The Rise of the Marathas Class 8 Extra Questions and Answers SST Chapter 3

Students revise important topics using Class 8 SST Extra Questions and Class 8th SST Chapter 3 The Rise of the Marathas Important Extra Question Answer before exams.

Class 8 SST Chapter 3 The Rise of the Marathas Extra Questions

NCERT Class 8 Social Science Chapter 3 Extra Questions on The Rise of the Marathas

The Rise of the Marathas Class 8 Very Short Question Answer

Question 1.
Who was Shivaji and what was his major contribution to Indian history?
Answer:
Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire. He is known for establishing a strong, independent Hindu kingdom in western India and promoting the idea of “Swarajya” or self-rule. His guerrilla tactics and administrative skills laid the foundation for Maratha power.

Question 2.
What was the significance of forts in Shivaji’s military strategy?
Answer:
Forts were crucial to Shivaji’s defense system. Built on hilltops and coastal regions, they provided security, administrative centers, and helped in guerrilla warfare. They allowed quick movements and strongholds in enemy territory.

Question 3.
What happened to the Maratha Empire after Shivaji’s death?
Answer:
After Shivaji’s death in 1680, the Maratha Empire faced internal conflicts and Mughal attacks, but later revived under leaders like Sambhaji, Rajaram, and especially the Peshwas.

Question 4.
How did Ahilyabai Holkar contribute to Maratha legacy?
Answer:
Ahilyabai Holkar ruled Malwa with wisdom and devotion. She is remembered for promoting welfare, restoring temples, building infrastructure, and ensuring justice. Her reign is considered a golden period in Maratha governance.

Question 5.
What role did Kanhoji Angre play in Maratha naval power?
Answer:
Kanhoji Angre was a notable Maratha naval commander who defended the Konkan coast against European powers. He strengthened the Maratha navy and secured sea trade routes.

Question 6.
What caused the decline of the Maratha Empire after Shivaji?
Answer:
After Shivaji’s death, internal conflicts, weak successors, and the defeat at the Third Battle of Panipat weakened the empire. The British used these divisions to slowly take over Maratha territories.

Question 7.
Who were the Peshwas and what role did they play?
Answer:
The Peshwas were prime ministers of the Maratha
Empire. After Shivaji, they became powerful rulers and expanded Maratha influence across much of India, especially under Peshwa Baji Rao I.

Question 8.
What administrative reform is Shivaji remembered for?
Answer:
Shivaji introduced the Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight Ministers) to manage different aspects of governance like finance, internal affairs, and defense. This system improved administrative efficiency.

Question 9.
What was the impact of the Third Battle of Panipat on the Marathas?
Answer:
In 1761, the Marathas were defeated by Ahmad Shah Abdali at Panipat. The battle weakened their military strength and slowed their expansion in northern India but they quickly recovered durubg the time’of Peshwa Madhavrail.

Question 10.
What was the Maratha Confederacy?
Answer:
After Shivaji, the empire evolved into a confederacy with regional leaders like the Scindias, Holkars, and Gaekwads holding power while the Peshwas coordinated overall policy from Pune.

The Rise of the Marathas Class 8 Short Question Answer

Question 1.
How did Shivaji use guerrilla warfare to challenge the Mughals?
Answer:
Shivaji used guerrilla tactics effectively by launching surprise attacks, retreating into the hills, and using his knowledge of local terrain. This strategy allowed smaller Maratha forces to defeat larger Mughal armies. His hit-and-run tactics, combined with strong fortifications, made it difficult for the Mughals to maintain control over Deccan regions.

Question 2.
Describe the significance of the Third Battle of Panipat.
Answer:
The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 was a major turning point. The Marathas fought against Ahmad Shah Abdali and lost. This defeat significantly weakened their military power and morale. Although they recovered later under Mahadji Scindia, the empire never regained its earlier strength and unity. It marked the beginning of the decline of Maratha dominance in northern India.

Question 3.
What was Ahilyabai Holkar’s approach to governance?
Answer:
Ahilyabai Holkar ruled with justice, compassion, and efficiency. She focused on rebuilding temples, maintaining roads, and supporting trade. She did not discriminate based on religion and ensured peace and prosperity in her kingdom. Her administration is praised for being inclusive and welfare-oriented.

Question 4.
Write a short note on Tarabia, the mighty Maratha woman.
Answer:
Tarabai was the brave widow of Chhatrapati Rajaram, son of Shivaji. After her husband’s death in 1700, she led the Maratha resistance against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. As regent for her young son, she skilfully managed the administration and inspired the Maratha army with her leadership. Her courage and determination helped keep Maratha power alive during a critical period. Tarabai is remembered as a fearless and intelligent leader in Maratha history.

Question 5.
How did the Marathas resist British expansion?
Answer:
The Marathas used their decentralized leadership and strong regional armies to resist British control. Leaders like Mahadji Scindia and the Peshwas formed alliances and launched campaigns. However, internal divisions and defeats in the Anglo-Maratha Wars eventually led to British dominance.

The Rise of the Marathas Class 8 Long Question Answer

Question 1.
Discuss the administrative system established by Shivaji.
Answer:
Shivaji developed a centralized administrative system with the Ashtapradhan council of eight ministers, each responsible for specific functions like finance, defense, and foreign affairs. He emphasized discipline, merit, and accountability. Revenue collection was improved by surveying land and ensuring fair taxation. Shivaji respected local traditions and promoted justice. His system served as a model of governance and inspired later rulers. This efficient and people-centric administration helped stabilize and expand the Maratha Empire.

Question 2.
Evaluate the legacy of the Marathas in Indian history.
Answer:
The Marathas played a crucial role in ending Mughal dominance and resisting British expansion. Their emphasis on local governance, regional pride, and military innovation left a lasting impact. They supported art, culture, and religion. Leaders like Shivaji and Ahilyabai Holkar became symbols of good governance and justice. Even after their fall, their legacy continued to inspire Indian nationalism and the freedom movement.

Question 3.
What challenges did the Marathas face after Shivaji’s death?
Answer:
After Shivaji’s death in 1680, the Maratha Empire faced internal succession struggles, Mughal invasions under Aurangzeb, and decentralization of power. Although leaders like Sambhaji and later the Peshwas tried to restore stability, conflicts among regional chiefs and repeated wars weakened the empire. The Third Battle of Panipat further diminished their power, making them vulnerable to British expansion.

Question 4.
How did the Maratha navy contribute to their power?
Answer:
Under leaders like Kanhoji Angre, the Maratha navy dominated the western coast and protected trade routes from European powers. They established naval bases and fortresses like Vijaydurg. This control over the Arabian Sea helped the Marathas secure resources, resist invasions, and expand maritime influence. The navy was an essential aspect of Maratha defense and economic strategy.

Question 5.
Analyze the causes and consequences of the Third Battle of Panipat.
Answer:
Fought in 1761 between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Third Battle of Panipat was caused by the Marathas’ ambition to control Delhi and northern India. Despite initial success, the Marathas were defeated due to poor coordination and lack of local support. The defeat led to huge casualties and loss of morale. Although they recovered under Mahadji Scindia, the empire never regained its earlier unity.

The Rise of the Marathas Class 8 Source Based Questions

Question 1.
Read the below sources and answer the questions that follow:
Shivaji made excellent use of the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats. He built a chain of strategically located forts and adopted guerrilla warfare, attacking enemies by surprise and retreating into the hills. He enforced strict discipline among his troops and treated civilians respectfully. His administration promoted local languages and efficient revenue collection.

(i) What military strategy did Shivaji use, and why was it effective?
Answer:
Shivaji used guerrilla warfare, which was effective because it allowed him to surprise enemies and take advantage of the difficult terrain.

(ii) How did Shivaji ensure discipline in his army?
Answer:
Shivaji enforced strict discipline by preventing looting and mistreatment of civiliAnswer:

(iii) Name two features of Shivaji’s administration.
Answer:
Shivaji’s administration promoted local languages and had an efficient revenue collection system.

Question 2.
The Maratha Empire was founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. He built a strong army, introduced efficient administration, and promoted local languages. After his death, leaders like Sambhaji, Rajaram, and later the Peshwas expanded the empire. Under Peshwa Baji Rao I, the Marathas became a major power in India. They challenged Mughal dominance and ruled large parts of the country. However, the defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 weakened their strength.

(i) How did Shivaji’s policies strengthen the Maratha Empire?
Answer:
Shivaji’s policies like building a strong army, efficient administration, and use of local languages created a solid foundation for the Maratha Empire’s growth and unity.

(ii) Why can Peshwa Baji Rao I be considered an important leader in Maratha history?
Answer:
Peshwa Baji Rao I expanded Maratha influence across India, challenged the Mughal Empire, and helped establish Maratha dominance in many regions.

(iii) What can we infer about the challenges the Maratha Empire faced after 1761?
Answer:
After their defeat at Panipat, the Marathas likely faced military setbacks, loss of territory, and declining political strength, making it harder to maintain their empire.

The Rise of the Marathas Class 8 Picture Based Questions

Observe the below picture and answer the questions that follow:

(i) What does the image of Tarabai on horseback suggest about her leadership?
Answer:
The image depicts Tarabai riding confidently on horseback with a sword in hand, surrounded by soldiers, symbolizing her active and courageous role as a military leader in Maratha resistance against the Mughals.

(ii) Who was Tarabai and what role did she play after the death of her husband?
Answer:
Tarabai was a fearless Maratha warrior queen who took charge after the death of her husband, Rajaram, and led the Marathas during a crucial period of conflict with the Mughals.

(iii) How did Tarabai contribute to the expansion of the Maratha Empire?
Answer:
Tarabai realised the vulnerability of north India due to Aurangzeb’s presence in the Deccan, so she organised large Maratha armies and sent them northward, thus initiating Maratha expansion into Mughal territory.

Class 8 The Rise of the Marathas Extra Questions for Practice

I. Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
What was Serfoji II’s notable contribution in Thanjavur?
(a) Led the Marathas in Panipat
(b) Banned Sanskrit texts
(c) Set up a printing press and promoted Carnatic music
(d) Destroyed Hindu temples

Question 2.
Who was the founder of the Maratha empire?
(a) Balaji Baji Rao
(b) Sambhaji
(c) Tipu Sultan
(d) Shivaji Maharaj

Question 3.
What was the main reason behind the decline of Maratha power in the 19th century?
(a) Famine
(b) British military campaigns and internal divisions
(c) Invasion by the Ahoms
(d) Strong Mughal resistance

Question 4.
Which Maratha woman ruler resisted Mughal expansion after her husband’s death?
(a) Rani Durgavati
(c) Ahilyabai Holkar
(c) Tarabai
(d) Rani Lakshmi Bai

Question 5.
The Maratha naval commander known for defending Konkan coast was:
(a) Bajirao I
(b) Kanhoji Angre
(c) Mahadji Scindia
(d) Nana Phadnavis

II. Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What was Shivaji’s strategy of guerrilla warfare, and how did it help him?

Question 2.
How did Shivaji ensure a disciplined and loyal administration?

Question 3.
What role did the Peshwas play after Shivaji’s death?

Question 4.
Why .did the Maratha Empire decline after the Third Battle of Panipat?

Question 5.
How did the Maratha forts serve both military and administrative purposes?

III. Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What role did forts play in Maratha administration?

Question 2.
Who were the Peshwas and what was their role?

Question 3.
Who was Ekoji? What was his achievement?

Question 4.
Describe the administrative system of the Marathas.

Question 5.
Who was Serfoji? What was his contribution in the field of medicine?

IV. Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
How did the Maratha Confederacy function?

Question 2.
How did Marathas contribute in India’s cultural developments?

Question 3.
Describe the achievements of Ahilyabai Holkar.

Question 4.
Why is Tarabai remembered even today? What did she do for the Maratha empire?

Question 5.
Discuss the Judicial system of the Marathas.