Ramachandrapant Amatya’s advice about Europeans (Ādnyāpatra) warned that they:

Sought territory and proselytisation with navy and gunpowder

Shivaji’s early power base was consolidated mainly by:

Capturing and repairing neglected forts

Which description best fits Swarājya in this chapter?

A vision with political, economic and cultural aims

Why was Shivaji’s decision to create a navy considered revolutionary?

Most powers lacked full-time coastal navies

What tactic gave the Marathas repeated advantages against larger armies?

Guerrilla warfare using speed and terrain

After the Treaty of Purandar with Jai Singh, which outcome occurred?

He ceded territory; Sambhaji entered Mughal service

How did Shivaji escape Mughal custody at Agra?

Bribing guards at night and walking out openly

A key reason for British victory over Marathas was:

Superior British organisation/technology and Maratha disunity

Nana Phadnavis is credited with:

Organising a pan‑Indian anti‑British alliance

A major administrative reform by Shivaji was to:

Abolish hereditary posts and pay salaries from treasury

Which practice showed Shivaji’s welfare for soldiers’ families?

Pensions to widows; posts to soldiers’ sons

Which pair of Maratha taxes was commonly levied on non‑Maratha provinces?

Chauth (25%) & Sardeshmukhi (10%)

What did Shivaji’s coinage symbolise?

Sovereignty with Devanagari legends

Which statement on Maratha weaponry is accurate?

Swords/lances preferred; guns also used; rockets present by 1770

Why were forts called ‘the core of the state’?

Shelter/route control enabling survival against invasions

Kanhoji Angre’s policy toward Europeans aimed to:

Demand passes from Europeans and contest their sea control

NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science - Exploring Society India and Beyond Chapter 3 – The Rise of the Marathas

Name: The Rise of the Marathas – Class 8 Social Science - Exploring Society India and Beyond
Uploaded: 2026-04-15
Description: The Marathas, led by Shivaji Maharaj, built a powerful kingdom in the 17th century with strong forts, a navy, and efficient administration. They resisted Mughal and European powers, expanded across India, and inspired cultural revival and regional pride.

Class 8 Social Science - Exploring Society India and Beyond

Last Updated: 15 April 2026

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Chapter Introduction

The Marathas, led by Shivaji Maharaj, built a powerful kingdom in the 17th century with strong forts, a navy, and efficient administration. They resisted Mughal and European powers, expanded across India, and inspired cultural revival and regional pride.

हिंदी में (Hindi)

छत्रपति शिवाजी महाराज के नेतृत्व में मराठों ने 17वीं सदी में मजबूत किलों, नौसेना और कुशल प्रशासन के साथ एक शक्तिशाली साम्राज्य बनाया। उन्होंने मुगलों और यूरोपीय शक्तियों का विरोध किया, भारत में विस्तार किया और सांस्कृतिक पुनरुत्थान को प्रेरित किया।

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Important Points

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Practice MCQ Questions (60 questions)

Q1. Who were the Marathas primarily by region and language?

Q2. Which fort marks Shivaji’s coronation and the formal start of the Maratha Empire (1674)?

Q3. Which strand of spirituality helped build a strong cultural base in Maharashtra before political rise?

Q4. Which Marathi saints are directly linked to this period’s cultural foundation?

Q5. Which dynasty ruled much of Maharashtra before the 14th‑century Khilji conquest?

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Tough Words (Glossary)

merchant

Meaning: a person who buys and sells goods, especially in large amounts

अर्थ: व्यापारी; जो सामान खरीदता और बेचता है, खासकर बड़े पैमाने पर

"European merchants traded spices and textiles in Indian ports."

propagate

Meaning: to spread and promote widely (an idea or belief)

अर्थ: फैलाना; व्यापक रूप से प्रचार करना

"Some powers tried to propagate their religion along with trade."

obstinate

Meaning: refusing to change one’s opinion; stubborn

अर्थ: हठी; जिद्दी

"The governor faced an obstinate group that refused the new rules."

territory

Meaning: an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state

अर्थ: क्षेत्र; किसी शासक या राज्य के अधिकार क्षेत्र का भाग

"The empire expanded its territory across the Deccan."

gunpowder

Meaning: an explosive mixture used in guns and cannons

अर्थ: बारूद; बंदूकों और तोपों में प्रयुक्त विस्फोटक मिश्रण

"Gunpowder changed the balance of power in battles."

sovereignty

Meaning: supreme power or authority of a state to govern itself

अर्थ: संप्रभुता; स्वयं शासन करने की सर्वोच्च शक्ति

"Shivaji aimed to establish the sovereignty of his kingdom."

Deccan plateau

Meaning: a large plateau in southern India

अर्थ: दक्कन का पठार; दक्षिण भारत का विस्तृत पठारी क्षेत्र

"The Marathas were native to the Deccan plateau."

dynasty

Meaning: a line of rulers from the same family

अर्थ: वंश; एक ही परिवार के शासकों की पंक्ति

"The Yadava dynasty once ruled much of Maharashtra."

ritualism

Meaning: strict following of religious or ceremonial rules

अर्थ: कर्मकाण्ड; धार्मिक/अनुष्ठानिक नियमों का कठोर पालन

"Bhakti saints preferred devotion over empty ritualism."

devotional

Meaning: related to religious worship or deep faith

अर्थ: भक्तिपूर्ण; पूजा या गहरी आस्था से संबंधित

"They composed devotional songs in the local language."

accessible

Meaning: easy to reach or understand

अर्थ: सुलभ; जिसे आसानी से पहुँचा या समझा जा सके

"Translations made philosophy accessible to common people."

visionary

Meaning: having original ideas about the future

अर्थ: दूरदर्शी; भविष्य के बारे में मौलिक सोच रखने वाला

"Shivaji was a visionary leader and planner."

exploit (noun)

Meaning: a brave, exciting, or notable deed

अर्थ: वीरकर्म; साहसिक या उल्लेखनीय कार्य

"His exploits became legendary across India."

fortification

Meaning: a defensive wall or structure built to protect a place

अर्थ: किला-बंदी; रक्षा हेतु निर्मित प्राचीर/संरचना

"Coastal fortifications guarded important sea routes."

guerrilla

Meaning: referring to irregular warfare by small groups

अर्थ: गुरिल्ला; छोटी टुकड़ियों द्वारा होने वाला असंगठित युद्ध

"They used guerrilla tactics to surprise larger armies."

retaliatory

Meaning: done as a response or revenge

अर्थ: प्रतिशोधात्मक; जवाबी कार्रवाई के रूप में

"The raid was a retaliatory strike after years of attacks."

sack (verb)

Meaning: to plunder and destroy a city

अर्थ: लूटना और नष्ट करना; शहर पर धावा बोलना

"The army moved north to sack the wealthy port."

incensed

Meaning: very angry; enraged

अर्थ: क्रोधित; अत्यंत नाराज़

"Incensed by the insult, he left the court."

house arrest

Meaning: confinement to one’s home by authorities

अर्थ: गृह नज़रबंदी; घर में ही रोके रखना

"He was kept under house arrest in Agra."

devise

Meaning: to plan or invent by careful thought

अर्थ: युक्ति सूझना; योजना बनाना

"She devised a clever plan to escape."

coronation

Meaning: the ceremony of crowning a ruler

अर्थ: राज्याभिषेक; राजा का ताजपोशी समारोह

"The coronation took place at Raigad Fort."

era

Meaning: a long and distinct period of history

अर्थ: युग; ऐतिहासिक कालखंड

"A new era began with his reign."

strategic

Meaning: related to long-term plans for advantage

अर्थ: रणनीतिक; दीर्घकालीन लाभ से संबंधित

"The southern forts gave strategic depth to the kingdom."

brutal

Meaning: cruel and violent

अर्थ: क्रूर; निर्दयी

"The brutal execution shocked the people."

execute

Meaning: to put someone to death as a legal punishment

अर्थ: दण्डस्वरूप मृत्यु देना; फाँसी देना

"The captured leader was executed by the enemy."

staunch

Meaning: very loyal and committed

अर्थ: दृढ़ समर्थक; कट्टर निष्ठावान

"They were staunch defenders of their forts."

skirmish

Meaning: a minor, brief fight between small groups

अर्थ: झड़प; छोटी मुठभेड़

"Frequent skirmishes wore down the invaders."

subdue

Meaning: to bring under control by force

अर्थ: वश में करना; दबाना

"The empire tried to subdue the rebels."

contender

Meaning: a competitor for power or victory

अर्थ: दावेदार; प्रतिस्पर्धी

"They emerged as a strong contender to the Mughals."

decentralised

Meaning: with power spread among many units

अर्थ: विकेन्द्रीकृत; शक्ति का बँटा होना

"The state later became more decentralised."

autonomy

Meaning: self-governing freedom

अर्थ: स्वायत्तता; स्वयं निर्णय लेने की स्वतंत्रता

"Regional chiefs enjoyed considerable autonomy."

indiscipline

Meaning: lack of control or order

अर्थ: अअनुशासन; शिष्टाचार/नियमों की कमी

"Rapid expansion sometimes led to indiscipline."

pan-Indian

Meaning: covering or relating to all of India

अर्थ: सर्व-भारतीय; पूरे भारत से संबंधित

"They became the largest pan-Indian power of the time."

acumen

Meaning: the ability to make good judgments quickly

अर्थ: तीक्ष्ण बुद्धि; सूझ-बूझ

"His military acumen impressed even his rivals."

coalition

Meaning: a temporary alliance for combined action

अर्थ: गठबंधन; संयुक्त कार्य हेतु अस्थायी संधि

"A coalition of states defeated the empire’s army."

supremacy

Meaning: the state of being superior to all others

अर्थ: श्रेष्ठता; प्रभुत्व

"They challenged European naval supremacy."

maritime

Meaning: connected with the sea and shipping

अर्थ: समुद्री; नौवहन संबंधी

"Maritime trade brought wealth to the coast."

confiscate

Meaning: to take something away by authority

अर्थ: ज़ब्त करना; अधिकारपूर्वक लेना

"Ships without passes were confiscated."

cartaz

Meaning: a naval pass used by the Portuguese for sea trade

अर्थ: कार्ताज़; पुर्तगालियों द्वारा दिया जाने वाला समुद्री व्यापार पास

"Sailors had to buy a cartaz to sail safely."

jurisdiction

Meaning: official power to make legal decisions

अर्थ: अधिकार-क्षेत्र; विधिक निर्णय करने का अधिकार

"The kotwal had jurisdiction within the city."

moderation

Meaning: the quality of not being extreme

अर्थ: संयम; मध्यमता

"Their judicial system showed moderation in punishments."

verdict

Meaning: a decision on a disputed issue

अर्थ: फ़ैसला; निर्णय

"An appeal was allowed against the local verdict."

riverine

Meaning: related to rivers

अर्थ: नदीय; नदियों से संबंधित

"A riverine network of ferries improved transport."

revival

Meaning: an improvement or comeback after decline

अर्थ: पुनर्जीवन; फिर से उन्नति

"There was a revival of arts and learning."

desecrated

Meaning: treated a sacred place with violent disrespect

अर्थ: अपवित्र किया हुआ; पवित्र स्थान का अनादर

"He rebuilt desecrated temples across the region."

devout

Meaning: deeply religious

अर्थ: धार्मिक; आस्थावान

"She was a devout ruler who cared for her people."

tenacity

Meaning: persistent determination

अर्थ: दृढ़ता; हठपूर्वक लगे रहने की शक्ति

"Her tenacity helped defend the kingdom."

scion

Meaning: a descendant of a notable family

अर्थ: वंशज; प्रतिष्ठित परिवार का सदस्य

"She was a scion of the Holkar dynasty."

revitalise

Meaning: to give new life and energy to something

अर्थ: पुनर्जीवित करना; नई जान डालना

"She revitalised traditional weaving in the region."

syncretic

Meaning: combining different cultures or beliefs

अर्थ: समन्वित; विभिन्न परम्पराओं का मेल

"Thanjavur saw a syncretic cultural flowering."

patronage

Meaning: support given by a patron, especially for the arts

अर्थ: संरक्षण; विशेषकर कला के लिए दिया गया सहारा

"Music flourished under royal patronage."

inscription

Meaning: words carved or written on a surface

अर्थ: लेख; किसी सतह पर उत्कीर्ण/लिखे शब्द

"An inscription recorded the dynasty’s history."

posterity

Meaning: all future generations of people

अर्थ: भावी पीढ़ियाँ; आने वाली पीढ़ियाँ

"The record was preserved for posterity."

multilingual

Meaning: able to speak or use several languages

अर्थ: बहुभाषी; कई भाषाओं का प्रयोग करने वाला

"The court was a multilingual environment."

formidable

Meaning: very powerful and difficult to defeat

अर्थ: दुर्जेय; जिसे हराना कठिन हो

"Their formidable navy resisted European fleets."

NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science - Exploring Society India and Beyond Chapter 3 – The Rise of the Marathas

Chapter Introduction

Watch Video Lecture

Important Points

Practice MCQ Questions (60 questions)

Q1. Who were the Marathas primarily by region and language?

Q2. Which fort marks Shivaji’s coronation and the formal start of the Maratha Empire (1674)?

Q3. Which strand of spirituality helped build a strong cultural base in Maharashtra before political rise?

Q4. Which Marathi saints are directly linked to this period’s cultural foundation?

Q5. Which dynasty ruled much of Maharashtra before the 14th‑century Khilji conquest?

Q6. Ramachandrapant Amatya’s advice about Europeans (Ādnyāpatra) warned that they:

Q7. Shivaji was born in 1630 into which clan?

Q8. Who primarily raised and guided Shivaji during Shahji’s absences?

Q9. Shivaji’s early power base was consolidated mainly by:

Q10. Which description best fits Swarājya in this chapter?

Q11. Why was Shivaji’s decision to create a navy considered revolutionary?

Q12. What tactic gave the Marathas repeated advantages against larger armies?

Q13. Where did Shivaji kill Afzal Khan after arranging a meeting?

Q14. Which small clawed weapon is associated with Afzal Khan’s death?

Q15. Which Mughal noble lost fingers in a daring night raid by Shivaji?

Q16. Which wealthy Mughal port city did Shivaji sack, twice, humiliating the Empire?

Q17. Shivaji’s lettered demands to European agents at Surat appeared in which medium?

Q18. After the Treaty of Purandar with Jai Singh, which outcome occurred?

Q19. How did Shivaji escape Mughal custody at Agra?

Q20. Shivaji’s post‑coronation southern campaign is known as:

Q21. Shivaji’s formal title after coronation was:

Q22. Shivaji’s own era started after coronation was called:

Q23. Shivaji died around age:

Q24. Which Bundela prince drew inspiration from Shivaji to found Bundelkhand’s independence?

Q25. Which European abuse did Shivaji oppose in the South?

Q26. After Shivaji, who became Chhatrapati and was later executed by Aurangzeb?

Q27. Which Maratha capital fell to the Mughals after Sambhaji’s capture?

Q28. From which fort in Tamil Nadu did Rajaram continue resistance?

Q29. Which queen led expansive offensives into Mughal territories and preserved Maratha independence?

Q30. Which office rose to paramount influence during the 18th‑century expansion?

Q31. Under the Peshwas, the Marathas briefly held which frontier towns?

Q32. The disastrous defeat of the Marathas in 1761 occurred at:

Q33. Which Peshwa led a strong recovery after 1761?

Q34. Who recaptured Delhi for the Marathas in 1771?

Q35. Which statement best captures the late‑18th‑century rivalry?

Q36. How many Anglo‑Maratha Wars were fought?

Q37. A key reason for British victory over Marathas was:

Q38. Nana Phadnavis is credited with:

Q39. The chapter argues Britain effectively took India:

Q40. Which year roughly marks Shivaji’s coronation?

Q41. A major administrative reform by Shivaji was to:

Q42. Which practice showed Shivaji’s welfare for soldiers’ families?

Q43. How many ministers comprised the aṣṭa‑pradhāna manḍala?

Q44. Match the council role: Amātya

Q45. Which pair of Maratha taxes was commonly levied on non‑Maratha provinces?

Q46. What did Shivaji’s coinage symbolise?

Q47. Bārgīrs in Maratha cavalry were those whose horses/equipment were:

Q48. Shiledārs in Maratha cavalry were:

Q49. Which statement on Maratha weaponry is accurate?

Q50. Why were forts called ‘the core of the state’?

Q51. Kanhoji Angre’s policy toward Europeans aimed to:

Q52. The Muscat incident (1665) ended with the ruler retreating because:

Q53. Primary judicial body delivering local justice under Marathas was the:

Q54. Urban law and order in cities like Pune/Indore was overseen by the:

Q55. Which distant ports did Maratha trade ships regularly visit?

Q56. Shivaji’s seal inscription emphasised:

Q57. The Rājya‑Vyavahāra‑Koṣha aimed to:

Q58. Ahilyabai Holkar’s most famed reconstructions include:

Q59. Tarabai’s strategic insight during Aurangzeb’s southern focus was to:

Q60. Which Thanjavur Maratha ruler stands out for medicine, printing, arts and a Marathi play?