Review of Regional Powers In 18Th Century’S India
The Rise of Regional Powers in 18th Century India
by Rajiv*,
- Published in Journal of Advances and Scholarly Researches in Allied Education, E-ISSN: 2230-7540
Volume 4, Issue No. 8, Oct 2012, Pages 0 - 0 (0)
Published by: Ignited Minds Journals
ABSTRACT
The collapse ofcentral authority led to the declaration of independence by the Subahdars of several provinces. Butall these states were primarily regional political entities interested inpromoting their own growth. They had no political or national outlook. Some ofthese states like Bengal, Hyderabad and Awadh–became for all practical purposesindependent owning a nominal allegiance to the Mughal Emperor. The Sikhs andthe Jats made successful bids for political power. The Marathas profited morethan any other people of India with the fall of the Mughal Empire. Theyestablished a mighty empire extending from the Punjab to Mysore.
KEYWORD
regional powers, 18th century's India, central authority, independence, Subahdars, provinces, regional political entities, Bengal, Hyderabad, Awadh, Mughal Emperor, Sikhs, Jats, Marathas, Mughal Empire, mighty empire, Punjab, Mysore
The renowned scholar Khare has written an elaborate introduction to N. C. Kelkar’s work, The
Rajiv
downfall of the Marathas were as follows : 1. The Marathas possessed no national sentiment. 2. Internal jealousy and selfish treachery triumphed over public interest. 3. While individually they were clever, and brave, they totally lacked the corporate spirit so essential for national independence. 4. That the scientific spirit of enquiry and improvement was entirely absent among them. 5. That they neglected to develop artillery as the main support of defence. 6. That the pernicious system of allotting lands in lieu of pay for military service proved ruinous. 7. That after the death of Peshwa Madhavrao I no capable leader appeared in Maharashtra. 8. That the Marathas as a race sadly lack the virtue of discipline and methodical arrangement, and lastly, 9. That the British were past masters in the art of diplomacy in which the Marathas could stand no comparison with them. The destiny of a nation is to a large extent influenced by dominant personalities. The Maratha Empire passed through a series of crises from 1794 onwards. The death of Mahadji Sindhia and of the excellent soldier, Haripant Phadke, in 1794, weakened the Empire on the diplomatic and military fronts. The death of the Peshwa, Savai Madhavrao in 1795, encouraged the forces of disintegration. After the death of Nana Phadnis in 1800, no capable leader was left to stem the tide of decay. The Maratha chiefs, particularly those of later times, were no match when confronted with superior British diplomacy and British arms.
