Why did the Marathas lose after defeating the Mughals?

The decline of the Maratha Empire after its initial successes against the Mughals can be attributed to several factors:

Internal Strife: Following the death of the Maratha emperor, Shivaji, in 1680, the Maratha Empire faced internal power struggles and conflicts over succession. This internal strife weakened the unity and cohesion of the Maratha state, making it more vulnerable to external threats.

External Pressure: The Marathas faced significant external pressure from rival powers, including the Mughal Empire, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and the British East India Company. These powers sought to expand their territories and influence at the expense of the Marathas, leading to conflicts and wars.

Mughal Resurgence: Despite being weakened by internal strife and external pressures, the Mughal Empire experienced a brief period of resurgence under Emperor Aurangzeb's successors. The Mughals were able to regain some of their lost territories and assert control over parts of northern India, posing a renewed challenge to the Marathas.

British Expansion: The rise of the British East India Company as a dominant force in India posed a significant threat to the Maratha Empire. The British sought to expand their influence and territories through diplomacy, alliances, and military conquests, often at the expense of indigenous powers like the Marathas.

Lack of Centralized Authority: Unlike the Mughal Empire, which had a centralized administrative structure, the Maratha Empire was more decentralized, with power distributed among various regional leaders and chieftains. This decentralized structure made it difficult to coordinate military efforts and respond effectively to external threats.

Economic Drain: The prolonged conflicts and wars with rival powers, coupled with internal instability, drained the Maratha Empire's resources and weakened its economy. The empire struggled to maintain its military strength and support its vast territories, leading to further decline.

Overall, a combination of internal strife, external pressures, and the rise of new colonial powers contributed to the decline of the Maratha Empire after its initial successes against the Mughals.