Who Defeated the Maratha Empire?

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who defeated Maratha Empire

The Maratha Empire, also known as the Maratha Confederacy, was a powerful Indian empire that existed from 1674 to 1818. Shivaji Maharaj, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was a prominent Maratha warrior and the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India. In the history of India, the Maratha Empire was a powerful and influential force that ruled over a large part of the country for several centuries. However, like all empires, the Maratha Empire eventually faced its downfall at the hands of various adversaries. In this article, we will explore the question – who defeated the Maratha Empire?

The Decline of the Maratha Empire

The decline of the Maratha Empire began in the 18th century due to internal conflicts and power struggles among the Maratha chieftains. The empire also faced external threats from the Mughal Empire, the British East India Company and other regional powers.

Credits – The Live Maharashtra

Also Read – Who Was The Last Peshwa Of Maratha Empire?

Who Defeated the Maratha Empire?

The Maratha Empire was ultimately defeated by a combination of internal strife and external enemies.

  • The Third Battle of Panipat, fought on January 14, 1761, was the most decisive battle that led to the downfall of the Maratha Empire.
  • It was a major turning point in the decline of the Maratha Empire, where the Maratha forces suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Durrani
  • Ahmad Shah Durrani, also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali, led the Afghan forces in this battle and managed to defeat the Marathas despite being outnumbered.

Also Read – The Treaty of Purandar Between Maratha and British

Reasons of the Defeat

The defeat at the Battle of Panipat was a devastating blow to the Maratha Empire, as it resulted in the loss of power and influence for the Marathas.

  • The British East India Company took advantage of the weakened Maratha Empire and gradually extended its control over the Indian subcontinent.
  • By the early 19th century, the Maratha Empire had been reduced to a mere shadow of its former glory, with its territories divided among various princely states under British suzerainty.
  • The Marathas also were not able to fill the vacuum that the emperors of mighty Mughal rulers.


In conclusion, the Maratha Empire was defeated by a combination of internal conflicts, external threats and the decisive defeat at the Third Battle of Panipat. Despite its formidable military strength and strategic acumen, the Maratha Empire could not withstand the onslaught of its enemies and eventually succumbed to defeat.

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