The rise of the Marathas in the seventeen century is an important and fascinating event in the history of India.
This rise is primarily due to Shivaji and the circumstances that shaped his character and that of his followers. Shivaji welded the Marathas into a superb mobile fighting force. The Marathas fought for the defense of their religion and territory against Mughal rulers.
Following were the important factors responsible for the phenomenal rise of the Marathas:
1. Inspirational influence of religious and social leaders:
Several prominent leaders in the religious and social fields of Maharashtra inspired the people to unite by preaching faith and Bhakti in one God and by condemning the caste system which had divided the society. The most famous of these reformers were: Tuka Ram, Ram Das, Vaman Pandit, and Eknath. Guru Ram Das exercised a tremendous influence by underlying the philosophy of ‘Karma’ (action) in his famous book ‘Das Bodh.
2. Love for the motherland:
Swami Ram Das’s message to the Marathas was, “Mother and mother country is dearer than heaven itself. Gods and cows, Brahmans and the faith, these are to be protected. Therefore, God has raised you up; when faith is dead, death is better than life: why live when religion has vanished? Gather ye, therefore, the Marathas together; make the dharma live again! For otherwise our forefathers will laugh at us from heaven.”
3. Character of the Marathas:
Elphinstone has observed in this regard. “They (Marathas) are all active, laboriously hardy, and preserving. If they have none of the pride and dignity of the Rajputs, they have none of their indolence or want of worldly wisdom too. And all these traits were due to the peculiar physical features of their country.” Shivaji made the best use of these characteristics of the Marathas.
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