The Marathas were a prominent warrior group in India, primarily active from the 17th to the 19th centuries. They originated in the western region, particularly in present-day Maharashtra. The Maratha Empire was established under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who is celebrated for his military tactics and administration. The Marathas played a significant role in resisting Mughal rule and expanding their territory across India. Their influence extended to various regions, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. The Maratha Confederacy, formed by various clans, became a major power in India before the British colonial expansion.