Introduction
The 17th–18th century in India saw the rise of regional powers as the Mughal Empire weakened. Prominent powers included the Marathas, Sikhs, Mysore, Bengal Nawabs, and Rajputs. This period is significant for decentralized administration, military innovations, economic development, and cultural consolidation.
1. Maratha Empire
Origin & Rise:
- Founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji (1630–1680 CE) in western India (Maharashtra).
- Guerrilla warfare against Mughals, forts as military bases.
Administration:
- Central authority under Chhatrapati; provincial heads called Subedars.
- Ashta Pradhan council: eight ministers overseeing revenue, military, finance, etc.
- Village administration largely autonomous; local tax collection.
Economy:
- Agriculture mainstay; taxation system called Chauth and Sardeshmukhi from conquered regions.
- Trade flourished internally and with coastal ports.
Military:
- Guerrilla tactics, light cavalry, and fort networks.
- Strong naval presence under Kanhoji Angre.
Significance:
- Unified large parts of western, central, and northern India.
- Defended regional autonomy against Mughal authority.
2. Sikh Confederacy
Origin & Rise:
- Founded by Guru Nanak (1469–1539 CE); militarized under Guru Hargobind and Guru Gobind Singh.
- Established Khalsa (1699) to defend against Mughal persecution.
Administration & Society:
- Led by local misls (confederacies); later united by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780–1839).
- Focused on community welfare, justice, and equality.
Military:
- Highly disciplined cavalry and infantry.
- Fortified towns and strongholds in Punjab.
Significance:
- Preserved Sikh identity and religion.
- Controlled Punjab region and resisted Mughal and Afghan incursions.
3. Other Regional Powers
Mysore (Wodeyars and Hyder Ali – Tipu Sultan):
- Located in southern India.
- Centralized administration with modernized army.
- Promoted irrigation, trade, and revenue systems.
- Tipu Sultan resisted British expansion; pioneer of rocket artillery.
Bengal Nawabs:
- Controlled Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
- Wealthy economy due to agriculture, trade, and silk industry.
- Autonomous administration under nominal Mughal suzerainty.
Rajputs:
- Continued prominence in Rajasthan.
- Maintained forts and regional kingdoms.
- Often allied or opposed Marathas and Mughals.
Deccan Sultanates:
- Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar; promoted Persianate culture, forts, and trade.
Economy & Society
- Agrarian economy with regional trade hubs.
- Towns and ports grew; crafts and artisanal industries thrived.
- Socially hierarchical; caste and religion played a significant role.
- Education, art, and literature patronized locally.
Military Innovations
- Guerrilla warfare by Marathas.
- Use of rocket artillery by Mysore.
- Well-fortified towns and strategic forts.
- Cavalry and infantry crucial in all regional armies.
Significance
Strengthened local administration, revenue systems, and defense mechanisms.
Maintained regional autonomy amid Mughal decline.
Laid foundations for 18th-century political fragmentation and eventual British colonization.
Preserved cultural, religious, and military traditions.