Maratha Confederacy
The Maratha Confederacy was a powerful alliance of regional kingdoms in India that emerged in the late 17th century. Formed by the Marathas, a warrior group from western India, it aimed to consolidate their control and resist Mughal dominance. Under leaders like Shivaji Maharaj, the Marathas expanded their territory, becoming a significant political force. The Confederacy was loosely organized, consisting of various chieftains and clans who worked together for common goals but often acted independently. At its height, it challenged the Mughals and influenced Indian politics until the British Empire's rise in the 19th century.
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The Maratha Confederacy was a powerful political and military alliance in India during the 17th and 18th centuries. It emerged after the decline of the Mughal Empire and consisted of various regional states led by Maratha chieftains. The confederacy was known for its effective cavalry and guerrilla tactics, expanding its influence across much of India. Key figures included Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder, and later leaders like Bajirao I. The Marathas played a crucial role in resisting British colonial expansion until their defeat in the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1818, leading to significant changes in India's political landscape.