MARATHAS AND THE MUGHALS

One of the most contentious issues has been that of Marathas with regards to Delhi . Firstly , why didn't they dislodge the Mughal and secondly , didn't support for the Mughal go against the grain of whatever Shivaji stood for ?


In the 18th century , the Marathas reaffirmed support for the Mughal twice , in 1716 and 1752 . Nearly all of their expansion was done 'in name of the Mughal' . The Marathas infact sought firmans and sanads to that effect . Swarajya itself , malwa , pUnjab to name a few . The reason for this , I believe , was two fold .
Delhi was still the political nerve centre , while the erstwhile empire had split into various kingdoms ruled mainly by Afghans and Persians .Mughal empire did not fall into Hindu hands , but in large part to the persian ; afghan ; turk second in command nawabs and nizams . By doing everything in Delhi's name , the Marathas prevented a polarisation on religious grounds . It also helped create anti Maratha and pro Maratha camps at Delhi durbar , leaving it a divided house and helping the Marathas .
While Shahu can be accused of having a soft corner for the Mughals e.g not allowing Shaniwarwada's dilli darwaja to be built , lest it annoy the Mughal , his policies were not done away with entirely even by Bajirao and Balaji Bajirao . In fact , following the Ahmadiya karar of 1752 , Holkar , Scindia , Peshwa reaffirmed that they would secure and rule the whole land ( saarva bhaum sarvatra ) 'in name of the Mughal ' .