I am having an interesting game and its good to see the AI far more active. I started a new campaign (normal/very hard) as Marathas. France took out UP in 1702 which allowed me to get the island. I took two provinces first turn from the Mulgul Empire and sued for peace a couple of years later, then Mysore take out Goa, and with my army near by, I claim Goa from them, then take out Mysore. Mugul Empire requested trade, so I am raking in some money from that. I used about 20 turns securing trade, building up armed forces and doing lots of research. Currently I got highest research and strongest army, chart topping in prestige and in a couple of turns when Fire by Rank is done, I will sent upon my campaign to invade and wipe out weak the Mugul Empire, leaving me as sole ruler of India.

After that, it's a case of building up the area just how I like it and deciding whether or not to make a play for Europe or the America's.