NCERT Questions & Answers
Q1. Analyse how geography (particularly mountains and coastlines) guided Maratha military strategy and state formation.
Answer (120–150 words):
The geography of Maharashtra shaped Maratha strategy and power. The rugged Western Ghats and Deccan hills provided natural fort locations like Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sinhagad, which became centres of resistance. These forts were difficult for larger Mughal and Sultanate armies to capture, giving the Marathas safe bases. Dense forests and valleys allowed them to adopt guerrilla warfare—attacking with speed, surprise, and knowledge of terrain. The long Konkan coastline gave Shivaji access to trade and resources. Recognising the importance of naval security, he built a navy and coastal forts such as Sindhudurg to resist European naval power. Thus, geography gave the Marathas both defence and mobility, helping them survive against stronger empires and expand their rule.
Q2. 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.
Answer (Ahilyabai Holkar, ~150 words):
Ahilyabai Holkar was one of the most remarkable women rulers in Indian history. Born in 1725, she became queen of Malwa after the death of her husband and son. Despite personal tragedies, she ruled wisely for over 30 years from Indore.
Her biggest challenge was maintaining peace and prosperity in a time of political instability after the decline of Mughal power. She overcame this by ensuring fair administration, promoting agriculture, and caring for her people.
Ahilyabai is remembered for her religious devotion and architectural contributions. She rebuilt temples like Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and Somnath in Gujarat, and constructed ghats, wells, and dharamshalas across India. She also promoted the Maheshwar weaving tradition, which continues today.
Her life shows courage, compassion, and devotion to service, making her a true inspiration.
Q3. If you could visit one Maratha fort today (such as Raigad, Sindhudurg, Gingee, or Pratapgad), which would you choose and why?
Answer (100–120 words):
I would choose to visit Raigad Fort, the capital of Shivaji. It was here that Shivaji was crowned Chhatrapati in 1674, marking the formal beginning of the Maratha Empire. The fort is located 820 metres above sea level, with steep cliffs on all sides, making it nearly impossible for enemies to capture. Inside, it had royal palaces, markets, and a grand coronation hall. The fort also symbolises Shivaji’s vision of Swaraj, as it was the centre of Maratha administration and military planning. Visiting Raigad would help me connect with this historic site that witnessed the rise of one of India’s greatest warrior-kings.
Q4. 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?
Answer (120 words):
By the late 18th century, the Marathas—not the Mughals—were the strongest power in India. They controlled Delhi, much of central and northern India, and had powerful generals like Mahadji Shinde and Peshwa Bajirao. The British fought three Anglo-Maratha wars (1775–1818), after which Maratha power ended. Unlike the Mughals, who were already declining after Aurangzeb, the Marathas still posed the biggest challenge to British expansion. Leaders like Nana Phadnavis even tried to form anti-British alliances with Mysore and Hyderabad. Thus, the British victory over the Marathas gave them effective control over India, showing that they captured the subcontinent more from the Marathas than from any other Indian power.
Q5. 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?
Answer (120–150 words):
Shivaji respected religious diversity while being a devout Hindu. During the sack of Surat, he carefully avoided harming places of worship and even spared the house of a charitable man. He rebuilt temples destroyed earlier and encouraged Sanskrit and Marathi literature while respecting other religions. His seal carried a Sanskrit inscription but he avoided religious oppression.
Later Marathas, though sometimes harsh in wars, generally followed similar traditions. Leaders like Ahilyabai Holkarrebuilt important temples across India, including Somnath and Kashi Vishwanath. The Marathas supported the Jagannath temple at Puri and revived many cultural practices. They did not impose religious taxes like jizya.
Thus, while strongly rooted in Hindu traditions, the Marathas practised tolerance and contributed to cultural revival without discriminating against other faiths.
Q6. 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?
Answer (100–120 words):
Forts were the backbone of Maratha power. Built in hills, forests, and along coastlines, they provided safe bases for the army and civilians. Forts like Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sinhagad allowed Shivaji to resist Mughal and Sultanate forces. In guerrilla warfare, the Marathas would strike quickly and retreat into these forts, frustrating larger armies. Coastal forts like Sindhudurg helped protect trade and resist European naval power. Even when the Mughals invaded with massive armies, the forts prevented complete defeat. As Ramachandrapant Amatya said, “This kingdom was created from forts alone.” Forts gave the Marathas strategic depth, endurance, and survival power against stronger enemies.
Q7. 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.
Answer (100–120 words):
The Marathas’ most important contribution was their ideal of Swaraj (self-rule). Shivaji showed that a regional power could challenge mighty empires like the Mughals and Europeans through vision, strategy, and people’s support. They built a powerful empire across India, with an organised administration, navy, and cultural revival. Leaders like Tarabai, Bajirao, Mahadji Shinde, and Ahilyabai Holkar kept the spirit of resistance alive. Even though the Marathas were eventually defeated by the British, their struggle inspired later generations. Their fight for independence and their cultural confidence laid the foundation for India’s later freedom movement.
Extra Short Answer Questions
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Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire?
→ Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1674. -
What was guerrilla warfare?
→ A strategy of surprise attacks, speed, and knowledge of terrain against bigger armies. -
Name two taxes levied by the Marathas.
→ Chauth (25%) and Sardeshmukhi (10%). -
Who led the Marathas at the Battle of Panipat (1761)?
→ Sadashiv Rao Bhau. -
Which Maratha queen led expansion into Mughal territories after Aurangzeb’s death?
→ Tarabai. -
Who was the most famous Maratha naval leader?
→ Kanhoji Angre. -
Which Maratha ruler rebuilt the Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath temples?
→ Ahilyabai Holkar. -
Name the capital where Shivaji was coronated.
→ Raigad Fort. -
Who introduced the ashta pradhan mandal (council of eight ministers)?
→ Shivaji. -
Who united the Marathas against the British during the First Anglo-Maratha War?
→ Nana Phadnavis and Mahadji Shinde.
Extra Long Answer Questions
Q1. Describe the achievements of Shivaji Maharaj as a ruler, administrator, and military strategist.
Answer:
Shivaji Maharaj (1630–1680) was the founder of the Maratha Empire and one of India’s greatest warrior-kings. As a military leader, he used guerrilla warfare, striking with speed and retreating into the hills and forests. He built a strong network of forts like Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sinhagad, which became the backbone of Maratha resistance. His coronation at Raigad in 1674 marked the formal beginning of Swaraj.
As an administrator, Shivaji introduced a council of eight ministers called the Ashta Pradhan Mandal. He promoted revenue reforms, discouraging jagirdari and ensuring direct collection from peasants. He levied chauth (25%) and sardeshmukhi (10%) as taxes to strengthen his treasury.
He encouraged local languages like Marathi and Sanskrit, respected different religions, and promoted trade. By building a navy under leaders like Kanhoji Angre, he secured the Konkan coast.
Shivaji’s achievements laid the foundation of Maratha power and the idea of Swaraj, inspiring later generations.
Q2. Discuss the role of Maratha women like Ahilyabai Holkar and Tarabai in strengthening the empire.
Answer:
Women leaders played a crucial role in sustaining Maratha power. Tarabai, the widow of Rajaram, became the regent when her husband died in 1700. She organised the administration and continued resistance against the Mughals. She led armies, defended forts, and expanded Maratha influence in central India. Her leadership kept the Maratha state alive at a time of crisis.
Ahilyabai Holkar, the queen of Malwa, ruled from 1767 to 1795. Known for her wisdom and compassion, she ensured justice, peace, and prosperity in her kingdom. She rebuilt temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath, constructed dharamshalas, tanks, and wells, and promoted weaving traditions of Maheshwar. She maintained stability during political unrest and earned the love of her people.
Both Tarabai and Ahilyabai Holkar showed courage, intelligence, and devotion to their people. They strengthened the empire during difficult times and proved that women were central to Maratha success.
Q3. Explain the reasons for the rise and fall of Maratha power in India.
Answer:
Rise:
The Marathas rose under Shivaji’s leadership, who created a disciplined army and navy, built forts, and promoted guerrilla warfare. His vision of Swaraj inspired unity. Efficient taxation like chauth and sardeshmukhi strengthened the economy. After Aurangzeb’s death, the decline of the Mughals allowed the Marathas to expand rapidly under leaders like Bajirao I, Mahadji Shinde, and the Holkars.
Fall:
However, several factors led to decline. The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) weakened Maratha strength severely. Internal rivalries among chiefs like the Scindes, Holkars, and Bhonsles reduced unity. The growing power of the British, who defeated them in the Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818), ended their independence. Overextension and failure to adapt modern warfare also played a role.
Thus, while the Marathas rose as defenders of Swaraj and dominated 18th-century India, disunity and British expansion caused their downfall.
Q4. Analyse the importance of forts, navy, and trade in Maratha state-building.
Answer:
The Marathas depended heavily on geography for survival. Forts were the core of their state. Hill forts like Raigad, Sinhagad, and Pratapgad provided defence and bases for guerrilla attacks. Coastal forts like Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg gave them naval security.
The Maratha navy, founded by Shivaji and led by Kanhoji Angre, helped protect the Konkan coast and resist European powers like the Portuguese and British. Naval strength also ensured safety for maritime trade.
Trade was vital for revenue. The Marathas controlled important routes, ports like Surat, and collected chauth and sardeshmukhi from other territories. They encouraged local industries and weaving traditions.
Together, forts gave defence, the navy ensured control of the seas, and trade generated wealth. These three pillars made the Marathas a formidable power that dominated India in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Q5. How did the Marathas contribute to India’s cultural revival in the 17th and 18th centuries?
Answer:
The Marathas not only fought political battles but also revived Indian culture. Shivaji promoted Marathi and Sanskrit literature, encouraged kirtans and bhajans, and respected saints like Tukaram and Ramdas. His administration used the Modi script, strengthening regional identity.
Later Marathas, especially Ahilyabai Holkar, rebuilt major temples destroyed earlier, such as Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, and temples at Mathura and Gaya. She constructed ghats, tanks, and rest houses across India. Marathas also supported the Jagannath temple at Puri and promoted Maheshwar weaving.
Through festivals, temple patronage, literature, and preservation of traditions, the Marathas revived confidence in Hindu culture during a period of Mughal dominance. Their emphasis on Swaraj and swadharma inspired future generations, linking politics with cultural pride.
MCQs
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Shivaji was born in:
(a) 1526 (b) 1530 (c) 1630 (d) 1646
Answer: (c) 1630 -
Shivaji’s coronation took place at:
(a) Pratapgad (b) Raigad (c) Sinhagad (d) Surat
Answer: (b) Raigad -
Which weapon did Shivaji use to kill Afzal Khan?
(a) Sword (b) Spear (c) Wagh Nakh (d) Bow
Answer: (c) Wagh Nakh -
The Maratha navy was founded in:
(a) 1657 (b) 1666 (c) 1674 (d) 1680
Answer: (a) 1657 -
Which port city was sacked twice by Shivaji?
(a) Goa (b) Surat (c) Mumbai (d) Calicut
Answer: (b) Surat -
Shivaji’s policy of self-rule was called:
(a) Swarajya (b) Sulh-i-kul (c) Mansabdari (d) Jagirdari
Answer: (a) Swarajya -
The Maratha navy’s most famous leader was:
(a) Bajirao I (b) Kanhoji Angre (c) Mahadji Shinde (d) Tarabai
Answer: (b) Kanhoji Angre -
Who captured Sambhaji and executed him?
(a) Aurangzeb (b) Akbar (c) Nizam Shah (d) Afzal Khan
Answer: (a) Aurangzeb -
Who organised the first anti-British alliance?
(a) Bajirao I (b) Nana Phadnavis (c) Tarabai (d) Mahadji Shinde
Answer: (b) Nana Phadnavis -
Who led the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761)?
(a) Tarabai (b) Nana Phadnavis (c) Sadashiv Rao Bhau (d) Shahu
Answer: (c) Sadashiv Rao Bhau -
Which Maratha queen rebuilt Kashi Vishwanath?
(a) Tarabai (b) Jijabai (c) Ahilyabai Holkar (d) Rani Durgavati
Answer: (c) Ahilyabai Holkar -
The ashta pradhan mandal was:
(a) A council of ministers (b) A tax system (c) Army division (d) A treaty
Answer: (a) A council of ministers -
The Maratha tax of 25% was called:
(a) Lagaan (b) Sardeshmukhi (c) Chauth (d) Jizya
Answer: (c) Chauth -
Who was Shivaji’s father?
(a) Shahaji Bhonsle (b) Sambhaji (c) Ekoji (d) Jijabai
Answer: (a) Shahaji Bhonsle -
Who inspired Bundela prince Chhatrasal to fight the Mughals?
(a) Akbar (b) Shivaji (c) Tarabai (d) Bajirao
Answer: (b) Shivaji -
The Marathas defeated the Mughals at Saraighat under:
(a) Bajirao (b) Tarabai (c) Lachit Borphukan (d) Mahadji Shinde
Answer: Trick Q, Saraighat was by Ahoms – skip -
Which script was used by Marathas for administration?
(a) Persian (b) Devanagari (c) Modi (d) Tamil
Answer: (c) Modi -
Which Maratha general recaptured Delhi in 1771?
(a) Mahadji Shinde (b) Bajirao I (c) Sadashiv Rao (d) Kanhoji Angre
Answer: (a) Mahadji Shinde -
Who built the Dhanwantari Mahal for medicine?
(a) Serfoji II (b) Shahu (c) Bajirao (d) Nana Phadnavis
Answer: (a) Serfoji II -
Which Anglo-Maratha war ended Maratha power finally?
(a) First (1775–82) (b) Second (1803–05) (c) Third (1817–18)
Answer: (c) Third (1817–18) -
The Maratha capital during Rajaram’s rule shifted to:
(a) Pune (b) Gingee (c) Delhi (d) Surat
Answer: (b) Gingee
Fill in the Blanks
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Shivaji was coronated in 1674 at Raigad.
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The weapon used to kill Afzal Khan was the wagh nakh.
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The Maratha queen who led after Rajaram’s death was Tarabai.
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The Maratha council of eight ministers was called ashta pradhan mandal.
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The Maratha script used in administration was Modi script.
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The tax of 25% was known as chauth.
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The Somnath temple was rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar.
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The capital shifted to Gingee during the rule of Rajaram.
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The first anti-British alliance was organised by Nana Phadnavis.
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The Third Anglo-Maratha War ended in 1818.
True/False
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Shivaji used guerrilla warfare against the Mughals. ✅
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Sambhaji was killed by Akbar. ❌ (Aurangzeb)
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The Maratha navy was more advanced than European navies. ❌
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Tarabai led Maratha expansion into the north. ✅
-
Modi script was used for Maratha correspondence. ✅
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The Battle of Panipat (1761) was a Maratha victory. ❌
-
Raigad was the first Maratha capital. ✅
-
Ahilyabai Holkar promoted Maheshwar weaving. ✅
-
Shivaji imposed jizya on non-Hindus. ❌
-
The British finally defeated the Marathas in 1818. ✅