NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 3 The Rise of the Marathas

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1. Who were the Marathas? How did they manage to become the largest pan-Indian power before the British took over?
See AnswerThe Marathas were a group of people native to the Deccan plateau, specifically present-day Maharashtra, identified by their Marathi language. Under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, they rose to power in the 17th century by using guerrilla warfare, strategic fortifications, and a strong navy. Shivaji’s vision of Swarajya (self-rule) and efficient administration laid the foundation for their expansion. After Shivaji, leaders like the Peshwas and Mahadji Shinde expanded Maratha influence across India, controlling large parts of the subcontinent. Their decentralized yet powerful structure, combined with military prowess, allowed them to challenge the Mughals and become the dominant Indian power before the British took over.

2. What were some features of their governance?
See AnswerThe Marathas had a well-organized governance system. Shivaji established a centralized administration with paid officials and abolished hereditary posts. He formed a council of eight ministers to assist in governance. The Marathas also had an efficient judicial system with local panchayats for justice. They encouraged trade, built roads, and maintained forts for defense. Their administration included taxes like chauth and sardeshmukhi for protection. The Maratha navy and military were strong, using guerrilla warfare and European-style tactics. They promoted cultural revival and respected all religions while upholding Hindu traditions.

3. What impact did the Maratha Empire leave in Indian history?
See AnswerThe Maratha Empire left a significant impact on Indian history by challenging Mughal dominance and establishing a powerful Hindu kingdom. They revived Indian culture, promoted local traditions, and inspired future freedom movements. Their efficient administration, strong military strategies, and naval power set a precedent for self-rule. The Marathas also contributed to cultural and artistic developments, such as Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam. Their legacy of resistance against foreign powers planted early seeds for India’s independence struggle.

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1. If you could time-travel and meet Shivaji, what three questions would you ask him and why?
See AnswerIf I could time-travel and meet Shivaji, I would ask him how he planned his daring escape from Agra, what inspired his vision of Swarajya, and how he managed to unite diverse people under his rule. These questions would help me understand his bravery, leadership, and strategies for building a strong kingdom. I admire his ability to overcome challenges and create a lasting legacy.

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1. Have you heard of the dance form Bharatnatyam’? Did you know that this dance form has a deep connection with the Marathas? Can you find out what this connection was?
See AnswerYes, Bharatnatyam is a classical dance form from Tamil Nadu. The Marathas, especially the Thanjavur Maratha rulers like Serfoji II, played a big role in its development. They patronized artists and musicians, helping to shape modern Carnatic music and Bharatnatyam. Serfoji II supported the arts and even wrote plays, which included details about dance. The Marathas’ love for culture helped preserve and promote Bharatnatyam, making it popular. Their rule in Thanjavur created a rich environment where this dance form could flourish. This connection shows how the Marathas contributed to India’s cultural heritage.

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Questions and Activities

1. Analyse how geography (particularly mountains and coastlines) guided Maratha military strategy and state formation.
See AnswerThe geography of mountains and coastlines played a key role in shaping Maratha military strategy and state formation. The rugged terrain of the Western Ghats provided natural defenses, allowing Shivaji to use guerrilla warfare against larger armies. Forts built on hills controlled important routes and served as bases for attacks. The coastline helped the Marathas establish a navy, securing trade and resisting European powers. Coastal forts like Sindhudurg protected their territory. This strategic use of geography enabled the Marathas to build a strong and resilient empire.

2. Imagine you are creating a short biography of a Maratha leader for younger students. Choose one personality (Kanhoji Angre, Bajirao I, Mahadji Shinde, Ahilyabai Holkar or Tarabai) and write 3-4 paragraphs highlighting what makes them inspirational. Include at least one challenge they overcame.
See AnswerBiography of Ahilyabai Holkar
Ahilyabai Holkar was a brave and wise queen who ruled the Maratha kingdom in central India during the 18th century. She became ruler after her husband and son passed away, showing great strength during a difficult time. Ahilyabai was known for her kindness and fairness, always putting her people first. She built roads, wells, and temples, helping everyone in her kingdom live better lives.
One of her biggest challenges was rebuilding the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, which had been destroyed. Despite opposition, she completed this task, showing her dedication to her faith and her people. She also revived the Somnath temple in Gujarat, proving her commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage.
Ahilyabai’s leadership inspires us because she cared deeply for her subjects and worked hard to improve their lives. She supported artisans, promoted handloom crafts, and ensured justice for all. Her legacy reminds us that even in tough times, kindness and determination can make a lasting difference.

3. If you could visit one Maratha fort today (such as Raigad, Sindhudurg, Gingee, or Pratapgad), which would you choose and why? Research its history, architecture and strategic importance. Present your findings as a digital presentation or a poster in class.
See AnswerIf I could visit one Maratha fort today, I would choose Raigad. Raigad is historically significant because it was the capital of Shivaji’s kingdom and the site of his coronation in 1674. The fort is built on a steep hill, making it naturally strong and hard to attack. Its grand entrance and ruins of palaces show its architectural brilliance. Raigad was a key center for Maratha administration and military strategy. Visiting Raigad would help me understand Shivaji’s vision and the Maratha Empire’s strength. Its location and design made it a symbol of Maratha power and resilience.

4. The chapter states, “The British took India from the Marathas more than from the Mughals or any other power.” What do you think this means? What evidence from the chapter supports this idea?
See AnswerThe statement means that by the time the British gained control over India, the Marathas were the dominant power, not the Mughals or others. The chapter provides evidence: the Marathas controlled large parts of India, including Delhi, and were the British’s chief rivals. Three Anglo-Maratha wars were fought between 1775 and 1818, and the British eventually defeated the Marathas, ending their power. This shows that the British effectively took India from the Marathas, who were the strongest Indian power at the time. Their defeat marked the beginning of British dominance over India.

5. Compare how Shivaji and later Marathas treated religious places and people of different faiths. What evidence from the chapter shows their approach to religious diversity?
See AnswerShivaji and the later Marathas showed respect for religious diversity. Shivaji protected religious places during raids, like sparing temples and charitable homes in Surat. He rebuilt desecrated temples and promoted Hindu culture while respecting other faiths. Later Marathas, like Ahilyabai Holkar, continued this legacy by restoring temples such as Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath. However, some later Maratha campaigns, like in Bengal, were harsh, showing a shift from Shivaji’s values. Overall, the Marathas upheld Hindu traditions but generally avoided religious persecution. Their rule reflected a mix of cultural pride and tolerance.

6. The chapter describes how forts were ‘the core of the state’ for Marathas. Why were they so important? How did they help the Marathas survive against larger enemies?
See AnswerForts were very important for the Marathas because they provided safety and control over key areas. They were built on hills and mountains, making them hard to attack. The forts helped the Marathas use guerrilla warfare, where small groups could surprise bigger armies. They also stored supplies and sheltered soldiers during wars. Even when powerful enemies like the Mughals attacked, the forts gave the Marathas a place to defend and regroup. This helped them survive and fight back against larger forces. Shivaji and his successors built many forts, which became the backbone of their power and strategy. Without forts, the Marathas would have struggled to protect their kingdom.

7. You have been appointed as the chief designer for Maratha coins. Design a coin that represents Maratha achievements and values. Explain the symbols you chose.
See AnswerAs the chief designer for Maratha coins, I would create a coin with the following symbols to represent their achievements and values:
1. Shivaji’s Seal: The centerpiece would feature Shivaji’s Sanskrit seal, symbolizing sovereignty and cultural pride.
2. Fort: A small image of Raigad Fort to highlight the strategic importance of forts in Maratha power.
3. Saffron Flag: The Maratha flag, representing bravery and unity.
4. Wagh Nakh: The tiger claw weapon, showcasing Shivaji’s clever tactics.
5. Ship: A naval ship to honor their maritime strength and resistance against European dominance.
These symbols reflect the Marathas’ courage, strategic brilliance, and cultural revival. The coin would remind people of their legacy of self-rule and resilience.

8. After this introduction to the Maratha period, what do you think was their most important contribution to Indian history? Write a paragraph supporting your opinion with examples from the chapter. Then share and discuss your ideas with classmates.
See AnswerThe most important contribution of the Marathas to Indian history was their role in challenging Mughal dominance and reviving Indian culture and self-rule. Under Shivaji, they established a strong, efficient administration and promoted Marathi and Sanskrit, reducing Persian influence. They also built a powerful navy and used forts strategically to resist larger enemies. Later, Maratha leaders like Tarabai and Ahilyabai expanded their empire and revived Hindu traditions, including rebuilding temples. Their fight for Swarajya inspired future movements for Indian independence. The Marathas showed that Indians could govern themselves and resist foreign rule, leaving a lasting legacy of courage and cultural pride.

1. Who founded the Maratha kingdom?
See AnswerChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

2. When was Shivaji born?
See Answer1630

3. What was Shivaji’s vision for his kingdom?
See AnswerSwarajya (sovereign kingdom)

4. Which weapon did Shivaji use to kill Afzal Khan?
See AnswerWagh nakh

5. In which city did Shivaji conduct a daring raid on Shaista Khan’s camp?
See AnswerPune

6. Which wealthy Mughal port city did Shivaji sack?
See AnswerSurat

7. Where was Shivaji coronated in 1674?
See AnswerRaigad

8. What was the name of Shivaji’s conquest of the South?
See AnswerDakshina-digvijaya

9. Who became Chhatrapati after Shivaji’s death?
See AnswerSambhaji

10. Who was Rajaram’s queen who led Maratha expansion northward?
See AnswerTarabai

11. What was the title for the Maratha prime minister?
See AnswerPeshwa

12. Who was instrumental in the pan-Indian expansion of the Marathas?
See AnswerPeshwa Bajirao I

13. Which general recaptured Delhi for the Marathas in 1771?
See AnswerMahadji Shinde

14. What was the name of the tax levied by Marathas at 25 percent?
See AnswerChauth

15. Who was the Maratha naval commander who resisted Europeans?
See AnswerKanhoji Angre

1. Who were the Marathas and how did they rise to power?
See AnswerThe Marathas were a group of people native to the Deccan plateau, primarily present-day Maharashtra, identified by their Marathi language. They rose as a powerful political entity, particularly under Shivaji, who unified various Maratha chiefs and established the vision of a sovereign kingdom or ‘Swarajya’.

2. Describe Shivaji’s early military campaigns and his vision of Swarajya.
See AnswerAt 16, Shivaji began military campaigns, consolidating his hold over the Pune region by capturing and strengthening neglected forts. His vision of ‘Swarajya’ aimed for a sovereign kingdom encompassing political, economic and cultural independence, which he meticulously worked to achieve throughout his life.

3. What was the significance of Shivaji’s establishment of a navy?
See AnswerShivaji’s establishment of a navy was a revolutionary step to secure access to coastal resources and protect his people. Unlike other regional powers or even the Mughals, who had limited naval presence, the Maratha Navy became legendary for its exploits, safeguarding the kingdom’s maritime interests.

4. How did Shivaji use guerrilla warfare to his advantage?
See AnswerShivaji effectively used guerrilla warfare, employing small groups with speed, surprise and intimate knowledge of the terrain to defeat larger armies. This tactic was crucial in his victory against Afzal Khan’s forces and allowed the Marathas to resist powerful enemies like the Bijapur Sultanate and the Mughals.

5. Explain Shivaji’s daring escape from Agra.
See AnswerShivaji was imprisoned under house arrest by Aurangzeb in Agra. He devised a clever escape plan by distributing gifts of fruits and sweets in large baskets to holy men and Mughal generals. Once the guards stopped checking, Shivaji and his son Sambhaji hid in the baskets and successfully escaped.

6. What was the role of the Peshwas in the Maratha Empire after Shivaji?
See AnswerAfter Shivaji, the Maratha state became more decentralized, with regional chiefs wielding more power. The Peshwa, or prime minister, gained significant influence, even over the Chhatrapati. Peshwa Bajirao I and his son Nanasaheb Peshwa were instrumental in the Marathas’ pan-Indian expansion.

7. How did the British eventually gain control over India from the Marathas?
See AnswerThe British gained control over India primarily from the Marathas through three Anglo-Maratha wars fought between 1775 and 1818. The Marathas’ increasing internal disunity, coupled with the British’s superior organizational and technological capabilities, led to the eventual end of Maratha power.

8. Describe the key features of Shivaji’s civilian administration.
See AnswerShivaji instituted a centralized administration, abolishing hereditary posts and land assignments. He paid government officials salaries from the state treasury and periodically transferred them to prevent excessive power accumulation. He also provided pensions to soldiers’ widows and offered military posts to their sons.

9. What were ‘chauth’ and ‘sardeshmukhi’ and their purpose?
See AnswerChauth was a tax of 25 percent levied by the Marathas from provinces not directly under their control. Sardeshmukhi was an additional 10 percent tax. In return for these taxes, the Marathas offered protection to these provinces and refrained from intervening in their internal administration.

10. Highlight the cultural contributions of the Marathas.
See AnswerThe Marathas substantially contributed to India’s cultural development. Shivaji’s Sanskrit seal promoted Marathi and he commissioned the Rajya-Vyavahara Kosha to replace Persian words. They rebuilt desecrated temples, promoted Sanskrit and Marathi literature and inspired cultural confidence among Indians, fostering a blend of indigenous and foreign elements.

1. Discuss Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s vision for his kingdom how his military strategies helped achieve it.
See AnswerVision: ‘Swarajya’ a sovereign kingdom:
-Military: Built strong forts established a navy.
-Employed guerrilla warfare tactics effectively.
-Daring raids on enemies like Shaista Khan.
-Secured coastal regions expanded south.

2. Describe the contributions of prominent Maratha women to the empire’s expansion cultural revival.
See AnswerTarabai: Led northward Maratha expansion outsmarted Mughals.
– Ahilyabai Holkar: Governed wisely built restored temples throughout India.
– Promoted Maheshwar weaving industry.
– Inspired cultural confidence.
– Demonstrated strong leadership resilience.

3. Detail the key administrative principles implemented by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his kingdom.
See AnswerCentralized administration:
-Abolished hereditary posts land assignments.
-Paid officials salaries from state treasury.
-Periodically transferred officials to prevent power concentration.
-Had an Ashtapradhan Mandal for assistance.

4. Outline the revenue collection methods the military administration of the Maratha Empire.
See AnswerRevenue: Collected chauth (25%) sardeshmukhi (10%) from non-Maratha provinces.
-Military: Divided into infantry cavalry navy.
-Bargirs had state-paid equipment.
-Shiledars paid for their own.
-Used forts rockets adopted European style troops.

5. Summarize the overall impact legacy of the Maratha Empire on Indian history.
See AnswerChallenged Mughal dominance established largest Indian empire.
-Efficient administration religious tolerance.
-Revived local Hindu traditions.
-Inspired cultural confidence innovation.
-Planted seeds for India’s freedom movement.