The Maratha Empire: The Indian Power That Challenged the Mughals — Fexingo History

The Maratha Empire: The Indian Power That Challenged the Mughals — Fexingo History

Fexingo
Țara Statele Unite
Limba EN
Episoade 176
Ultimul 28.07.2026

This podcast traces the full arc of the Maratha Empire, from its rise under Shivaji Maharaj to its conflict with the British East India Company. It explores key battles like Panipat (1761) and the Anglo-Maratha Wars, as well as administrative innovations and cultural legacy. The show examines the empire's impact on modern Indian nationalism and military strategy.

Episoade

  • The Maratha Raids on Bengal: Raghuji Bhonsle and the Plunder of the East 28.07.2026 5min
    In the 1740s, the Maratha Empire turned its expansionist gaze eastward, sending the fierce Bargi cavalry into the heart of Mughal Bengal. This episode follows the campaigns of Raghuji Bhonsle of Nagpur against Nawab Alivardi Khan, from the lightning raids on Murshidabad to the eventual treaty that forced Bengal to pay chauth. We explore how the Marathas extracted immense wealth from the richest province of India, the economic devastation left in their wake, and the unintended consequences that helped pave the way for British dominance at Plassey. Along the way, we meet the Bargi irregulars, the elusive horsemen who terrorized the Bengali countryside, and examine the broader strategy of Maratha expansion under the Peshwas. This is a story of ambition, plunder, and the clash of two great Indian powers on the eve of colonial rule. #MarathaHistory #RaghujiBhonsle #AlivardiKhan #BengalHistory #Bargi #MarathaExpansion #Nagpur #Murshidabad #Chauth #18thCenturyIndia #NavalCampaigns #Ashoka #MarathaCavalry #BattleofPlassey #IndianHistory #Podcast #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • Mahadji Scindia: The Maratha Kingmaker of Delhi 27.07.2026 4min
    In this episode, we explore the remarkable career of Mahadji Scindia, the Maratha statesman and military commander who restored the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II to the throne in 1772. After the catastrophe of Panipat, Madhavrao I revived Maratha power, but it was Mahadji who extended Maratha influence deep into North India. We discuss his alliance with the French mercenary Benoît de Boigne, who trained his army in European drill and artillery. We cover the capture of Delhi from the Rohillas, the restoration of the Mughal emperor, and Mahadji's role as the de facto ruler of the Mughal court. The episode also touches on his conflicts with the British, the Treaty of Salbai, and his legacy as the architect of Maratha supremacy in the late 18th century. #MahadjiScindia #MarathaEmpire #ShahAlamII #MughalRestoration #BenoîtDeBoigne #Delhi1772 #MarathaHistory #IndianHistory #ScindiaDynasty #Rohilla #FirstAngloMarathaWar #TreatyOfSalbai #FrenchInIndia #MarathaArtillery #NorthIndia #Deccan #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • Chimaji Appa and the Maratha Conquest of Bassein 27.07.2026 7min
    In 1739, the Maratha Empire under Baji Rao I turned its attention westward, launching a campaign to expel the Portuguese from the Konkan coast. Leading the siege was Baji Rao's younger brother, Chimaji Appa, a commander who combined strategic brilliance with relentless determination. This episode recounts the two-year siege of Bassein (Vasai), the fortified Portuguese capital in northern Konkan. We explore the Maratha use of artillery, the naval blockade under the Angre family, the internal tensions among Portuguese defenders, and the final assault that ended over two centuries of Portuguese domination in the region. The fall of Bassein not only secured the Maratha western flank but also opened up trade routes and cemented Maratha control over the coastline. Join Lucas and Luna as they delve into this overlooked but pivotal campaign, examining the tactics, leadership, and long-term consequences of one of the Maratha Empire's greatest military victories. #MarathaEmpire #ChimajiAppa #Bassein1739 #Vasai #PortugueseIndia #SiegeOfBassein #Konkan #MarathaHistory #BajiRaoI #KanhojiAngre #MarathaNavy #IndianHistory #ColonialPortugal #Deccan #SiegeWarfare #MarathaConquest #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • Ahilyabai Holkar: The Maratha Queen Who Built an Empire of Peace 26.07.2026 6min
    After the devastating Third Battle of Panipat, the Maratha Confederacy was in tatters. But from the ashes rose one of its most remarkable rulers: Ahilyabai Holkar. In this episode, we explore how a young widow turned tragedy into transformative leadership. Learn about her early life as the daughter-in-law of Malhar Rao Holkar, her husband Khanderao's untimely death, and her ascension as regent—and later de facto queen—of the Holkar state. We delve into her military campaigns against the Bhils, her sophisticated administrative reforms, and her legendary sense of justice, including the famous story of the dog that bit her. We also examine her monumental patronage of temple architecture, including the rebuilding of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the construction of the Maheshwar fort and palace. Unlike many rulers of her time, Ahilyabai prioritized peace, trade, and cultural patronage over expansion. Her reign from 1767 to 1795 brought stability to central India, and her legacy endures in the countless temples and stepwells she built. This episode reveals how one queen redefined Maratha power through wisdom and compassion. #AhilyabaiHolkar #HolkarDynasty #MarathaEmpire #MarathaHistory #Maheshwar #IndianHistory #Queen #FemaleRuler #MalharRaoHolkar #KhanderaoHolkar #Peshwa #MarathaConfederacy #18thCentury #TempleArchitecture #Justice #Indore #Bhils #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • Tarabai: The Maratha Queen Who Defied Aurangzeb 26.07.2026 4min
    In this episode of The Maratha Empire, Lucas and Luna explore the extraordinary life of Tarabai, the queen who held the Maratha resistance together during the darkest days of the Mughal invasion. After the death of Rajaram, Tarabai took command of the Deccan war, outmaneuvering Aurangzeb and his generals through a combination of guerrilla tactics and political cunning. From her regency for her young son Shivaji II to her later conflict with Shahu and the rise of the Peshwas, Tarabai's story is one of resilience, strategy, and ambition. We delve into her leadership during the War of 27 Years, her legendary letter to Aurangzeb, and her final years as a witness to the Maratha resurgence. A forgotten queen who shaped an empire. #Tarabai #MarathaEmpire #Rajaram #Aurangzeb #MughalEmpire #WarOf27Years #ShivajiII #Shahu #Sinhagad #Deccan #Peshwa #WomenInHistory #IndianHistory #GuerrillaWarfare #Regency #Queen #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • Madhavrao I: The Peshwa Who Revived the Maratha Empire After Panipat 25.07.2026 6min
    After the catastrophic Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, the Maratha Empire lay shattered. But from the ashes rose a young Peshwa, Madhavrao I, who at barely sixteen took the reins of a fractured confederacy and, through sheer tenacity and strategic brilliance, pulled it back from the brink. This episode explores his short but transformative reign: how he reined in his ambitious uncle Raghunathrao, reformed the administration to restore financial stability, and reasserted Maratha dominance in the Deccan. We delve into the decisive battles of Udgir and Rakshasbhuvan, where Madhavrao crushed the Nizam of Hyderabad and forced him to pay tribute. We also examine his internal reforms—curbing the power of entrenched hereditary officials (watandars), improving tax collection, and revitalising the depleted treasury. His unexpected death at twenty-seven cut short a remarkable revival, but his legacy laid the groundwork for the later resurgence under Mahadji Scindia. Join Lucas and Luna as they unpack the story of a boy king who became one of the Maratha Empire's most effective administrators and commanders. #MarathaEmpire #MadhavraoI #Peshwa #MarathaRevival #BattleofUdgir #BattleofRakshasbhuvan #NizamAliKhan #DeccanHistory #IndianHistory #SouthAsianHistory #18thCentury #MarathaConfederacy #Raghunathrao #PanipatAftermath #MarathaReforms #FexingoHistory #History #MilitaryHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • The Third Battle of Panipat: Maratha Catastrophe of 1761 25.07.2026 5min
    In 1761, the Maratha Empire faced its greatest military disaster at the Third Battle of Panipat, fighting the Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali. This episode unravels the lead-up: the Maratha push into the north, the betrayal of the Nawab of Awadh, and the six-month siege at Panipat. We explore the battle itself—the critical decisions of Sadashivrao Bhau, the loss of key chieftains like Vishwasrao and Ibrahim Khan Gardi, and the staggering casualty figures. Finally, we trace the aftermath: how the empire staggered from the blow, the death of Peshwa Balaji Bajirao, and the eventual Maratha resurgence under Madhavrao I, only to face the rising British power. #MarathaEmpire #ThirdBattleOfPanipat #AhmadShahAbdali #SadashivraoBhau #PeshwaBalajiBajirao #Panipat1761 #MarathaHistory #AfghanEmpire #IndianHistory #MilitaryHistory #18thCentury #FexingoHistory #HistoryPodcast #SouthAsianHistory #MarathaDecline #BattleOfPanipat #Vishwasrao #IbrahimKhanGardi Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • The Maratha Empire's Battle of Delhi 1737 24.07.2026 6min
    In 1737, a Maratha cavalry force under Baji Rao I rode north from Pune and struck deep into Mughal territory, culminating in a daring raid on the outskirts of Delhi. This episode explores the Battle of Delhi — a lightning campaign that shattered Mughal prestige and announced the Marathas as a pan-Indian power. We follow the Bargi horsemen's 1,000-kilometer ride, the clash at the gates of the imperial capital, and the diplomatic chess match between Baji Rao and the Nizam of Hyderabad. Along the way, we discuss the strategic mind behind the campaign, the role of intelligence and speed, and the aftermath that set the stage for Maratha dominance in the 18th century. From the banks of the Yamuna to the court of Muhammad Shah, this is the story of how a Deccan kingdom dared to challenge the Mughal emperor in his own home. #MarathaEmpire #BajiRaoI #BattleOfDelhi1737 #MughalIndia #Bargi #NizamOfHyderabad #MuhammadShah #Peshwa #Deccan #NorthIndia #CavalryRaid #18thCentury #IndianHistory #MilitaryHistory #FexingoHistory #History #MarathaNavy #Shivaji Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • Baji Rao I and the Art of Rapid Campaigning 23.07.2026 7min
    In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the military genius of Baji Rao I, the Peshwa who transformed the Maratha Empire into a pan-Indian power through his unprecedented speed and bold strategic gambles. They break down his legendary 1737 raid on Delhi, where he covered over 1,000 kilometers in 41 days with 50,000 horses, terrifying the Mughal court. The conversation delves into his use of split forces to confuse enemies, the logistical brilliance of the Maratha supply trains, and the human cost of such relentless warfare. They also examine his rivalry with the Nizam of Hyderabad, the crucial Battle of Bhopal in 1738, and the Treaty of Doraha that sealed Maratha dominance. Along the way, they touch on his controversial personal life, including his relationship with Mastani, and the legacy of his son Raghunathrao. This episode offers a vivid portrait of a commander who redefined what was possible in 18th-century Indian warfare. #BajiRaoI #MarathaEmpire #Peshwa #RaidOnDelhi1737 #BattleOfBhopal #TreatyOfDoraha #NizamUlMulk #MughalDecline #MarathaCavalry #HindaviSwarajya #18thCenturyWarfare #DeccanHistory #Mastani #Raghunathrao #MarathaMilitary #IndianHistory #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • The Siege of Raigad and the Fall of a Maratha Stronghold 23.07.2026 6min
    In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the dramatic siege of Raigad, the mountain fortress that served as the Maratha capital under Shivaji Maharaj. They unpack the events of 1689 when Mughal forces under Aurangzeb besieged the fort after the capture and execution of Shivaji's son Sambhaji. The conversation reveals the fortress's formidable defenses, the betrayal that led to its fall, and the subsequent Mughal occupation. Lucas explains the strategic importance of Raigad as the seat of Maratha power and the site of Shivaji's coronation. The hosts also discuss the role of the Maratha commander Yesaji Kank and the garrison's desperate resistance. The fall of Raigad marked a low point for the Maratha Empire, but the episode ends on a note of resilience as the Marathas regrouped under Rajaram. This episode covers key figures like Aurangzeb, Sambhaji, Yesaji Kank, and Rajaram, and concepts such as the Mughal siege tactics, the Maratha guerrilla resurgence, and the symbolic importance of Raigad. #Raigad #SambhajiMaharaj #ShivajiMaharaj #Aurangzeb #MarathaHistory #MughalEmpire #SiegeOfRaigad #YesajiKank #Rajaram #MarathaFortress #DeccanHistory #IndianHistory #History #FexingoHistory #MarathaResistance #MughalSiege #HindaviSwarajya #BritishHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • The Battle of Palkhed: Baji Rao I's Masterpiece of Maneuver 22.07.2026 6min
    In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Battle of Palkhed, fought in 1728 between the Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I and the Mughal Nizam-ul-Mulk of Hyderabad. They unpack Baji Rao's revolutionary strategy: using speed, terrain, and logistics to force the Nizam into submission without a pitched battle. The episode covers the Maratha light cavalry's ability to live off the land, the psychological pressure of being constantly pursued, and the diplomatic aftermath that cemented Maratha dominance in the Deccan. Baji Rao's famous letter to Chhatrapati Shahu is quoted, revealing his vision for Hindavi Swarajya. Lucas explains the concept of 'ganimi kava' (guerrilla tactics) applied at scale, and how Palkhed became a textbook example of maneuver warfare studied by military historians. The conversation also touches on the role of Maratha intelligence networks, the Nizam's miscalculations, and the battle's legacy in Indian military history. #BattleOfPalkhed #BajiRaoI #MarathaEmpire #NizamUlMulk #ChhatrapatiShahu #HindaviSwarajya #GanimiKava #MarathaCavalry #DeccanHistory #MughalDecline #MilitaryHistory #IndianHistory #1728 #Palkhed #Warfare #History #FexingoHistory #SouthAsia Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • The Maratha Empire's Adnyapatra: Shivaji's Constitution 22.07.2026 7min
    In this episode of The Maratha Empire, Lucas and Luna explore the Adnyapatra, the remarkable constitutional code written by Shivaji Maharaj's prime minister Ramchandra Pant Amatya. This 17th-century document laid out principles for governance, military strategy, diplomacy, and even spy networks—long before modern constitutions. Learn how the Adnyapatra shaped Maratha statecraft, its provisions on chauth and sardeshmukhi, and why it was both revolutionary and practical. Discover how this forgotten text influenced later Maratha rulers and what it reveals about the empire's sophisticated administrative vision. Perfect for history lovers who want to understand the intellectual backbone of the Maratha Empire. #Adnyapatra #MarathaEmpire #ShivajiMaharaj #RamchandraPantAmatya #MarathaConstitution #HindaviSwarajya #MarathaAdministration #Chauth #Sardeshmukhi #MarathaStatecraft #17thCenturyIndia #DeccanHistory #SouthAsianHistory #FexingoHistory #History #ConstitutionalHistory #MilitaryStrategy #SpyNetworks Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • Suvarnadurg: The Maratha Navy's Arsenal and Shipbuilding Hub 21.07.2026 8min
    This episode takes us to the fortified island of Suvarnadurg, the Maratha Empire's naval arsenal and shipbuilding center on the Konkan coast. Lucas and Luna explore how the Marathas, under Kanhoji Angre and later the Peshwas, built and maintained a formidable navy using indigenous ship designs like the ghurab and gallivat. They discuss the strategic importance of Suvarnadurg in controlling coastal trade and challenging European powers, the decline of the Maratha navy after Kanhoji, and the eventual fall of Suvarnadurg to the British in 1755. Specific details include the construction techniques, the role of the navy in collecting chauth from European ships, and the contrasting fates of Suvarnadurg and Vijaydurg. The conversation also touches on the legacy of the Maratha naval heritage and the rediscovery of Suvarnadurg's shipbuilding remains. #Suvarnadurg #MarathaNavy #KanhojiAngre #Shipbuilding #Ghurab #Gallivat #KonkanCoast #MarathaEmpire #NavalHistory #IndianHistory #Peshwa #Vijaydurg #Chauth #AngreDynasty #SouthAsia #History #FexingoHistory #MaritimeHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • The Maratha Empire's Elephant Corps in Battle 21.07.2026 7min
    In this episode of The Maratha Empire: The Indian Power That Challenged the Mughals, Lucas and Luna explore the Maratha use of war elephants — from training and logistics to battlefield tactics. They discuss how the Marathas acquired elephants from Bengal and Burma, the role of the mahout, and the terrifying impact of elephant charges against Mughal and Nizam forces. The episode also covers the decline of elephant warfare as artillery improved, and the legacy of these animals in Maratha culture. Specific battles include the 1737 Battle of Delhi and the 1761 Third Battle of Panipat, with insights from contemporary accounts. #MarathaEmpire #WarElephants #IndianHistory #MughalEmpire #Deccan #BattleOfDelhi1737 #ThirdBattleOfPanipat #Mahout #ElephantWarfare #MarathaCavalry #BajiRaoI #Panipat1761 #MilitaryHistory #SouthAsianHistory #ElephantTraining #Hastishastra #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • The Maratha Empire's Anglo-Maratha Wars: The British Conquest 20.07.2026 7min
    In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Anglo-Maratha Wars that led to the British conquest of the Maratha Empire. Starting from the weakening of the Maratha Confederacy after Panipat, they trace how the British East India Company exploited internal divisions among the Maratha chiefs. The conversation covers the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782), the Treaty of Salbai, the rise of Mahadji Scindia and Nana Fadnavis during the regency period, the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805) with battles like Assaye and Laswari where Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) earned his stripes, and the final Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1819) that ended with the annexation of Peshwa territory. Key figures discussed include Mahadji Scindia, Nana Fadnavis, the Peshwa Baji Rao II, Yashwantrao Holkar, and the British governors-general Warren Hastings, Marquess Wellesley, and Lord Hastings. The episode also covers the role of the Subsidiary Alliance system and the dissolution of the Maratha Empire as an independent power. #MarathaEmpire #AngloMarathaWars #BritishEastIndiaCompany #MahadjiScindia #NanaFadnavis #BattleOfAssaye #ArthurWellesley #BajiRaoII #YashwantraoHolkar #TreatyOfSalbai #SubsidiaryAlliance #Panipat #Peshwa #MarathaConfederacy #History #FexingoHistory #IndianHistory #ColonialIndia Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • The Maratha Empire's Ashtapradhan Council of Eight Ministers 20.07.2026 8min
    In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore the Ashtapradhan — the council of eight ministers that Shivaji Maharaj established after his coronation in 1674. Learn how Shivaji structured his government with positions like the Peshwa (prime minister), the Majumdar (auditor), the Pandit Rao (religious head), and others. Discover what the Adnyapatra — a Marathi treatise on statecraft — reveals about the council's duties, checks and balances, and salaries. Lucas explains how the Ashtapradhan blended Persian-style bureaucracy with Maratha traditions, how it evolved under later Peshwas, and why it fell apart after the Battle of Panipat. The episode dives into specific ministers like Moropant Pingle, Ramchandra Pant Amatya, and Annaji Datto, and contrasts the council's ideals with the later dysfunctional Maratha Confederacy. A concise look at the administrative genius behind the Maratha Empire's rise. #Ashtapradhan #ShivajiMaharaj #MarathaEmpire #CouncilOfEight #MoropantPingle #RamchandraPant #Adnyapatra #Peshwa #Majumdar #PanditRao #HindaviSwarajya #MarathaAdministration #MughalDeccan #Raigad #17thCentury #Statecraft #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • The Maratha Empire's Chauth and Sardeshmukhi Taxation System 19.07.2026 8min
    In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the ingenious economic backbone of the Maratha Empire: the dual taxation system of chauth (one-fourth of revenue) and sardeshmukhi (an additional ten percent). How did Shivaji Maharaj transform these ancient levies into a tool for funding his rebellion against the Mughals? Listen as they trace the origins of chauth from its pre-Maratha roots in the Deccan sultanates, its formalization under Shivaji's administration, and its explosive expansion under the Peshwas. They examine the practical mechanics of collection, the use of 'chauthai' receipts, and the resistance from Mughal officials and local zamindars. The episode also delves into the controversy: was chauth a legitimate tax or thinly veiled tribute? And how did the system eventually destabilize the Maratha Confederacy by creating parasitic revenue dependencies? Key figures include Shivaji, Peshwa Baji Rao I, Nizam-ul-Mulk, and the Afzal Khan episode. A nuanced look at the empire's financial strategy that allowed a guerrilla force to challenge the wealthiest empire of the age. #MarathaEmpire #Chauth #Sardeshmukhi #ShivajiMaharaj #Taxation #Deccan #MughalEmpire #Peshwa #BajiRaoI #Nizam #EconomicHistory #HindaviSwarajya #RevenueSystem #Shivaji #MarathaHistory #SouthAsianHistory #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • Mastani: The Warrior Princess of Baji Rao I 18.07.2026 7min
    In 1728, Baji Rao I, the Maratha Peshwa, brought a new queen to Shaniwar Wada: Mastani, a warrior-princess from Bundelkhand. She was a skilled horsewoman, a poet, and a devotee of both Hinduism and Islam. But her presence ignited a succession crisis. This episode explores Mastani's life — her military campaigns alongside Baji Rao, the political marriage that defied Brahminical orthodoxy, and the bitter rivalry with Kashibai, Baji Rao's first wife. We also discuss the 18th-century Maratha court politics, the Nizam's intrigues, and how Mastani's story was suppressed by later accounts. Finally, we reflect on how her legacy has been revived in modern art and film. #Mastani #BajiRaoI #MarathaEmpire #Peshwa #ShaniwarWada #Kashibai #Bundelkhand #Nizam #Deccan #MughalDecline #HinduMuslimUnity #18thCentury #SouthAsianHistory #WarriorQueen #FexingoHistory #History #India Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • The Maratha Siege of Sinhagad: Tanaji Malusare's Sacrifice 18.07.2026 6min
    In 1670, Shivaji Maharaj launched a campaign to reclaim forts lost to the Mughals under the Treaty of Purandar. The most dramatic recapture was Sinhagad, the 'lion fort,' perched on a sheer cliff near Pune. Lucas and Luna tell the story of Tanaji Malusare, the Maratha commander who led a daring night assault using monitor lizards as climbing aids, and the brutal hand-to-hand battle that followed. They explore the legend of Tanaji's famous uncle Suryaji, who crept in through a secret window, and the moment when the fort's massive gates swung open. The episode also examines the larger strategic context: how Shivaji's reconquest of Kondhana (the fort's original name) signaled the resurgence of Hindavi Swarajya after the humiliation of Purandar. Woven through the narrative are details of Maratha siegecraft, the role of the Mavala infantry, and the poetic tribute Shivaji supposedly uttered: 'Gad ala pan Sinha gela' — the fort was won, but the lion was lost. This episode covers the battle, the man, and the legacy of Tanaji Malusare. #Sinhagad #TanajiMalusare #ShivajiMaharaj #MarathaHistory #SiegeofSinhagad #Kondhana #BattleOfSinhagad #MarathaSiegecraft #Mavala #HindaviSwarajya #TreatyOfPurandar #MarathaFortresses #DeccanHistory #IndianHistory #Bakhar #History #FexingoHistory #SouthAsia Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
  • The Maratha Empire's Forgotten Navy: Kanhoji Angre and the Konkan Coast 17.07.2026 8min
    We often think of the Maratha Empire as a land power—Mavala infantry charging through mountain passes, fortresses crowning the Sahyadris. But for decades, a formidable navy ruled the Arabian Sea from the forts of the Konkan coast. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the rise of Kanhoji Angre, the Maratha admiral who defied the British East India Company, the Portuguese, and the Siddis of Janjira. From his base at Vijaydurg and Suvarnadurg, Angre built a fleet of ghurabs and gallivats that could outmaneuver European warships, and he levied chauth on passing merchant vessels—including those of the mighty British. We dig into his early alliance with Chhatrapati Shahu, his tension with the emerging Peshwa, and the legacy of the Angre dynasty. The episode also touches on the maritime culture of the Konkan, the construction of sea fortresses like Sindhudurg, and the eventual decline of Maratha sea power under pressure from the British Navy and internal Maratha politics. A fresh angle on an empire we've mostly covered through its land campaigns. #MarathaNavy #KanhojiAngre #KonkanCoast #Vijaydurg #Suvarnadurg #MarathaEmpire #ChhatrapatiShahu #BritishEastIndiaCompany #Siddis #Janjira #Ghurab #Gallivat #Chauth #Sindhudurg #AngreDynasty #MaritimeHistory #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

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