Women of the Maratha Empire: Jijabai, Tarabai and Beyond

When we talk about the Maratha Empire, names like Shivaji Maharaj, Bajirao I, or Mahadji Shinde often dominate the narrative. Yet, woven into the fabric of Maratha history is the story of women whose leadership, resilience, and political wisdom shaped the empire from within. Among these, figures like Jijabai and Tarabai stand out—not as supporting characters, but as architects of statehood and guardians of sovereignty.

Jijabai: The Mother Who Moulded a Monarch

Rajmata Jijabai, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is remembered as the moral and emotional bedrock of the Maratha state. With her husband Shahaji away in service of Deccan sultanates, Jijabai took on the task of raising and mentoring Shivaji, imbuing him with ideals drawn from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and indigenous dharmic traditions.

But her influence extended beyond spiritual guidance. She encouraged self-rule (swarajya) and instilled in her son a deep awareness of justice, governance, and cultural identity. Shivaji’s political vision—his concern for fair administration, his protection of women, and his inclusive yet rooted policies—bears the clear imprint of his mother’s early tutelage.

Jijabai was not just a mother—she was a political strategist and cultural custodian, guiding Shivaji in moments of doubt and legitimizing his rule with her constant presence and counsel.

Tarabai: Regent, Warrior, and Stateswoman

If Jijabai nurtured the seed of Maratha statehood, Tarabai preserved it through its stormiest phase. After the death of her husband Rajaram, Tarabai declared her minor son Shivaji II as king and assumed the regency.

It was the early 18th century. Aurangzeb’s armies had penetrated deep into Maratha territory. The empire was in disarray.

But Tarabai rose to the challenge.

She:

• Mobilized troops across forts and regions

• Led resistance efforts against Mughal generals

• Issued administrative orders from court herself

• Managed to hold the Maratha identity intact during years of near-constant warfare

Unlike many female regents in history who remained in the background, Tarabai led from the front. She wasn’t a placeholder ruler—she was a military and political leader in her own right, and many historians credit her with keeping the idea of Maratha sovereignty alive after Shivaji’s death.

Other Influential Women

Maratha history also features women who, though less documented, played critical roles:

• Yesubai Bhonsale, wife of Sambhaji, who navigated delicate diplomatic exchanges during her husband’s capture and the aftermath.

• Ahilyabai Holkar, while ruling in Malwa, is often seen as part of the wider Maratha confederacy. She is remembered as one of the most effective and just administrators in Indian history, with a legacy of temple-building, river conservation, and economic reforms.

• Sagunabai, one of Tarabai’s key advisors, who helped manage court politics during turbulent transitions.

Though operating within a patriarchal system, many of these women wielded real power, shaped policy, and influenced the Maratha political landscape.

My Final Thoughts

The story of the Maratha Empire is incomplete without acknowledging the women who led, inspired, and defended it. They were educators, diplomats, warriors, and regents—often stepping into the political vacuum left by war and instability, and filling it with clarity, conviction, and competence.

In a time when history often relegated women to the sidelines, the Maratha Empire saw women who refused to remain invisible. Through figures like Jijabai and Tarabai, we are reminded that the making of a state lies not just in military victories or conquests—but also in vision, endurance, and moral leadership.