Mahadaji Sindhia

Maratha leader

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June 30, 2026

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Mahadaji Sindhia was a prominent Maratha leader who significantly expanded the Sindhia family's influence in northern India during the 18th century. He created an empire that was largely independent of the Maratha peshwa (chief minister).1

After a war with the British East India Company, Mahadaji Sindhia was recognized as the ruler of northwestern India. He brought the Mughal emperor Shah ʿAlam II under his protection and gained control of the peshwa by defeating a rival Maratha general. The Sindhia family eventually became clients of the British in 1818.1

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India
Subordinate Maratha rulers
…during the long reign of Mahadaji Sindhia, which began after Panipat and continued to 1794, that the family’s fortunes were truly consolidated.
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…during the long reign of Mahadaji Sindhia, which began after Panipat and continued to 1794, that the family’s fortunes were truly consolidated.
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Gwalior
History
…reached its greatest extent under Sindhia Mahadaji (reigned 1761–94). Mahadaji was the ruler of a vast territory that included parts of central India and Hindustan proper (northern India), while his officers exacted tribute from the principal Rajput rulers, including those of Jaipur and Jodhpur. Under Mahadaji’s grandnephew, Daulat Rao, the…
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…reached its greatest extent under Sindhia Mahadaji (reigned 1761–94). Mahadaji was the ruler of a vast territory that included parts of central India and Hindustan proper (northern India), while his officers exacted tribute from the principal Rajput rulers, including those of Jaipur and Jodhpur. Under Mahadaji’s grandnephew, Daulat Rao, the…
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Sindhia family
…of Ranoji’s successors was Sindhia Mahadaji (reigned 1761–94), who created a north Indian empire virtually independent of the peshwa. He emerged from war with the British East India Company (1775–82) as the recognized ruler of northwestern India. With the aid of French officers, he defeated the Rajputs, took the Mughal…
Read More
…of Ranoji’s successors was Sindhia Mahadaji (reigned 1761–94), who created a north Indian empire virtually independent of the peshwa. He emerged from war with the British East India Company (1775–82) as the recognized ruler of northwestern India. With the aid of French officers, he defeated the Rajputs, took the Mughal…
Read More