The
Marathas' Role in Preserving India's Independence
From 1682 to
1707, the Marathas played a crucial role in preventing India from meeting the
same fate as Persia, which had succumbed to imperial invasions. During this
period, Maharashtra, which had enjoyed peace since the defeat of the Yadavas of
Devagiri by Alauddin Khilji in 1293, saw resistance rise from within.
Resistance
and Resilience in the Heart of Maharashtra
Muslim rule
during this time was largely confined to cities, leaving remote and mountainous
regions, such as those occupied by local jagirdars, relatively unaffected.
These areas, particularly the hill regions of western Maharashtra, became
hotbeds of resistance. Shivaji's loyal forces, known as the Mavale, hailed from
these rugged terrains and were known for their unwavering dedication and
resilience.
The Rise
of the Bhakti Movement and Cultural Unity
Muslim
invasions spurred the rise of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra, which
fostered unity beyond caste boundaries. Saints like Sant Dnyaneshwar
(1275-1296), the first of the Warkari saints, spread the message of universal
humanism, making society more cohesive. Sant Tukaram, a contemporary of
Shivaji, further strengthened Indian philosophy through his devotional poetry.
Religious
Awakening and the Seeds of Revolt
Saints like
Samarth Ramdas openly advocated rebellion against Muslim tyranny. These
saint-poets not only promoted the Marathi language, uniting people across
castes but also awakened a sense of resistance. Their influence can be likened
to the role played by Arya Samaj in resisting the Nizam of Hyderabad before
1947.
A Unique
Warrior Society
Maharashtra
did not have a well-defined Kshatriya class. Instead, part-time soldiers from
middle-caste land tillers took up arms after Dussehra, a tradition unique to
this region. This, combined with the cultural awakening spurred by the saints,
created a strong social cohesion. The absence of a warrior caste allowed talent
and hard work to propel individuals like Shinde, Gaikwad, Angrey, and Holkar to
the top of the Maratha hierarchy.
The Role
of the Mahars in Shivaji's Army
The Mahars,
regarded as untouchables, played a vital role in Shivaji's army as village
guards, intelligence gatherers, and communicators, known as Harkaray. Their
service was instrumental in maintaining the Maratha empire's internal security
and communication networks.
Shivaji’s
Early Life and Military Tactics
Shivaji was
born in 1630 (some sources claim 1627) to Shahji, who frequently shifted
allegiances between the Sultans of Bijapur and Ahmednagar. Shivaji's military
genius was displayed early on when he defeated Afzal Khan and led a daring
commando raid on the Mughal camp in Pune, earning widespread respect.
Building
the Maratha Empire
Shivaji laid
the foundation of the Maratha Empire with the guiding principles of "Dev,
Desh, Dharma" (God, country, faith). He employed guerrilla warfare
tactics, relying on ambushes and raids to compensate for his smaller forces.
His control of 432 mountain forts served as a base for his mobile forces, and
his extensive spy network, led by Bahirji Naik, provided timely intelligence.
Strategic
Military Tactics and Administration
Shivaji
divided his forces into mobile columns, exploiting the Mughal vulnerabilities
by targeting their supply lines. His sound administration garnered popular
support and ensured a steady flow of intelligence. Moreover, Shivaji was
strategic in his diplomacy, ensuring he never faced both the Mughals and the
Sultan of Bijapur simultaneously.
The
Battle of Pratapgarh: A Tactical Masterclass
In the
Battle of Pratapgarh (10/11/1659), Shivaji demonstrated his innovative military
strategy by following up victories with relentless offensive action. The
beheading of Afzal Khan destroyed the myth of Muslim battlefield superiority,
much like India's victory over Pakistan in 2004.
Daring
Raids and Escape from Agra
Shivaji
forced his enemies to fight on his terms, a tactic exemplified in his midnight
raid on Shaiste Khan’s forces in Pune. Despite overwhelming odds, Shivaji's
soldiers created confusion by tying torches to bullocks' horns, allowing
Shivaji to escape to Sinhagad fort. Later, in 1666, Shivaji's escape from house
arrest in Agra after being confined by Aurangzeb enhanced his stature as a
national hero.
Establishing
the Maratha Navy and Expanding Influence
Shivaji's
strategic foresight extended to naval warfare. By 1680, the Maratha navy
boasted 45 large ships, 150 twin-sail vessels, and numerous smaller boats,
ensuring control of the western coastline. His coronation in 1674 formalized
his role as the leader of the Marathas, and he continued to strengthen the
empire by establishing a professional, full-time army.
Shivaji's
Military Legacy
Shivaji's
reluctance to rely on infantry and his inability to establish a weapons
industry were some of the challenges he faced. However, his relentless
offensive strategies, emphasis on political objectives in warfare, and vision
of pan-Indian Hindu unity laid the groundwork for future Maratha victories. His
successors fought and eventually defeated Aurangzeb's forces after a prolonged
25-year conflict.
A
Visionary Leader and His Enduring Legacy
Shivaji’s
reign ended in 1680, but his legacy continued. He foresaw the threat posed by
the English, and the Marathas later engaged the British in naval warfare.
Admiral Kanhoji Angrey's leadership kept the English at bay on the western
coast, securing Maratha dominance in the region. Without Shivaji's efforts, the
subcontinent might have become part of a continuous Islamic belt stretching
from Morocco to Indonesia.
Shivaji's
Enduring Contribution to Warfare and Governance
Shivaji was
a visionary leader who discarded outdated military practices like war elephants
and adopted a relentless offensive strategy. His foresight, strategic
brilliance, and ability to unite a diverse society left an indelible mark on
Indian history, ensuring his legacy as one of the most formidable rulers of the
17th century.
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