the rise and fall of the maratha empire

निश्चयाचा महामेरु, बहुत जनांस अधारु |
अखंड स्थितीचा निर्धारु, श्रीमंत योगी || 
या भूमंडळाचे ठायी, धर्म रक्षी ऐसा नाही |
महाराष्ट्रधर्म राहिला काही, तुम्हा करीता || 
The pinnacle of determination, protector of people,resolute in intent, wealthy yet detached from his opulence…
..There is no other on this earth, who has protected any people; It is because of you that the culture of Maharashtra survived 
-Samarth Ramdas Swami

Despite having produced outstanding men throughout its history,Maharashtra has had little influence on national events.Except Shivaji,no ther Maratha leader had the pan-India vision.If the Marathas had scrupulously adhered to Shivaji's vision of 'Swaraj' they would have been a force to be reckoned with.

India is a land of diversities.Throughout its ancient history,India has never been politically united but as a civilization and culture,it remains unique.

The vast majority of Indians,though poor and destitute,still revere individuals who stick to the truth,honesty,simplicity,patience and are emotional.

After Shivaji who laid the foundation for 'Swaraj',The Marathas like the Mughals and the earlier empires,tried to unite India politically on the basis of their military prowess but they could not win over the hearts and minds of the people. As a consequence,their influence waned and ultimately a totally alien and destructive force conquered India,which prevails till date.