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Maratha - Communities and clans

Maratha - Communities and clans: Encyclopedia II - Maratha - Communities and clans

As mentioned above, the term "Maratha" refers exclusively to a certain group of marathi-speaking castes and clans. While most ruling chiefs and warriors of the maratha empire belonged to this social group, certain other marathi-speaking communities essayed important roles in the affairs of that empire. Certain brahmin families were prominent among these, including: The Peshwas, who held de facto power during the heyday of the empire, under the nominal authority of the maratha Chhatrapatis; The ruler ...

Maratha: Encyclopedia II - Maratha - Communities and clans

Maratha - Communities and clans

The Peshwas, who held de facto power during the heyday of the empire, under the nominal authority of the maratha Chhatrapatis;
The rulers of Jhansi, including the celebrated Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, heroine of the events of 1847;
The Patwardhan family, including the rulers of Sangli, Miraj, Kurundwad and Jamkhandi

To this day, their days of empire form a central part of how they, and other Indians, see the marathas. In particular, they are known for espousing a particularly passionate brand of nationalism, often criticised as being ultranationalism. It is debatable whether this nationalism stems from their history, or whether the course their history took followed from this peculiar brand of nationalism.

Maratha - Maratha clans

Main articles: Maratha Clan System, and [[]], and [[]], and [[]], and [[]]

According to some sources, every maratha must belong to one of 96 different clans (the "96 Kuli Marathas"). The list of 96 Maratha clans is different as per different historians. An authoritative listing was apparently first attempted in 1888 and a list finalised in 1956 by the Government of India, probably pursuant to their affirmative-action program. Two of several available listings of the various maratha clans are available at Maratha Clan System.