"The seeds of domestic dissensions were thickly and deeply sown in the Maratha system under the Peshwas."
The Maratha system, particularly under the Peshwas, was indeed plagued by inherent domestic dissensions that ultimately contributed to its downfall. The very foundation of Peshwa power, where they usurped authority from the nominal Chhatrapati, created an early seed of legitimacy crisis and resentment.
More critically, the Maratha Confederacy system fostered deep divisions. Powerful semi-independent chiefs like the Scindias, Holkars, Gaekwads, and Bhonsles often pursued their own territorial ambitions and rivalries, frequently clashing with each other or undermining Peshwa authority. This lack of a unified command or strong central control led to internal strife, making it difficult to present a united front against external threats, notably the British.
Furthermore, the extensive Jagirdari system meant loyalty was often fragmented, with regional sardars prioritizing their jagirs over the collective Maratha state. Economic strains from constant warfare, coupled with internal caste tensions, exacerbated these cleavages. These deeply sown dissensions prevented the Marathas from consolidating their vast empire, leaving them vulnerable to collapse.
Answered By:
Harsh Raj
Harsh Raj is a successful government exam expert, having cleared multiple stages of SSC CGL, IBPS PO, CDS, RRB NTPC, and Delhi Police SI exams himself and mentored more than 5000 students through direct mentorship. His expertise is in creating well researched content, especially MCQs, which have been directly asked by relevant commissions in multiple exams.
Similar Questions
"The Sikh monarchy was Napoleonic in the suddenness of its rise, the brilliancy of its success and the completeness of its overthrow."
"Bhagat Singh and his comrades significantly expanded the meaning and scope of revolution, redefining it beyond mere political upheaval to include social and ideological transformation."
"The significant feature of the Indian Councils Act of 1892 was the principle of election which it introduced, though the word 'election' was very carefully avoided in it."
"The colonial rule opened the Indian markets for British-manufactured goods and led to 'deindustrialization' or destruction of indigenous handicraft industries."
"The tug of war between the two principles of freedom and control of the press made its influence felt on the colonial rulers' attitude to the press." Discuss.
Do you agree that the idea of permanent fixation of land revenue of 1793 in Bengal was highly influenced by the Physiocratic school of thinking? Discuss.
"The movement for linguistic States generated deep apprehensions among the nationalist elite. They feared it would lead to the Balkanization of India." Examine.
"During the Carnatic Wars, the French position, which at one time dazzled the Indian world by its political successes, was destined to end in humiliation and failure." Explain.
Why has the 'safety valve theory' related to the foundation of the Indian National Congress been thoroughly discredited by recent researchers? Analyze.
"The emergence of Gandhi signified the Indianization of the national movement." Analyze with reference to his early movements between 1917-1922.
Important Questions from Miscellaneous
Write a note in 150 words
Mendelian and non-Mendelian traits.Write a note in 150 words
Theoretical significance of Purum kinship-system.Write a note in 150 words
Smell as a signal among non-human primates.Write a note in 150 words
Osteodontokeratik culture and its makers.Discuss the Miocene hominoid remains and their significance in evolution.
