Was Jaisalmer even Part of Maratha Empire?

Context: A controversy erupted over an NCERT Class 8 textbook map showing Jaisalmer as part of the Maratha Empire in 1759, which historians and the former royal family say is historically incorrect.

Maratha Expansion and Nature of Control

• Northern Expansion – Under Peshwa Baji Rao I, the Marathas expanded into parts of Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab, Bundelkhand, Orissa, Bengal, and Bihar after consolidating Malwa post-Battle of Bhopal.
• Tribute over Political Rule – Marathas often allowed local rulers to stay in power, collecting chauth and sardeshmukhi (tribute) without full political control.
• Jaisalmer’s Status – Historians agree Jaisalmer was never under Maratha rule or tribute; Maratha expeditions in Rajasthan targeted Jaipur and Jodhpur, not Jaisalmer or Bikaner.
• Weak Tribute Compliance – Even major Rajput states like Amber-Jaipur often failed to pay tribute regularly; no records exist for Jaisalmer paying any.

Patchy Nature of Maratha Authority

• Irregular Control – Between the 1730s–1750s, Maratha authority ranged from direct administration to loose agreements easily overturned after armies withdrew.
• Historians’ View – The Maratha polity should be seen as one of several contemporary powers, not as a proto-nationalist Hindu revival.
• Reality vs. Claims – Marathas claimed sovereignty over large regions, but actual authority was uneven and contested.

Map Representation Issues & Suggested Fixes

• Map Basis – NCERT says the map was based on earlier published sources and includes direct control, tributary states, and short-term agreements.
• Missing Disclaimer – A note on “approximate borders” present in Grade 7 books was omitted in Grade 8.
• Expert Suggestions – Use different shades to show direct rule, tributary status, temporary conquests, and spheres of influence to avoid oversimplification.

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