The clash of sabers beneath the scorching Indian sun, war elephants thundering across dusty plains, and colorful regiments maneuvering in formation – the military history of the Maratha Empire presents a spectacle unlike any other in world history. From the mid-17th to the early 19th centuries, this formidable South Asian power carved out a vast territory through innovative military tactics, adaptable governance, and fierce resistance against foreign domination. The rise, expansion, and eventual decline of the Marathas represent one of history's most fascinating military narratives, yet one that remains underexplored in the world of historical wargaming.
The Maratha Empire emerged from the declining Mughal state when the warrior-king Shivaji Bhonsle forged a new Hindu power in the western Deccan. Through guerrilla warfare, mountain fortresses, and naval power, this nascent state evolved into a confederation that would eventually control much of the Indian subcontinent. At its zenith, Maratha influence stretched from the Arabian Sea to Bengal, and from the Himalayas to the southern tip of India. Their armies – combining traditional Indian warcraft with European innovations – created a unique military synthesis that challenged both established Indian powers and European colonial ambitions.
What makes the Maratha period particularly appealing for historical wargamers is the incredible diversity of forces and conflicts. Their armies faced off against the Afghan Durrani Empire in the north, the technologically-advanced Mysore state of Tipu Sultan in the south, and ultimately the disciplined forces of the British East India Company. Each confrontation featured distinctive tactical challenges: the devastating horse archer tactics of the Durranis, the rocket troops and French-trained infantry of Mysore, and the formidable artillery and disciplined line infantry of the British.
Rise and glory of the Maratha empire
The story of the Maratha Empire begins with one man's defiance against Mughal dominance. Shivaji Bhonsle (1630-1680), born to a minor nobleman in the western Deccan region, transformed from a local chieftain into the architect of an empire through strategic brilliance and cultural revival. In an age when the Mughal Empire seemed invincible, Shivaji employed guerrilla tactics, mountain fortresses, and lightning-fast cavalry raids to outmaneuver his enemies. His coronation as Chhatrapati (paramount sovereign) in 1674 marked the formal birth of the Maratha state, founded on principles of Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule of Hindu people) in opposition to Mughal hegemony.
Following Shivaji's death, the empire faced existential threats but found new direction under the Peshwas – Brahmin prime ministers who became the empire's de facto rulers. The first great Peshwa, Balaji Vishwanath (1662-1720), transformed the Marathas from rebels into administrators, establishing systems of revenue collection and diplomacy that sustained their expansion. His son, Baji Rao I (1700-1740), ranks among India's greatest military commanders, extending Maratha influence into northern India through lightning campaigns that took even the Mughals by surprise. His famous statement, "Let us strike at the trunk of the withering tree, and the branches will fall of themselves," encapsulated the Maratha strategy of targeting the weakening Mughal center.
The empire reached its zenith under Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (1720-1761), known as Nana Saheb, when Maratha territory stretched from the Arabian Sea to Bengal. By the 1750s, the Marathas collected chauth (a 25% tax on revenue) from regions comprising nearly 80% of the former Mughal Empire, becoming the dominant power in the subcontinent. Their revenue system, combining traditional Indian practices with innovations in tax farming and administration, funded an increasingly sophisticated military machine.
The Maratha military organization represented a unique synthesis of traditional Indian warfare and selective adoption of European innovations. Their forces were organized around three main elements: light cavalry (Bargir), infantry equipped with matchlocks (Telingas), and heavy artillery. The Marathas pioneered mobile warfare in the Indian context, with their cavalry capable of covering 40-50 miles daily – a mobility that confounded slower opponents. Unlike many contemporary Indian powers, the Marathas invested heavily in artillery and fortifications, developing expertise in siege warfare under French and Portuguese advisors.
Perhaps most distinctive was the Maratha confederate structure. As they expanded beyond their Deccan homeland, the Marathas established semi-autonomous domains under generals who became hereditary nobles: the Shindes (Scindias) of Gwalior, Holkars of Indore, Gaekwads of Baroda, and Bhonsles of Nagpur. This decentralized system allowed for rapid expansion and local adaptation, though it would later create challenges of coordination during times of crisis.
The peak of empire coincided with a cultural and economic renaissance. Their capital at Pune became a center of Sanskrit learning and Marathi literature. Trade flourished along routes they controlled, and their naval power under admirals like Kanhoji Angre challenged European shipping along India's western coast. For a brief moment in history, the Marathas presented the possibility of an indigenous empire uniting most of the Indian subcontinent under a system that blended Hindu cultural revival with pragmatic accommodation of Muslim nobles and institutions.
Conflicts and campaigns: Epic battles of the Maratha era
The military history of the Maratha Empire is characterized by a series of dramatic conflicts that tested their strategic adaptability and ultimately shaped the political landscape of the Indian subcontinent. These campaigns, now recreatable with WoFun's detailed miniatures, showcase the evolving nature of warfare in South Asia during a period of rapid military innovation and political transformation.
The northern expansion and Maratha-Durrani confrontation
By the 1750s, Maratha influence had expanded deep into northern India, bringing them into direct conflict with Ahmad Shah Durrani's Afghan empire. Their northward push represented an ambitious attempt to fill the power vacuum left by Mughal decline. In 1758, at the Battle of Attock (in present-day Pakistan), Maratha forces under Raghunathrao achieved what many thought impossible – crossing the Indus River and capturing territories that had never before been held by a power from the Deccan.
This victory marked the furthest extent of Maratha expansion, but also set the stage for a decisive confrontation. The Afghan leader Ahmad Shah Durrani, alarmed by this challenge to his authority, assembled a coalition that included Rohilla Afghans and the Nawab of Awadh. The resulting conflict culminated in the Third Battle of Panipat on January 14, 1761, one of the largest and most consequential battles fought in the 18th century.
At Panipat, the Maratha army, led by Sadashivrao Bhau, deployed approximately 45,000 cavalry and 15,000 infantry, many equipped with matchlocks visible in WoFun's detailed miniatures. Their artillery, another highlight of the collection, included pieces operated by European-trained gunners. Facing them were Durrani's forces, comprising superior numbers of Afghan heavy cavalry and feared Rohilla infantry.
The battle itself demonstrated the strengths and weaknesses of the Maratha military system. Their initial artillery barrage proved effective, but they lacked the heavy cavalry needed to counter Afghan horsemen. After a day of brutal fighting, the Maratha lines broke, resulting in catastrophic casualties – estimates suggest 40,000 Maratha soldiers perished, including their commander Sadashivrao Bhau.
Panipat dealt a severe blow to Maratha ambitions in the north, but remarkably, did not end their power. The confederacy's decentralized structure allowed them to recover, though they would never again attempt such ambitious northern campaigns.
Confrontation with Mysore
While recovering from the setback at Panipat, the Marathas faced a new threat from the south. The rise of Hyder Ali and later his son Tipu Sultan of Mysore created a formidable adversary with a modernized military that incorporated French training and technology. The ensuing conflicts demonstrated how warfare on the subcontinent was evolving beyond traditional patterns.
During the Maratha-Mysore War of 1785-1787, both sides fielded armies that combined traditional Indian elements with European innovations. Tipu Sultan's forces included rocket troops – an early form of artillery that would later influence European rocket development. The Marathas countered with their own modernized artillery and infantry units trained in European methods, elements beautifully captured in WoFun's meticulous miniatures with their distinctive uniforms and equipment.
The conflict ended with the Treaty of Gajendragad, which secured Maratha territorial gains but demonstrated the growing challenge of facing states that had more thoroughly adopted European military innovations. This period saw the emergence of more disciplined infantry formations in both armies, moving away from the traditional reliance on cavalry toward a more balanced combined-arms approach.
The Anglo-Maratha wars: Collision with colonial power
The most consequential conflicts in the later Maratha era were undoubtedly the three Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775-1782, 1803-1805, and 1817-1818), which ultimately ended with British dominance over the subcontinent. These conflicts are particularly well-suited for tabletop recreation with WoFun's expanding collection, especially with the upcoming addition of Wellington's forces.
The First Anglo-Maratha War demonstrated the confederacy's resilience, ending in the Treaty of Salbai which maintained Maratha independence. However, internal divisions weakened the Maratha position before the second conflict. By 1803, the various Maratha leaders – Scindia, Holkar, Bhonsle, and the Peshwa – often operated independently rather than as a unified force.
The Second Anglo-Maratha War featured several renowned engagements that showcased the contrasting military systems. At the Battle of Delhi (1803), General Lake's British forces defeated Maratha troops under French command, capturing the Mughal capital. More famous was the Battle of Assaye (September 23, 1803), where Arthur Wellesley (the future Duke of Wellington) led approximately 7,000 British and East India Company troops against a Maratha force of 50,000 commanded by Daulat Rao Scindia and Raghuji Bhonsle II.
Assaye represents one of Wellington's most significant pre-European victories and demonstrates why these conflicts deserve greater attention from military historians and wargamers alike. Despite being outnumbered nearly seven to one, Wellington's disciplined infantry and superior tactics prevailed. The battle featured all the elements that make this era fascinating on the tabletop: Maratha artillery served by European-trained gunners, massed cavalry actions, disciplined British infantry formations, and the colorful regiments of the East India Company, including native sepoys.
The battlefield tactics employed during these confrontations highlight the evolution of warfare in the subcontinent. The Marathas maintained their traditional strengths in mobile warfare and artillery while incorporating elements of European discipline. Their infantry increasingly formed into regular units with standardized equipment, though they still employed irregular "warband" type forces as seen in WoFun's diverse infantry offerings. The distinctive Maratha cavalry – with their colorful turbans, curved talwars (swords), and light horses – continued to excel in reconnaissance and harassment, though they struggled against the disciplined British infantry squares.
British forces, meanwhile, relied on their signature thin red line formations, devastating volley fire, and bayonet charges. The East India Company forces included both European regiments and locally recruited sepoys, trained in European tactics but maintaining aspects of their cultural identity in modified uniforms.
What makes these battles particularly fascinating for wargamers is the asymmetric nature of the conflicts – the clash between very different military systems, each with distinct advantages and vulnerabilities. The Marathas could field larger armies with excellent cavalry and increasingly competent artillery, while the British/East India Company forces had superior training, discipline, and tactical coordination.
The armies of the era: A kaleidoscope of warriors
The military forces that clashed across the Indian subcontinent during the Maratha period represented one of history's most colorful and diverse assemblages of warriors. WoFun's meticulously detailed miniatures capture this vibrant martial tapestry, from the disciplined ranks of regular infantry to the majestic war elephants that served as mobile fortresses on the battlefield.
The Maratha military machine
The backbone of Maratha power was their cavalry, visible in striking detail in the WoFun collection. The Maratha horsemen typically wore colorful turbans and flowing garments that combined practicality with distinctive regional styles. As seen in the miniatures, their cavalry units carried a variety of weapons including the curved talwar (sword), spears, and occasionally matchlock pistols. The Maratha cavalry excelled in swift, hit-and-run tactics, utilizing their superior knowledge of local terrain to outmaneuver heavier, less mobile opponents.
Particularly distinctive were the Maratha lancers, represented in the collection with their characteristic long spears and pennants. These horsemen could deliver devastating charges against infantry formations that failed to form defensive squares. Their horses – typically smaller than European mounts but known for their endurance – were often decorated with colorful caparisons that indicated the rider's regiment or noble patron.
Maratha infantry evolved significantly during this period, transitioning from irregular warriors to increasingly disciplined formations. The miniatures showcase this diversity, with some units wearing standardized uniforms influenced by European styles, while others maintained traditional garb. Three main types of infantry existed within the Maratha forces:
1. Regular infantry (Telingas) - These troops, often dressed in colorful uniforms as depicted in the WoFun collection with distinctive red, blue, green, or brown coats, were trained in European-style line tactics and equipped with matchlock muskets. Their formation fighting represented the Marathas' adoption of Western military innovations.
2. Matchlock musketeers - Less formally organized than the regulars, these troops nevertheless provided significant firepower. The miniatures accurately depict their characteristic kneeling firing position and the deployment of the matchlock's supporting staff.
3. Warband infantry - These more traditional warriors, armed with swords, spears, and shields, relied on shock tactics and individual combat prowess rather than volley fire.
Maratha artillery, another strength of their military system, is well-represented in the collection. By the late 18th century, their gun crews were often trained by European advisors, particularly French experts who had entered Indian service. The miniatures show both conventional field pieces and the more distinctive elephant-mounted guns, where light cannon were strapped to platforms on elephants' backs, creating mobile artillery platforms that could be deployed on difficult terrain.
Sikh forces
The Sikh contingents, featured prominently in WoFun's expansion pack, brought their own distinctive martial tradition to the battlefield. As seen in the miniatures, Sikh warriors were instantly recognizable by their turbans and beards, maintained as articles of religious faith. Their light cavalry (depicted as Sikh Siladars and Sikh Light Cavalry in the collection) were particularly effective, combining the mobility of Maratha horsemen with exceptional discipline and religious zeal.
Sikh matchlock infantry, shown in two variations in the WoFun range, typically operated in loose formations that maximized their firepower while minimizing vulnerability to enemy artillery. Their distinctive appearance – with colorful turbans and long tunics – is faithfully reproduced in the miniatures, showcasing the attention to historical detail that makes these pieces valuable for both gaming and educational purposes.
The Sikh warband units represented more traditional warriors who relied on edged weapons and charged into close combat, often displaying remarkable courage in the face of firearms. Their religious devotion made them formidable opponents, particularly when defending Sikh territories from outside aggression.
Muslim forces
The Muslim contingents in the WoFun collection represent the diverse Islamic powers that either allied with or opposed the Marathas. These included Mughal remnants, forces from various Nawabates (Muslim-ruled states), and occasionally troops from Afghanistan.
Muslim artillery crews, depicted in the miniatures with their distinctive attire, were often considered among the finest in India. Many had been trained in the Mughal military tradition, which placed great emphasis on artillery from the time of Babur's initial conquest of northern India.
The Muslim Gulams (slave-soldiers) shown in the collection were elite cavalry troops, often of Turkic or Persian origin, who served Muslim rulers throughout the subcontinent. Their heavy cavalry tactics contrasted with the lighter, more mobile approach of Maratha horsemen, focusing on powerful charges with sword and lance.
Muslim warband infantry, depicted in the expansion pack, combined traditional warrior ethos with growing adoption of firearms. These troops often wore distinctive green garments – the color associated with Islam – and turbans that identified their specific loyalty or origin.
Elephant warfare: Mobile fortresses
Perhaps the most spectacular element of Indian warfare during this period, magnificently captured in the WoFun miniatures, was the use of war elephants. Unlike in ancient warfare, where elephants often served as direct assault weapons, 18th-century Indian armies primarily used these majestic animals as mobile command platforms, artillery positions, and psychological weapons.
The collection features several types of elephant units:
1. Indian Elephants with Elephant Runners - These basic war elephants carried commanders or noble leaders in howdahs (compartments) on their backs, elevating them above the battlefield for better visibility and command presence. The "runners" were handlers who guided the elephants and protected them from enemy attacks.
2. Elephant Artillery - A unique feature of Indian warfare, these units mounted light cannon on specially designed platforms strapped to the elephant's back. The miniatures accurately depict both the cannon and the crew who operated these mobile artillery platforms. While less accurate than conventional artillery, these units could navigate terrain impassable to wheeled guns.
3. High Command and Maratha Raja on elephants - The most ornate elephants were reserved for supreme commanders and rulers. The miniatures capture the colorful decorations and ornate howdahs that signified the rider's status. These command elephants served as visible rallying points for troops and symbols of authority on the battlefield.
The Elephant Leaders in the collection demonstrate the vital role of mahouts (elephant handlers) who controlled these massive animals during battle. Their skill determined the effectiveness of elephant units, as an uncontrolled elephant could become as dangerous to friends as to enemies.
Battlefield tactics and formations
The WoFun miniatures are designed to enable historically accurate battlefield formations. Maratha armies typically deployed with artillery in the center, infantry formed up in lines or columns on either side, and cavalry massed on the wings. This arrangement allowed their strongest element – the mobile horsemen – to maneuver freely while protected by infantry and artillery firepower.
Sikh forces often utilized a defensive formation called the "chakravyuh" (wheel formation), where infantry with matchlocks formed concentric circles, providing overlapping fields of fire. Their cavalry would then strike at opportune moments from behind this defensive position.
Muslim armies, particularly those with Mughal traditions, favored a formation with artillery at the front, elite infantry behind, and cavalry held in reserve for decisive charges once the enemy had been weakened by gunfire.
As warfare evolved throughout this period, all these armies increasingly incorporated elements of European tactics, particularly the emphasis on volleyed musket fire and bayonet charges. The WoFun collection captures this transitional period perfectly, with units representing both traditional Indian warfare and the growing European influence that would eventually transform military operations throughout the subcontinent.
The miniatures also highlight the distinctive battlefield role of standard bearers and musicians. The colorful flags visible in many units weren't merely decorative – they served as crucial communication tools in the noise and confusion of battle. Similarly, drummers and other musicians conveyed commands across distances where voices couldn't carry.
WoFun's attention to these details allows wargamers to recreate not just the appearance but the tactical reality of these fascinating armies, bringing to life a critical period in military history that deserves far greater attention from enthusiasts and historians alike.
Wofun's Maratha collection and future development: Expanding horizons of historical gaming
The WoFun Games Maratha Collection represents one of the most ambitious and comprehensive attempts to bring this fascinating era of Indian military history to the wargaming table. Created through a collaboration between WoFun Games, illustrator and historian Dariusz Buraczewski, and Kevin Cunningham, these miniatures offer an unprecedented opportunity to recreate the pivotal conflicts of 18th and early 19th century India with historical accuracy and visual splendor.
A comprehensive military panorama
The current Maratha Collection offers an impressive array of units available in both 18mm and 28mm scales. The Full Pack contains 563 individual figures across 16 distinct unit types, providing wargamers with all the essential elements needed to field a complete Maratha army or its adversaries. This remarkable diversity allows enthusiasts to recreate both major pitched battles and smaller engagements with historical fidelity.
What sets this collection apart is its inclusion of forces beyond just the Marathas themselves. The base set includes Maratha regulars and irregulars, but also Sikh and other allied or opposing forces, allowing gamers to recreate the complex military dynamics of the period. This approach acknowledges the reality that "Maratha" conflicts often involved multiple political entities with diverse military traditions and equipment.
The recently released Expansion Pack further enriches the collection with 178 additional figures focused on Sikh and Muslim forces. This addition is particularly valuable for recreating conflicts like the Maratha-Mysore War or the confrontations with the Durrani Empire, where these contingents played crucial roles. The expansion also introduces specialized units such as elephant artillery and mounted commanders that add both tactical options and visual drama to tabletop battles.
Standout features and unique units
Several elements of the collection deserve special mention for their historical significance and gaming value. The Indian elephants with mounted artillery represent a distinctive feature of warfare in this region and period, offering players unique tactical possibilities not found in European-focused wargames. These impressive miniatures serve as dramatic centerpieces for any Maratha army, accurately depicting how light cannon were mounted on elephant-borne platforms to create mobile artillery units capable of traversing difficult terrain.
The diverse cavalry options highlight the importance of mounted warfare in the Maratha military system. From the regular lancers with their colorful standards to the irregular Bashi-Bazouk horsemen, these units capture the variety of mounted troops that gave Maratha armies their characteristic mobility. The Sikh light cavalry and Siladars provide additional options representing the distinctive mounted traditions of Punjab.
Infantry units show the transition between traditional Indian warfare and European-influenced methods. The collection includes both irregular warbands armed with traditional weapons and increasingly standardized units of matchlock-armed infantry. The regular musketeers in their distinctive colored uniforms (available in red, blue, green, and brown variants) demonstrate the growing professionalization of Indian infantry during this period.
The attention to command elements is another strength of the collection. The High Command and Maratha Raja figures allow players to represent the complex leadership structure of these armies, while the recently added officer sets provide the mid-level commanders essential for coordinating operations on larger battlefields.
The road ahead: Wellington's campaigns in India
Perhaps most exciting for historical wargamers is our commitment to continuing development of this collection. The announced addition of Wellington's British troops will dramatically expand the gaming possibilities, allowing recreation of the pivotal Anglo-Maratha Wars that ultimately determined the fate of the subcontinent. These upcoming releases will include the forces that fought at legendary battles like Delhi and Assaye, where Arthur Wellesley established his reputation before facing Napoleon in Europe.
The projected additions include:
- Watteville regiment
- De Rolle regiment
- De Meuron regiment
- 74th Highland regiment
- 52nd Light Infantry regiment
- Bengal European regiment
- Sepoy regiments
- Rohilla Lancers
- Skinners Horse
- EIC Dragoons
- EIC Native regular Horse
- Foot Artillery
- Mounted Command
These additions will complete the military panorama of the period, allowing players to recreate the full spectrum of conflicts that shaped India during this transformative era. The planned completion date of late 2025, gives enthusiasts something to anticipate while already enjoying the substantial collection currently available.
Revolutionary approach to historical wargaming
WoFun's approach revolutionizes this process with their ready-to-play plexiglass miniatures. Each figure is precision-cut from high-quality plexiglass and printed on both sides with historically accurate, highly detailed artwork. The resulting miniatures create a compelling visual effect on the tabletop, with careful use of shading and perspective creating a three-dimensional appearance despite their flat profile.
The practical advantages are substantial. A gamer can assemble a complete Maratha army in hours rather than months, simply by pressing the figures from their sprues and inserting them into the provided MDF bases. No painting, no gluing, and no specialized modeling skills are required. This accessibility opens historical gaming to a broader audience and allows experienced gamers to explore periods they might otherwise avoid due to the preparation time required.
Additionally, the economic advantages cannot be overlooked. A full regiment of WoFun 28mm figures costs significantly less than equivalent metal or plastic miniatures, even before considering the time and materials needed to paint traditional figures. The 18mm option offers even greater economy, enabling players to recreate large-scale battles at reasonable cost.
For educators, museums, and historical societies, these ready-to-use miniatures provide an engaging way to illustrate the military history of India and the colonial period. The visual impact of seeing hundreds of colorful, historically accurate figures arranged in battle formation offers insights that text alone cannot convey.
As wargaming continues to evolve and diversify, WoFun's approach and commitment to covering previously neglected historical periods represents an exciting development. The Maratha Collection stands as an invitation to explore the rich military heritage of India and to appreciate the complex, fascinating conflicts that determined the fate of the subcontinent during a pivotal era of world history.