How did the Marathas rise to power?

The following reasons were responsible for the rise of the Maratha:

• The efforts of the Maratha king Shivaji were crucial in fostering a Maratha kingdom that would resist Mughal expansion in the Deccan region

• Following the death of Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire went into a period of rapid decline which provided ample opportunity for the Marathas to fill in the power vacuum.

• The Marathas made extensive use of light cavalry which made them a dangerous foe to their enemies on the battlefield.

• The decentralised nature of the Maratha administration made the effective governance of their realm an easy affair.

For further reading check the following articles:

• Maratha Empire
• Baji Rao I
• Mughal Empire.