Maratha

Maratha is a kshatriya (warrior) caste of Marathi language speaking people primarily residing in the plains and hills of India's western state of Maharashtra. They are thought to be descendents of India's Scythian conquerors who mingled with the local people. Buddhists initially, they converted to Hinduism later on. Marathas and Marathis are confused by many people to be one and the same, but it should be noted that Marathis are any people speaking Marathi language while Marathas are only people belonging to Maratha caste.

Notable Marathas

• Chhatrapati Shivaji, founder of the Bhonsle dynasty
• Sindhia dynasty, including Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia - rulers of Gwalior
• Gaekwad dynasty - rulers of Baroda
• Holkar dynasty - rulers of Indore