Describe the political structure of the Maratha Empire.

The Maratha Empire, also known as the Maratha Confederacy, was a powerful Hindu empire that emerged in the 17th century in the Indian subcontinent. The political structure of the Maratha Empire was characterized by a decentralized system of governance, with a strong emphasis on military power and regional autonomy.

At its peak, the Maratha Empire was divided into several semi-autonomous territories known as "swarajya," each ruled by a Maratha noble or chieftain called a "sardar." These territories were further divided into smaller administrative units called "parganas" or "jagirs," which were governed by local administrators known as "desmukhs" or "kulkarnis."

The supreme authority in the Maratha Empire rested with the Chhatrapati, who was the titular head of the empire. The Chhatrapati was considered the representative of the Hindu deity, and his role was largely ceremonial. The Chhatrapati was supported by a council of ministers known as the "Ashtapradhan," which consisted of eight key officials who held various administrative and military positions.

The Maratha Empire had a strong military focus, and the political structure revolved around the military prowess of the Maratha warriors. The Marathas employed a unique system of military administration known as the "Maval," which allowed for quick mobilization of troops and efficient defense of their territories. The Maratha army was known for its cavalry, which played a crucial role in their military campaigns.

The Maratha Empire also had a complex system of revenue administration. The revenue collection was primarily based on the "Ryotwari" system, where the peasants directly paid taxes to the state. The revenue administration was overseen by officials known as "Amatya" or "Peshwa," who held significant power and influence in the empire.

Overall, the political structure of the Maratha Empire was characterized by a decentralized system of governance, with regional autonomy and a strong emphasis on military power. This structure allowed the Marathas to expand their empire and exert their influence over a large part of the Indian subcontinent during the 17th and 18th centuries.