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The Rise of the Marathas – Class 8 Social Science notes, important questions and MCQs

NCERT Class 8 Social Science, chapter 3. Notes, key terms, important questions with answers and MCQs.

Chapter overview

In the 17th century, the Marathas rose as a major power in western India under Chhatrapati Shivaji. Using forts, a strong navy, guerrilla warfare and good administration, Shivaji built a kingdom that challenged the Mughals. Under the Peshwas in the 18th century, Maratha power spread across much of India until the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.

Shivaji and the Maratha kingdom

Shivaji (1630–1680) captured forts in the Western Ghats and used swift guerrilla tactics.
He was crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad in 1674.
His administration had a council of eight ministers, the Ashtapradhan, and a well-organised revenue system.
He built a strong navy and coastal forts such as Sindhudurg.

Expansion under the Peshwas

After Shivaji, the Peshwas (chief ministers), such as Balaji Vishwanath and Baji Rao I, made the Marathas powerful across India.
The Marathas collected chauth (one-fourth of land revenue) and sardeshmukhi (an extra one-tenth) from many regions.
Maratha chiefs such as the Holkars, Scindias, Gaekwads and Bhonsles ruled large areas.

Panipat and after

In the Third Battle of Panipat (1761), Ahmad Shah Abdali defeated the Marathas.
The Marathas recovered later but were finally defeated by the British in the Anglo-Maratha wars (1818).

Key terms

Chhatrapati: the title of the Maratha king, meaning 'lord of the umbrella'
Ashtapradhan: Shivaji's council of eight ministers
Chauth: a tax equal to one-fourth of land revenue collected by the Marathas
Guerrilla warfare: fighting in small groups with surprise attacks, using knowledge of the terrain

Important questions with answers

What were chauth and sardeshmukhi?2 marks

Chauth was a tax equal to one-fourth of the land revenue that the Marathas collected from areas outside their direct control, in return for not raiding them. Sardeshmukhi was an additional tax of one-tenth that the Maratha king claimed as the hereditary head of the region.

Why was Shivaji successful against more powerful enemies?3 marks

Shivaji controlled many hill forts in the Western Ghats and used guerrilla warfare with swift surprise attacks. He had a loyal army of local people, a strong navy and coastal forts, and an efficient administration with the Ashtapradhan and a fair revenue system, which won the support of the people.

Describe the rise of the Marathas from Shivaji to the Third Battle of Panipat.5 marks

Shivaji (1630–1680) began by capturing forts in the Western Ghats and used guerrilla warfare against the Bijapur sultanate and the Mughals. He was crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad in 1674. He set up a strong administration with a council of eight ministers, the Ashtapradhan, a fair land revenue system, a disciplined army and a navy with forts such as Sindhudurg. After his death the Mughals under Aurangzeb tried to crush the Marathas, but they continued to resist. In the 18th century, the Peshwas, beginning with Balaji Vishwanath and especially Baji Rao I, expanded Maratha power to central and north India. Maratha chiefs such as the Holkars, Scindias, Gaekwads and Bhonsles ruled large territories and collected chauth and sardeshmukhi. In 1761 Ahmad Shah Abdali defeated the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat, which was a major setback, though they later regained much influence until the British defeated them in 1818.

Quick revision

Shivaji: forts, navy, guerrilla warfare.
Ashtapradhan and good revenue system.
Peshwas expanded power; chauth and sardeshmukhi.
Third Panipat 1761 vs Ahmad Shah Abdali.

Exam tips

Remember: 1674 coronation at Raigad; 1761 Third Panipat.
Explain why forts and guerrilla tactics suited the Western Ghats.

Practice MCQs

Shivaji was crowned Chhatrapati at
1. Pune
2. Raigad
3. Delhi
4. Satara
Show answer
Answer: (b) Raigad. The coronation took place in 1674.
Shivaji's council of eight ministers was called the
1. Navaratna
2. Ashtapradhan
3. Panchayat
4. Diwan
Show answer
Answer: (b) Ashtapradhan. Each minister had a department.
The Third Battle of Panipat was fought in
1. 1526
2. 1556
3. 1761
4. 1857
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1761. Ahmad Shah Abdali defeated the Marathas.
Chauth was a tax equal to
1. one-tenth of revenue
2. all of revenue
3. half of revenue
4. one-fourth of land revenue
Show answer
Answer: (d) one-fourth of land revenue. Sardeshmukhi was an extra one-tenth.
Which Peshwa greatly expanded Maratha power in the north
1. Balaji Vishwanath
2. Nana Fadnavis
3. Baji Rao I
4. Madhav Rao II
Show answer
Answer: (c) Baji Rao I. He led campaigns into central and north India.
Shivaji's guerrilla warfare suited the Western Ghats because
1. the land was flat
2. hills and forests allowed surprise attacks and quick retreats
3. there were no forts
4. the Mughals had no army
Show answer
Answer: (b) hills and forests allowed surprise attacks and quick retreats. Knowledge of terrain was an advantage.
The Marathas were finally defeated by the British in
1. 1761
2. 1818
3. 1857
4. 1947
Show answer
Answer: (b) 1818. The Anglo-Maratha wars ended Maratha power.
Which coastal fort was built by Shivaji to strengthen his navy
1. Sindhudurg
2. Red Fort
3. Golconda
4. Chittorgarh
Show answer
Answer: (a) Sindhudurg. It stands on an island off the Konkan coast.

All chapters of Class 8 Social Science

Written by Kundali IQ from standard, well-established facts to help with revision. This is not an official NCERT publication; always read your textbook too.