

Although the Chhatrapatis remained the nominal heads, the real power of the Maratha Empire shifted to the Peshwas during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Some notable Peshwas include:

• Balaji Vishwanath (1713–1720): Strengthened the Maratha influence in the Mughal court.
• Baji Rao I (1720–1740): Expanded Maratha dominance across India.
• Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) (1740–1761): Led the empire to its peak before the Third Battle of Panipat.
• Madhav Rao I (1761–1772): Restored Maratha power after Panipat.
• Nana Phadnavis (as regent, late 18th century): Played a crucial role in maintaining Maratha authority.

Conclusion

The Maratha rulers played a significant role in resisting Mughal dominance, expanding their empire, and shaping Indian history. Their legacy continues to inspire people, reflecting their bravery, administrative skills, and commitment to Swarajya. Despite their eventual fall to the British, the Marathas remain one of the most influential dynasties in Indian history.