Solution:The above-shaded areas in the map show the extent of territories, ruled by Marathas.During the seventeenth century, the Marathas rose to prominence in the Indian subcontinent under the leadership of Shivaji. He challenged the Adil Shahi dynasty and the Mughals, establishing a kingdom with Raigad as its capital. Aurangzeb's religious policies turned non-Muslims against him, causing his forces to suffer heavy losses in both manpower and finances during the Maratha uprising. This allowed the Marathas to gain power and control over large parts of the former Mughal territories in northern India.
Various factors played a role in the rise of the Marathas during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, including:
- Geographic Advantages: The physical geography of the Maratha region, with its mountainous terrain and dense forests, fostered their bravery and skill in guerilla warfare.
• They constructed numerous forts on these mountains to strengthen their defences.
- Religious and Political Unity: Political unity was largely achieved through the leadership of Shivaji. The Bhakti movement, which spread through Maharashtra, instilled a sense of religious unity among the Marathas.
• Spiritual leaders such as Tukaram, Ramdas, and Eknath promoted social cohesion.
- Maratha Political Influence: Many Marathas held important positions in the administration and military of the Deccan Sultanates of Bijapur and Ahmadnagar.
• While notable clans like the Mores and Nimbalkers had their roles, the strong Maratha state was mainly founded by Shahji Bhonsle and his son, Shivaji.
