The Maratha caste is originally formed from the amalgamation of families from the agricultural castes in Maharashtra. Many of them took to military service in the 16th century such as the Deccan sultanates or the Mughals. Later in the 17th and 18th centuries, they served in the armies of the Maratha empire, founded by Shivaji.The leading Maratha generals were granted fiefs by the rulers for their service.
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