Q1. Who were the Marathas, and how did the Bhakti movement contribute to their unity?
Answer: The Marathas were people of the Deccan plateau, mainly Maharashtra, who spoke Marathi, a language rich in literature. Their sense of unity was shaped by the Bhakti movement (7th–17th centuries), led by saints like Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, and Ramdas. These saints spread devotional teachings through Marathi poetry and translated sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita. Their messages of equality, faith, and awareness gave the Marathas cultural strength and inspired their rise under Shivaji.
Q2. How did forts help strengthen Maratha power?
Answer: Forts were the backbone of Maratha power. They controlled key trade routes, stored supplies, sheltered armies, and acted as centers for guerrilla attacks. Shivaji captured neglected forts in Pune during his youth, making them bases for Swarajya. His minister Ramachandrapant Amatya, in the Adnyapatra, stressed that forts were the foundation of a state. During long wars, forts enabled the Marathas to resist Mughals like Aurangzeb for decades, even after the fall of major kingdoms.
Q3. What happened during Shivaji’s meeting with Afzal Khan at Pratapgad in 1659?
Answer: In 1659, Bijapur’s general Afzal Khan planned to defeat Shivaji through treachery. At Pratapgad Fort, Shivaji wore hidden armor and carried the wāgh nakh (tiger’s claw). When Afzal Khan attacked, Shivaji killed him instantly. His forces then launched guerrilla strikes, crushing Khan’s large army in the forest. This victory greatly enhanced Shivaji’s reputation as a fearless and cunning leader, strengthening Maratha rule against Bijapur and earning him admiration across the Deccan.
Q4. Why is Shivaji’s raid on Shaista Khan considered remarkable?
Answer: Mughal general Shaista Khan was camped in Pune with a large army. In 1663, Shivaji carried out a daring night raid with only a few soldiers. He entered Khan’s camp secretly, attacked him, and cut his fingers, forcing him to flee in panic. This bold strike stunned the Mughals and boosted the morale of the Marathas. It is remembered as a brilliant example of guerrilla warfare and earned Shivaji lasting fame.
Q5. Describe the importance of Shivaji’s raids on Surat.
Answer: Shivaji raided the rich Mughal port city of Surat twice, gaining wealth worth nearly one crore rupees. However, he displayed fairness by sparing religious places and kind residents, such as Mohandas Parekh. His conduct was reported globally, even in the London Gazette, bringing international recognition. The Surat raids gave the Marathas immense resources to fund their armies while showing that Shivaji combined both strategic brilliance and respect for moral values during warfare.
Q6. What challenges did the Marathas face immediately after Shivaji’s death?
Answer: After Shivaji’s death in 1680, his son Sambhaji became Chhatrapati but was captured and executed by Aurangzeb. The Maratha capital, Raigad, also fell. Shivaji’s younger son Rajaram fled to Gingee, shifting the war to Tamil Nadu. The Marathas fiercely resisted Mughal control using guerrilla warfare. Rajaram’s widow, Tarabai, later led invasions into Mughal territories. Their courage ensured that despite Aurangzeb’s long campaigns, the Mughals never gained complete control over the Marathas.
Q7. What role did Peshwa Bajirao I play in expanding Maratha power?
Answer: Peshwa Bajirao I was one of the most successful Maratha generals in the 18th century. He extended Maratha influence far beyond the Deccan, capturing territories as far as Lahore, Attock, and Peshawar. His brilliant cavalry-led campaigns made the Marathas a pan-Indian power. Bajirao’s leadership ensured rapid expansion and consolidation of Maratha rule. Even after later setbacks like the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, his achievements laid the foundation of Maratha dominance.
Q8. Describe the key features of Shivaji’s civilian administration.
Answer: Shivaji’s civilian administration was systematic and people-friendly. He eliminated hereditary offices and land grants by paying state officials directly from the treasury. By transferring officials regularly, he prevented corruption and rebellion. He also supported soldiers’ families by giving pensions to widows and jobs to sons. His council of eight ministers, the Ashta Pradhana Mandala, managed operations efficiently. These measures established discipline, fairness, and central authority in the Maratha Empire.
Q9. What were the main features of Maratha naval power under Kanhoji Angre?
Answer: In the 18th century, Kanhoji Angre emerged as the chief of the Maratha navy. He brilliantly used the geography of the Konkan coast to win battles against European powers, despite inferior ships. The Marathas challenged the European practice of issuing trade passes by demanding passes from them in return, frustrating companies like the British and Portuguese. Though labeled a “pirate” by Europeans, Kanhoji Angre symbolized indigenous resistance to foreign naval dominance.
Q10. Explain the cultural contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar.
Answer: Ahilyabai Holkar was a wise and compassionate ruler of central India in the 18th century. Despite personal tragedies, she governed with fairness and care for her people. She rebuilt major temples such as Kashi Vishwanath at Varanasi and Somnath at Gujarat, showcasing her religious devotion. She revived the Maheshwar handloom tradition, supporting local artisans. Ahilyabai also promoted welfare projects and infrastructure. Her reign strengthened spirituality, culture, and prosperity, leaving a lasting legacy.
Q11. Describe Shivaji’s strategies and achievements in building the Maratha power.
Answer:
Shivaji Bhonsle (1630–1680) established Swarajya through innovative warfare, administration, and cultural pride. His leadership transformed the Marathas into a sovereign force.
- Early life & strategies: At 16, he captured forts in Pune using guerrilla warfare—surprise attacks with small forces against big armies.
- Military campaigns:
- Killed Afzal Khan at Pratapgad in 1659.
- Raided Shaista Khan’s camp at night and forced him to flee.
- Twice raided Surat, sparing religious sites and earning international fame.
- Navy and forts: Built a powerful navy to protect the west coast; relied on fort networks for defense.
- Coronation (1674): Crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad with Vedic rites.
- Legacy: Extended territories into Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, rejected slavery, and inspired Indian rulers.
Shivaji’s vision of Swarajya, combined with his military and administrative genius, laid the true foundation of the Maratha Empire.
Q12. How did the Marathas resist and expand after Shivaji’s death?
Answer:
After Shivaji’s death in 1680, the Marathas faced Mughal pressure but continued their struggle under brave leaders.
- Sambhaji: Became Chhatrapati but was captured and executed by Aurangzeb.
- Rajaram: Fled to Gingee in Tamil Nadu, spreading conflict into the south.
- Tarabai: Took charge after Rajaram’s death, invading Mughal territories and preserving Maratha independence.
- Peshwa leadership: Bajirao I expanded towards north India, controlling Lahore, Attock, and Peshawar. His campaigns turned the Marathas into a pan-Indian power.
- Setbacks and revival: Though defeated at Panipat in 1761, they recovered under Madhavrao I. Mahadji Shinde recaptured Delhi in 1771.
Thus, through grit and leadership, the Marathas resisted Mughal control, emerged as India’s largest power, and eventually rivalled the British.
Q13. Explain the main features of Maratha administration under Shivaji.
Answer:
Shivaji’s administration blended central authority with fairness, ensuring loyalty and stability.
- Civilian administration:
- Removed hereditary posts and jagirs.
- Paid salaries directly from treasury.
- Transferred officials frequently to avoid corruption.
- Supported soldiers’ families through pensions and jobs.
- Used the Ashta Pradhana Mandala as his council of ministers.
- Revenue system: Collected chauth (25%) and sardeshmukhi (10%) from protected provinces.
- Military organisation:
- Divided forces into infantry, cavalry, and navy.
- Cavalry comprised bargirs (state-funded) and shiledars (self-funded).
- Forts formed the defensive backbone, supported by the Adnyapatra.
- Judicial system: Panchayats handled local justice, appeals went to chiefs, while kotwals ensured law and order.
- Trade and naval power: Encouraged overseas trade and built a navy to challenge Europeans.
Shivaji’s progressive governance ensured that the Maratha Empire remained strong and people-centred.
Q14. Discuss the cultural revival initiated by Shivaji and continued by his successors.
Answer:
Shivaji’s idea of Swarajya went beyond politics, inspiring a cultural and spiritual awakening.
- Shivaji’s contributions:
- His royal seal carried Sanskrit inscriptions instead of Persian, symbolizing freedom.
- Commissioned the Rajya-Vyavahara-Kosha to promote Sanskrit and Marathi in administration.
- Rebuilt temples, supported literature, and respected all religions.
- Maratha women:
- Tarabai defended the empire and led invasions into Mughal territory.
- Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt temples, revived handloom crafts, and promoted welfare.
- Southern Marathas: Serfoji II of Thanjavur enriched Carnatic music, supported Bharatanatyam, started India’s first native printing press, and opened the Dhanwantari Mahal.
- Other regions: Bhonsles of Nagpur revived Jagannath worship at Puri.
Through these efforts, the Marathas revived Hindu traditions, promoted arts, and inspired pride, proving Indians could govern while preserving culture.
Q15. Why are the Marathas considered the last great Indian power before British rule?
Answer:
The Marathas are seen as the last major Indian empire before colonial rule because of their large territorial control and administration.
- Political power: Expanded under Bajirao I to Lahore, Attock, and Peshawar. Recaptured Delhi under Mahadji Shinde in 1771.
- Administration: Shivaji’s system of forts, Ashta Pradhan, fair justice, and trade networks made them efficient rulers.
- Military strength: Strong cavalry, disciplined armies, modern artillery, and naval supremacy under Kanhoji Angre.
- Cultural contributions: Promoted Marathi and Sanskrit, rebuilt temples, and supported literature and arts across regions.
- Decline: Internal divisions and defeat in the three Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818) led to British dominance.
The Marathas shaped India’s destiny as the last great power, keeping Swarajya alive and directly challenging both Mughals and British.