ABSTRACT
The Peshwas came of a high Brahman lineage, while the actual fighting force of the Marathas consisted of low-caste Hindus. In 1674 , Sivaji enthroned himself with great pomp at Raigarh, Enthrones weighing himself in a balance against gold, and distributing ' the precious counterpoise among his Brahmans. Sivaji formed a national Sivaji party out of the Hindu tribes of Southern India, as opposed alike to the imperial armies from the north, and to the independent Muhammadan kingdoms of the Deccan. The very brief notice of the Marathas which the scope of the present work allows, precludes an exhaustive use of these storehouses. The Marathas were also confirmed in the sovereignty of the countries round Poona and Satara. The great centres of the Maratha power were fixed at Poona in Bombay and Nagpur in the Berars. The fourth Peshwd, Madhu Rao, succeeded to the Maratha Fourth sovereignty in this moment of ruin.
