How did the Maratha Empire start?

The Maratha Empire was founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji. Its formation was a result of the chaos and misrule that prevailed in the Deccans in the late 17th century.

The Maratha Empire would eventually defeat the Mughals and come to dominate the northern part of the Indian subcontinent

For further reading check the following articles:

• Maratha Empire
• Mughal Empire
• European Colonialism