Name: Shankara S
Country: India

Year: 2025
Volume: Volume No: 10, Issue No: 2, Year: 2025 (Special Issue)
Page Number: 185-191
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18887626

ABSTRACT
After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Marathas emerged as one of its most formidable opponents, seizing the opportunity to ascend to power. They held sway over a vast expanse of the Indian subcontinent, extracting tribute even from regions not under their direct rule. By the mid-18th century, they had expanded their aspirations to the North Indian empire, having an influential presence in Lahore and playing a pivotal role as kingmakers in the Mughal court. Although their ambitions suffered a setback after their defeat by Ahmad Shah Abdali at the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, the Marathas soon regathered their forces. Within ten years, they once again became a dominant force in Indian politics.

Keyword: Treaty of Surat, Wadgaon, Bengal, English Government, Maratha.