Class 8 new ncert Chapter 3 SST Solution - The Rise of the Marathas

Chapter 3: Rise of the Maratha Empire

Question 1: Who were the Marathas?

Answer: The Marathas were inhabitants of the Deccan Plateau, especially present-day Maharashtra. They spoke the Marathi language. The Marathas later established a powerful empire and gave a new direction to the history of India.

Question 2: When and where was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj born?

Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born in 1630 CE in the Bhosale family to Shahaji and Jijabai.

Question 3: Who had the greatest influence on Shivaji’s life?

Answer: Shivaji’s life was deeply influenced by the values and teachings of his mother Jijabai. She made Shivaji courageous, religious, and patriotic.

Question 4: What did Shivaji mean by ‘Swarajya’?

Answer: Swarajya meant an independent state where people were protected, justice was available, and there was no control of foreign rule.

Question 5: How did Shivaji organize Maratha power?

Answer: Shivaji united the Marathas, captured forts, strengthened the army, and organized Maratha power by adopting the guerrilla warfare policy.

Question 6: What is guerrilla warfare?

Answer: Guerrilla warfare is a method of warfare in which a small army suddenly attacks the enemy, causes damage, and immediately returns to a safe place.

Question 7: Who was Afzal Khan?

Answer: Afzal Khan was a commander of Bijapur who was sent to defeat Shivaji. Shivaji defeated him at Pratapgarh.

Question 8: Why did Shivaji establish a navy?

Answer: Shivaji established a navy to protect the sea coasts and to stop foreign powers.

Question 9: When and where was Shivaji crowned?

Answer: Shivaji was crowned in 1674 CE at Raigad Fort.

Question 10: What were the main features of Shivaji’s administrative system?

Answer:

• Centralized administration
• Appointment of capable officials
• Protection of the people
• Salaries for soldiers
• System of the Ashtapradhan Council

Question 11: What was the Ashtapradhan Council?

Answer: The Ashtapradhan Council was a council of Shivaji’s eight ministers who assisted in different administrative functions.

Question 12: What were the main divisions of the Maratha army?

Answer: The Maratha army had three main divisions—

1. Infantry
2. Cavalry
3. Navy

Question 13: What were Chauth and Sardeshmukhi?

Answer: Chauth was a type of tax collected by the Marathas from other states. Sardeshmukhi was an additional 10 percent tax collected over and above Chauth.

Question 14: Who was Sambhaji?

Answer: Sambhaji was the elder son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. After Shivaji’s death, he became the ruler of the Maratha Empire.

Question 15: What was Tarabai’s contribution to the Maratha Empire?

Answer: Tarabai led the Maratha Empire during difficult times and continued the struggle against the Mughals.

Question 16: Who were the Peshwas?

Answer: The Peshwas were the Prime Ministers of the Maratha Empire. Later, they became very powerful.

Question 17: What was the contribution of Bajirao I?

Answer: Bajirao I expanded the Maratha Empire up to North India and strengthened Maratha power.

Question 18: When was the Third Battle of Panipat fought?

Answer: The Third Battle of Panipat was fought in 1761 CE between the Marathas and the Afghans.

Question 19: Why did the Maratha Empire decline?

Answer: The main reasons for the decline of the Maratha Empire were—

• Internal conflicts
• Autonomy of regional chiefs
• Better organization and technology of the British

Question 20: What is the significance of the Marathas in Indian history?

Answer: The Marathas challenged Mughal authority, promoted Indian culture, and strengthened the spirit of Swarajya. They also inspired the Indian freedom movement in later times.

Question 21: Who was Ahilyabai Holkar?

Answer: Ahilyabai Holkar was a Maratha ruler who built temples, ghats, roads, and wells for the welfare of the people.

Question 22: Who was Kanhoji Angre?

Answer: Kanhoji Angre was the great commander of the Maratha navy who challenged European powers at sea.

Question 23: What was special about Shivaji’s coinage?

Answer: Shivaji’s coins used the Sanskrit language and the Devanagari script, which symbolized Indian culture.

Question 24: What contribution did the Marathas make to Indian culture?

Answer: The Marathas protected the Marathi language, art, literature, temples, and Indian traditions, and promoted cultural renaissance.

Question 25: Why were Maratha forts so important?

Answer: Maratha forts were extremely important for the security of the army, defense against enemies, and strategic control during wartime.

NCERT Based Questions

Question 1. Analyse how geography (especially mountains and sea coasts) shaped Maratha military strategy and state-building.

Answer: The Maratha region was mountainous and coastal. Mountains and forts provided them with protection. Shivaji adopted guerrilla warfare by using hill forts, which enabled even a small army to defeat larger forces. Due to the sea coasts, he built a powerful navy and challenged foreign powers. Thus, geography played an important role in strengthening the Maratha state.

Question 2. Imagine that you are writing a short biography of a Maratha leader for students. Choose one personality (Kanhoji Angre, Bajirao I, Mahadji Shinde, Ahilyabai Holkar, or Tarabai) and write three to four paragraphs highlighting their inspiring qualities. Describe one challenge that they successfully overcame.

Answer: I would choose Ahilyabai Holkar. She was a great ruler of the Maratha Empire. She governed her state with wisdom and justice. She cared for the problems of the people and carried out many welfare activities for their benefit.

Ahilyabai built temples, ghats, roads, and wells throughout India. She also rebuilt the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. She was a religious and compassionate woman.

The greatest challenge in her life was the death of her husband and son. Even after facing such difficult circumstances, she did not lose courage and ruled successfully. For this reason, she is still regarded as an ideal ruler today.

Question 3. If you had the opportunity to visit one Maratha fort today (such as Raigad, Sindhudurg, Gingee, or Pratapgad), which one would you choose and why? Study its history, architecture, and strategic importance. Present your findings in class in digital or poster form.

Answer: I would like to visit Raigad Fort because it was the capital of Shivaji Maharaj. His coronation was also held at this fort.

Raigad Fort is situated on a high mountain, making it difficult for enemies to attack. Its strong walls and security arrangements were highly impressive.

From a strategic point of view, this fort was the main centre of Maratha power. Shivaji governed his kingdom from here. It is considered a symbol of Maratha history and bravery.

Question 4. The chapter states that the British took India more from the Marathas than from the Mughals or any other power. What do you think this means? Which evidence from the chapter supports this idea?

Answer: This means that the British had to struggle the most against the Marathas in order to gain control over India. At that time, the Maratha Empire was the most powerful Indian power.

The chapter explains that the Marathas controlled a large part of India. Three major Anglo-Maratha Wars were fought between the British and the Marathas. The Marathas resisted the British for a long time. This clearly shows that the British gained India more from the Marathas than from any other power.

Question 5. Compare how Shivaji and the later Marathas treated religious places and people of different faiths. What evidence in the chapter reflects their attitude towards religious diversity?

Answer: Shivaji respected all religions. During wars, he tried to avoid causing damage to religious places. He protected temples and treated people of other religions with respect.

The Marathas promoted Indian culture and traditions. The chapter mentions that Shivaji did not damage religious places during his attack on Surat. This reflects his idea of religious tolerance.

Question 6. The chapter describes forts as the ‘foundation of the state’ for the Marathas. Why were they so important? How did they help the Marathas stand against powerful enemies?

Answer: Forts were the main basis of security for the Maratha state. They were built on mountains and in difficult locations, making them hard for enemies to capture.

During guerrilla warfare, the Marathas used forts as safe shelters. Because of these forts, the Marathas were able to resist powerful armies like the Mughals for a long time.

Question 7. You have been appointed the chief designer of Maratha coins. Design a coin that represents Maratha achievements and values. Explain the symbols you have chosen.

Answer: I would design a coin with the image of Shivaji Maharaj on the front side and a fort along with a saffron flag on the reverse side.

The fort would symbolize Maratha strength and security. The saffron flag would represent courage and Swarajya. The use of the Devanagari script on the coin would reflect Indian culture and Maratha identity.

Question 8. After studying this introduction to the Maratha period, what do you think was their most important contribution to Indian history? Support your opinion with examples from the chapter. Discuss your ideas with your classmates.

Answer: In my opinion, the most important contribution of the Marathas was strengthening the spirit of Swarajya and self-confidence. They challenged Mughal authority and gave Indians the confidence that they could govern themselves.

Shivaji Maharaj built a strong administration, navy, and army. The Marathas also promoted Indian culture, language, and traditions. Their struggle later became an inspiration for the Indian freedom movement.

Let's Explore

Question: What was the importance of the Bhakti Movement?

Answer: The Bhakti Movement gave people the message of love and devotion towards God. It increased the feeling of equality and unity in society. Saints wrote hymns and poems in local languages and conveyed their ideas to the people.

Question: Who were the major Bhakti saints of Maharashtra?

Answer: The major Bhakti saints of Maharashtra were Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, and Ramdas.

Question: How did the saints influence society?

Answer: The saints gave people the message of devotion, morality, and social unity. They explained religious knowledge in simple language so that common people could also understand it.

Question: Why did Shivaji adopt the guerrilla warfare policy?

Answer: Shivaji adopted the guerrilla warfare policy to fight against large and powerful armies. This policy was successful because of his knowledge of the hilly regions.

Question: Why is the incident of Shivaji’s escape from Agra famous?

Answer: To escape from house arrest in Agra, Shivaji made a plan to hide himself and Sambhaji in baskets of sweets and get out. This act of intelligence became very famous.

Question: What inspiration do we get from the life of Shivaji?

Answer: From Shivaji’s life, we get inspiration for courage, patriotism, organizational skills, and the struggle for Swarajya.

Question: What was the connection between Bharatanatyam dance and the Marathas?

Answer: The Maratha rulers of Thanjavur patronized the Bharatanatyam dance form. This dance style developed during their rule.

Think About It

Question: How did Shivaji treat his subjects?

Answer: Shivaji was kind and sensitive towards his subjects. He instructed his officials to treat the people well.

Question: Why did Shivaji advise people not to cut trees?

Answer: Shivaji believed that trees were very useful for people. They take many years to grow, so they should not be cut unnecessarily.

Question: What values are reflected in Shivaji’s letter?

Answer: Shivaji’s letter reflects his kindness, concern for environmental protection, sensitivity towards people, and sense of justice.

Question: How did Shivaji take care of his soldiers and their families?

Answer: Shivaji provided pensions to the families of soldiers who were martyred in battle and also gave positions in the army to their sons.

Don't Miss Out

Question: What was the Wagh-Nakh?

Answer: The Wagh-Nakh was a small weapon that looked like a tiger’s claw. Shivaji used it to kill Afzal Khan.

Question: Why did Shivaji oppose the slave trade?

Answer: Shivaji believed in humanity and justice. Therefore, he opposed the slave trade being carried out by European traders.

Question: Who was Nana Phadnavis?

Answer: Nana Phadnavis was a powerful official of the Maratha Empire who tried to unite various Indian powers against the British.

Question: What was special about Maratha coins?

Answer: Maratha coins used both Devanagari and Persian scripts. They reflected Indian culture and Maratha identity.

Question: Why were forts important for the Marathas?

Answer: Forts were the foundation of Maratha security and military strength. During wars, they protected soldiers and defended them against enemies.

Question: Why did Europeans call Kanhoji Angre a ‘pirate’?

Answer: Kanhoji Angre was a powerful commander of the Maratha navy. He challenged European ships, which is why Europeans called him a ‘pirate’.

Question: What was the Maratha judicial system like?

Answer: The Maratha judicial system was good and well-organized. Panchayats were responsible for delivering justice, and Kotwals were appointed to maintain law and order.

Question: What was the Modi script?

Answer: Modi script was a form of Devanagari used by the Marathas for administration and correspondence.

Question: What was the cultural contribution of the Maratha rulers of Tanjavur?

Answer: The Maratha rulers of Tanjavur promoted music, dance, literature, and painting. Under their patronage, Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music flourished.

Question: What was the contribution of Serfoji II?

Answer: Serfoji II made important contributions in the fields of education, medicine, and art. He established a printing press and also set up medical centers.

Question: What was the most important work of Ahilyabai Holkar?

Answer: Ahilyabai Holkar constructed temples, ghats, wells, and roads throughout India and also rebuilt the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Question: What was Tarabai’s contribution to the Maratha Empire?

Answer: Tarabai led the Maratha Empire during difficult times and continued the struggle against the Mughals. She kept Maratha power strong.