Marathas

Aurangzeb sent Mughal governor of Deccan, Shaista Khan against Shivaji whom he defeated.
He attacked Surat, chief port of Mughals and plundered it.
He was defeated by Raja Jai Singh of Amber which led to signing of Treaty of Purandhar in 1665.
Was assisted by a council of ministers called Ashtapradhan including Peshwa (finance & general administration), Senapati (military commander), Amatya (accountant), Waqeanavis (intelligence).
Reduced power of Deshmukh & Kulkarni and appointed his own revenue officials karkuns.
Chauth was 1/4^th of land revenue and Sardeshmukhi was additional levy of 10% on those lands of Maharashtra over which Marathas claimed hereditary right but formed part of Mughal empire.
His army consisted of cavalry supervised by havildars and infantry having Malvi foot soldiers as an important feature. He also maintained a navy.

Created a new post of Pratinidhi, thus taking the total number of ministers to nine.

Released by Bahadur Shah (Mughal ruler). He defeated Tarabai in Battle of Khed (1700).
His reign saw the rise of Peshwas and transformation of the Maratha kingdom into an empire based on principle of confederacy.