Why weren't the Sawunt Warree kings victorious against the onslaught of other Maratha chieftains and the Mughals before the Bassein treaty

The Sawantwadi kingdom, ruled by the Sawant Bhonsle dynasty, faced significant challenges from other Maratha chieftains and the Mughal Empire before the Treaty of Bassein in 1802. Several factors contributed to their inability to achieve consistent victories against these powerful adversaries:

Fragmentation and Internal Conflicts

1. Political Fragmentation: 

The Maratha Empire was not a unified entity but a confederation of various chieftains and dynasties, including the Peshwas, Scindias, Holkars, and Gaikwads. This fragmentation often led to internal conflicts and rivalries, weakening collective resistance against external threats like the Mughals and the British.

2. Local Rivalries: 

The Sawant Bhonsles of Sawantwadi had to contend with nearby rivals such as the Kolhapur State and other regional powers, which diluted their military strength and focus. 

Military and Strategic Limitations

1. Military Resources: 

Compared to the more powerful Maratha chieftains and the Mughals, the Sawantwadi rulers had relatively limited military resources and manpower. This disparity made it difficult to defend their territories effectively or launch significant offensives.

2. Strategic Position: 

While Sawantwadi's coastal location provided some advantages, it also made them vulnerable to naval attacks and blockades by more powerful enemies with superior naval capabilities, such as the Siddis of Janjira and later the British.

Mughal Pressure and Strategic Alliances

1. Mughal Dominance: 

The Mughal Empire under emperors like Aurangzeb was a formidable force. Despite Shivaji’s successful guerrilla tactics, the sustained pressure from Mughal campaigns was difficult for smaller states like Sawantwadi to withstand over long periods.

2. Alliances and Politics: 

The Mughals and other larger Maratha states often formed strategic alliances that disadvantaged smaller states. The Sawant Bhonsles found themselves caught between these larger powers, struggling to maintain their autonomy.

The Treaty of Bassein (1802)

- Maratha Infighting: 

By the time of the Treaty of Bassein, internal conflicts among Maratha chieftains had significantly weakened their collective strength. The treaty, signed between the British East India Company and Peshwa Baji Rao II, effectively placed the Marathas under British suzerainty, leading to further erosion of power among regional dynasties like the Sawant Bhonsles.

Conclusion

The Sawantwadi kingdom’s inability to consistently achieve victories against other Maratha chieftains and the Mughals was due to a combination of internal fragmentation, limited military resources, strategic vulnerabilities, and the overwhelming power of their adversaries. The Treaty of Bassein further complicated their position, as it marked a significant shift in the power dynamics of the region, favoring the British and leading to the eventual decline of many smaller Maratha states.

Sources

- Sardesai, G. S.(1957). _New History of the Marathas_. Phoenix Publications.

- Kulkarni, A. R. (2008). _Marathas and the Maratha Country_. S. Chand.

- Guha, R. (2007). _India After Gandhi: The History of the World's Largest Democracy_. HarperCollins.