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 a brave and powerful people from Maharashtra in the Deccan.
- They spoke Marathi, followed Hindu traditions, and, under leaders like Shivaji, built a strong empire.
- They resisted the Mughals, protected Indian culture, and ruled large parts of India before British expansion.
They later fought three wars with the British and were the last major Indian power to challenge British control. Maratha rulers worked for public welfare, supported art and culture, practised religious tolerance, and did not oppress their subjects.
In short, the Marathas became the largest Indian power before the British, governing vast territories across the subcontinent.
Q2: What were some features of their governance?
Ans: Centralised administration under Shivaji with paid officials instead of hereditary posts.
• Aṣhṭa Pradhāna Manḍala – council of eight ministers for different departments.
• Taxes like chauth (25%) and sardeshmukhi (10%).
• Strong military with infantry, cavalry, and navy; forts as the core defence.
• Judicial system with local panchāyats and kotwāls for law and order.
• Encouraged trade, built roads, bridges, and maintained ferries.
• Promoted Marathi and Sanskrit, rebuilt temples, respected religious diversity
The Marathas challenged Mughal dominance and created the largest Indian empire before British rule. They revived local traditions, promoted regional languages, and fostered cultural pride. Their ideals of Swarājya inspired later freedom movements. Their military strategies, administrative systems, and naval power demonstrated that Indian rulers could resist and even defeat stronger foreign powers.
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 the term bhakti. To me, it means deep devotion to God shown through prayer, song, and sincere love rather than rituals.
I have chosen Sant Tukaram from Maharashtra. He was a 17th-century Bhakti poet who wrote abhangs in praise of Lord Vitthala. His teachings promoted equality, honesty, humility, and freedom from material desires. He opposed caste discrimination and believed that devotion is open to everyone.
Message: True devotion lies in love for God and in compassion for all people.
Abhang (translated):
“The name of God is my wealth;
It brings joy to my heart.
I need no riches,
Only the bliss of chanting His name.”
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 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I would ask him these three questions:
1. How did you inspire ordinary people to unite and fight for Swarajya against powerful enemies?
Reason: To understand his leadership qualities and how he motivated people from different backgrounds to work together.
2. What was your vision for the future of the Maratha Empire beyond your lifetime?
Reason: To learn about his long-term plans for governance and whether he anticipated challenges after his rule.
3. What personal qualities do you believe every ruler must have to serve the people well?
Reason: To gain insight into the values and principles he considered essential for good leadership.
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 military tactic in which small, mobile groups use surprise attacks, ambushes, and their knowledge of local terrain to weaken larger armies. It relies on speed, secrecy, and avoiding open battles.
Countries that used guerrilla warfare
- Vietnam: Viet Cong used jungles, swamps, and tunnel networks during the Vietnam War.
- Spain: Spanish fighters resisted Napoleon using mountains and villages; the term “guerrilla” originated here.
- Afghanistan: Fighters used rugged mountains and narrow valleys against Soviet and later U.S. forces.
- Cuba: Castro and Che Guevara used the forested Sierra Maestra hills against Batista’s regime.
Geographical advantages used
- Forests and jungles for concealment.
- Mountains and hills for high ground and hidden routes.
- Rivers and swamps to slow enemy troops.
- Local villages for shelter, supplies, and information.
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)
I would choose the meeting between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan at Pratapgad (1659) for staging as a play.
Reason for choice
- It is filled with suspense, strategy, and bravery.
- It highlights Shivaji’s clever use of diplomacy and guerrilla tactics against a much stronger enemy.
Outline of the Play
- Scene 1 – Background: Afzal Khan is sent by the Bijapur Sultanate to crush Shivaji. Both agree to a personal meeting near Pratapgad Fort.
- Scene 2 – Preparations: Shivaji wears hidden armour and conceals the wāgh nakh (tiger’s claw).
- Scene 3 – The Meeting: Afzal Khan greets Shivaji but suddenly attacks him with a dagger.
- Scene 4 – The Counterattack: Shivaji protects himself and fatally wounds Afzal Khan with the wāgh nakh.
- Scene 5 – Outcome: Maratha forces launch a surprise guerrilla attack from the hills and defeat Afzal Khan’s army.
Message: Courage, intelligence, and preparedness can help overcome even the strongest opponents.
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.
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. The Thanjavur Maratha ruler Serfoji II patronised musicians and dancers, and during his reign the early form of Bharatanatyam developed along with Carnatic music.
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: Tarabai: The Fearless Maratha Queen
• Wife of Chhatrapati Rajaram; became ruler in 1700 after his death.
• Faced the challenge of Aurangzeb’s huge army in the Deccan.
• Personally led battles and planned military strategies.
• Sent Maratha forces to attack Mughal territories in the north.
• Kept the Marathas united during shortages and constant war.
• Preserved Maratha independence in a critical period.
• Remembered for courage, intelligence, and determination.
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)
I would choose to visit Raigad Fort, the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
History
- Originally called Rairi, captured by Shivaji in 1656.
- Shivaji’s coronation took place here in 1674.
- Served as the Maratha capital until captured by the British in 1818.
Architecture
- Located 820 metres above sea level, surrounded by deep valleys.
- Features strong walls, huge gates, watchtowers, market streets, water reservoirs, and royal quarters.
- The Maha Darwaza, Jagadishwar Temple, and Shivaji’s samadhi are notable structures.
Strategic importance
- Provided a commanding view of the region.
- Difficult to capture due to steep slopes and limited access.
- Served as the administrative and military headquarters of the empire.
Why I chose Raigad
Raigad represents Maratha pride and Swarajya. Visiting it would be like stepping into the very place where Shivaji planned his administration and campaigns. It stands as an inspiration for leadership, courage, and self-rule
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 by the late 18th century, the Marathas—not the Mughals—were the main political and military power in India. The Mughal Empire had weakened, while the Marathas controlled vast regions across central, western, and northern India.
Evidence
- The Marathas were the largest power in India before the British.
- They controlled Delhi from 1771 until the British takeover.
- The British had to fight three Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818) to defeat them.
- Internal disunity and British military tactics ended Maratha rule.
Thus, the British effectively replaced the Marathas as rulers of India.
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’s approach
- Respected all faiths while being a devout Hindu.
- Avoided harming places of worship.
- During the Sack of Surat, he spared Mohandas Parekh’s house and protected religious buildings.
- Rebuilt temples and encouraged Marathi and Sanskrit culture.
Later Maratha’s approach
- Generally, later Marathas continued Shivaji’s policy of tolerance.
- Supported religious practices in different regions, such as reviving Jagannath worship at Puri.
- Some later campaigns caused hardship, differing from Shivaji’s strict discipline.
Evidence
- Shivaji’s conduct in Surat.
- Maratha patronage of temples in Odisha.
- Cultural support across multi-religious regions.
Q6: The chapter describes how forts were ‘the core of the state’ for the Marathas. Why were they so important? How did they help the Marathas survive against larger enemies?
Ans: Forts were considered ‘the core of the state’ for the Marathas because they were the main centres of defence, administration, and control over surrounding territories.
Importance of forts:
- Strategic control: Located on hilltops or along the coast, forts allowed surveillance of key routes and regions.
- Military bases: Served as secure places to station troops, store weapons, and plan campaigns.
- Safe refuge: Provided protection for people and soldiers during invasions.
- Symbol of power: Showed Maratha authority in the region.
How they helped against larger enemies:
- Forts like Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sindhudurg were almost impossible to capture quickly due to their natural defences and strong fortifications.
- They allowed Marathas to use guerrilla warfare, attacking the enemy and then retreating safely to forts.
- Even when powerful enemies like Aurangzeb invaded, the network of forts enabled the Marathas to hold out for decades without being completely subdued.
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: Design of the Coin:
Front Side:
- Central image: A hill fort with the saffron flag flying on top, representing Swarājya and the Maratha network of forts.
- Around the image: Devanagari script inscription (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) to reflect cultural pride and language promotion.
Back Side:
- Central image: A warship sailing in the Arabian Sea, symbolising Maratha naval power.
- Above the ship: An image of Lord Ganesh, representing auspicious beginnings and Maratha faith.
- Below the ship: The year of minting in the Rājyābhiṣheka Shaka (coronation era) started by Shivaji.
Reason: They represent Maratha military strength, cultural identity, devotion, and maritime achievements.
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 for the welfare of the people. Shivaji proved that an Indian power could defeat stronger empires, govern effectively, and protect its citizens. His administration was fair, culturally vibrant, and militarily strong, supported by forts and a navy. Later, Marathas expanded across India, controlling Delhi and major regions before British conquest. Their long resistance delayed foreign domination and inspired future generations, laying early foundations for India’s freedom movement.
