06-03-2025
11:45 AM
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.
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.
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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.
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