3. The Rise of the Marathas

MCQs Questions & Answers:

1. Shivaji was born in the year:

a) 1627
b) 1630
c) 1646
d) 1659

2. Shivaji’s father was:

a) Afzal Khan
b) Shahji Bhonsle
c) Balaji Vishwanath
d) Sambhaji

3. Shivaji’s mother was:

a) Tarabai
b) Jijabai
c) Ahilyabai
d) Rani Durgavati

4. Shivaji was born at:

a) Raigad
b) Torna
c) Shivneri Fort
d) Pratapgad

5. The first fort captured by Shivaji was:

a) Raigad
b) Torna
c) Pratapgad
d) Sinhagad

6. The concept of Swarajya means:

a) Religious rule
b) Mughal authority
c) Self-rule
d) Foreign rule

7. Shivaji is most famous for using:

a) Siege warfare
b) Naval blockades
c) Guerrilla warfare
d) Open battles

8. Afzal Khan belonged to:

a) Golkonda
b) Bijapur
c) Mughal court
d) Ahmadnagar

9. Afzal Khan was killed at:

a) Raigad
b) Torna
c) Pratapgad
d) Sinhagad

10. Shivaji killed Afzal Khan with a:

a) Sword
b) Dagger
c) Bow
d) Wagh nakh (tiger claws)

11. The Mughal general wounded by Shivaji in Pune raid was:

a) Jai Singh
b) Aurangzeb
c) Shaista Khan
d) Mir Jumla

12. Shivaji raided Surat in:

a) 1657 & 1660
b) 1664 & 1670
c) 1675 & 1678
d) 1680 & 1685

13. Shivaji avoided looting of which during Surat sack?

a) Rich traders
b) Mughal treasury
c) Temples and poor people
d) Forts

14. Shivaji escaped Aurangzeb’s captivity from:

a) Delhi
b) Agra
c) Surat
d) Bijapur

15. Shivaji was crowned Chhatrapati in:

a) 1664
b) 1670
c) 1674
d) 1680

16. Shivaji’s coronation took place at:

a) Torna
b) Raigad
c) Pratapgad
d) Sinhagad

17. Shivaji died in the year:

a) 1674
b) 1677
c) 1680
d) 1685

18. Shivaji’s successor was:

a) Shahu
b) Sambhaji
c) Rajaram
d) Bajirao

19. Sambhaji was executed by:

a) Bahadur Shah
b) Aurangzeb
c) Shaista Khan
d) Afzal Khan

20. After Sambhaji, the ruler was:

a) Shahu
b) Rajaram
c) Serfoji
d) Bajirao I

21. Rajaram shifted his capital to:

a) Raigad
b) Pune
c) Gingee
d) Thanjavur

22. Tarabai was the widow of:

a) Sambhaji
b) Rajaram
c) Shahu
d) Balaji Vishwanath

23. The Peshwa was:

a) Commander
b) Prime Minister
c) Priest
d) Judge

24. The most powerful early Peshwa was:

a) Nanasaheb
b) Madhavrao
c) Bajirao I
d) Nana Phadnavis

25. The Marathas expanded most in:

a) 16th century
b) 18th century
c) 19th century
d) 15th century

26. The Third Battle of Panipat was fought in:

a) 1757
b) 1761
c) 1771
d) 1818

27. Ashta Pradhan was:

a) Eight forts
b) Eight commanders
c) Council of eight ministers
d) Eight districts

28. The Maratha finance minister was called:

a) Peshwa
b) Amatya
c) Senapati
d) Sachiv

29. The 25% revenue tax was called:

a) Chauth
b) Sardeshmukhi
c) Jizya
d) Khalsa

30. Sardeshmukhi was an additional tax of:

a) 5%
b) 10%
c) 15%
d) 20%

31. Bargirs were soldiers who:

a) Received horses and arms from the state
b) Equipped themselves
c) Served in navy
d) Were hereditary nobles

32. Shiledars were soldiers who:

a) Got state equipment
b) Brought their own horses and weapons
c) Worked as spies
d) Collected revenue

33. Forts were central because:

a) They stored art
b) Gave defence and controlled trade routes
c) Used only for coronations
d) Were prisons

34. The famous Maratha admiral was:

a) Baji Rao
b) Kanhoji Angre
c) Mahadji Shinde
d) Nana Phadnavis

35. Kanhoji Angre fought mainly against:

a) Mughals
b) European powers
c) Afghans
d) Marathas

36. The script used in Maratha administration was:

a) Modi
b) Devanagari
c) Persian
d) Tamil

37. Ahilyabai Holkar ruled over:

a) Pune
b) Indore
c) Raigad
d) Thanjavur

38. Ahilyabai is remembered for:

a) Wars
b) Coinage
c) Building temples, ghats, roads, promoting weaving
d) Navy

39. The Thanjavur ruler who promoted medicine & printing was:

a) Ekoji
b) Serfoji II
c) Shahu
d) Rajaram

40. The British finally defeated the Marathas in:

a) 1761
b) 1775
c) 1799
d) 1818

📘 Short Questions & Answers – The Rise of the Marathas

1. What does Swarajya mean?

👉 Swarajya means self-rule. For Shivaji, it stood for independence from foreign rulers and good governance for the welfare of his people.

2. Who was Jijabai and what was her role in Shivaji’s life?

👉 Jijabai was Shivaji’s mother. She inspired him with stories of valor and devotion, shaping his ideals of Swarajya and justice.

3. How did the Bhakti movement prepare the ground for the rise of the Marathas?

👉 Saints like Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, and Ramdas preached in Marathi, uniting people culturally. This created a strong social base that later supported Shivaji’s political movement.

4. What was Shivaji’s main military strategy?

👉 Shivaji adopted guerrilla warfare: small, fast attacks, sudden ambushes, and retreating into the Sahyadri hills. This allowed him to defeat larger armies.

5. Why was the navy important for Shivaji?

👉 The navy protected the Konkan coast, safeguarded trade, and checked European dominance at sea. Shivaji built strong coastal forts like Sindhudurg.

6. What happened in the Afzal Khan incident?

👉 Afzal Khan tried to kill Shivaji during a meeting at Pratapgad in 1659. Shivaji killed him with tiger claws (wagh nakh) and defeated his army.

7. Why did Shivaji raid Surat?

👉 Surat was a rich Mughal port city. Shivaji raided it (1664 & 1670) to weaken Mughal finances and secure wealth for his kingdom, while sparing temples and poor people.

8. What was the Agra incident?

👉 In 1666, Aurangzeb insulted Shivaji at Agra and kept him under house arrest. Shivaji escaped cleverly by hiding in baskets meant for gifts.

9. Why was Raigad fort important?

👉 Raigad was Shivaji’s capital. He was crowned Chhatrapati there in 1674, making it a symbol of Maratha sovereignty.

10. Who was Sambhaji and what was his fate?

👉 Sambhaji was Shivaji’s eldest son and successor. He was captured by Aurangzeb in 1689, tortured, and executed for refusing to convert to Islam.

11. Who was Tarabai?

👉 Tarabai was the widow of Rajaram. She led the Marathas after his death and successfully resisted Aurangzeb’s forces, even expanding northward.

12. What was the Ashta Pradhan council?

👉 It was Shivaji’s council of eight ministers (including Peshwa, Amatya, Senapati, etc.). They managed different aspects of administration efficiently.

13. What was Chauth?

👉 Chauth was a tax of 25% levied on territories outside Maratha rule. It was collected as a form of protection money.

14. What was Sardeshmukhi?

👉 Sardeshmukhi was an additional 10% tax over Chauth. It represented Maratha claims of overlordship.

15. Differentiate between Bargirs and Shiledars.

👉 Bargirs were cavalry soldiers equipped by the state. Shiledars brought their own horses and weapons.

16. Who was Kanhoji Angre?

👉 Kanhoji Angre was a famous Maratha naval commander. He fought against European powers and defended the Konkan coast.

17. Why were forts the backbone of Maratha power?

👉 Forts provided defence, controlled trade routes, and acted as safe shelters. They allowed the Marathas to survive prolonged wars.

18. Mention two contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar.

👉 Ahilyabai built temples (like Kashi Vishwanath), ghats, and public works. She also promoted weaving and industry in Indore.

19. Who was Serfoji II and what was his contribution?

👉 Serfoji II was a Maratha ruler of Thanjavur. He promoted medicine, printing, Carnatic music, and preserved knowledge in the Saraswati Mahal Library.

20. Why was the Third Battle of Panipat significant?

👉 Fought in 1761 between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali, it ended in a disastrous defeat for the Marathas. It weakened their expansion and gave the British a chance to rise.

📘 Long Answer / Essay Questions with Point-Wise Answers

1. Describe the cultural background that helped the rise of the Marathas.

Bhakti movement: Saints like Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, Ramdas spread devotion in Marathi.
Language & literature: Sacred texts translated into Marathi (Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads).
Unity among people: Vernacular preaching created cultural identity.
Social reform: Emphasis on equality and ethical living.
Political awareness: Saints like Ramdas inspired discipline and organisation.
Result: Provided cultural unity that supported Shivaji’s Swarajya.

2. Discuss Shivaji’s military strategies and their effectiveness.

Guerrilla warfare: Small, mobile units, quick strikes, knowledge of terrain.
Fort system: Captured and built forts (Raigad, Pratapgad, Sindhudurg).
Navy: Secured west coast, resisted Europeans.
Discipline: Army forbidden from harming women and religious places.
Use of intelligence: Spies kept him informed.
Effectiveness: Defeated stronger enemies like Bijapur and Mughals repeatedly.

3. Give a detailed account of Shivaji’s encounter with Afzal Khan.

Afzal Khan (Bijapur general) sent to defeat Shivaji in 1659.
Invited Shivaji to a meeting at Pratapgad.
Khan tried to kill Shivaji by embracing him.
Shivaji used hidden weapon (wagh nakh, tiger claws) to kill him.
Marathas ambushed Afzal Khan’s army → decisive victory.
Result: Boosted Shivaji’s prestige and fear among enemies.

4. Explain the significance of Shivaji’s coronation at Raigad.

Took place in 1674 at Raigad Fort.
Shivaji assumed the title Chhatrapati.
Performed Vedic rituals, asserting Hindu kingship.
Issued coins and seal in Sanskrit/Marathi.
Significance:
- Legitimised his rule.
- Asserted independence from Mughals & Deccan sultans.
- Symbolised Swarajya (self-rule).

5. Analyse the administration of Shivaji with reference to the Ashta Pradhan council.

Council of 8 ministers:
- Peshwa – Prime Minister
- Amatya – Finance
- Sachiv – Secretariat
- Mantri – Records/Intelligence
- Senapati – Commander
- Sumant – Foreign Affairs
- Nyayadhish – Justice
- Panditrao – Religion
Features:
- Officials were salaried, not hereditary.
- Rotation of officers prevented corruption.
- Local self-government through village panchayats.
Result: Efficient, centralised administration with checks and balances.

6. Discuss the Maratha revenue system, focusing on Chauth and Sardeshmukhi.

Land revenue: Collected directly from peasants.
Chauth (25%):
- Imposed on territories outside Maratha control.
- Seen as protection money.
Sardeshmukhi (10%):
- Additional levy recognising Maratha overlordship.
Significance:
- Strengthened Maratha finances.
- Created political influence in Mughal provinces.
- Sometimes led to conflict with other rulers.

7. Explain the importance of forts and navy in the Maratha kingdom.

Forts:
- Backbone of defence.
- Controlled trade routes & passes.
- Provided shelter during invasions.
- Examples: Raigad (capital), Pratapgad (victory), Sindhudurg (coastal).
Navy:
- Secured Konkan coast.
- Protected trade.
- Leaders like Kanhoji Angre resisted Portuguese, Dutch, English.
Importance: Enabled survival against stronger enemies and secured both land and sea.

8. Trace the history of the Marathas after Shivaji: Sambhaji, Rajaram, and Tarabai.

Sambhaji (1680–1689):
- Fought Aurangzeb bravely.
- Captured and executed in 1689.
Rajaram (1689–1700):
- Ruled from Gingee fort in Tamil Nadu.
- Continued resistance against Mughals.
Tarabai (1700–1707):
- Widow of Rajaram.
- Organised resistance after his death.
- Expanded Maratha influence northward.
Result: Despite Aurangzeb’s long campaign, Marathas survived and grew stronger.

9. Evaluate the role of the Peshwas in making the Marathas a pan-Indian power.

Shift of power: From Chhatrapati to Peshwas.
Balaji Vishwanath: Consolidated power after Aurangzeb’s death.
Bajirao I (1720–40): Expanded Maratha influence to Malwa, Bundelkhand, even Delhi.
Nanasaheb Peshwa: Extended control, but central authority weakened.
Madhavrao & Mahadji Shinde: Restored Maratha influence after Panipat.
Result: Marathas became the dominant power across India in 18th century.

10. Examine the causes and consequences of the Third Battle of Panipat.

Causes:
- Marathas expanded into North India.
- Conflict with Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali.
- Weak coordination with local powers.
Battle (1761):
- Marathas vs. Abdali.
- Marathas suffered heavy defeat.
Consequences:
- Lakhs of soldiers killed.
- Decline of Maratha power temporarily.
- Delhi slipped out of their hands.
- Created vacuum later filled by British.

11. Write an essay on the contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar to society and culture.

Ruled Indore (1767–95) after death of husband and son.
Public works: Built temples, ghats, wells, tanks, roads.
Rebuilt Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath temples.
Industry: Promoted Maheshwar weaving industry.
Administration: Just, efficient, welfare-oriented.
Legacy: Remembered as a model ruler and saintly queen.

12. Assess the cultural and educational contributions of the Thanjavur Marathas.

Ekoji: Founded dynasty in Thanjavur.
Serfoji II (1798–1832):
- Patronised Carnatic music and dance (Bharatanatyam).
- Established Dhanvantari Mahal – medical centre combining Indian & Western medicine.
- Introduced printing press.
- Preserved knowledge in Saraswati Mahal Library.
Legacy: Created a unique fusion of Maratha and South Indian culture.

13. “The British took India more from the Marathas than from the Mughals.” Discuss.

By mid-18th century, Mughals had declined.
Marathas controlled most of India (Delhi, Malwa, Gujarat, Deccan).
Anglo-Maratha wars (1775–1818) led to British victory.
Large territories passed from Marathas to British.
Hence, British inherited India largely from Marathas, not Mughals.

14. Describe the Anglo-Maratha Wars and their results.

First War (1775–82): British defeated, Treaty of Salbai.
Second War (1803–05): British victory, Treaty of Bassein weakened Marathas.
Third War (1817–18): Marathas finally crushed.
Results:
- Maratha Confederacy dissolved.
- Peshwa abolished.
- British became supreme power in India.

15. Assess the overall contribution of the Marathas to Indian history.

Broke Mughal monopoly of power.
Built largest Indian empire before British.
Promoted Swarajya and cultural revival.
Strong military system (forts, guerrilla tactics, navy).
Contributions of rulers like Shivaji, Tarabai, Ahilyabai, Serfoji II.
Ultimately fell to British, but left legacy of resistance and self-rule.

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