2-4: The Marathas 1600–1818 | Stewart N. Gordon (1993) | Volume II: Indian states and the transition to colonialism | The New Cambridge History of India

The Marathas 1600–1818 | Stewart N. Gordon (1993)

Overview

Released in 1993, Stewart N. Gordon's The Marathas 1600–1818 is an essential entry in The New Cambridge History of India series. This work offers a comprehensive and scholarly examination of the Maratha political system, emphasizing its emergence, development, and significant influence on India's political environment prior to the full establishment of British colonial authority.
Rather than depicting the Marathas as merely a regional power following the Mughal Empire's decline, Gordon investigates their establishment of one of the most vibrant and decentralized empires in Indian history, spanning from the Deccan to the Gangetic plains. He also illustrates how their governance network, military tactics, and interactions with European entities were pivotal in shaping India during the 18th century.

Historical Scope

This book addresses the Maratha journey from:

• Late 16th-century origins in the Deccan
• The ascent of Shivaji and his heirs
• The creation of a confederation of Maratha factions
• Battles with the Mughals, British, Portuguese, and other Indian powers
• Leading to their ultimate defeat in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1818)

Key Themes and Highlights

Origins in the Deccan

Gordon begins by portraying the Deccan plateau—a region marked by political fragmentation yet rich in culture. He examines:

• Pre-Maratha authority frameworks
• The impact of the Bhakti movement
• Agricultural and economic trends that influenced Maratha society

Rise of Shivaji and the Early Maratha State

An in-depth study of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s leadership (r. 1674–1680) showcases:

• Guerrilla tactics and fort-based defense strategies
• Administrative reforms like Ashta Pradhan
• The adoption of Sanskritized royal titles and Hindu symbolism to legitimize the state
• Conflicts with the Mughals and the Sultanate of Bijapur

Maratha Expansion and Confederacy

The Maratha Empire evolved from a centralized rule under Shivaji to a loosely aligned confederacy, with various power hubs such as:

• Peshwas from Pune
• Holkars of Indore
• Scindias of Gwalior
• Gaekwads of Baroda
• Bhonsles of Nagpur

Gordon highlights that this network governance facilitated adaptability yet resulted in internal competition and inefficiency during crises.

Maratha-Mughal and Maratha-British Relations

• The Marathas significantly contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb's reign.
• They stepped into the power void in North India, frequently collecting chauth (tribute) from Mughal territories.
• Gordon elaborates on their military advancements, such as employing cavalry raids and mobile warfare tactics.
• Interactions with British forces became progressively hostile, culminating in a series of Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818).

Decline and the Third Anglo-Maratha War

The ultimate demise of Maratha sovereignty resulted from:

• Internal disputes among Maratha leaders
• British diplomatic strategies (e.g., Treaty of Bassein, 1802)
• The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818), which led to the annexation of Maratha regions

About the Author: Stewart N. Gordon

Stewart N. Gordon is a prominent American historian specializing in South Asia, recognized for his insights into pre-modern Indian politics, society, and trade networks.

• He serves as a Senior Scholar at the University of Michigan.
• He has authored other noteworthy works such as When Asia Was the World and Robes and Honor.
• He is known for his interdisciplinary perspective and clear writing style.

Why This Book Matters

• It contests oversimplified ideas of the Marathas as merely “warrior chiefs. ”
• It illustrates how the Marathas established one of the final great Indian empires before colonialism.
• It clarifies how regionalism and decentralization influenced the Indian political framework.
• A crucial asset for scholars of pre-colonial and early colonial Indian history

Who Is This Book For?

• Students and researchers of South Asian historical studies
• Candidates preparing for civil services (UPSC, CSS) focusing on Maratha history
• General audiences fascinated by Indian empires and pre-colonial political systems
• Individuals seeking a more profound, nuanced comprehension of Maratha governance and societal structures