THE RISE OF POWER : MARATHAS

QUESTION ANSWERS
TO BE DONE IN NOTEBOOK

1. Who were the Marathas? What was the significance of the Bhakti Movement in their rise?
Ans. The Marathas were a group of people native to the Deccan Plateau, mainly in present-day
Maharashtra. They were identified by their common language, Marathi, which had a rich literary
tradition. Over time, they emerged as a powerful political force in India.
Significance of the Bhakti Movement in their rise:
The Bhakti Movement played a crucial role in strengthening Maratha society. Saints like
Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, and Ramdas spread devotional teachings in Marathi, making
spiritual ideas accessible to common people.
Their teachings promoted unity, social awareness, and cultural strength. This strong cultural and
social foundation helped the Marathas organise themselves and eventually rise as a significant
political power under Shivaji.
2. Describe the early life and upbringing of Chhatrapati Shivaji. How did his childhood influence
his vision of Swarājya?
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji was born in 1630 in the Bhonsle clan to Shahji Bhonsle and Jijabai. During his
childhood, his father served the Deccan sultanates and was often away. Therefore, Shivaji grew up in
Pune under the care of his mother Jijabai.
2. At the young age of 16, he began military campaigns by capturing neglected and unoccupied forts
and strengthening their defences In Pune.
3. Over time, he developed the vision of Swarājya (self-rule), which included political, economic, and
cultural independence.
4. A few years after establishing a strong and independent kingdom, Chhatrapati Shivaji died of fever at
the age of fifty, leaving behind a powerful legacy and a strong foundation for the Maratha Empire.

3. Explain the major military campaigns and strategies of Chhatrapati Shivaji. How did these
contribute to the rise of Maratha power?
1. Guerrilla Warfare:
Chhatrapati Shivaji used guerrilla warfare as his main strategy which involved sudden attacks, quick
movements, and fighting in small groups instead of large armies. This strategy helped him defeat
powerful enemies like the Mughal Empire as well as the Bijapur dynasty), despite having fewer
resources. It enabled him to capture forts and gradually expand his territory.
2. Surgical Strike:
Shivaji carried out a daring night attack on Shaista Khan, who had occupied his territory for three
years. With only a few soldiers, he entered the enemy camp secretly and launched a surprise attack.
Shaista Khan was injured and lost his fingers, and he fled immediately.
3. Sacking (Capture) of Surat:
Chhatrapati Shivaji attacked and sacked Surat, a rich Mughal port city, and gained enormous wealth
worth nearly one crore rupees. This strengthened his economic resources and helped in building a
strong army and administration. Importantly, he maintained discipline by not attacking religious
places and sparing innocent people.

These three strategies greatly contributed to the rise of Maratha power by strengthening Shivaji’s
military, economy, and reputation.
4. Describe Shivaji’s visit to Aurangzeb’s court and his escape from Agra.
1. After the sacking of Surat, the Mughal Empire felt insulted, so Aurangzeb sent Mirza Raja Jai Singh I
to defeat Chhatrapati Shivaji and was forced to sign the Treaty of Purandar.
2. Later, Shivaji was persuaded by Jai Singh to visit the Mughal court at Agra. There, he was insulted
by being made to stand among lesser nobles in front of Aurangzeb and a Mughal general he had
earlier defeated. Angry at this humiliation, Shivaji walked out of the court, after which Aurangzeb
placed him under house arrest.
3. To escape, Shivaji used a clever plan—he sent baskets of fruits and sweets as gifts. When guards
stopped checking them, he and Sambhaji hid inside the baskets and escaped. Aurangzeb could never
capture him again.

5. Explain Treaty of Purandar?

The Treaty of Purandar (1665) was an agreement between Chhatrapati Shivaji and Mirza Raja Jai
Singh I, who was sent by Aurangzeb to defeat Shivaji which included :-
• Shivaji had to give up a large part of his kingdom to the Mughal Empire.
• His son Sambhaji was made to join Mughal service.

6. What happened to the Maratha Empire after Shivaji’s death?

1. After the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji, his son Sambhaji became the ruler, but he was captured and
executed by Aurangzeb. Later, Rajaram continued the struggle against the Mughals from Gingee.
2. The Marathas strongly resisted Mughal attacks, and after Aurangzeb’s death, they became more
powerful and expanded their territories under leaders like Tarabai. Over time, power shifted to the
Peshwa, who played a major role in expanding the empire across India.
7. Explain the expansion of the Maratha Empire under the Peshwas?
1. During the expansion phase, the Maratha administration changed from a centralised system to a more
decentralised structure. The Chhatrapati remained the nominal head, real power shifted to the Peshwa
(Prime Minister)
2. Under Peshwa Bajirao I and Nanasaheb, the Marathas expanded rapidly across India, bringing large
territories under their control. But this resulted in occasional indiscipline and abuse like in Bengal
where cruelty and devastation with common people was done in 10 year camp.
3. The Marathas extended their influence to the north, controlling regions like Lahore, Attock, and
Peshawar, and fought battles with the Afghans. Although they suffered a major defeat in the Third
Battle of Panipat, they recovered under Madhavrao I. Later, under Mahadji Shinde, they recaptured
Delhi in 1771.
4. Despite becoming a powerful empire and the main rivals of the British East India Company, internal
disunity and the strength of the British led to their defeat in the Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818),
marking the decline of Maratha power.

8. Explain the civil administration of Shivaji.

1. Shivaji established a centralised administration with the king holding supreme power.
2. He was assisted by the Ashta Pradhan (Council of Eight Ministers), each handling specific
departments.
3. Hereditary posts were abolished; officials were appointed on merit and paid salaries.
4. Officials were regularly transferred to prevent misuse of power.
5. He ensured welfare of soldiers by giving pensions to widows and jobs to their sons.
6. The Marathas collected chauth (25%) and sardeshmukhi (10%) from other regions in return for
protection.
9. Describe the military administration of the Marathas.
1. The Maratha army was divided into three parts — infantry, cavalry, and navy.
2. The cavalry had two types: bargirs (state provided horses and equipment) and shiledars (self-
equipped soldiers).
3. The Marathas later adopted European-style trained troops and artillery, especially under Mahadji
Shinde.
4. Their main weapons were swords and lances, though guns were also widely used.
5. They also used rockets, including advanced metal tube rockets by the 18th century.
10. Why were forts considered the backbone of the Maratha state?

1. Forts provided strong defence against enemy invasions and protected the kingdom.
2. They acted as safe centres of administration, storage, and military planning.
3. Even powerful rulers like Aurangzeb could not completely defeat the Marathas because forts were
difficult to capture.
4. Forts helped the Marathas resist long attacks and continue their struggle.
5. Thus, forts ensured the survival and strength of the Maratha state, even during continuous wars.

11. Explain the judicial system of the Marathas.

1. The Marathas had an efficient and fair judicial system with limited use of the death penalty.
2. Justice was mainly delivered by the panchayat, a local body of officials and respected people.
3. If a person was not satisfied with the decision, they could appeal to a Maratha chief.
4. In major towns like Pune and Indore, the kotwal (police officer) maintained law and order.

12. Explain the trade network of the Marathas.

1. The Marathas, especially Chhatrapati Shivaji, actively promoted trade and commerce.
2. They participated in maritime (sea) trade using their own ships.
3. These ships traded with distant ports like Mocha (Yemen), Muscat (Oman), and Malacca
(Malaysia).
4. Goods such as gold and textiles were transported through this network.
5. To support trade, the Marathas developed infrastructure like roads, bridges, and ferry systems
(especially in regions like Odisha).
13. “Shivaji Maharaj not only built an empire but also revived Indian culture and
traditions.”Explain the statement.
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj promoted Indian culture by using Sanskrit on his royal seal instead of
Persian, showing pride in Indian traditions.
2. He encouraged the use of Marathi by creating Rājya-Vyavahāra-Koṣha to replace Persian words in
administration.
3. He followed Hinduism but respected all religions and used the saffron flag as a symbol of unity.
4. He rebuilt temples and supported literature, art, and religious institutions.
5. He inspired others to continue Indian traditions, like the revival of worship of Jagannath at Puri.

14. Explain the cultural contributions of the Tanjore (Thanjavur) Marathas.

1. The Thanjavur Marathas began their rule when Ekoji conquered Thanjavur and promoted a rich
cultural environment.
2. They encouraged a syncretic culture, where Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi traditions mixed together.
3. Rulers like Serfoji II were great patrons of art, music, drama, and literature.
4. During their rule, Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam developed further.
5. They also contributed to education and science by starting a printing press and medical centre
(Dhanwantari Mahal).

15. Explain the legacy of the Marathas in Indian history.

1. Challenge to Mughal Power
The Marathas successfully weakened the dominance of the Mughal Empire and established a strong
Indian power across central and northern India.
2. Establishment of a Vast Empire
They built the largest Indian empire before British rule, controlling extensive regions of the
subcontinent.
3. Efficient Administration
The Marathas developed an organised and effective system of governance, ensuring better
management of their territories.
4. Cultural Revival with Tolerance
They promoted local Hindu traditions while maintaining respect for all religions, ensuring harmony
and cultural growth.
5. Inspiration for Freedom Movement
Their idea of Swarājya (self-rule) inspired later generations and laid the foundation for India’s
struggle for independence.

16. “The British took India from the Marathas more than from the Mughals.” Explain the
statement.
1. The Mughal Empire was already weak and had little real power in the 18th century.
2. The Maratha Empire had become the strongest power and controlled large parts of India.
3. The British defeated the Marathas in wars and gained control of India, so they took India mainly
from them.

CHARATCTER SKETCH
17. Why is Chhatrapati Shivaji regarded as a great ruler?
1. He had a clear vision of Swaraj (self-rule) and wanted people to rule themselves without foreign
control.
2. He was a brave and intelligent military leader who used smart strategies to defeat stronger enemies.
3. He established an efficient administration that ensured justice and welfare of the people.
4. He respected all religions and maintained harmony in his kingdom.
5. He promoted Indian culture, languages, and traditions.
18. Tarabai proved herself to be a brave and intelligent leader. Explain.
1. Tarabai showed great courage by leading the Marathas after her husband Rajaram’s death.
2. She continued the fight against the powerful Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and did not give up.
3. She organised the army effectively and led successful military campaigns.
4. Under her leadership, the Marathas expanded into Mughal territories.
5. Her determination and leadership helped keep the Maratha power strong during a difficult time.

19. Why is Ahilyabai Holkar remembered as an ideal ruler?

1. She was a just and fair ruler who always worked for the welfare of her people.
2. She ensured good administration, maintaining peace and stability in her kingdom.
3. She promoted religion and culture by rebuilding many temples and pilgrimage sites.
4. She encouraged trade and improved infrastructure like roads and dharamshalas.
5. She lived a simple life and ruled with wisdom, compassion, and dedication.