Maratha Faction Overview

The Maratha were formed from a consolidation of Hindu tribes united under the rule of Shivaji Maharaj to repel the Muslim invaders, led by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The Maratha became the first true Hindu empire and were able to successfully halt the Mughal advance into Central India. They have been in a constant state of war with the Mughal, since the death of Shivaji Maharaj in 1680; but the Mughal are in decline while the Maratha grow more powerful.

It appears the Maratha will succeed in expelling the Muslim invaders from India. However, I fear they trade one invader for another as Europeans have fixed their eyes on the vast wealth of India as well. The Maratha will have to drive out the Mughals and make the wealth of the sub-continent work for them.

They will face many challenges. The armies of the Maratha are outclassed by those of the Europeans and their navy is inferior. They may need to rely on guerilla tactics and the appeasement of the Europeans while they build their strength. However, they have relatively easy access to valuable trade goods, including the tea of India and the spice of the East Indies.

With the incredible wealth of India behind them, the Maratha may be able to wield the might necessary to expand beyond the sub-continent into the Americas or even Europe!