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Mughal Maratha Relations: History, Conflict, Diplomacy and Political Transformation in India

Mughal Maratha relations history in this topic you learn how conflict began under Shivaji evolved through Aurangzeb wars shifted to diplomacy and led to Maratha dominance and Mughal decline in Indian politics

May 5, 2026
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Mughal – Maratha relations form one of the most decisive political struggles in medieval India. For ugc net aspirants, this topic explains how a regional power led by Shivaji challenged the Mughal Empire and later transformed into a pan-Indian force under the Peshwas. This relationship moved through phases of conflict, negotiation, compromise, renewed warfare, and eventual Mughal decline.

Mughal Maratha Relations Historical Background

In the 17th century, the Mughal Empire expanded southward into the Deccan. At the same time, Shivaji aimed to establish Swaraj in Maharashtra.

The clash between imperial expansion and regional assertion shaped Mughal – Maratha relations, during the reign of Aurangzeb.

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Phase I: Shivaji and Mughals

Early Conflicts

Shivaji began by capturing forts from the Bijapur Sultanate. Mughal interest in the Deccan soon led to confrontation.

Important events:

Attack on Shaista Khan (1663)
Raid on Surat (1664)
Treaty of Purandar (1665)

The Treaty of Purandar temporarily settled Mughal – Maratha relations, but distrust continued.

Shivaji’s Visit to Agra

In 1666, Shivaji visited Aurangzeb’s court. Mughal authorities detained him. Shivaji escaped dramatically.

This event damaged trust in Mughal – Maratha relations, and conflict resumed.

Phase II: War Under Aurangzeb

Shivaji’s death in 1680, Aurangzeb personally moved to the Deccan to suppress the rising Maratha power and bring the region under firm Mughal control. He directed prolonged military campaigns against Maratha forts, leaders, and territories with the aim of ending their resistance. These wars continued for decades, draining Mughal resources while the Marathas used guerrilla tactics to sustain their struggle

Major Developments

Execution of Sambhaji (1689)
Resistance under Rajaram
Guerrilla warfare
Mughal occupation of forts

Aurangzeb spent 27 years in the Deccan. Continuous warfare drained Mughal resources. Mughal – Maratha relations, during this phase shifted from negotiation to total war.

Mughal – Maratha relations, During Shivaji Period

Relations between Shivaji and the Mughal Empire were mostly hostile, as he challenged imperial authority through military raids and territorial expansion.

Under Aurangzeb, conflicts intensified despite brief truces like the Treaty of Purandar, showing a continuous power struggle in the Deccan.

Event	Year	Impact
Surat Raid	1664	Demonstrated Maratha strength
Treaty of Purandar	1665	Temporary compromise
Agra Incident	1666	Breakdown of trust
Coronation	1674	Assertion of sovereignty

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Phase III: Post-Aurangzeb Settlement

After Aurangzeb died in 1707, the Mughal Empire weakened due to succession struggles and administrative strain. His successors adopted conciliatory policies, recognizing Shahu and granting rights like chauth and sardeshmukhi to secure Maratha cooperation. This settlement marked a shift from constant warfare to negotiation and political partnership.

Shahu’s Release

Mughals released Shahu, Shivaji’s grandson, hoping to divide Marathas.
This marked a diplomatic shift in Mughal – Maratha relations, where negotiation replaced full-scale war.

Phase IV: Rise of the Peshwas

The rise of the Peshwas marked a major shift in the power structure of the Maratha state, where real authority gradually passed from the Chhatrapati to the prime ministers. Under Balaji Vishwanath, the office became hereditary and politically influential, while Baji Rao I expanded Maratha dominance across much of India through military campaigns and diplomacy. By the mid-18th century, the Peshwas had transformed the Marathas into the leading power in Indian politics.

Under Peshwa Baji Rao I:

Marathas entered North India
Defeated Mughal governors
Influenced Delhi politics

Mughal – Maratha relations, transformed from defensive conflict to Maratha dominance.

Expansion Policy

The Marathas collected Chauth (25%) and Sardeshmukhi (10%) from territories under their influence, strengthening state finances.

They expanded aggressively into Malwa, Gujarat, Bundelkhand, and northern India, using both military campaigns and strategic alliances to assert dominance over regional rulers. This policy turned the Marathas into a major political and military power in 18th-century India.
They exercised power in Malwa, Gujarat, and Bundelkhand.
The Mughal emperor became increasingly dependent on Maratha support.

Changing Nature of Mughal – Maratha relations

The Mughal–Maratha relations changed from early conflict to uneasy negotiation over time. During Shivaji’s rise, they fought frequent wars in the Deccan, but after Aurangzeb’s death, both sides opted for treaties, tribute arrangements, and political alliances, reflecting a shift from direct warfare to diplomacy and influence.

Phase	Nature of Relation	Result
Shivaji Era	Conflict + treaty	Limited compromise
Aurangzeb Era	Prolonged war	Mughal exhaustion
Early 18th Century	Negotiation	Maratha recognition
Peshwa Era	Maratha dominance	Mughal decline

Mughal – Maratha relations Military Comparison

The Mughal military relied on heavy cavalry, large infantry, and artillery under a centralized command, emphasizing formal battlefield engagements. In contrast, the Marathas used light cavalry, guerrilla tactics, and rapid mobility, leveraging hill forts and hit-and-run strategies to outmaneuver larger armies.

Mughal Military

Heavy cavalry
Large infantry
Artillery
Central command

Maratha Military

Light cavalry
Guerrilla tactics
Rapid mobility
Fort-based strategy

The contrast shaped Mughal – Maratha relations, across decades.

Mughal – Maratha relations Administrative Contrast

Aspect	Mughals	Marathas
Revenue	Zabt system	Chauth, Sardeshmukhi
Governance	Mansabdari	Ashtapradhan
Control	Centralized	Confederacy model

Sources for Mughal – Maratha relations

The Mughal–Maratha relations evolved from early conflicts during Shivaji’s rise to complex political negotiations under Aurangzeb, shaping the power dynamics of 17th and 18th century India.”

Jadunath Sarkar, Shivaji and His Times – Classic work covering Shivaji’s campaigns and early Mughal conflicts.
Jadunath Sarkar, Fall of the Mughal Empire – Details Maratha expansion under the Peshwas and late Mughal decline.
R.S. Chaurasia, History of Medieval India – Provides concise accounts of Mughal–Maratha wars.
Irfan Habib, The Agrarian System of Mughal India – Contextualizes Mughal-Maratha interactions in terms of politics and economy.
Satish Chandra, Medieval India – Comprehensive coverage of Deccan politics and Mughal-Maratha relations.

Primary Sources:

Ain-i-Akbari by Abul Fazl (for Mughal administrative perspective)
Bakhar texts (Maratha chronicles detailing Shivaji’s campaigns)

Persian Sources

Maasir-i-Alamgiri
Alamgirnama

Marathi Sources

Sabhasad Bakhar
Chitnis Bakhar

European Accounts

French and English factory records
Traveler narratives

These sources offer different perspectives on Mughal – Maratha relations, including bias and interpretation.

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Mughal – Maratha relations Economic Impact

Continuous wars:

Increased taxation
Destroyed agriculture
Weakened Mughal treasury
Strengthened Maratha revenue network

Economic strain weakened Mughal control.

Mughal – Maratha relations Political Consequences

Mughal decline accelerated
Marathas emerged as dominant Indian power
Regional autonomy increased
British gained opportunity

The transformation in Mughal – Maratha relations, changed India’s political balance.

Third Battle of Panipat (1761)

Marathas fought Ahmad Shah Abdali.

Though not directly a Mughal conflict, the weakened Mughal authority created the context.

After Panipat, Marathas recovered but Mughal authority remained symbolic.

Causes of Mughal Weakness in Conflict

Overextension in Deccan
Guerrilla warfare challenges
Financial drain
Lack of local support

These factors influenced Mughal – Maratha relations, by shifting power gradually.

Long-Term Historical Significance

Mughal – Maratha relations, represent:

Transition from imperial centralization
Rise of regional power
Beginning of Mughal fragmentation
Precondition for colonial expansion

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Mughal – Maratha relations began as a regional rebellion under Shivaji and evolved into a long political struggle that weakened the Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb’s prolonged Deccan campaigns drained imperial strength. After 1707, diplomacy and negotiation replaced direct conflict. Under the Peshwas, Marathas became dominant in northern India.

In conclusion, Mughal – Maratha relations illustrate how sustained regional resistance transformed the subcontinent’s political structure.

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Mughal – Maratha Relations FAQs

What were Mughal–Maratha relations during Shivaji’s time?

During Shivaji’s period, Mughal–Maratha relations were marked by frequent raids, skirmishes, and battles. Shivaji challenged Mughal authority in the Deccan, capturing forts and territory. Despite occasional treaties like Purandar, mutual mistrust and hostility persisted.

Why did Aurangzeb personally lead Deccan campaigns?

Aurangzeb led the Deccan campaigns to suppress the growing Maratha power. He aimed to consolidate Mughal authority over southern India. His direct involvement reflected the seriousness of the Maratha challenge to the empire.

What was the Treaty of Purandar?

The Treaty of Purandar in 1665 required Shivaji to surrender 23 forts to the Mughals. In return, he received a formal position under the Mughal administration. The treaty was temporary and did not end Maratha resistance.

How did Peshwas change Mughal–Maratha relations?

Under the Peshwas, the Marathas shifted from defensive strategies to aggressive northern expansion. They challenged Mughal dominance politically and militarily. Tribute collection and confederacy alliances strengthened Maratha influence over former Mughal territories.

Which sources describe this conflict?

Persian chronicles, such as the Maasir-i-Alamgiri, provide Mughal perspectives on the Deccan wars. Marathi Bakhars record Maratha strategies and heroism. European travel accounts offer external observations of the campaigns and regional politics.