The Maratha Empire played a pivotal role in shaping Indian history during the 17th and 18th centuries. From the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the influential Peshwas, their legacy is one of courage, strategy, and resilience. In this detailed list of Maratha rulers, we trace the powerful leaders who built and expanded the empire. Whether you’re someone who has a keen interest in history or a curious learner, this blog offers a complete overview of Maratha royalty and their enduring impact.
Table of Contents
History of the Maratha Empire
The history of the Maratha Empire begins in the 17th century with the rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a visionary leader who laid the foundation of Hindavi Swarajya — self-rule for the Hindu people. Emerging from the Deccan region, Shivaji’s defiance against the Mughal and Bijapur Sultanates marked a turning point in Indian history. In 1674, he was formally crowned at Raigad Fort, establishing the Maratha Empire with a strong administrative system, a disciplined military, and a navy to guard the western coast.
Following Shivaji’s death, the Marathas faced intense struggles, especially during the reigns of Sambhaji, Rajaram, and Tarabai, who continued to resist Mughal aggression led by Aurangzeb. Despite setbacks, the Maratha Empire not only survived but later expanded under Shahu I and the Peshwa administration, eventually becoming the dominant power in India by the mid-18th century. The Marathas played a crucial role in checking Mughal decline and reshaping the subcontinent’s political landscape before their eventual fall to the British in the 19th century.
Timeline and List of Maratha Leaders
There were in all 7 rulers who headed the Maratha empire, and the list of Maratha rulers along with their years of reign is mentioned below.
Year | Event |
1674 | Shivaji Maharaj was crowned, officially establishing the Maratha Empire |
1680-1689 | Reign of Sambhaji, Shivaji’s son |
1689 | Sambhaji was captured and executed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb |
1689-1707 | Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Rajaram (Shivaji’s younger son) and Tarabai (Rajaram’s wife) |
1707-1719 | Maratha Empire led by Shahu I (grandson of Shivaji) |
1720-1749 | Reign of Baji Rao I, prominent Peshwa (Prime Minister) |
1749-1772 | Reign of Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb), son of Baji Rao I |
1774-1796 | Reign of Madhavrao I, another notable Peshwa |
1796-1818 | Maratha Empire under Peshwa Baji Rao II |
1818 | The Third Anglo-Maratha War ends, Maratha Empire officially ended with the defeat of Peshwa Baji Rao II by the British East India Company. The Peshwa was exiled to Bithoor near Kanpur, marking the effective end of Maratha power. |
List of Later Maratha Rulers (Chhatrapatis of Satara and Kolhapur)
After the death of Shahu I, the Maratha Empire saw a significant shift in power, leading to the emergence of two separate royal lines — Satara and Kolhapur. The later Maratha rulers, though often overshadowed by the rise of the Peshwas, played a key role in preserving Maratha heritage and authority in their respective regions.
Name | Reign | Branch | Key Contributions / Notes |
Shahu I | 1707–1749 | Satara | Released by Mughals; restored Maratha power; appointed Balaji Vishwanath as Peshwa. |
Ramaraja (Shahu II) | 1749–1777 | Satara | Puppet ruler under Peshwa control; limited actual power. |
Pratapsingh | 1839–1839 | Satara | Brief rule before British interference. |
Shahu II (of Satara) | 1839–1848 | Satara | Last Chhatrapati of Satara; dethroned by the British under the Doctrine of Lapse. |
Rajaram I | 1700–1714 | Kolhapur | Son of Shivaji; founded Kolhapur line; ruled independently from Satara. |
Shivaji I (Kolhapur) | 1714–1718 | Kolhapur | Continued Rajaram’s legacy; early consolidation of Kolhapur. |
Sambhaji I | 1718–1760 | Kolhapur | Long rule, strengthened the Kolhapur kingdom; internal strife marked his reign. |
Shivaji II | 1760–1813 | Kolhapur | Ruled during the increasing British influence in the region. |
Shahu I (of Kolhapur) | 1894–1922 | Kolhapur | Social reformer; modernised Kolhapur; supported education and upliftment of lower castes. |
Rajaram III | 1922–1940 | Kolhapur | Promoted education, industry, and public welfare; cooperative with the British. |
Shivaji VII | 1941–1946 | Kolhapur | Last ruling Maharaja before independence, post-1947, merged with India. |
It was all about the list of Maratha rulers. If you want to know more about topics like this, then visit our page Famous Personalities of India or general knowledge page! Alternatively, you can also read our blog on general knowledge for competitive exams!
FAQs
The greatest Maratha ruler is widely considered to be Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, known for his strategic brilliance, military innovations, and establishing the foundation of the Maratha Empire. His leadership and vision of Hindavi Swarajya have left an enduring legacy in Indian history.
The last king of the Maratha Empire was Chhatrapati Shahu II, who ruled the Satara branch until his dethronement by the British in 1848. After the annexation of Satara, the Maratha monarchy effectively came to an end.
The four main Maratha clans were the Chhatrapatis of the Bhonsle dynasty, the Peshwas of the Bhat family, the Shinde (Scindia) clan, and the Holkar clan. Each played a significant role in the Maratha Empire’s military and political dominance in India.
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