Maratha’s advancement into Doab and Punjab was divided into two distinct periods from 1741 to 1761. The first phase occurred between 1741 and 1752. It began with Baji Rao's death and the final Mughal cession of Malwa and Gujarat. Marathas gained the Chauth right over the area of Rajasthan, which opened the way for the Doab and Punjab region, while the entry of Marathas into the doab and Ahmad Shah Abdali into Punjab in 1752 marked a new chapter in Northern Indian politics. The preparations for the showdown between the Marathas and the Abdali for control of North India were in full swing between 1752 and 1761. In this article, we will discuss The Maratha Advance into Doab and Punjab which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

First Phase (1741-52)

• In the first phase (1741-1752), the Marathas concentrated their efforts on establishing their claim to the Chauth of so-called "frontier" areas.
• In 1741, Raghuji Bhonsle raided Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa for Chauth.
• Despite strong opposition from Nawab Alivardi Khan, an agreement was reached with him in 1751, under which the Chauth of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa was fixed at Rs.12,000 annually, and areas of south Orissa were given to Raghuji in exchange.
• The Marathas fought for control of Karnataka and Khandesh in the Deccan against Nizam (Asaf Jah) and his successor, Nasir Jang.
• Raghuji Bhonsle raided Karnataka, but due to Raghuji's involvement with Bengal and Orissa, the Nizam was able to establish his dominance in the state for the time being.
• Rajasthan was a third strong hold for the Marathas. By interfering in internal affairs, including succession disputes, the Peshwa's lieutenants, Holkar and Sindhia, were successful in forcing most Rajput states to agree to pay Chauth and sometimes campaigning expenses (Khandani) to the Marathas.
• The Marathas' entry into Rajasthan can only be explained tactically as a first step toward gaining control of Agra, Delhi, and the Punjab region.
• The Rajputs' growing resentment of the Marathas led to the assassination of approximately 5000 Marathas in Jaipur by citizens and followers of Madho Singh in 1751.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link First Phase (1741-52) - The Maratha Advance into Doab and Punjab

Second Phase (1752-61)

• With the rise of Ahmad Shah Abdali and his invasion of India in 1748, a new political situation had emerged in North India, which was followed by many others in regular succession.
• After learning of Abdali's capture of Lahore, the Delhi Emperor requested assistance from the Peshwa.
• The Peshwa was eager to assist the Emperor and had dispatched Sindhia and Holkar from Poona.
• In order to deal with the new situation, the Marathas had to abandon or change their stated intention of subverting the Mughal Empire.
• Following the death of Emperor Muhammad Shah in 1748, the new emperor, Ahmad Shah, appointed Safdar Jung, the governor of Awadh and Allahabad, as wazir.
• Safdar Jung sought help from the Marathas to deal with Ruhela Afghans and Ahmad Khan Bangash.
• The wazir promised them Rs.25,000 per day to cover campaign costs.
• Ahmad Bangash was soundly defeated by the Marathas.
• It was agreed in 1752 that the Marathas would protect the Emperor from internal enemies like Pathans, Rajputs, and other rebels, as well as external foes like Afghan King Abdali.
• The Emperor would pay the Marathas 50 lakhs in exchange for their assistance, and the Peshwas would be given the Subahdaris of Agra and Ajmer.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Second Phase (1752-61) - The Maratha Advance into Doab and Punjab

Rise of Marathas in Northern India

• In 1753, the wazir, Safdar Jung, had a disagreement with the Emperor, resulting in a civil war.
• The opposition to the wazir was led by Imad-ul-Mulk (then 16 years old), son of the former wazir, Qamaruddin Khan.
• Both parties tried to gain Maratha's support. Imad-ul-Mulk offered to pay one crore rupees and the subahs of Awadh and Allahabad if the Peshwa assisted him in becoming a wazir.
• Maratha favoured Imad thinking that a weak wazir would be more convenient for the Maratha ambitions for the doab's Chauth.
• The alliance with the wazir Imad-ul-Mulk from 1753 to 1759 was a period of peak Maratha power in North India, but it was also a period when the Marathas alienated all potential allies, paving the way for the disaster at Panipat in 1761.
• During this period, the Peshwa launched three major campaigns in North India, the first two led by his younger brother, Raghunath Rao, an 18-year-old who had never visited the region before, and the third by his nephew, Sadashiv Bhau, a renowned general and administrator who was the victor of Udgir.
• Raghunath Rao's first action during his first expedition was to demand one crore rupees from the Jat raja, as well as the restoration of the lands he had encroached upon.
• The Jat raja agreed to pay 50 lakhs in three annual instalments, but they were never paid, leaving him perpetually in arrears. The only other way to make money was to go to war with Safdar Jung and the Afghans.
• Raghunath Rao conducted only minor raids in the doab due to logistical constraints.
• He then marched into Rajasthan, which had already fallen under the control of Holkar and Sindhia and then returned home without acquiring any new territory or money.

Conclusion

During the period of 1741- 52, Marathas focused their efforts to get the Chauth from frontier areas. Initially, Marathas raided Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa for Chauth. During this period Marathas also gained Chauth over many Rajasthan states by involving in their internal affairs which makes it easier for them to access the area of Doab and Punjab. The alliance with the wazir Imad-ul-Mulk from 1753 to 1759 was a period of peak Maratha power in North India, but it was also a period when the Marathas alienated all potential allies, paving the way for the disaster at Panipat in 1761.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who was the main Maratha leader during the advance into Punjab and Doab?

A) Shivaji
B) Mahadji Shinde
C) Baji Rao I
D) Sadashiv Ballal

2. The Maratha advance into Punjab was primarily aimed at:

A) Expanding territorial control
B) Re-establishing Mughal authority
C) Disrupting Mughal dominance
D) Establishing trade routes

3. The Marathas’ advance into northern India mainly weakened which empire?

A) Maurya Empire
B) Mughal Empire
C) Gupta Empire
D) Delhi Sultanate

4. The Maratha influence in Punjab was significant for:

A) Promoting trade
B) Strengthening Mughal power
C) Challenging Mughal authority
D) Establishing a new empire

5. The Maratha expansion into Doab and Punjab had a long-term impact on:

A) Mughal prosperity
B) The British Empire
C) Regional power structures
D) The Sikh Empire

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the Maratha strategy for expansion into northern India and its significance in weakening Mughal control.

Answer: The Marathas, under leaders like Mahadji Shinde, adopted a strategy of military intervention and alliance-building, aiming to secure control over key regions like Doab and Punjab. Their advance into northern India directly challenged Mughal hegemony, weakening Mughal authority and leading to a fragmented political landscape. By asserting power in these regions, the Marathas set the stage for the decline of Mughal centralization, fostering local autonomy and regional power struggles. Their involvement in northern India also set a precedent for the future political dynamics in India, contributing to the eventual rise of other regional powers.

Q2: How did the Maratha expansion influence the political landscape of northern India?

Answer: The Maratha expansion into northern India shifted the political landscape by destabilizing Mughal authority and allowing for the rise of regional powers. Maratha influence in Doab and Punjab disrupted Mughal control, creating a power vacuum that facilitated the emergence of independent states and the strengthening of local rulers. This decentralization weakened Mughal authority, opening the way for the British to later intervene and establish their dominance. The Marathas' role in northern India thus paved the way for the political fragmentation that defined much of the 18th century in India.

Q3: What was the role of Mahadji Shinde in the Maratha advance into Punjab and Doab?

Answer: Mahadji Shinde played a central role in the Maratha advance into northern India, particularly Punjab and Doab. He was instrumental in consolidating Maratha power in these regions, securing key territories, and challenging Mughal supremacy. Shinde's military campaigns weakened Mughal control in the north and established Maratha dominance in the region. His diplomatic skills also helped in forging alliances with local powers, which strengthened the Maratha position. His leadership marked a significant phase in the Maratha Empire's territorial expansion, contributing to the decentralization of power in northern India.

Previous Year Questions on Maratha Advance into Doab and Punjab

1. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Discuss the Maratha expansion into northern India and its impact on the decline of Mughal Empire."

Answer: The Maratha expansion into northern India, particularly in Doab and Punjab, weakened the Mughal Empire by disrupting its territorial control and authority. Led by Mahadji Shinde, the Marathas asserted their dominance over key regions, forcing the Mughals to adopt a defensive stance. This led to internal divisions within the Mughal Empire, accelerating its decline and paving the way for the rise of regional powers in the north. The Maratha advance into these areas destabilized Mughal administration and contributed to the eventual fragmentation of the empire.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Analyze the strategic importance of the Maratha advance into Punjab during the 18th century."

Answer: The Maratha advance into Punjab was a strategic move to assert their influence in northern India and challenge Mughal dominance. The Marathas aimed to disrupt Mughal control and create a buffer between the Mughal heartlands and the expanding British Empire. The success of the Maratha campaigns in Punjab weakened Mughal authority and encouraged the rise of regional powers. Moreover, it contributed to the decentralization of power in northern India, setting the stage for future political realignments.