Draft:The Maratha rebellion

The Maratha rebellion or the insurgency in the Deccan was an uprising against the Mughal Empire and Bijapur Sultanate.This uprising took place from 1644 to 1674 led by the Marathas of Deccan region under the leadership of Shivaji, popularly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji. The main objective of this insurgency was to establish Hindvi Swaraj.

Shivaji Shahaji Bhonsle or Shivaji I, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the son of a former military general of Ahmednagar Sultanate, Shahaji Bhonsle. Shivaji forming an army began to capture the forts of Bijapur Sultanate or Adil Shahi dynasty of Deccan. He gained significant political influence and power after the Battle of Pratapgarh in 1659.

The Battle of Surat in 1664 was a pivotal event for the Marathas, especially after the failure of Shaista Khan. Aurangzeb sent an expedition under the command of Jai Singh I to defeat Shivaji in 1665. This led to the Battle of Purandar and subsequently, the Treaty of Purandar was signed between Shivaji and the Mughal Empire. As a part of the Treaty, the Marathas surrendered their 23 captured forts to the Mughal Empire. Shivaji along with his son, Sambhaji were also taken to Agra as prisoners by the Mughals but they managed to escape later in 1666.

The peace between the Marathas and Mughal Empire lasted only for five years. Shivaji following his reconquest In 1670, sent Maratha troops led by Tanaji Malusare to recapture Sinhagad( then, Kondhana fort), resulting in the Battle of Sinhagad and the fort's capture by the Marathas. Following this reconquest, several battles including the Battle of Vani-Dindori and Battle of Salher were fought.

Aftermath
The Maratha rebellion did not resulted as useless or wasteful for the Maratha Clan. By capturing many forts and emerging victorious in the battles, the Marathas gained control over many of the western parts of Deccan. By fulfilling his mother Jijabai's dream of Swaraj in 1674, Shivaji established the Maratha Empire and crowned himself as the first Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire at fort Raigarh. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ruled for only six years(1674-1680), He died on 3rd April 1680. He was succeeded by his son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji.

List of major battles

 * Capture of Torna fort: Shivaji captured the fort of Torna from Bijapur Sultanate in 1646.
 * Battle of Pratapgarh: Shivaji captures Pratapgarh fort assassinating Afzal Khan and defeating the Bijapur forces in 1659.
 * Battle of Jawali: In 1659, the Maratha army marches against Adil Shahi officers and defeated them.
 * Capture of Panhala: Shivaji captured Panhala fort in 1659.
 * Battle of Pavan Khind: An inconclusive battle between the Marathas and the Bijapur Sultanate.
 * Battle of Chakan: Shaista Khan defeated the Marathas at Chakan in 1660.
 * Battle of Umberkhind: Maratha cavalry defeated a larger Mughal troops at Umberkhind in 1661.
 * Battle of Surat: Shivaji sacks Surat for three days defeating the Mughal forces of Surat in 1664.
 * Battle of Purandar: Mughal troops under the command of Jai Singh I defeated Maratha garrisons of Purandar fort in 1665.
 * Battle of Sinhagad: Maratha forces under the command of Tanaji Malusare recaptured Sinhagad (Kondhana fort) in 1670 defeating the Mughal garrisons.
 * Sack of Surat (1670): Shivaji sacks Surat for second time in 1670
 * Battle of Salher: Marathas recaptured the fort of Salher and Mulher in 1672 and Mughal commanders were taken as prisoners.
 * Battle of Umrani: Maratha army under the command of Prataprao Gujar defeated the Adil Shahi forces near Bijapur in 1673.
 * Battle of Vani-Dindori: The Marathas recaptured the fort Dindori in 1670.
 * Battle of Bhupalgarh: Diler Khan, a Mughal general defeated Maratha troops at Bhupalgarh in 1679.