Maratha Wars List, Timeline, Battles, Combatants

06-03-2025

11:45 AM

List of  Maratha Wars.webp

The list of Maratha Wars includes some of the most prominent demonstrations of power that shaped the expansion, rise and finally the decline of the kingdom. The study of these wars helps us in understanding about the political culture of that era and the power struggle between different forces and the Maratha Legacy. The Marathas faced many challenges both within and outside the empire. In this article, we are going to learn about the important maratha wars that were fought during the period.

List of Maratha Wars

The Maratha Empire witnessed a number of wars that also became a part of defining their power, economic, cultural and political. These wars are what eventually led to the downfall of the Maratha Kingdom. 

Maratha - Mughal Conflict

The war between the Maratha and the Mughal started in the 17th century and continued till early 18th century. These conflicts became a major reason for reducing mughal control in India and strengthening the hold of Maratha Empire. Some of the key battles fought include: 

Battle

Year

Combatants

Result

Battle of Pratapgarh

1659

Marathas vs. Bijapur Sultanate

Victory

Battle of Pavan Khind

1660

Marathas vs. Bijapur Sultanate

Inconclusive

Battle of Panhala

1660

Marathas vs. Bijapur Sultanate

Defeat

Battle of Chakan

1660

Marathas vs. Mughal Empire

Defeat

Battle of Umberkhind

1661

Marathas vs. Mughal Empire

Victory

Battle of Surat

1664

Marathas vs. Mughal Empire

Victory

Battle of Purandar

1665

Marathas vs. Mughal Empire

Defeat

Battle of Sinhagad

1670

Marathas vs. Mughal Empire

Victory

Battle of Salher

1672

Marathas vs. Mughal Empire

Victory

Battle of Bhupalgarh

1679

Maratha Kingdom vs. Mughal Empire

Defeat

Battle of Kalyan

1682-1684

Maratha Kingdom vs. Mughal Empire

Victory

Battle of Ramsej

1682-1688

Maratha Kingdom vs. Mughal Empire

Defeat

Battle of Wai

1687

Maratha Kingdom vs. Mughal Empire

Victory

Maratha-Nizam Wars

The war between the Maratha and the Nizam’s began in the 18th century. The first war took place between the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad. The main reasons for these wars were territorial disputes and the ambition of the Marathas to establish their dominance over the Deccan Region.

Battle

Year

Combatants

Outcome

Battle of Palkhed

1728

Maratha Confederacy vs. Hyderabad Deccan

Victory

Battle of Uruli

1762

Maratha Confederacy vs. Hyderabad Deccan

Victory

Battle of Rakshasbhuvan

1763

Maratha Confederacy vs. Hyderabad Deccan

Victory

Battle of Kharda

1795

Maratha Confederacy vs. Hyderabad Deccan

Victory

Maratha-Rajput Wars

The Maratha-Rajput wars took place in the 18th century in between the Maratha Empire and many Rajput kingdoms. These wars showcased the attempts of maratha’s to expand their power and influence in the Rajputana region, eventually leading to alliances and military confrontations.

Battle

Year

Combatants

Outcome

Battle of Pilsud

1715

Maratha Confederacy vs. Kingdom of Amber

Defeat

Battle of Mandsaur

1732

Maratha Confederacy vs. Kingdom of Amber

Victory

Battle of Kakkor

1759

Maratha Confederacy vs. Kingdom of Amber

Defeat

Maratha-Mysore Wars

The Maratha-Mysore wars took place in the 18th century in between the Kingdom of Mysore and the Marathas. These wars included tiff over problems like territorial disputes in the southern region of India and witnessed many shifting alliances and battles. 

War

Battle

Year

Outcome

First Maratha-Mysore War

Battle of Rattihalli

1764

Victory

Battle of Jadi Hanwati

1764

Victory

Battle of Sira

1767

Victory

Battle of Moti Talab

1771

Victory

Second Maratha-Mysore War

Battle of Saunshi

1777

Defeat

First Battle of Nargund

1778

Defeat

Second Battle of Nargund

1785

Defeat

Battle of Adoni

1786

Defeat

Battle of Savanur

1786

Defeat

Anglo-Maratha Wars

The Anglo-Maratha Wars were a series of three conflicts between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire, ultimately leading to the decline of the Marathas and the rise of British rule in India.

War

Duration

Key Events & Outcome

First Anglo-Maratha War

1775-1782

Triggered by the Treaty of Surat; ended with the Treaty of Salbai, maintaining the status quo.

Second Anglo-Maratha War

1803-1805

British gained control over Delhi and several Maratha territories.

Third Anglo-Maratha War

1817-1819

Final defeat of the Maratha Confederacy; British supremacy established in India.

Battles Fought by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj List

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is remembered as the founder of the Maratha Empire, who fought many battles during his period of ruling and defended his kingdom. The battles fought by him include: 

Battle

Year

Outcome

Battle of Torna

1646

Shivaji captured Torna Fort from the Bijapur Sultanate

Battle of Raigad

1656

Shivaji defeated the Adil Shahi forces and captured Raigad Fort, which later became his capital.

Battle of Pratapgad

November 10, 1659

Shivaji defeated Afzal Khan, a commander of the Bijapur Sultanate.

Battle of Kolhapur

December 28, 1659

Shivaji defeated the Adilshahi forces, expanding his control.

Battle of Chakan

1660

Shivaji faced defeat against the Mughal Empire.

Battle of Umberkhind

February 2, 1661

Shivaji defeated the Mughal general Kartalab Khan.

Sacking of Surat

January 5, 1664

Shivaji raided Surat, defeating the Mughal captain Inayat Khan.

Battle of Purandar

1665

Shivaji strategically defended his territories against the Mughal Empire.

Battle of Sinhagad

February 4, 1670

Tanaji Malusare led the Marathas to victory against the Mughal forces.

Battle of Wadgaon

1670

Shivaji's forces defeated the Adil Shahi Sultanate, strengthening control over the western Deccan.

Battle of Toppur

1678

Shivaji defeated the Bijapur Sultanate, gaining control over Toppur Fort.

Battle of Sangamner

1679

This was Shivaji's last battle against the Mughal Empire, resulting in defeat.

Battle of Vani-Dindori

1679

Shivaji's forces defeated the Mughals, capturing important territories.

List of Maratha Wars FAQs

Q1. How many Maratha Wars were there?
Ans. There were three Anglo-Maratha Wars.

Q2. Who defeated the Marathas?
Ans. The British East India Company defeated the Marathas.

Q3. Who won the 3rd Anglo-Maratha War?
Ans. The British East India Company won the 3rd Anglo-Maratha War.

Q4. Who won the 4th Anglo-Maratha War?
Ans. There was no 4th Anglo-Maratha War.

Q5. Who fought the 2nd Anglo-Maratha War?
Ans. The British East India Company and the Maratha Empire fought the 2nd Anglo-Maratha War.

Q6. Who was famous as the Tiger of Mysore?
Ans. Tipu Sultan was famously known as the Tiger of Mysore.