The Rise of Marathas NCERT Solutions | Social Science Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

Page No. 61

The Big Questions

Q1: Who were the Marathas? How did they manage to become the largest pan-Indian power before the British took over?
Ans: The Marathas were brave and powerful people from Maharashtra in the Deccan region. They spoke Marathi and followed Hindu traditions. With leaders like Shivaji, they built a strong empire, fought against the Mughals, protected Indian culture, and ruled large parts of India before British rule. Later, they even fought three wars with the British and were the last strong Indian rulers before British dominance began. Maratha rulers worked for the public welfare, patronised art and culture, were religiously tolerant, and never oppressed their people.  In short, the Marathas became the largest Indian power before the British, ruling vast territories across India.
Q2: What were some features of their governance?
Ans: Shivaji introduced a well-organised and just administration. He formed a council of eight ministers called the Ashta Pradhan Mandala. Officials were paid salaries instead of land grants, and many were transferred regularly to prevent misuse of power. Soldiers’ families were cared for through pensions. The Marathas also collected chauth and sardeshmukhi taxes from neighbouring provinces while ensuring peace and protection.
Q3: What impact did the Maratha Empire leave in Indian history?
Ans: The Marathas played a crucial role in Indian history. They stopped the Mughals from fully controlling India and built a strong empire. Shivaji promoted good governance, protected people, and respected all religions. They inspired later freedom ideals and revived Indian confidence. Spreading across India, the Marathas shaped regional politics and stood firm against colonial powers, leaving a legacy of loyalty, patriotism, and decentralised governance that continues to influence India’s political landscape today.

Page No. 63

Let’s Explore

Q1: Have you ever heard the term ‘bhakti’? What does it mean to you? Choose a bhakti saint from any part of India and learn about their life, their teachings, and the message they shared. You can also find one of their poems or bhajans and share it with your classmates. 
Ans: Yes, I have heard of the term ‘bhakti’. For me, it means having a deep belief in and respect for God. Mirabai is a famous bhakti saint from Rajasthan. She had deep faith in Lord Krishna. She left her luxurious life and devoted herself to singing and worshipping Lord Krishna. Her bhajans are very inspirational, teaching how to build firm faith in God and love Him wholeheartedly. One of Mirabai’s famous bhajans is “Upayoji maine Ram ratan dhan payo”, which means “I have received the precious jewel of God’s name; these treasures are beyond all worldly wealth, and I hold them with great joy and love.”

Page No. 65

Think About It

Q1: If you could time-travel and meet Shivaji, what three questions would you ask him and why?
Ans: If I could time-travel and meet Shivaji, I would ask him the following three questions:

1. How did you win so many battles with fewer soldiers compared to your enemies? What were your secrets? This would help me understand his ideas of strategy and unity.
2. What encouraged you to practise such a high level of religious tolerance? This would help me understand his ideas of unity and tolerance.
3. When and where did you conceive the idea of Swarajya? What inspired you to fight for it? This would help me learn more about his vision and motivation.

Page No. 66

Let's Explore

Q1: Try to find out more about guerrilla warfare. Which other countries in the world adopted this method? What geographical advantages did they utilise for this? Discuss your findings in groups.
Ans: Guerrilla warfare is a famous ancient fighting tactic used to defeat more powerful enemies. In this warfare, soldiers divide into small groups, use surprise attacks, set traps, and move quickly during battles. Countries such as Afghanistan, Vietnam, and Cuba used this method. Soldiers utilised thick forests, mountains, rugged hills, and caves to gain an advantage over their enemies.

Page No. 69

Let's Explore

Q1: Pick an event from Shivaji’s life and, with your classmates, stage it as a play.
Ans: (Suggestive Answer)
Title: The Killing of Afzal Khan
Scene: Afzal Khan planned to kill Shivaji with a hidden weapon during a meeting at the foot of Pratapgarh Fort in Maharashtra.

• Afzal Khan: (hugging Shivaji) “Come, Shivaji, let’s be friends.”
• Shivaji: (pulls out his wagh nakh and shouts) “You betrayed me!” (They fight. Shivaji wins.)
• Narrator: Shivaji’s courage and planning saved him and defeated a great threat.

Page No. 73

Think About It

Q1: Shivaji issued strict instructions to his officials not to mistreat the subjects or to forcefully grab even a blade of grass from them. In one of the letters issued to his officials, Shivaji says:
Ans: “Wood from big trees like teak is required for the Navy. If needed, secure permission for cutting the trees from the forest and then proceed. Other trees like mango and jackfruit are also useful, but do not touch them, because such trees take many years to mature, and the people care for them like their children. If you cut them, will their sorrow ever end? If you accomplish something by oppressing others, it perishes soon, along with the oppressor. There is harm in the absence of such trees as well. Therefore, do not use force under any circumstances.”
Q2: Based on Shivaji’s letter, what can you tell about his values as a ruler?
Ans: Based on the letter, Shivaji upheld values like compassion, justice, and environmental responsibility. He took accountability for his people and always protected them. He emphasised ethical governance, avoided oppression, and valued the emotions of his subjects. He promoted humanity, religious tolerance, and principled leadership. The letter also demonstrates his respect for nature, art, and literature.

Page No. 80

Let's Explore

Q1: Have you heard of the dance form ‘Bharatanatyam’? Did you know that this dance form has a deep connection with the Marathas? Can you find out what this connection was?
Ans: Yes, I have heard of Bharatanatyam. It is a very famous classical dance of Tamil Nadu. When the Maratha rulers governed Thanjavur in South India, they supported and promoted Bharatanatyam, forming a deep connection with it. The Maratha emperors built temples to help dancers grow and preserved the art form.

Page No. 82

Questions and Activities

Q1. Analyse how geography (particularly mountains and coastlines) influenced Maratha military strategy and state formation.
Ans: The Marathas lived in the Western Ghats and near India’s west coast. Mountains helped them build strong forts and secret paths for surprise attacks. The coastline allowed them to develop a navy to protect maritime trade. These natural features made their military strong and advanced.
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.
Ans: Kanhoji Angre – The Maratha Sea Lion
Kanhoji Angre, known as the “Maratha Sea Lion,” was the chief of the Maratha Navy in the 18th century. He defeated powerful British and Portuguese fleets using clever tactics and knowledge of the western coast. Though his ships were smaller, his courage and strategy protected Indian trade from foreign control. He built strong sea forts like Vijaydurg and became India’s first great naval hero.
Q3: If you could visit one Maratha fort today (such as Raigad, Sindhudurg, Gingee, or Pratapgarh), 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.
Ans: (Suggestive Answer)
If I could visit one Maratha fort, I would choose Raigad Fort. Raigad was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s empire. It is located on a high hill in Maharashtra, surrounded by deep valleys, which made it very safe from enemies. Shivaji was crowned king here in 1674, making this fort very special.
The fort has strong stone walls, big entry gates, secret paths, and beautiful buildings like the Queen’s palace, Shivaji’s throne, and market area. There are 1,737 steps to reach the top, or you can take a ropeway. From the top, you can see beautiful views of the mountains all around. This fort is important in history because it was the heart of the Maratha empire, and Shivaji ruled from here with justice and bravery. Visiting Raigad Fort would help me learn more about our history and Shivaji’s great leadership.
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?
Ans: This means that when the British wanted to rule India, the Marathas were the main power, not the Mughals. The Mughal Empire was already weak, while the Marathas controlled most of India, including Delhi, Gujarat, and Malwa.
The Marathas fought three wars with the British and were the last strong Indian rulers before British rule began. Hence, to control India, the British had to defeat the Marathas, which shows how powerful the Marathas had become.
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?
Ans: Shivaji and the later Marathas had religious tolerance and treated people of all faiths with great respect and equality. Shivaji was a devout Hindu, but he never attacked mosques or hurt people of other religions. When he sacked Surat, he spared religious places and even protected the house of a kind man. He also had Muslim soldiers and officers in his army. Later, under the Thanjavur Marathas, a Muslim poet named Ambar Husain was allowed to write about the Bhagavad Gita, which shows religious harmony. This proves that the Marathas believed in respecting all religions and living together peacefully.
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?
Ans: Forts were very important for the Marathas because they gave them safety and control. The forts were built on high hills and had strong walls, which made it hard for enemies to capture them. When big armies like the Mughals attacked, the Marathas hid in forts, planned their next move, and used guerrilla warfare. From the forts, they could watch the roads, store food and weapons, and protect their people. That’s why forts were called the “core of the state” — they helped the Marathas stay strong and fight back, even against larger and more powerful enemies.
Q7: 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.
Ans: If I design a Maratha coin, it will show the greatness and values of the Marathas. On one side, I will draw Shivaji’s face with a sword and a fort behind him. This shows his bravery and how he protected the kingdom using forts. I will also add the saffron flag, which stands for Hindu culture and unity.
On the other side, I will write in Sanskrit as Shivaji’s royal seal. Around the edge, I will draw small pictures of a ship (for the Maratha navy), a book (for learning and justice), and hands shaking (for respect to all religions). This coin will show that the Marathas were brave, fair, wise, and respected every religion.
Q8: 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.
Ans: The Marathas’ greatest contribution was the idea of Swarajya — self-rule and pride in Indian culture. They defended the country against foreign powers, revived local traditions, and proved that Indians could rule themselves with justice and strength. Their example later inspired the national freedom movement.