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The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Maratha Empire in 1740 CE
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In the year 1740 CE, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, were not directly under the control of the Maratha Empire. The Maratha Empire, at its zenith under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shahu and his Peshwa, Baji Rao I, was primarily focused on consolidating power in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the Deccan and northern regions. The Marathas were engaged in a series of military campaigns against the Mughals, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and other regional powers, which left little room for maritime expansion or interest in distant islands like the Andaman and Nicobar.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, during this period, were largely isolated and inhabited by indigenous tribes. They were not a significant focus for any major power, including the Marathas. The islands had been visited by various traders and explorers over the centuries, but they remained largely untouched by the political developments on the mainland.
However, it is worth noting that the Marathas did have a naval presence, particularly under the leadership of the Angre family, who were admirals of the Maratha navy. The Angres controlled a significant portion of the western coast of India and were involved in protecting Maratha interests against European powers like the Portuguese and the British. Despite this, there is no historical evidence to suggest that the Marathas extended their influence to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1740 CE.
In summary, while the Maratha Empire was a dominant force in mainland India during 1740 CE, their influence did not extend to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The islands remained largely isolated and were not a focal point of Maratha military or political strategy during this period.