The Maratha Empire significantly impacted the Indian subcontinent by resisting British colonialism and shaping regional politics. The Empire played a crucial role in regional governance and contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire, allowing for an Indian identity that challenged colonial authority. Maratha military strategies and administrative structures became models for later resistance movements. The Empire's conflicts and alliances established a balance of power that shaped the subcontinent's history long after its decline. Ultimately, the Marathas fostered a sense of regional unity that contributed to India's quest for independence.