Q4 The Maratha Revolt Against the Mughal Empire Under Aurangzeb

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and individuals related to the Maratha revolt against the Mughal Empire under Aurangzeb.

Maratha Revolt

A significant resistance movement against the Mughal Empire during Aurangzeb’s reign, rooted in political, social, and cultural tensions.

Historical Background

Context of the Deccan and the Mughals, including competition from Deccan Sultanates and regional clans before Aurangzeb’s rule.

Shivaji

Key leader who unified Maratha clans, challenged Mughal authority, and symbolized the organized rebellion against Aurangzeb.

Centralization and Orthodoxy

Aurangzeb’s policies that emphasized Islamic strictness and bureaucratic control, causing alienation among Hindu leaders and the Marathas.

Guerrilla Warfare

Military strategy employed by the Marathas characterized by hit-and-run tactics and effective use of local terrain.

Decentralized Movement

The Maratha revolt was not led by a single leader but operated through a network of local chiefs and independent bands.

Social and Economic Resistance

Opposition by Maratha sardars and peasants against heavy Mughal taxation and disregard for local customs, making the revolt a people's resistance.

Cultural Dimensions

While a political struggle, the revolt included cultural undertones such as the use of Hindu symbols and traditions to legitimize sovereignty.

Transformation into a Larger Anti-Mughal Struggle

Evolution of the Maratha conflict into a broader military force after 1690, expanding beyond regional confines.

Consequences of the Maratha Revolt

The revolt drained Mughal resources, weakened their administration, and led to the rise of the Marathas as a dominant power in India.