Climax and Disintegration of the Mughal Empire—II

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the rise of the Marathas and the establishment of their power.
2. Analyze the strategies and military tactics of Shivaji.
3. Examine the failures and political errors of Aurangzeb in dealing with the Deccan states.

The Rise of The Marathas

The Marathas played crucial roles in the administrative and military systems of Ahmadnagar and Bijapur. Their influence grew as the Mughals moved towards the Deccan. While many Maratha families exercised local authority, they did not have large, well-established states like the Rajputs. The credit for creating a large Maratha state goes to Shahji Bhonsale and his son, Shivaji. Shahji initially acted as a kingmaker in Ahmadnagar and resisted the Mughals but eventually yielded territories under the Treaty of 1636. He then joined Bijapur and focused on Karnataka, attempting to establish a semi-independent principality at Bangalore.

1. Shivaji’s Early Career: Shahji left the Poona jagir to his wife Jija Bai and son Shivaji, who began his career at 18 by capturing several hill forts near Poona between 1645–47.
2. Conquest of Javli: In 1656, Shivaji seized Javli from the Maratha chief, Chandra Rao More, securing the area and gaining control over the Mavala region.
3. Conflict with Bijapur: The Mughal invasion of Bijapur in 1657 allowed Shivaji to attack Mughal territories and seize booty, although Aurangzeb later pardoned him.

Important Note:

Shivaji’s strategic and military prowess led to significant territorial expansion, but his rise also increased tensions with both the Mughals and Bijapur, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Early Career of Shivaji

Shivaji’s career of conquest truly began in 1656 with the capture of Javli, making him the master of the Mavala area and giving him access to the Satara region and the Konkan coast. His Mavali foot soldiers became a strong part of his army, enabling further acquisitions of hill forts near Poona. The Mughal invasion of Bijapur in 1657 saved Shivaji from retaliation by Bijapur, allowing him to shift focus towards Mughal territories, seizing rich booty during this period. Although Aurangzeb initially pardoned Shivaji, he advised the Bijapur ruler to expel Shivaji from the area.

Shivaji resumed his conquest, particularly in Konkan, and overran several hill forts. Bijapur responded by sending Afzal Khan with 10,000 troops to capture Shivaji. However, Shivaji, suspecting a trap, cleverly murdered Khan in 1659 and captured all his goods, artillery, and the fort of Panhala.

1. Shivaji’s Strategic Exploits: The victory over Afzal Khan elevated Shivaji to legendary status, attracting people and even Afghan mercenaries to his army.
2. Mughal Response: Aurangzeb, alarmed by Shivaji’s rising power, instructed Shaista Khan to invade Shivaji’s dominions. Despite initial setbacks, Shivaji’s daring night attack on Shaista Khan in Poona in 1663 restored his standing.

Shivaji’s Administration and Achievements

After crowning himself in 1674, Shivaji’s administration became more organized. He established a sound administrative system, borrowing largely from the practices of the Deccani states. Shivaji appointed eight ministers, known as the Ashtapradhan, although each minister was directly responsible to him rather than forming a council.

Important Elements of Shivaji’s Administration:

1. Ministers and Roles: The Peshwa handled finances and administration, while the Sar-i-Naubat (Senapati) was an honorary post for leading Maratha chiefs. Other ministers like the Majumdar, Wakenavis, Surunavis, Dabir, Nyayadhish, and Panditrao handled various administrative and ceremonial duties.
2. Military Reforms: Shivaji preferred cash salaries for soldiers and maintained strict discipline, forbidding women and dancing girls from accompanying the army. His regular army consisted of 30,000 to 40,000 cavalry, with each fort supervised by three men of equal rank to prevent treachery.

Aurangzeb and The Deccani States (1658-87)

First Phase (1658-68): Aurangzeb’s Deccan strategy initially focused on recovering territories from Bijapur. His campaign was marked by underestimation of his opponents and the strategic advice of Jai Singh, who cautioned against simultaneous attacks on both Shivaji and Adil Shah.

Second Phase (1668-84): This period saw the rise of Madanna and Akhanna in Golconda, who sought to establish a tripartite alliance between Golconda, Bijapur, and Shivaji. Despite the growing Maratha power, Aurangzeb limited Mughal expansion in the Deccan, attempting to install a cooperative regime in Bijapur.

Third Phase (1684–87): Aurangzeb’s efforts culminated in the conquest of Bijapur in 1686 and Golconda in 1687. Although successful, these campaigns stretched Mughal resources and administrative capacity, leading to further complications.

Decline of The Mughal Empire—Responsibility of Aurangzeb

The decline of the Mughal Empire was accelerated by Aurangzeb’s policies. The crisis in the Jagirdari system, exacerbated by Aurangzeb’s conquests, strained the nobility and administrative systems. Aurangzeb’s failure to integrate the Marathas and his distrust of them created persistent conflict. His religious policies, which alienated segments of his non-Muslim subjects, further weakened the empire.

1. Economic Strain: The nobility’s attempts to squeeze more revenue from land exacerbated social tensions, leading to peasant uprisings and the crisis in the Jagirdari system.
2. Political Missteps: Aurangzeb’s rigid stance against the Marathas and Deccani states overstretched Mughal resources and left the empire vulnerable to Maratha raids.
3. Administrative Weakness: The centralized Mughal administrative system required a competent monarch. As the system decayed under Aurangzeb’s successors, it accelerated the empire’s decline.

MCQ: What was a significant consequence of Aurangzeb’s execution of Sambhaji?

a) It strengthened Mughal control over the Deccan.
b) It eliminated Maratha resistance.
c) It provided the Marathas a new cause to rally around.
d) It resulted in an alliance with the Rajputs.

Answer: c) It provided the Marathas a new cause to rally around.