Why History Neglected The Marathas?

Why Indian History Does Not Give the Marathas Their Due Recognition

Introduction

Indian history has been shaped by various dynasties and empires, each contributing to the nation’s political and cultural landscape. Among them, the Marathas played a crucial role in resisting foreign invasions and establishing indigenous rule. However, their contributions have often been overshadowed by other narratives, particularly those centered around the Mughal Empire and British colonial rule.

The Marathas were a formidable power in Indian history, known for their military prowess, administrative acumen, and resistance against foreign rule. Their rise began with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630–1680), who founded the Maratha Empire by challenging the Mughal rule and establishing a strong, decentralized administration. His guerrilla warfare tactics and naval strength were revolutionary.

After Shivaji, his son Sambhaji (1657–1689) resisted the Mughals but was captured and executed by Aurangzeb. Rajaram (1670–1700) and Maharani Tarabai continued the struggle, ensuring the empire’s survival. The 18th century saw the emergence of the Peshwas, particularly Bajirao I (1700–1740), a brilliant military strategist who expanded Maratha influence across India. Madhavrao I (1745–1772) stabilized the empire after the Third Battle of Panipat (1761).

Later, leaders like Mahadji Scindia and Ahilyabai Holkar played key roles in governance and rebuilding Maratha strength. The Marathas remained dominant until the British defeated them in the Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818), leading to their decline.

This article explores why the Marathas have not received their due recognition in mainstream Indian history.

The Dominance of Colonial Historiography

One of the primary reasons for the underrepresentation of the Marathas in history books is the colonial lens through which Indian history has been written. British historians, such as James Mill, sought to present Indian history as a series of conquests by foreign rulers, portraying the British as the ultimate saviors of India. The Marathas, who posed the greatest challenge to British expansion in India, were often depicted as fragmented, disorganized, and ineffective, which downplays their significant military and administrative achievements.

Marathas: A Pan-Indian Power, Not Just Regional

A common misconception is that the Marathas were merely a regional force confined to Maharashtra. In reality, they were a pan-Indian power that ruled over vast territories extending from Tamil Nadu in the south to Punjab in the north. The Marathas played a crucial role in defending India against foreign invasions, most notably repelling Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasion in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761). Despite their setback in Panipat, they regrouped and continued to exert their influence across India. The Marathas controlled Delhi, Bihar, Odisha, and much of central and southern India, making them the true inheritors of Indian sovereignty after the decline of the Mughals.

The British Narrative of the Marathas

The British had significant conflicts with the Marathas during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, leading to the Anglo-Maratha Wars. The British victory in these wars led them to portray the Marathas as inefficient rulers who could not hold their empire together. This narrative conveniently ignored the fact that the Marathas were the last major indigenous power to challenge British dominance before the complete colonization of India.

Neglect in School Textbooks

Indian school curricula, influenced by colonial historiography and post-independence political narratives, often underplay the Maratha contribution to Indian history. The focus remains on the Mughals and the British, with only passing references to the Marathas. Even the heroism of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is sometimes restricted to regional history rather than being acknowledged at the national level.

The Contribution of the Peshwas

The Peshwas played a crucial role in expanding the Maratha Empire, with leaders like Bajirao I and Madhavrao I consolidating Maratha power. Bajirao I, in particular, is considered one of India’s greatest military strategists, having never lost a battle. His contributions, however, are often overshadowed by glorified Mughal rulers like Akbar and Aurangzeb, despite his far-reaching impact on Indian history.

Confusion Between Secularism and Indigenous Heritage

One of the biggest mistakes of post-independence India was confusing secularism with ignoring indigenous history and traditions. While secularism should mean equal respect for all faiths, the Indian government, in an attempt to appear neutral, often sidelined indigenous rulers like the Marathas who revived Indian cultural, religious, and governance traditions. Instead, disproportionate emphasis was given to the Mughals, making Indian history appear more about foreign rulers than native resistance and resurgence.

The Need for a Revised Historical Perspective

To do justice to the Marathas, it is essential to revisit Indian history with an unbiased approach. The Marathas were instrumental in shaping modern India by resisting foreign domination and establishing a governance model that was inclusive and efficient. Their military strategies, administrative policies, and contributions to economic development need to be studied with the same seriousness as those of the Mughals or the British.

Conclusion

The Marathas were the dominant power in India after the decline of the Mughals and were responsible for resisting foreign invasions and maintaining indigenous rule. However, their contributions have been neglected due to colonial narratives, Mughal-centric historiography, and modern political biases. Recognizing the Marathas’ rightful place in history will provide a more balanced understanding of India’s past and its struggle for self-rule.