NCERT Textbook: The Rise of the Marathas | Social Science Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

 Page 1


61
Tapestry of the Past 
3 – The Rise of the Marathas
CHAPTER
The Rise of the Marathas
3
Among the merchants, the hat-wearers like the Portuguese, the 
English, the Dutch, the French and the Danes also conduct trade. 
But they are not like other merchants…. They are fully intent on 
entering this land, increasing their territory and propagating their 
religion. They are obstinate people, and Navy and gunpowder are 
their chief weapons. Their traffic should be controlled, and they 
shouldn’t be allowed to build strong buildings.
— Ramachandrapant Amatya, Adnyapatra (1715)
1. Who were the Marathas? How 
did they manage to become 
the largest pan-Indian power 
before the British took over?
2. What were some features of 
their governance?
3. What impact did the Maratha 
Empire leave in Indian history?
The Big
Questions
Fig. 3.1. Raigad Fort, Maharashtra, with the grand entrance to the palace where 
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned in 1674, marking the formal beginning of 
the Maratha Empire. 
Chapter 3.indd   61 05-07-2025   17:26:01
Page 2


61
Tapestry of the Past 
3 – The Rise of the Marathas
CHAPTER
The Rise of the Marathas
3
Among the merchants, the hat-wearers like the Portuguese, the 
English, the Dutch, the French and the Danes also conduct trade. 
But they are not like other merchants…. They are fully intent on 
entering this land, increasing their territory and propagating their 
religion. They are obstinate people, and Navy and gunpowder are 
their chief weapons. Their traffic should be controlled, and they 
shouldn’t be allowed to build strong buildings.
— Ramachandrapant Amatya, Adnyapatra (1715)
1. Who were the Marathas? How 
did they manage to become 
the largest pan-Indian power 
before the British took over?
2. What were some features of 
their governance?
3. What impact did the Maratha 
Empire leave in Indian history?
The Big
Questions
Fig. 3.1. Raigad Fort, Maharashtra, with the grand entrance to the palace where 
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned in 1674, marking the formal beginning of 
the Maratha Empire. 
Chapter 3.indd   61 05-07-2025   17:26:01
62
Exploring Society: India and Beyond | Grade 8 Part 1
Who are the Marathas?
The Marathas are a group of people native to the Deccan 
plateau, more specifically present-day Maharashtra. 
They are identified with the language they speak — 
Marathi — which has had a rich and continuous literary 
history since the 12
th
century. In this chapter, 
we will see them rise as a 
powerful political entity 
that will alter the course 
of India’s history.
During the 13
th
 century, 
most of Maharashtra 
was ruled by the Yadava 
dynasty with Devagiri 
(present-day Daulatabad) 
as its capital. In the early 
Fig. 3.3. Sant Ramdas
Literary history:
The historical 
development 
of writings in 
prose or poetry 
in a particular 
language.
1630 1720 1690 1660 1680
1630: Birth of 
Shivaji
1657: Founding 
of the Maratha 
navy 
1680: 
Death of 
Shivaji
1674: Chhatrapati 
Shivaji’s coronation 
at Raigad
1646: Beginning 
of Shivaji’s rule
1666: 
Imprisonment at, 
and escape from, 
Agra
1682–1707: 
Mughal-Maratha 
wars
Fig. 3.2. 
1677: 
Dak?hi?a 
digvijaya
(conquest of 
the South)
Fig. 3.4. Postal stamp 
showing Sant Tukaram
Chapter 3.indd   62 05-07-2025   17:26:01
Page 3


61
Tapestry of the Past 
3 – The Rise of the Marathas
CHAPTER
The Rise of the Marathas
3
Among the merchants, the hat-wearers like the Portuguese, the 
English, the Dutch, the French and the Danes also conduct trade. 
But they are not like other merchants…. They are fully intent on 
entering this land, increasing their territory and propagating their 
religion. They are obstinate people, and Navy and gunpowder are 
their chief weapons. Their traffic should be controlled, and they 
shouldn’t be allowed to build strong buildings.
— Ramachandrapant Amatya, Adnyapatra (1715)
1. Who were the Marathas? How 
did they manage to become 
the largest pan-Indian power 
before the British took over?
2. What were some features of 
their governance?
3. What impact did the Maratha 
Empire leave in Indian history?
The Big
Questions
Fig. 3.1. Raigad Fort, Maharashtra, with the grand entrance to the palace where 
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned in 1674, marking the formal beginning of 
the Maratha Empire. 
Chapter 3.indd   61 05-07-2025   17:26:01
62
Exploring Society: India and Beyond | Grade 8 Part 1
Who are the Marathas?
The Marathas are a group of people native to the Deccan 
plateau, more specifically present-day Maharashtra. 
They are identified with the language they speak — 
Marathi — which has had a rich and continuous literary 
history since the 12
th
century. In this chapter, 
we will see them rise as a 
powerful political entity 
that will alter the course 
of India’s history.
During the 13
th
 century, 
most of Maharashtra 
was ruled by the Yadava 
dynasty with Devagiri 
(present-day Daulatabad) 
as its capital. In the early 
Fig. 3.3. Sant Ramdas
Literary history:
The historical 
development 
of writings in 
prose or poetry 
in a particular 
language.
1630 1720 1690 1660 1680
1630: Birth of 
Shivaji
1657: Founding 
of the Maratha 
navy 
1680: 
Death of 
Shivaji
1674: Chhatrapati 
Shivaji’s coronation 
at Raigad
1646: Beginning 
of Shivaji’s rule
1666: 
Imprisonment at, 
and escape from, 
Agra
1682–1707: 
Mughal-Maratha 
wars
Fig. 3.2. 
1677: 
Dak?hi?a 
digvijaya
(conquest of 
the South)
Fig. 3.4. Postal stamp 
showing Sant Tukaram
Chapter 3.indd   62 05-07-2025   17:26:01
63
Tapestry of the Past 
3 – The Rise of the Marathas
14
th
 century, the Yadava dynasty was overcome by the Khilji 
Sultanate from Delhi. 
Amidst such political changes, the cultural traditions continued, 
particularly those related to bhakti (devotion to the divine or 
a particular deity). Between the 7
th
 and the 17
th
 centuries, for 
spiritual upliftment, saints and seekers from several parts of 
India preferred the path of bhakti to merely external ritualism. 
These saints, coming from diverse sections of society, composed 
devotional songs and poetry in the languages of the masses, 
which allowed their messages to travel far and wide.
LET’S EXPLORE
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.
1750 1840 1810 1780
1761: Battle 
of Panipat 
(Maratha 
defeat)
1818: Third Anglo-
Maratha war; end of 
Maratha power
1775–1782: 
First Anglo-
Maratha War; 
Maratha victory
1754: Beginning 
of Maratha 
control over 
Delhi
Chapter 3.indd   63 05-07-2025   17:26:01
Page 4


61
Tapestry of the Past 
3 – The Rise of the Marathas
CHAPTER
The Rise of the Marathas
3
Among the merchants, the hat-wearers like the Portuguese, the 
English, the Dutch, the French and the Danes also conduct trade. 
But they are not like other merchants…. They are fully intent on 
entering this land, increasing their territory and propagating their 
religion. They are obstinate people, and Navy and gunpowder are 
their chief weapons. Their traffic should be controlled, and they 
shouldn’t be allowed to build strong buildings.
— Ramachandrapant Amatya, Adnyapatra (1715)
1. Who were the Marathas? How 
did they manage to become 
the largest pan-Indian power 
before the British took over?
2. What were some features of 
their governance?
3. What impact did the Maratha 
Empire leave in Indian history?
The Big
Questions
Fig. 3.1. Raigad Fort, Maharashtra, with the grand entrance to the palace where 
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned in 1674, marking the formal beginning of 
the Maratha Empire. 
Chapter 3.indd   61 05-07-2025   17:26:01
62
Exploring Society: India and Beyond | Grade 8 Part 1
Who are the Marathas?
The Marathas are a group of people native to the Deccan 
plateau, more specifically present-day Maharashtra. 
They are identified with the language they speak — 
Marathi — which has had a rich and continuous literary 
history since the 12
th
century. In this chapter, 
we will see them rise as a 
powerful political entity 
that will alter the course 
of India’s history.
During the 13
th
 century, 
most of Maharashtra 
was ruled by the Yadava 
dynasty with Devagiri 
(present-day Daulatabad) 
as its capital. In the early 
Fig. 3.3. Sant Ramdas
Literary history:
The historical 
development 
of writings in 
prose or poetry 
in a particular 
language.
1630 1720 1690 1660 1680
1630: Birth of 
Shivaji
1657: Founding 
of the Maratha 
navy 
1680: 
Death of 
Shivaji
1674: Chhatrapati 
Shivaji’s coronation 
at Raigad
1646: Beginning 
of Shivaji’s rule
1666: 
Imprisonment at, 
and escape from, 
Agra
1682–1707: 
Mughal-Maratha 
wars
Fig. 3.2. 
1677: 
Dak?hi?a 
digvijaya
(conquest of 
the South)
Fig. 3.4. Postal stamp 
showing Sant Tukaram
Chapter 3.indd   62 05-07-2025   17:26:01
63
Tapestry of the Past 
3 – The Rise of the Marathas
14
th
 century, the Yadava dynasty was overcome by the Khilji 
Sultanate from Delhi. 
Amidst such political changes, the cultural traditions continued, 
particularly those related to bhakti (devotion to the divine or 
a particular deity). Between the 7
th
 and the 17
th
 centuries, for 
spiritual upliftment, saints and seekers from several parts of 
India preferred the path of bhakti to merely external ritualism. 
These saints, coming from diverse sections of society, composed 
devotional songs and poetry in the languages of the masses, 
which allowed their messages to travel far and wide.
LET’S EXPLORE
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.
1750 1840 1810 1780
1761: Battle 
of Panipat 
(Maratha 
defeat)
1818: Third Anglo-
Maratha war; end of 
Maratha power
1775–1782: 
First Anglo-
Maratha War; 
Maratha victory
1754: Beginning 
of Maratha 
control over 
Delhi
Chapter 3.indd   63 05-07-2025   17:26:01
64
Exploring Society: India and Beyond | Grade 8 Part 1
In Maharashtra, many saints like Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, 
Tukaram, Ramdas, etc., gained popularity at this time. They 
helped translate important texts like the Upani?hads and the 
Bhagavad Gita into Marathi, making their philosophy accessible 
to the people. Some also focused on social organisation and 
political awareness, similar to the Sikh gurus. As a result, the 
society acquired a solid cultural foundation, which later helped 
the Marathas to organise themselves into a political power. 
By the 17
th
 century, some Maratha chiefs made early attempts at 
establishing sovereignty, but they proved unsuccessful — until 
Shivaji rose to power and brought the Marathas together. But 
who was Shivaji? 
Foundation of Maratha Power and the 
Rise of Shivaji 
In 16 30, Shivaji was born in 
the Bhonsle clan to Shahji and 
Jijabai. At the time, Shahji 
served the Deccan sultanates 
and was often away from his 
family. Meanwhile, in his jagir
at Pune, Shivaji grew up under 
the watchful eyes of Jijabai and 
some trusted officials, receiving 
values and a good education. 
At this time, the Pune region 
was deeply affected by constant 
infighting between the Deccan 
sultans whom the Marathas 
served, which caused much 
hardship for the common people. 
When he was just 16, Shivaji launched military campaigns, 
first consolidating his hold over the Pune region by capturing 
neglected and unoccupied forts and strengthening their 
defences. His vision of a sovereign kingdom or ‘Swarajya’ grew 
over the years, extending to political, economic and cultural 
aspects, which we will explore in this chapter.
Fig. 3.5. A painting of Shivaji made 
in the 1680s (British Museum)
Jagir:
A jagir was a 
piece of land 
given by a 
king or ruler 
to someone 
(usually a 
noble or 
soldier) as a 
reward for 
their service. 
The person 
who got the 
jagir could 
collect taxes 
from the land 
and use the 
money to 
take care of 
their needs 
or help the 
king when 
needed.
Chapter 3.indd   64 05-07-2025   17:26:02
Page 5


61
Tapestry of the Past 
3 – The Rise of the Marathas
CHAPTER
The Rise of the Marathas
3
Among the merchants, the hat-wearers like the Portuguese, the 
English, the Dutch, the French and the Danes also conduct trade. 
But they are not like other merchants…. They are fully intent on 
entering this land, increasing their territory and propagating their 
religion. They are obstinate people, and Navy and gunpowder are 
their chief weapons. Their traffic should be controlled, and they 
shouldn’t be allowed to build strong buildings.
— Ramachandrapant Amatya, Adnyapatra (1715)
1. Who were the Marathas? How 
did they manage to become 
the largest pan-Indian power 
before the British took over?
2. What were some features of 
their governance?
3. What impact did the Maratha 
Empire leave in Indian history?
The Big
Questions
Fig. 3.1. Raigad Fort, Maharashtra, with the grand entrance to the palace where 
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned in 1674, marking the formal beginning of 
the Maratha Empire. 
Chapter 3.indd   61 05-07-2025   17:26:01
62
Exploring Society: India and Beyond | Grade 8 Part 1
Who are the Marathas?
The Marathas are a group of people native to the Deccan 
plateau, more specifically present-day Maharashtra. 
They are identified with the language they speak — 
Marathi — which has had a rich and continuous literary 
history since the 12
th
century. In this chapter, 
we will see them rise as a 
powerful political entity 
that will alter the course 
of India’s history.
During the 13
th
 century, 
most of Maharashtra 
was ruled by the Yadava 
dynasty with Devagiri 
(present-day Daulatabad) 
as its capital. In the early 
Fig. 3.3. Sant Ramdas
Literary history:
The historical 
development 
of writings in 
prose or poetry 
in a particular 
language.
1630 1720 1690 1660 1680
1630: Birth of 
Shivaji
1657: Founding 
of the Maratha 
navy 
1680: 
Death of 
Shivaji
1674: Chhatrapati 
Shivaji’s coronation 
at Raigad
1646: Beginning 
of Shivaji’s rule
1666: 
Imprisonment at, 
and escape from, 
Agra
1682–1707: 
Mughal-Maratha 
wars
Fig. 3.2. 
1677: 
Dak?hi?a 
digvijaya
(conquest of 
the South)
Fig. 3.4. Postal stamp 
showing Sant Tukaram
Chapter 3.indd   62 05-07-2025   17:26:01
63
Tapestry of the Past 
3 – The Rise of the Marathas
14
th
 century, the Yadava dynasty was overcome by the Khilji 
Sultanate from Delhi. 
Amidst such political changes, the cultural traditions continued, 
particularly those related to bhakti (devotion to the divine or 
a particular deity). Between the 7
th
 and the 17
th
 centuries, for 
spiritual upliftment, saints and seekers from several parts of 
India preferred the path of bhakti to merely external ritualism. 
These saints, coming from diverse sections of society, composed 
devotional songs and poetry in the languages of the masses, 
which allowed their messages to travel far and wide.
LET’S EXPLORE
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.
1750 1840 1810 1780
1761: Battle 
of Panipat 
(Maratha 
defeat)
1818: Third Anglo-
Maratha war; end of 
Maratha power
1775–1782: 
First Anglo-
Maratha War; 
Maratha victory
1754: Beginning 
of Maratha 
control over 
Delhi
Chapter 3.indd   63 05-07-2025   17:26:01
64
Exploring Society: India and Beyond | Grade 8 Part 1
In Maharashtra, many saints like Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, 
Tukaram, Ramdas, etc., gained popularity at this time. They 
helped translate important texts like the Upani?hads and the 
Bhagavad Gita into Marathi, making their philosophy accessible 
to the people. Some also focused on social organisation and 
political awareness, similar to the Sikh gurus. As a result, the 
society acquired a solid cultural foundation, which later helped 
the Marathas to organise themselves into a political power. 
By the 17
th
 century, some Maratha chiefs made early attempts at 
establishing sovereignty, but they proved unsuccessful — until 
Shivaji rose to power and brought the Marathas together. But 
who was Shivaji? 
Foundation of Maratha Power and the 
Rise of Shivaji 
In 16 30, Shivaji was born in 
the Bhonsle clan to Shahji and 
Jijabai. At the time, Shahji 
served the Deccan sultanates 
and was often away from his 
family. Meanwhile, in his jagir
at Pune, Shivaji grew up under 
the watchful eyes of Jijabai and 
some trusted officials, receiving 
values and a good education. 
At this time, the Pune region 
was deeply affected by constant 
infighting between the Deccan 
sultans whom the Marathas 
served, which caused much 
hardship for the common people. 
When he was just 16, Shivaji launched military campaigns, 
first consolidating his hold over the Pune region by capturing 
neglected and unoccupied forts and strengthening their 
defences. His vision of a sovereign kingdom or ‘Swarajya’ grew 
over the years, extending to political, economic and cultural 
aspects, which we will explore in this chapter.
Fig. 3.5. A painting of Shivaji made 
in the 1680s (British Museum)
Jagir:
A jagir was a 
piece of land 
given by a 
king or ruler 
to someone 
(usually a 
noble or 
soldier) as a 
reward for 
their service. 
The person 
who got the 
jagir could 
collect taxes 
from the land 
and use the 
money to 
take care of 
their needs 
or help the 
king when 
needed.
Chapter 3.indd   64 05-07-2025   17:26:02
65
Tapestry of the Past 
3 – The Rise of the Marathas
Shivaji’s kingdom soon expanded to India’s west coast, and to 
secure access to the resources of coastal regions, he felt the need 
to establish a navy. This was a truly revolutionary step at the time. 
By com parison, the Bijapur Sultanate (ruled by the Adil Shahi 
dynasty), maintained merchant ships but did not possess a full-
time naval force which could protect the coast; even the Mughal 
Empire’s use of a navy was very limited. Thus, the Maratha Navy 
was born, whose exploits became legendary.
To protect his people from powerful enemies, Shivaji had 
recourse to the tactic of guerrilla warfare, which uses small groups 
of people in a focused way, with speed, surprise, and knowledge 
of the terrain to defeat bigger armies. His successes soon invited 
the wrath of the Bijapur Sultanate, which sent the veteran general 
Afzal Khan to confront him. Shivaji and his advisers managed to 
convince Afzal Khan to meet him for a one-on-one meeting at the 
foot of the Pratapgad fort amid thick forests. There, Shivaji killed 
Afzal Khan, and the Marathas, hidden in the mountains, routed the 
Khan’s army with guerrilla attacks.
 THINK ABOUT IT
If you could time-travel and meet Shivaji, what three questions 
would you ask him and why?
Fig. 3.6. The Sindhudurg Fort near the Maharashtra-Goa border is one of the several naval 
fortifications built by the Marathas.
Chapter 3.indd   65 05-07-2025   17:26:02