Regional Kingdoms: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Medieval History)

Explanation

Marathas were a prominent warrior group from the western region of India who rose to power in the 17th century under the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj. They formed the Maratha Empire, which became the strongest native power in India following the decline of the Mughal Empire. Assertion (A) is correct: The Marathas emerged as a dominant force after the decline of the Mughal Empire due to their military strength, administrative capabilities, and extensive networks of alliances. Reason (R) is incorrect: Marathas did have a vision of a strong and unified empire under their control, but the idea of a "united Indian nation" as a political and cultural entity was not articulated in the way we understand the modern concept of a nation-state today. The Maratha Empire was driven more by regional, dynastic, and military ambitions rather than a unifying national ideology.