The reign of Aurangzeb and the Marathas

Click here to view video Ascended throne in 1658. Mughal empire- single largest state India 2 parts of his reign Early (1658-82) Later ( 1681-1707) Ahom ruler-Assam -Marathas ( after Shivaji) Arakanese, Portuguese pirates( Chittagong port) Afghan tribes Jats(Agra-Delhi) Satnamis 6. Bundelas defeated Mughals (Malwa) Click here to view video Click to view video Click to view video

Early reign (1658-82) The Sikh Rebellion- Guru Tej Bahadur (9th Sikh Guru ) beheaded Guru Govind Singh-Khalsa Sikhs Mughals Guru Govind Singh Banda Bahadur Aurangzeb (rebellion continued after his death)

The Rajput War (Marwar)Ajit Singh-Jaswant Singh’s posthamous son not acknowledged by Aurangzeb -Start of rebellion -He conquered Jodhpur, imposed Jaziya -Ruler of Mewar, Raj Singh, supported Ajit Singh -Mewar was attacked -Prince Akbar joined the Rajputs. Later fled to the Deccan. Peace treaty signed with Mewar. Ajit Singh recognized as independent ruler by Aurangzeb’s son.

Shivaji- born in1627 The Marathas(Deccan) Early Conquest- Sultan of Bijapur fell ill and using guerilla warfare tactics, Shivaji conquered a number of hill forts, brought chieftans under his control. Defeat of Afzal Khan Afzal Khan sent by Sultan of Bijapur. Attempted to strangle Shivaji to death. Was killed. Sultan recognized Shivaji as the ruler.

Defeat of Shaista Khan (1663) Sent by Aurangzeb Shivaji entered Pune with 400 soldiers. Killed Shaista Khan’s son-defeated his army Shaista Khan escaped. Attacked Surat –looted it for 4 days Blow to Mughal Empire.

Treaty of Purandhar (1665) Raja Jai Singh sent by Aurangzeb to subdue Shivaji. Marathas besieged in urandhar fort Forced to sign Treaty of Purandhar –had to surrender 23 forts to Mughals.

Shivaji at Agra Made to stand with lower ranks of mansabdars. Aurangzeb puts him under house arrest- Shivaji escapes to the Deccan. Aurangzeb did not try to capture him which was a wrong decision.

Shivaji’s coronation (1674) crowned at Raigarh. Assumed title of ‘Chhatrapati’ Doesn’t take approval of Mughal emperor. Southern conquests Captured forts of Vellore, Jinji from Bijapur and annexed a part of Mysore.

The Maratha Kingdom Kingdom stretched from Kalyan to Goa, parts of Karnataka and Mysore and lasted for 100 years after his death.

Administration Revenue system- Swarajya Mughalai (divided into 14 districts) Chauth-1/4 of tax paid to Mughals Sardeshmukhi-1/10 to Shivaji If they refused, territories were plundered. Farmers had to pay 40 % as tax directly.

Peshwa (Head of Ashtapradhan) Ashtapradhan (8 ministers) Political system Shivaji Peshwa (Head of Ashtapradhan) Ashtapradhan (8 ministers) Departments

Military system Army consisted of the cavalry, artillery, infantry and navy. Guerrilla warfare Discipline was ensured-safety of women, children and elderly, poor people. Respect to mosques and Koran

Estimate of Shivaji In his 35 year reign, rose from being the son of a jagirdar to the position of Chhatrapati. Religious tolerance Capable administrator Aurangzeb’s later reign (1681-1707) After Shivaji’s death in 1680, Aurangzeb tried to conquer Bijapur and Golconda. Went to Deccan in 1681, never returned to the south.

Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaigns. Bijapur(1686)and Golconda(1687) Direct contact with the marathas

The Maratha war 1689-sambhaji executed Shahu and rest of family –imprisoned, Raja Ram, his younger brother escapes 1690- Mughal empire at it peak Tarabai continues the maratha struggle. Aurangzeb refuses to negotiate with marathas. Dies in 1707 Estimate of Aurangzeb. Devout Muslim Sharp intellect Did not practice religious tolerance Suspicious by nature