History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c59.s2.1

v4.c59.s2.1

The Maratha people had lost their great independent kingdoms, in the central richer and more level parts of the Deccan, early in the 14th century, and been gradually pushed into the western edge of the plateau by the pressure of Muslim expansion. Here in the small lonely valleys isolated by Nature, their petty chieftains retained a sort of rude local independence, usually forgotten by the kings of Ahmadnagar and Bijapur, or offering a nominal obedience when pressed hard. In their rugged and inhospitable nooks the natives found safety and peace, while the richer plains were the scenes of revolution and rapine.