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Marathas

Mahadev Govind Ranade's 'Rise of the Maratha Power' presents a historical analysis of the Maratha resurgence against Mughal rule, emphasizing Shivaji's role as a nation-builder and administrator. The book critiques the later Marathas for deviating from Shivaji's vision and highlights the importance of geography and moral integrity in their decline. Ranade's work serves as a valuable resource for understanding the interplay of geography and governance in the context of Indian nationalism.

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9 views3 pages

Marathas

Mahadev Govind Ranade's 'Rise of the Maratha Power' presents a historical analysis of the Maratha resurgence against Mughal rule, emphasizing Shivaji's role as a nation-builder and administrator. The book critiques the later Marathas for deviating from Shivaji's vision and highlights the importance of geography and moral integrity in their decline. Ranade's work serves as a valuable resource for understanding the interplay of geography and governance in the context of Indian nationalism.

Uploaded by

Ayush Raj
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© © All Rights Reserved
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The key work by Mahadev Govind Ranade on the Marathas is:

📘 “Rise of the Maratha Power”

Author: Justice M.G. Ranade

First Published: 1900

Genre: Historical Analysis

Language: English

🔍 Key Features of the Book:

1. Liberal-Nationalist Perspective:

Ranade, a social reformer and early Indian nationalist, presents the Maratha
rise as part of India’s indigenous political resurgence against Mughal
imperialism and foreign rule.

2. Focus on Shivaji’s Statesmanship:

He views Shivaji not merely as a warrior, but as a nation-builder,


administrator, and moral leader. He highlights his use of Hindu polity and
strategic use of geography and decentralisation.
3. Balanced Judgment:

Ranade critiques the later Marathas (under the Peshwas and confederacy) for
losing Shivaji’s original vision, becoming power-hungry, and failing to build a
stable, unified empire.

4. Geographical Insight:

Ranade points out how the rugged terrain of the Deccan, the use of forts,
and mountain warfare were crucial to Maratha resistance and survival—
especially against Mughals.

5. Moral and Economic Lens:

He also examines how economic mismanagement and lack of moral integrity


among later leaders led to decline, rather than merely military or
geographical factors.

🧠 Important Quote:

 “The rise of the Maratha power is not to be regarded merely as the


struggle of a Hindu people against a Muslim government, but as the
assertion of the Indian people to political autonomy.”
✅ How to Use It for UPSC/Academics:

For Geography Theme: Cite Ranade to show how early Maratha leaders used
geography to resist centralised imperial forces.

For Decline Theme: Use Ranade’s criticism to argue that moral and
administrative failure, not just geography, limited Maratha success.

Would you like a summary or important quotes from this book for notes?

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