Analyse how geography (particularly mountains and coastlines) guided Maratha military strategy Class 8

Analyse how geography (particularly mountains and coastlines) guided Maratha military strategy Class 8

Analyse how geography (particularly mountains and coastlines) guided Maratha military strategy and state formation. Class 8

Answer:

Geography played a key role in the Marathas' using the hill forts in the Sahyadri mountairs to build strong defences and protect themselves from large enemy forces like the Mughals. These forts built by Shivaji were located in hard-to-reach places and gave the Maratha a big advantage. They also used guerrilla tactics. which worked well in the hilly and forested areas. This allowed them to attack suddenly and then disappear into the mountains. This made it difficult for enemies to catch or defeat them.

Additionally, the Maratha took advantage of the coastline by building a navy under Shivaji's leadership. The navy protects trade routes and defends the empire from foreign powers like the Portuguese and the British. Thus, the Marathas used both the mountains and the coastline cleverly to strengthen their rule and expand their empire.