The Maratha Empire, founded in the 17th century by Shivaji Maharaj in western India, rose as a strong force against the Mughals. It expanded across India but later declined due to weak unity, British wars, and lack of economic reforms.

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• Founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1627–1680)
• Capital at Raigad, idea of Hindawi Swarajya
• Sambhaji (1681–1689) executed by Aurangzeb
• Rajaram crowned at Jinji fort, 1690
• Shahu (1707–1749) expanded empire, social reforms
• Peshwa Baji Rao I defeated Mughals, Nizam
• Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1819) weakened empire
• Treaty of Salbai ended First Anglo-Maratha War
• Treaty of Bassein led to British supremacy
• Decline: lack of unity, weak economy, British divide-and-rule