Ref.: ROME-75015
Rajput Zamindar XVIII Century The longest war in the history of India was the one fought from 1681 to 1707 between the Hindu defenders of the Maratha Empire (the Maratha dynasty represented an Indian ethnic minority) and the Muslims of Turkish-Mongolian origin loyal to the Mughals dynasty. Maharajah Shivaji founded the Empire on Maratha principles in 1674, and after the victory over the Mughals, it lasted until 1818, when it declined as a result of English colonization of India. The Empire extended over practically all southern Asia and covered about 3 million square kilometres. The Rajput, who lived in the north of India, one of the most numerous clans of the Hindu Kshatriva caste, were allies of the Maratha. They were skilled horsemen and one of the strongest warrior classes. They were subsequently part of the English colonial army, as a cavalry force. The Zamindars played an important role during this war. They were an elite force of feudal revenue farmers responsible for collecting taxes for their overlords. The Zamindars, depending on the caste they belonged to, took on the military role of irregular troops alongside the Maratha and the Mughals. In order to defeat the powerful Mughal forces, the Maratha experimented techniques of warfare based on speed and surprise.