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

The Big Questions (Page-61)

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 a group from Maharashtra, primarily speaking Marathi, with a rich cultural and spiritual background. Their identity was shaped by the Bhakti movement, which united them through devotional poetry and the teachings of saints such as Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, and Ramdas. These saints translated sacred texts into Marathi, spreading spiritual awareness and fostering a sense of unity among the people. 

• In the 17th century, under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Marathas emerged as a significant political force. Shivaji’s concept of Swarajya (self-rule) inspired the establishment of a sovereign Hindu kingdom focused on just governance, efficient administration, and resistance to foreign rule. His coronation in 1674 at Raigad Fort marked the beginning of the Maratha Empire

Expansion and Resistance

• After Shivaji’s death, leaders like Sambhaji, Rajaram, and Tarabai continued to resist Mughal dominance, using guerrilla warfare and defending forts, particularly during Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaign. 
• In the 18th century, the Peshwas (prime ministers) like Bajirao I, Nanasaheb, and Madhavrao I took leadership, expanding Maratha influence across India, from Peshawar in the north to Thanjavur in the south.
• They transformed the empire into a confederacy with regional leaders such as the Holkars, Scindias, Gaekwads, and Bhonsles, making the Marathas the largest pan-Indian power before British rule. 

Reasons for Maratha Success 

• Strong Administration: The Marathas had a robust administrative system with a council of ministers known as the Ashta Pradhana. They implemented tax reforms like Chauth and Sardeshmukhi and ensured fair governance. 
• Organised Military: Their army was well-organised, comprising infantry, cavalry, navy, and later, troops trained in European styles of warfare. 
• Naval Power: Under leaders like Kanhoji Angre, the Marathas built a strong navy that challenged European dominance in Indian waters. 
• Economic and Cultural Promotion: They promoted trade, improved road networks, and revived culture, which strengthened local identities and boosted the economy. 
• Resilience: Despite challenges like the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, the Marathas recovered and regained control of Delhi in 1771. 
• Decline: However, internal divisions and the superior military power of the British led to their defeat in the Anglo-Maratha Wars between 1775 and 1818. 
• Lasting Power: The Marathas were the last major Indian power to be subdued before the British established full control over India. 

Q2. What were some features of their governance?
Ans: The Marathas, especially under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, developed a well-structured and efficient system of governance that laid the foundation for their long-lasting empire. Their administration combined centralised control, military strength, economic planning, and cultural support.

(a) Centralised Civil Administration

• Shivaji removed hereditary posts and land grants, ensuring that officials were paid regular salaries from the state treasury.
• To prevent misuse of power, he frequently transferred officers.
• He formed a council of eight ministers, known as the Ashta Pradhana Mandala, each with a specific role (e.g., finance, foreign affairs, defense).

(b) Welfare-Oriented Policies
Shivaji cared for the well-being of his people and soldiers.

• Gave pensions to widows of soldiers.
• Provided jobs for their sons in the military.
• He supported justice through local panchayats, with higher appeal possible to Maratha chiefs.

(c) Military Organisation
The army had three branches: infantry, cavalry, and navy.
Cavalry was of two types: Bargirs (paid and maintained by the state)

• Shiledars (self-equipped horsemen)
• By the 18th century, the Marathas adopted European-style military training and weapons, including artillery and even metal rockets.

(d) Forts and Guerrilla Strategy

• Forts were the backbone of Maratha power and strategy.
• Used for defense, supply storage, and launching guerrilla attacks.
• Shivaji’s minister Ramachandrapant Amatya stressed that a state without forts could easily fall to invaders.

(e) Taxation System

• Introduced chauth (25%) and sardeshmukhi (10%) taxes on areas under indirect Maratha control.
• These taxes were used to fund the army and administration, and were sometimes even approved by the Mughals.

(f) Trade and Economic Planning

• Promoted trade by sea and land.
• Built roads, bridges, and ferries to connect regions.
• Owned trading ships that sailed to Yemen, Oman, and Malaysia, carrying goods like gold and textiles.

(g) Naval Power

• Shivaji and later commanders like Kanhoji Angre built a strong navy to protect the west coast.
• Challenged European powers by demanding permits (passes) for trade, just as the Europeans demanded from Indians.

(h) Cultural and Religious Support

• Promoted Marathi and Sanskrit in administration and culture.
• Rebuilt temples and revived Indian traditions.
• Encouraged arts, literature, and education.
• His successors, like Ahilyabai Holkar, supported religious sites, literature, and crafts.

Q3. What impact did the Maratha Empire leave in Indian history?
Ans: The Maratha Empire had a significant and lasting influence on Indian history in various aspects—political, cultural, and social. They were instrumental in shaping India during the period following the decline of the Mughal Empire and before the onset of British rule.

Political and Military Influence 

• In the 18th century, the Marathas emerged as the dominant political force in India, surpassing the Mughals. At their height, they controlled vast territories across the subcontinent, stretching from Peshawar in the north to Thanjavur in the south.
• The Marathas were the primary adversaries of the British East India Company. The British could only establish full control over India after defeating the Marathas in a series of conflicts known as the Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818). The Marathas’ strong resistance made the British conquest more challenging and delayed their dominance. 

Cultural and Social Contributions 

• The Marathas played a crucial role in reviving Hindu traditions, restoring temples, and promoting literature in Sanskrit and Marathi. Leaders like Ahilyabai Holkar were instrumental in rebuilding sacred sites such as the Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath temples.
• They also supported regional art, music, and dance, particularly in areas like Thanjavur, which enriched the cultural landscape of India.
• The Maratha administration was known for its efficiency and fairness, with systems like the Ashta Pradhana Mandala and just judicial practices. Their innovative use of forts, guerrilla warfare, and the establishment of a navy influenced future military strategies in India.

Economic Impact 

• The Marathas played a vital role in connecting different parts of India through the construction of roads, bridges, and sea routes. They also established trade links with regions in West Asia and Southeast Asia, contributing significantly to India’s maritime history.

 Women Leadership 

• Figures like Tarabai and Ahilyabai Holkar demonstrated that women could lead and govern effectively, becoming symbols of courage, wisdom, and public service.

Questions and Activities (Page-82)

Q4. Analyse how geography (particularly mountains and coastlines) guided Maratha military strategy and state formation.
Ans: Geography played a crucial role in shaping the Maratha military strategy and the formation of their state. The rugged mountains and long coastline of the Deccan region provided both natural protection and strategic advantages, which the Marathas used skillfully.

(i) Use of the Sahyadri (Western Ghats) Mountains

• The Western Ghats, also called the Sahyadri Hills, stretch through Maharashtra and were central to Maratha warfare.
• Shivaji and his commanders used the steep hills, narrow passes, and dense forests to carry out guerrilla warfare—quick, surprise attacks followed by retreats into difficult terrain.
• The Marathas built and controlled hundreds of hill forts (like Raigad, Pratapgad, Sinhagad), which served as defensive bases, storage centres, and watchtowers for tracking enemy movement.
• These forts were placed along key trade and military routes, helping the Marathas secure territory and disrupt invaders.

(ii) Strategic Use of the Coastline

• The Konkan coast gave the Marathas access to the Arabian Sea, which was important for trade and naval defence.
• Shivaji established a strong navy to protect the coast from foreign powers like the Portuguese, Siddis, and the British.
• He built sea forts such as Sindhudurg and Khanderi, which helped him control coastal areas and safeguard trade routes.
• Naval commanders like Kanhoji Angre used knowledge of coastal geography to launch successful sea raids and defend against European ships.

(iii) Geographic Protection and Expansion

• The difficult terrain of the Western Ghats made it hard for enemies like the Mughals and the British to carry out long military campaigns.
• The mountains acted as a shield for the Maratha homeland, allowing them to survive long sieges and attacks.
• From these protected bases, the Marathas launched expansions into central and northern India, gradually building a pan-Indian empire.

Q5. 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: Ahilyabai Holkar: A Legacy of Just LeadershipAhilyabai Holkar is remembered as one of the most respected and wise rulers in Indian history. She ruled the Malwa region in the 18th century after the death of her husband and father-in-law and became famous for her honesty, justice, and care for her people. At a time when very few women held power, Ahilyabai proved that leadership was not limited by gender.

Early Life and Ascension to Power

• Ahilyabai Holkar was born into a noble family in 1725. She married Khanderao Holkar, the son of Malhar Rao Holkar, the founder of the Holkar dynasty in Malwa.
• After the death of her husband in 1754 and her father-in-law in 1766, Ahilyabai took over the administration of the kingdom.

Capital and Governance

• Ahilyabai ruled from her capital at Maheshwar, where she established a strong and just administration.
• She focused on improving roads, trade, and law and order, ensuring the welfare of her people.
• Ahilyabai held open courts, allowing even the poorest individuals to voice their grievances, which earned her deep respect and admiration.

Public Works and Welfare

• She is remembered for building temples, dharamshalas (rest houses), and wells across India, from Kashi and Somnath to Rameswaram.
• Ahilyabai used the wealth of her kingdom not for war, but for the welfare of her people, investing in public infrastructure and religious sites.
• Her court was a hub for poets, artists, and scholars, promoting culture and learning.

Challenges and Opposition

• Despite her capabilities, Ahilyabai faced opposition from court members and nobles who were resistant to a woman ruling.
• However, she remained calm and focused on her goals, proving her critics wrong through her effective governance.

Legacy

• Ahilyabai Holkar’s life is a testament to the power of courage, kindness, and wisdom.
• She demonstrated that a true ruler serves the people selflessly and her contributions are still remembered today through the many temples and public works she established.
• Ahilyabai remains a symbol of strong and just leadership in Indian history, inspiring future generations with her example.

Q6. If you could visit one Maratha fort today (such as Raigad, Sindhudurg, Gingee, or Pratapgad), 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: Raigad Fort is a very important and famous fort in Maratha history. It is located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. This fort, situated on a hilltop, was chosen by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the capital of his kingdom. In 1674, Shivaji was crowned here as the king of the Maratha Empire. The fort is 820 metres high, surrounded by deep valleys and steep cliffs, which makes it naturally safe and easy to defend. 

 Historical Importance 

• Raigad Fort is very important in history because it was not just the administrative centre of Shivaji’s government, but also a place where important decisions about Swarajya (self-rule) were made. 
•  Shivaji spent many years at Raigad, and it is also the site of his samadhi (tomb), which attracts thousands of visitors every year. 
•  Even after Shivaji’s death, the fort remained a symbol of Maratha strength until the British captured it in 1818. 

Architectural Features 

• Raigad Fort is grand and well-planned, with important structures such as: 
• The main entrance gate (Maha Darwaza)
• The king’s court (Durbar Hall)
• The queen’s quarters
• The market area
• The royal granaries
•  The Durbar Hall is especially significant because it still has the throne platform from which Shivaji held court and addressed his ministers. 
•  Visitors can reach the fort by climbing 1,737 steps, but there is also a ropeway available today for easier access. 

Visiting Raigad Fort 

• Visiting Raigad Fort means experiencing the spirit, courage, and vision of Shivaji Maharaj. 
•  The fort played a crucial role in shaping Maratha history and the idea of Indian self-rule. 
•  A visit to Raigad not only offers beautiful mountain views but also serves as a strong reminder of India’s rich and inspiring history. 

Q7. 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 statement means that by the time the British began to expand their control over India, the Marathas—not the Mughals—were the most powerful Indian force in the country. The British had to defeat the Marathas in order to take full control of India. While the Mughal Empire had already weakened, the Marathas had become the strongest and most widespread Indian power during the 18th century.

Evidence from the chapter supports this idea in several ways. 
(i) The Maratha Empire had expanded across large parts of India—from the Deccan to Delhi and even Punjab. They had replaced the Mughals as the major ruling power after the decline of Mughal authority. 
(ii) The chapter highlights how the British fought multiple wars against the Marathas, known as the Anglo-Maratha Wars. These wars were long, difficult, and only after defeating the Marathas completely in 1818 were the British able to establish their rule over most of India.

This shows that it was the Maratha resistance, not Mughal power, that truly challenged British expansion. In short, the British had to win over the Maratha Empire to become the supreme rulers of India.

Q8. 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: Chhatrapati Shivaji and the later Maratha rulers were known for their respectful and tolerant approach towards religious places and people of different faiths. They followed a policy of religious harmony, which helped them gain the trust of people across communities.

• Shivaji, though a devout Hindu, did not harm mosques or Muslim religious leaders during his campaigns. 
• He gave strict instructions to his army not to damage places of worship. 
• He even honoured Muslim saints and included Muslims in his administration and army. His policies focused more on political power and justice than religious identity.

The later Marathas, like Mahadji Shinde and Ahilyabai Holkar, continued this inclusive approach. Ahilyabai Holkar, in particular, became famous for building and repairing temples and ghats across India.

• Also supported religious institutions of other faiths. She used her wealth for the welfare of all, regardless of religion.

The chapter gives examples that show how the Marathas did not follow religious intolerance. Instead, they respected the diverse traditions of Indian society. This approach helped them rule over different regions and communities peacefully and win widespread support.

Q9. 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: Importance of Forts in the Maratha State

Strategic Control and Defense

• Forts like Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sinhagad were built on hills in the Western Ghats, allowing the Marathas to control important trade routes and fertile valleys that connected the Deccan region to the Konkan coast.
• Their high locations and natural barriers made them difficult for enemies to capture, enabling small Maratha forces to defend against much larger armies.
• This strategic positioning disrupted enemy supply lines and caused foes to engage in long, costly sieges.

Base for Guerrilla Warfare

• The Marathas used guerrilla tactics, known as ganimi kava, with forts serving as key locations for these operations.
• Forts provided safe spaces for troops to retreat, regroup, and launch surprise attacks on enemies.
• Maratha cavalry would harass enemy camps, cut off supplies, and retreat into the hills, tiring out larger armies like those of Aurangzeb.
  

Administrative and Economic Centres

• Forts also functioned as centers for governance, tax collection, and administering justice.
• They stored essential supplies like grain and weapons, ensuring economic stability during wars.
• Raigad, the capital under Shivaji, was home to the Ashtapradhan council and was where coins were minted, showcasing Maratha independence.
• Control of these forts allowed the Marathas to gather revenue from surrounding regions, which supported their military campaigns.

Psychological and Symbolic Power

• Forts represented Maratha bravery and unity, boosting the morale of their people.
• Taking a fort, like Shivaji’s victory at Torna in 1646, demonstrated ambition, while defending them during Mughal sieges showed strength.
• Holding these forts against powerful enemies inspired loyalty and discouraged foes, reinforcing the Maratha idea of Swarajya (self-rule).

How Forts Helped the Marathas Survive Against Larger Enemies
Prolonged Resistance Against Sieges

• The natural defenses of forts and the supplies they held allowed for long-lasting resistance, draining the resources of enemy forces.
• During Aurangzeb's campaign in the Deccan from the 1680s to 1707, forts like Panhala and Satara successfully held out, forcing Mughal forces into lengthy sieges.
• This situation allowed Maratha leaders like Rajaram and Tarabai to regroup and launch counterattacks, straining the Mughal forces.

Force Multiplier for Smaller Armies

• Forts allowed smaller Maratha garrisons to take on larger armies effectively.
• At Pratapgad in 1659, Shivaji's troops defeated Afzal Khan's much larger army by utilizing the fort's defenses.
• The challenging terrain surrounding the forts helped counteract numerical disadvantages, making the battlefield more even.

Network for Coordinated Warfare

• With over 300 forts across Maharashtra and beyond, the Marathas created a network to shift troops, coordinate attacks, and keep communication open.
• When one fort was under siege, others would launch diversionary attacks, as shown in Tarabai's campaigns, preventing enemies from consolidating power.

Safe Havens During Setbacks

• Forts provided a refuge during difficult times.
• After the execution of Sambhaji in 1689, Rajaram took refuge in Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, continuing the Maratha struggle in the south.
• These forts ensured that leadership remained intact, preventing the Maratha state from collapsing.

Disrupting Enemy Logistics

• Forts were strategically placed along trade routes and valleys, disrupting enemy supply lines.
• Maratha cavalry, based in these forts, would raid Mughal supply convoys, as seen in Shivaji's raids on Surat in 1664 and 1670.
• This form of economic warfare weakened larger enemies that depended on steady supplies.

Q10. 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: Coin Specifications and Design

• Material: Silver, symbolising purity and enduring value.
• Diameter: 35 mm, ensuring visibility of detailed engravings.
• Weight: 25 grams, balancing heft and practicality for circulation.
• Scripts: Devanagari (Marathi) and Persian, reflecting cultural identity and historical diplomacy.
• Central Symbol: A stylised depiction of Shivaji’s royal seal, featuring a crescent moon with the inscription “Shri Raja Shivaji Chhatrapati” in Devanagari. The crescent moon represents growth and prosperity, echoing Shivaji’s vision of Swarajya as a state for the people’s welfare.
• Surrounding Elements: A ring of fort silhouettes, symbolising the Maratha network of over 300 forts (e.g., Raigad, Pratapgad) that formed the backbone of their military strategy and governance.
• Inscription: In Devanagari, “Swarajya 1674,” marking Shivaji’s coronation year, and in Persian, “Shivaji Shah,” acknowledging the Marathas’ diplomatic engagement with Mughal conventions.
• Border: A pattern of lotus petals, representing purity and cultural revival, inspired by Maratha patronage of arts and temples.

Reverse Design

• Central Symbol: An image of Lord Ganapati, the remover of obstacles, holding a modak and axe, reflecting the Marathas’ deep devotion and the inspiration behind coins like the Gaṇapatī-Pantapradhān rupee. Ganapati embodies wisdom and success, core Maratha values.
• Surrounding Elements: A Maratha cavalryman wielding a lance, symbolising the swift, guerrilla-style ganimi kava tactics that enabled victories against larger enemies like the Mughals.
• A naval ship with sails, representing Shivaji’s pioneering navy under leaders like Kanhoji Angre, which challenged European maritime dominance.
• Inscription: In Devanagari, “Dharma Rakshati Rakshitah” (He who protects dharma is protected), encapsulating the Maratha commitment to righteous rule. In Persian, “Maratha Samrajya,” signifying the empire’s expansive reach.
• Border: A chain of Bhakti movement-inspired motifs, such as a veena and book, honoring saints like Tukaram and Dnyaneshwar, who unified Maratha culture through Marathi poetry.

Explanation of Symbols

• Shivaji’s Seal and Crescent Moon: The seal reflects Shivaji’s establishment of Swarajya, emphasising sovereignty and welfare. The crescent moon, a recurring Maratha symbol, signifies growth, aligning with their vision of an expanding, prosperous state.
• Fort Silhouettes: Forts were the “core of the state,” enabling defence, guerrilla warfare, and administration. Their inclusion honours the strategic brilliance of leaders like Shivaji and Tarabai, who used forts to resist Mughal invasions.
• Lord Ganapati: As a deity revered by Marathas, Ganapati represents wisdom, success, and devotion, echoing the cultural and spiritual unity fostered by the Bhakti movement and seen in historical Maratha coins.
• Cavalryman and Naval Ship: These depict the Marathas’ military achievements—swift cavalry for ganimi kava and a navy that secured the Konkan coast. They highlight the innovative tactics that allowed the Marathas to triumph over larger foes.
• Lotus Petals and Bhakti Motifs: The lotus symbolises the Marathas’ cultural revival, including temple restoration and arts patronage. Bhakti motifs honour the saints whose Marathi poetry galvanised Maratha identity and resilience.
• Devanagari and Persian Scripts: The dual scripts reflect the Marathas’ cultural pride in Marathi and their diplomatic engagement with Mughal conventions, as seen in coins like the Gaṇapatī-Pantapradhān rupee.
• Dharma Inscription: The phrase “Dharma Rakshati Rakshitah” underscores the Maratha commitment to righteous governance, a principle guiding Shivaji’s administration and military campaigns.

Q11. 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 made a significant mark in Indian history by creating Swarajya, a visionary form of self-rule that combined military skill, cultural revival, and decentralized governance.
• This model laid the foundation for fighting against foreign rule and played a key role in India's move towards independence.
• Shivaji effectively used forts, such as Raigad and Pratapgad, to implement guerrilla warfare tactics known as ganimi kava.
• An example of his military success was in 1659 when he defeated Afzal Khan, allowing the Marathas to outsmart larger Mughal forces.
• Leaders like Rajaram and Tarabai continued this fight, using Gingee Fort to extend the conflict with the Mughals and resist Aurangzeb's control.
• Shivaji also focused on cultural initiatives, like the Rajya-Vyavahara-Kosha, which promoted the use of Marathi and Sanskrit, and worked on restoring temples to revive Indian traditions.
• His naval forces, led by Kanhoji Angre, challenged European colonial powers at sea.
• The Peshwas, especially Bajirao I, played a crucial role in expanding the Maratha Confederacy across India, filling the gap left by the weakening Mughals.
• This legacy of self-rule and cultural pride inspired future movements for independence, making Swarajya a central element in India's historical development.