Shivaji Bhonsale I (c.19 February 1630 – 3 April 1680), also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji, was an Indian ruler from the Bhonsle Maratha clan. After Shivaji's death, his sons, Shambaji and Rajaram, engaged in a succession war. Shambaji was victorious, but he was later captured and executed by the Mughals. Rajaram ascended to the throne, but the Mughals forced him to flee to Ginjee fort. He passed away in Satara. His minor son Shivaji II succeeded him, with his mother Tara Bai acting as regent. Shahu was the next ruler, and it was during his reign that the Peshwas rose to power. In this article, we will discuss Successors of Shivaji which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Shambhaji (1680-1689)

• In the war of succession, Sambhaji, Shivaji's elder son, defeated Rajaram, Shivaji's younger son.
• To avoid a Rajput-Maratha alliance, he resumed his father's expansionist policies, as well as his long relationship with the Deccan Sultanates.
• In AD 1682, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb led his entire imperial court, administration, and an army of approximately 180,000 troops into South India, conquering the Sultanates of Bijapur and Golconda.
• Unfortunately, he was apprehended, tortured, and then dismembered.
• He offered protection and assistance to Aurangzeb's rebellious son, Akbar II.
• A Mughal noble captured and executed him at Sangameswar.

Rajaram (1689-1700)

• After Sambhaji died, Shivaji's other son took the throne and began the Marathas' legacy.
• He began the Marathas' legacy of expansionist policy by attacking Mughal territories in Deccan.
• He ascended to the throne with the assistance of Rajgarh's ministers.
• In 1689, he fled from Rajgarh to Jinji due to a Mughal invasion in which Rajgarh was captured, along with Sambhaji's wife and son (Shahu).
• Rajaram died in Satara, which had become the capital following the Mughal conquest of Jinji in 1698.
• Rajaram established the post of Pratinidhi, bringing the total number of ministers to nine (Pratinidhi+Ashtapradhan).

Tarabai (1700-1707)

• Rajaram was succeeded by his minor son Shivaji II, who was cared for by his mother Tarabai.
• Tarabai continued her fight against the Mughals.
• Tarabai, Rajaram's widow, gave the throne to Shivaji, the son, and became regent.
• She provided stability to the Maratha state during times of civil and military crisis.
• Mughals dispatched Tarabai with the assistance of a Chitpavan Brahaman named Balaji Vishwanath.

Shahu (1707-1749)

• The Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah released Shahu, sparking a civil war between him and Tarabai.
• Shahu defeated Tarabai at the Battle of Khed on October 12, 1707, and took control of Satara.
• During his reign, the Peshwaship rose to prominence and the Maratha kingdom was transformed into a confederate empire.
• During his reign, the Maratha kingdom was divided into two parts: Kolhapur was ruled by Tarabai, and Satara was ruled by Shahu.
• The two feuds were finally settled in 1731 by the 'Treaty of Warna.'

Conclusion

Shahu died on May 6, 1922, in Bombay. As Maharaja of Kolhapur, he was succeeded by his eldest son, Rajaram III. The reforms initiated by Shahu gradually began to fade due to a lack of capable leadership to carry on the legacy. During his reign, the Peshwas ascended to power. Shivaji founded Maratha State, which expanded significantly during the Peshwaship.

FAQs

Question 1: Who were the main successors of Shivaji Maharaj, and how did they contribute to the expansion of the Maratha Empire?

Question 2: How did Sambhaji Maharaj continue Shivaji's legacy after his death?

Question 3: What role did Rajaram Maharaj play after the death of Sambhaji Maharaj?

Question 4: What were the key achievements of Shahu Maharaj during his reign?

Question 5: How did the Peshwas contribute to the Maratha Empire under Shahu Maharaj?

MCQs

1. Who succeeded Shivaji Maharaj after his death in 1680?

A) Rajaram Maharaj

B) Sambhaji Maharaj

C) Shahu Maharaj

D) Baji Rao I

2. What was the capital of the Maratha Empire during the reign of Rajaram Maharaj?

A) Satara

B) Pune

C) Gingee

D) Kolhapur

3. Which Maratha ruler is known for consolidating the Maratha Empire and appointing the first Peshwa?

A) Shivaji Maharaj

B) Shahu Maharaj

C) Sambhaji Maharaj

D) Rajaram Maharaj

4. Which battle significantly weakened the Maratha Empire during the Peshwa period?

A) Battle of Plassey

B) Battle of Panipat (1761)

C) Battle of Buxar

D) Battle of Haldighati

5. Who was the first Peshwa of the Maratha Empire?

A) Baji Rao I

B) Balaji Baji Rao

C) Madhav Rao I

D) Baji Rao II

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Examine the political and military strategies adopted by the successors of Shivaji Maharaj in expanding the Maratha Empire.

Answer: The successors of Shivaji Maharaj, especially Sambhaji Maharaj, Rajaram Maharaj, and Shahu Maharaj, continued the expansion and consolidation of the Maratha Empire through a combination of military resistance and strategic alliances. Sambhaji faced intense Mughal pressure and employed guerrilla tactics, defending the Maratha territories. Rajaram, though facing internal challenges, continued resistance from the Gingee Fort, keeping the Maratha spirit alive. Under Shahu Maharaj, the Peshwas took charge of both military and administrative functions, expanding the empire to the north. Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb), the first Peshwa, played a critical role in Maratha military campaigns, including the successful campaigns in Rajasthan and North India, although the Marathas eventually suffered a setback at the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. The military strategies included strong use of cavalry, guerilla warfare, and alliance-building, which allowed the Marathas to maintain a strong presence in India despite various challenges.

Q2: Discuss the role of Shahu Maharaj in the administration and expansion of the Maratha Empire.

Answer: Shahu Maharaj played a crucial role in the consolidation and expansion of the Maratha Empire after assuming power in 1707. He effectively managed the Maratha state and laid the foundation for its future success through the appointment of capable leaders such as Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) as the first Peshwa. Shahu’s leadership marked the formal organization of the Maratha Empire, with strong centralized administration and decentralized military power. The Peshwas under Shahu’s reign expanded the empire’s territory in North India and strengthened its position against the Mughal Empire and other regional powers. Shahu also focused on religious and cultural revival, promoting Hinduism and encouraging the building of temples, which contributed to the consolidation of Maratha power.

Q3: Evaluate the contributions of the Peshwas in the administration and expansion of the Maratha Empire under Shahu Maharaj.

Answer: The Peshwas, appointed by Shahu Maharaj, were instrumental in both the administration and expansion of the Maratha Empire. Under the leadership of Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb), the Marathas significantly expanded their territories, especially in North India. The Peshwas established a robust system of governance, focusing on both military campaigns and administrative reforms. Nana Saheb and his successors focused on strengthening the empire’s position in the Deccan, Rajasthan, and parts of North India through alliances and military successes. They also reformed the administration by streamlining the collection of revenue, military organization, and centralizing control over Maratha territory. The Peshwas’ contributions in extending Maratha influence were pivotal in shaping India’s political landscape in the 18th century, despite the eventual setback at the Third Battle of Panipat.

Previous Year Questions on Successors of Shivaji

1. UPSC 2020

Question: Discuss the contributions of the successors of Shivaji Maharaj in shaping the Maratha Empire’s destiny.

Answer: This question required an analysis of the political, military, and cultural contributions of Sambhaji, Rajaram, Shahu Maharaj, and the Peshwas. Their efforts in resisting the Mughals, expanding the empire, and strengthening its administrative structure were pivotal in shaping the Maratha Empire’s destiny, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries.

2. UPSC 2018

Question: Evaluate the impact of the Maratha Empire’s military strategies under the Peshwas on the political landscape of 18th-century India.

Answer: This question asked candidates to examine the military strategies employed by the Peshwas, especially Balaji Baji Rao, and their effects on the political landscape of India. The Peshwas’ expansionist strategies, along with their military prowess, played a key role in the weakening of the Mughal Empire and the rise of the Marathas as a dominant force in 18th-century India. However, the question also required discussion of the challenges faced, such as the Third Battle of Panipat.