Deccan wars

Quick Facts: Who was Deccan wars?

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Deccan wars

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A protracted series of military conflicts between the Mughal and Maratha empires (1681–1707).

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Origins & Early Life

The Deccan wars, also known as Mughal–Maratha wars, were a series of military conflicts between the Mughals and the Marathas after the death of Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1680 until the death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707. Shivaji was a central figure in what has been called "the Maratha insurgency" against the Mughal state. Both he and his son, Sambhaji (or Shambuji, typically), alternated between rebellion against the Mughal state and service to the Mughal sovereign in an official capacity. It was common practice in late 17th-century India for members of a ruling family of a small principality to both collaborate with and rebel against the Mughals. Upon Shivaji's death in 1680, he was immediately succeeded by Rajaram, his second-born son by his second wife.

Career & Major Achievements

The succession was contested by Sambhaji, Shivaji's first-born son by his first wife, and quickly settled to his benefit by the murders of Rajaram's mother and the loyal courtiers favouring Rajaram's succession, and by Rajaram's imprisonment for the following eight years. Although Sambhaji's rule was riven by factions, he conducted several military campaigns in southern India and Goa. In 1681, Sambhaji was contacted by Muhammad Akbar, son of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who was keen to partner with the Marathas in order to assert his political power against his ageing father's continuing dominance. The prospects of an alliance incited Aurangzeb to move his household, court and army to the Deccan. Akbar spent several years under the protection of Sambhaji but eventually went into exile to Persia in 1686.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1689 Sambhaji was captured by the Mughals, and executed at the age of 31. His death was a significant event in Indian history, marking the end of the golden era of the Maratha kingdom. Sambhaji's wife and minor son, later named Shahuji, were taken into the Mughal camp, and Rajaram, who was now an adult, was re-established as ruler; he quickly moved his base to Gingee, far into the Tamil country. From here, he was able to frustrate Mughal advances into the Deccan until 1700. In 1707, Emperor Aurangzeb died.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1680: 1680 Milestone — The Deccan wars, also known as Mughal–Maratha wars, were a series of military conflicts between the Mughals and the Marathas after the death of Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1680 until the death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707.
2. 1681: 1681 Milestone — In 1681, Sambhaji was contacted by Muhammad Akbar, son of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who was keen to partner with the Marathas in order to assert his political power against his ageing father's continuing dominance.
3. 1686: 1686 Milestone — Akbar spent several years under the protection of Sambhaji but eventually went into exile to Persia in 1686.
4. 1689: 1689 Milestone — In 1689 Sambhaji was captured by the Mughals, and executed at the age of 31.
5. 1700: 1700 Milestone — From here, he was able to frustrate Mughal advances into the Deccan until 1700.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Deccan wars

True or False: “The Deccan Wars concluded with the Mughals achieving total control over all Maratha territories immediately after Aurangzeb's death in 1707.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Although Mughal armies regained control of many lands by 1707, the exiting Marathas stripped forts bare and began raiding Mughal territory independently.

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