An additional reason for the rise of Marathas had been the wide gap between the ordinary people and the ruling class. The gap had been created by the deteriorating nature of leadership provided by Delhi rulers, who, siphoning wealth from the country, left it underdeveloped and poor. In contrast, the sturdy economic strength of its south Indian rulers had given a push to their respective dominions.
Various factors contributed to the rise of Marathas in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The physical environment of the Maratha country shaped certain peculiar qualities among the Marathas.
The mountainous region and dense forests made them brave soldiers and adopt guerilla tactics. They built a number of forts on the mountains.
The spread of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra inculcated a spirit of religious unity among them. The spiritual leaders like Tukkaram, Ramdas, Vaman Pandit and Eknath fostered social unity.
The political unity was conferred by Shivaji. The Marathas held important positions in the administrative and military systems of Deccan Sultanates of Bijapur and Ahmadnagar.
There were a number of influential Maratha families such as the Mores and Nimbalkers. But the credit of establishing a powerful Maratha state goes to Shahji Bhonsle and his son Shivaji.
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