Maratha Empire (AD 1674 –AD 1818)

Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire. He was noted as a protector of Hinduism and an excellent administrator. Shivaji was able to unite the scattered Marathas and build a strong Hindu state. Shivaji, who was installed as Chhatrapati at Raigad in 1674, established a good system of administration. There was an advisory council called 'Ashtapradhan' to advise and assist Shivaji in administrative matters. Balaji Vishwanath was the first Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Maratha Empire. The Third Battle of Panipat, which took place in 1761, when Balaji Bajirao was the Peshwa, destroyed the Maratha Empire.