THE RISE OF MARATHAS
Question and Answers
Class-8
Q1 Who were the Marathas? How did they manage to become the largest
pan- Indian power before the British took over?
Answer: The Marathas were brave and powerful people from Maharashtra in
the Deccan region. They spoke Marathi and followed Hindu traditions. With
leaders like Shivaji, they built a strong empire, fought against the Mughals,
protected Indian culture, and ruled large parts of India before the British rule.
Later they even fought three wars with the British, and were the last strong
Indian rulers before British rule started. Maratha rulers worked for the public
well-fare, patronised art and culture, were religious tolerant and never oppressed
their people. The secured their feet in trade, maintaining one of the developed
transport system. In short, the Marathas were on the peak, thriving, when the
British entered India.
Q2 Analyse how geography (particularly mountains and coastlines)
influenced Maratha military strategy and state formation.
Answer:
The Marathas lived in the Western Ghats mountains and near the west coast of
India. The mountains helped them build strong forts for protection and secret
paths for surprise attacks. The coastline helped them create a navy to protect
maritime trade. These natural features made their military strong and advance.
Q3 “The British took India from the Marathas more than from the Mughals
or any other power.” Explain this, supporting with chapter evidence.
Answer: After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Marathas built the largest
Indian empire, controlling Delhi and vast regions. The British fought three wars
to defeat them, facing their strong military and administration. Only after
overpowering the Marathas did British rule fully expand over India.
Q4 What was the Marathas’ most important contribution to Indian
history? Write a paragraph with supporting evidence.
Answer: The Marathas revived Indian self-rule after the Mughals, creating new
governance systems and inspiring nationalism. Their sophisticated military,
decentralised administration, and religious tolerance sparked cultural resurgence
and political unity. Their legacy inspired future leaders and India’s freedom
movement through the ideal of Swarajya.
Q5 Why were forts “the core of the state” for Marathas? How did forts help
them against stronger enemies?
Answer: Marathas built forts atop hills and along the coast for defense, control,
and communication. These forts offered secure bases, storing supplies, and
withstood prolonged sieges. Forts enabled Marathas to retreat, regroup, and
launch quick attacks against much stronger adversaries, ensuring survival through
tough times.
Q6 What were some features of Shivaji’s governance?
Ans: Centralised administra on under Shivaji with paid officials instead of
hereditary posts.
• Aṣhṭa Pradhāna Manḍala – council of eight ministers for different departments.
• Taxes like chauth (25%) and sardeshmukhi (10%).
• Strong military with infantry, cavalry, and navy; forts as the core defence.
• Judicial system with local panchāyats and kotwāls for law and order.
• Encouraged trade, built roads, bridges, and maintained ferries.
• Promoted Marathi and Sanskrit, rebuilt temples, respected religious diversity
Q7 What role did the Peshwas play in the Maratha Empire?
Ans After Shivaji, the power shifted into the hands of the Peshwas (Prime
Ministers), most notably Peshwa Bajirao I. Through brilliant military strategies
and strategic alliances, they expanded the Maratha Empire across vast
territories, eventually controlling Delhi and large parts of the subcontinent.
They became the most dominant power in India, which later led to three Anglo-
Maratha Wars against the expanding British empire.
Q8 Match the following(H.W)
Column A (Mughal Encounters) Column B (Results)
A. Afzal Khan vs Shivaji 1. Treaty of Purandar signed
B. Shaista Khan vs Shivaji 2. House arrest at Agra, escape in baskets
C. Jai Singh vs Shivaji 3. Afzal Khan was killed, army was routed
D. Aurangzeb vs Shivaji 4. Shaista Khan, injured, fled Maharashtra
MCQ (Do with Yourself, only as much we have done in class)
Shivaji’s coronation took place in:
a) 1666
b) 1657
c) 1680
d) 1674
Who was the famous Maratha naval chief?
a) Bajirao I
b) Kanhoji Angre
c) Mahadji Shinde
d) Tarabai
Which tax was 25% of revenue collected by the Marathas?
a) Sardeshmukhi
b) Chauth
c) Lagaan
d) Jaziya
The 3rd Anglo-Maratha war ended in:
a) 1761
b) 1775
c) 1818
d) 1754
Who rebuilt the Somnath temple?
a) Tarabai
b) Ahilyabai Holkar
c) Jijabai
d) Nanasaheb Peshwa
Fill in the Blanks
1. Shivaji was born in the year __________.
2. The weapon used by Shivaji to kill Afzal Khan was __________.
3. Shivaji was crowned at __________ in 1674.
4. The Maratha Navy was led successfully by __________.
5. The additional 10% tax levied by the Marathas was called __________.