Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Maratha Empire, born out of resistance to Mughal rule, rose to prominence in the 18th century, becoming a dominant force in the Indian subcontinent. Following the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, the Marathas expanded their influence, but this expansion was not without its challenges. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the empire had begun to decline, culminating in its eventual absorption into the British East India Company. While military defeats played a role, attributing the collapse solely to external factors would be an oversimplification. This answer will examine the extent to which court intrigues and a weak revenue system contributed to the downfall of the Maratha Empire, alongside other significant factors.
The Maratha Empire: A Post-Aurangzeb Assessment
After Aurangzeb’s death, the Marathas, under the Peshwas, transformed from a rebellious force into a centralized empire. The Peshwas consolidated power, expanding Maratha dominion across much of India. However, this expansion also sowed the seeds of future conflict and internal strife. The empire wasn’t a unified entity but a confederacy of semi-independent Maratha chiefs (Sardars) – Gaekwads, Holkars, Scindias, Bhonsles – who often prioritized their own interests over those of the central authority.
Court Intrigues and Internal Conflicts
Court intrigues were rampant within the Maratha administration, particularly after the death of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in 1761. The defeat at the Third Battle of Panipat against Ahmad Shah Abdali exposed the vulnerabilities of the Maratha army and triggered a power struggle for leadership.
- The Rivalry between Raghunathrao and Madhavrao I: Raghunathrao, Balaji Baji Rao’s uncle, sought the Peshwaship, leading to a prolonged civil war with Madhavrao I. This internal conflict weakened the empire considerably, diverting resources and manpower.
- The Rise of Nana Phadnavis: While Nana Phadnavis attempted to stabilize the situation, his efforts were hampered by the continued machinations of ambitious Sardars.
- The Peshwa-Sardar Conflicts: The Peshwas increasingly clashed with the powerful Sardars, who resented attempts to curtail their autonomy. This led to fragmentation and a decline in central control. The Sardars often acted as independent rulers, prioritizing their regional interests.
These internal conflicts created a climate of instability and distrust, hindering effective governance and military preparedness.
Weaknesses in the Revenue System
The Maratha revenue system, while initially effective, suffered from several weaknesses that contributed to the empire’s decline.
- Chauth and Sardeshmukhi: The Marathas relied heavily on Chauth (one-fourth of the land revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (an additional 10% of the land revenue) as sources of income. While lucrative, these levies often led to exploitation and resentment among the local population.
- Lack of a Standardized System: The revenue system lacked standardization, with different officials employing varying methods of assessment and collection. This resulted in corruption and inefficiency.
- Dependence on Local Agents: The Marathas often relied on local agents (Kamavisdars) to collect revenue, who frequently abused their power and siphoned off funds.
- Failure to Promote Agriculture: The focus on extracting revenue rather than investing in agricultural development led to a decline in productivity and economic stagnation.
The inefficient and exploitative revenue system alienated the peasantry and hindered the empire’s economic growth, making it difficult to finance its military and administrative expenses.
Other Contributing Factors
While court intrigues and a weak revenue system were significant, other factors also played a crucial role in the Maratha Empire’s decline:
- Ahmad Shah Abdali’s Invasions: The repeated invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali, culminating in the devastating defeat at Panipat in 1761, severely weakened the Maratha military and prestige.
- The Rise of Regional Powers: The emergence of powerful regional powers like the Sikhs, Rajputs, and the Nizam of Hyderabad challenged Maratha dominance.
- The British East India Company: The growing power of the British East India Company posed the most significant threat. The British skillfully exploited the internal divisions within the Maratha Empire, forging alliances with disgruntled Sardars and gradually expanding their influence. The Anglo-Maratha Wars (1772-1783, 1803-1805, 1817-1819) ultimately led to the empire’s disintegration.
- Changing Warfare Tactics: The Marathas’ traditional cavalry-based warfare proved increasingly ineffective against the British army’s modern infantry and artillery.
| Factor | Impact on Maratha Decline |
|---|---|
| Court Intrigues | Weakened central authority, diverted resources, fostered instability. |
| Weak Revenue System | Economic stagnation, alienated peasantry, hindered financial stability. |
| Ahmad Shah Abdali’s Invasions | Military defeat, loss of prestige, exposed vulnerabilities. |
| British East India Company | Exploited internal divisions, military superiority, gradual annexation. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while court intrigues and a weak revenue system were undeniably significant factors contributing to the collapse of the Maratha Empire, they were not the sole causes. The empire’s decline was a complex process driven by a confluence of internal weaknesses and external pressures. The devastating defeat at Panipat, the rise of regional powers, and, most importantly, the relentless expansion of the British East India Company all played crucial roles. Attributing the downfall to any single factor would be a gross oversimplification of a multifaceted historical process. The Maratha Empire’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of internal division and the importance of adapting to changing geopolitical realities.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.