Maratha Political Power Shift After Shivaji

Following the death of Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha state experienced a transition in its power structure. While Shivaji established a strong, centralized administration, the period after his demise saw shifts in the locus of effective political control.

Ascendancy of Chitpavan Brahmanas

The group that eventually came to hold effective political power in the Maratha state, particularly from the early 18th century onwards, were the Chitpavan Brahmanas. This rise was largely facilitated through the office of the Peshwa (Prime Minister), who gradually consolidated administrative and military authority.

Context of Other Groups

• Mughals: Remained significant rivals and occupiers of adjacent territories, but did not hold political power within the Maratha state itself after Shivaji's era.
• Deshmukhs: Were influential local chieftains, but their power was regional and often contested, lacking the centralized control achieved later.
• Kunbis: Constituted the agrarian peasant class, forming the backbone of the Maratha army and society, but did not hold direct political authority.

The instrumental role of the Peshwas, who were primarily Chitpavan Brahmanas, led to their dominance in the Maratha administration, effectively shaping the political destiny of the empire.