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Class 8 Social Science Chapter 3 Question Answer The Rise of the Marathas
NCERT Class 8 Social Science Chapter 3 The Rise of the Marathas Questions and Answers Solutions
The Rise of the Marathas Class 8 Question Answer (In-Text)
The Big Questions? (Page 61)
Question 1.
Who were the Marathas? How did they manage to become the largest pan-Indian power before the British took over?
Answer:
The Marathas were a brave warrior group from western India who became powerful under-the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji used smart tactics like guerrilla warfare and built many forts to protect his kingdom. After his death, leaders like the Peshwas continued to expand the Maratha Empire across large parts of India. The Marathas had a strong administration, encouraged trade, and helped revive Indian culture and traditions. Even when they faced defeats, such as the Battle of Panipat, they quickly recovered. Their unity, bravery, and good leadership helped them become the largest Indian power before the British took over the country.
Question 2.
What were some features of their governance?
Answer:
The Maratha governance had several important features:
- Shivaji created a strong and centralised administration.
- He set up a council of eight ministers called the Ashta Pradhan to help him run the kingdom.
- Government officials were paid salaries and regularly transferred to prevent misuse of power.
- They had a fair judicial system and rarely gave the death penalty.
- The Marathas collected taxes like chauth and sardeshmukhi from areas they protected.
- They had a well-organised army with infantry, cavalry, and a navy.
- Shivaji also cared for soldiers and their families, giving pensions to widows.
- Trade and roads were encouraged and maintained to help the economy.
Question 3.
What impact did the Maratha Empire leave in Indian History?
Answer:
The Maratha Empire had a big impact on Indian history. They challenged Mughal rule and became the largest Indian power before the British. Shivaji inspired people with the idea of Swarajya (self¬rule). The Marathas set up a strong administration and encouraged local languages and culture. They protected Indian traditions and rebuilt many temples. Even after facing defeats, they quickly recovered and showed strong leadership. Their fight for freedom and good governance inspired future leaders and planted early ideas for India’s independence.
Let’s Explore
Question 1.
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. (Page 63)
Answer:
Yes, I have heard the term bhakti. It means deep love and devotion towards God. The Bhakti Movement was a time in Indian history when many saints taught people that anyone can reach God through love, prayer, and simple living—no matter their caste or background.
One famous Bhakti saint was Mirabai from Rajasthan.
- About Mirabai:
- She lived in the 16th century and was bom into a royal family.
- She was a great devotee of Lord Krishna.
- She left her royal life to travel and sing songs (bhajans) about Krishna.
- She believed that love for God is more important than rituals or traditions.
- Her Teachings:
- God is for everyone, not just the rich or powerful.
- We should love all people and live a simple life.
- True devotion comes from the heart.
A Famous Bhajan by Mirabai: “Payo Ji Maine Ram Ratan Dhan Payo” (1 have received the priceless treasure of God’s name.)
This bhajan shows how she found peace and happiness through devotion to God. Mirabai’s life and songs still inspire many people to believe in love, devotion, and inner strength.
Question 2.
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. (Page 66)
Answer:
Guerrilla warfare is a type of fighting where small groups of soldiers use hit-and-run tactics instead of fighting in large open battles. They surprise the enemy, attack quickly, and then disappear before the enemy can strike back. This method is useful when a smaller group is fighting a bigger, stronger army.
Countries that used guerrilla warfare:
- India: Shivaji and the Marathas used guerrilla warfare in the Western Ghats (hilly regions) to fight against the Mughals. They used forests, mountains, and forts to their advantage.
- Vietnam: During the Vietnam War, the Vietnamese used guerrilla tactics to fight powerful American forces. They used jungles and underground tunnels to hide and move.
- Spain: During the Napoleonic Wars, Spanish fighters used guerrilla warfare to attack the French army in villages and mountains.
- Cuba: Fidel Castro and his fighters used guerrilla tactics in the mountains to fight the Cuban government and gain control.
- China: Mao Zedong led communist fighters using guerrilla warfare to fight stronger forces during the Chinese revolution.
These countries used their natural surroundings like forests, hills, and caves to protect themselves and launch surprise attacks.
Question 3.
Pick an event from Shivaji’s life and with your classmates, stage it as a play. (Page 69)
Answer:
Do it yourself.
Question 4.
Have you heard of the dance form ‘Bharatnatyam’?
Did you know that this dance form has a deep connection with the Marathas? Can you find out what this connection was? (Page 80)
Answer:
Yes, I have heard of the dance form Bharatnatyam. It is one of the oldest and most famous classical dance forms of India, known for its graceful movements, expressions, and storytelling through dance.
The connection between Bharatnatyam and the Marathas is through the Maratha rulers of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. Shivaji’s half-brother, Ekoji, established Maratha rule in Thanjavur in the late 1600s. The Maratha kings of Thanjavur, especially Serfoji II, were great patrons of art and culture. They supported and helped develop Bharatnatyam during their rule.
Serfoji II encouraged dance, music, and drama. Under his rule, Bharatnatyam was practiced and performed in temples and royal courts. He also helped preserve it by supporting dancers and teachers, and recording performances in written and artistic forms. Thanks to the Maratha support, Bharatnatyam survived and grew into the respected art form we know today.
Think About It
Question 1.
If you could time-travel and meet Shivaji, what three questions would you ask him and why? (Page 65)
Answer:
If I could time-travel and meet Shivaji, I would ask him these three questions:
(i) What inspired you to dream of Swarajya (self-rule) when most of India was under foreign rule? I would ask this to understand what gave him the courage and vision to fight for freedom during such difficult times.
(ii) How did you manage to win battles against much larger armies like the Mughals using guerrilla warfare?
This would help me learn more about his smart military strategies and how he used geography to his advantage.
(iii) How did you keep your people united and loyal, even during hard times?
I want to know how he inspired such strong leadership and built a dedicated administration that lasted even after his death.
Question 2.
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: ‘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 the mango and jackfruit are also useful, but do not touch them. Because such trees take many years to mature, and the people look after 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 in any circumstances.” Based on Shivaji’s letter, what can you tell about his values as a ruler? (Page 73)
Answer:
Based on Shivaji’s letter, we can see that he was a kind and thoughtful ruler who cared deeply for his people and the environment. He believed injustice and fairness, and he did not want his officials to harm the common people or their property. Shivaji understood the importance of trees and nature, and he respected the feelings of the people who cared for them. He believed that any success gained by hurting others would not last. This shows that Shivaji ruled with compassion, wisdom, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Class 8 SST Chapter 3 The Rise of the Marathas Question Answer (Exercise)
Question 1.
Analyse how geography (particularly mountains and coastlines) guided Maratha military strategy and state formation.
Answer:
Geography played a key role in the Maratha military strategy and state formation. The Marathas used the hill forts in the Sahyadri mountains to build
strong defences and protect themselves from larger enemy forces like the Mughals. These forts, built by Shivaji, were located in hard-to-reach places and gave the Marathas a big advantage.
They also used guerrilla warfare, which worked well in the hilly and forested areas. This allowed them to attack suddenly and then disappear into the mountains. This made it difficult for enemies to catch or defeat them.
Additionally, the Marathas took advantage of the coastline by building a navy under Shivaji’s leadership. The navy protected trade routes and defended the empire from foreign powers like the Portuguese and the British. Thus, the Marathas used both the mountains and the coastline cleverly to strengthen their rule and expand their empire.
Question 2.
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.
Answer:
Ahilyabai Holkar: A Wise and Brave Queen Ahilyabai Holkar was one of the most respected women rulers in Indian history. She belonged to the Holkar dynasty of the Marathas and ruled the kingdom of Indore in the 18th century. Even after losing her husband and later her son, she bravely took on the responsibility of running the kingdom. She ruled for nearly 30 years with wisdom, care, and justice.
Ahilyabai is remembered for her kind rule and her deep concern for her people. She built many temples, dharamshalas, wells, and roads across India from the north at Kedarnath to the south at Rameshwaram. One of her most famous achievements was rebuilding the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, which had been destroyed earlier. She also helped in restoring the Somnath temple in Gujarat.
One of the big challenges she faced was ruling in a time when women were rarely allowed to hold power. But Ahilyabai proved that strong leadership was not limited by gender. She gained the respect of her people and even of other rulers through her fairness, courage, and devotion.
Ahilyabai Holkar’s life teaches us the values of service, strength, and devotion to duty. She is an inspiration for all young students, showing that true leadership comes from caring for others and working for the good of all.
Question 3.
If you could visit one Maratha fort today (such as Raigad, Sindhudurg, Gingee, or Pratapgad), 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.
Answer:
Do it yourself.
Question 4.
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?
Answer:
The statement “The British took India from the Marathas more than from the Mughals or any other power” means that the Marathas were the main Indian power that the British had to defeat in order to take control of the country. After the Mughal Empire weakened, the Marathas rose to become the largest Indian empire before the British arrived. According to the chapters Rise and Legacy of Shivaji & the Marathas and The Rise and Fall of the Maratha Empire After Shivaji, the Marathas expanded rapidly under leaders like Shivaji and later the Peshwas. They had strong military strategies, such as guerrilla warfare, and controlled large parts of central and northern India. They also had a well- organized administration and supported local culture and trade.
As mentioned in The Maratha Legacy: Governance, Culture, and Resistance, even after suffering major defeats like the Third Battle of Panipat, the Marathas managed to recover quickly. Their governance model, cultural revival efforts, and continued resistance made them a strong force. Because they remained powerful for a long time, the British had to fight and defeat them before they could fully control India. This is why the British are said to-have taken India more from the Marathas than from the Mughals.
Question 5.
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?
Answer:
Shivaji was a devout Hindu, but he respected people of all religions. He rebuilt desecrated temples and promoted religious institutions, while still showing tolerance toward other faiths. His actions reflected a strong commitment to preserving Indian culture without being oppressive to others.
Later Marathas continued this inclusive approach. Ahilyabai Holkar, for example, rebuilt important Hindu temples like Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and Somnath in Gujarat, but she also ruled with care for all her people, regardless of their religion. The Thanjavur Marathas encouraged a mix of cultures Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu—showing their openness to diversity. This evidence shows that both Shivaji and later Marathas supported religious harmony and cultural preservation, rather than enforcing religious dominance.
Question 6.
The chapter describes how forts were ‘the core of the state’ for Marathas. Why were they so important? How did they help the Marathas survive against larger enemies?
Answer:
Forts were very important to the Marathas because they served as strongholds for defense, administration, and control over regions. Shivaji understood the importance of forts and built or captured many of them across hilltops and strategic locations. These forts helped the Marathas resist attacks from larger and better-equipped enemies like the Mughals.
The forts allowed the Marathas to store supplies, shelter soldiers, and control key routes. Because they were often located in mountainous areas, it was difficult for enemies to capture them. Even when the Marathas lost battles, they could retreat to their forts and regroup. This strategy helped them survive and recover quickly. maintaining their power even against stronger forces.
Question 7.
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.
Answer:
Do it yourself
Question 8.
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 tiom the chapter. Then share and discLlss your ideas with classmates.
Answer:
The most important contribution of the Marathas to Indian history was their strong belief in Swarajya (self-rule), as shown by Shivaji’s vision and leadership. According to the chapter, Shivaji established an efficient administration, protected the rights of his people, and encouraged the use of local languages like Marathi and Sanskrit instead of Persian. Mier him, the Marathas expanded across large parts of India. even challenging the Mughal Empire.
They rebuilt temples, supported traditional arts and crafts, and promoted religious haniiony. Their legacy showed that Indians could govern themselves and protect their culture, which later inspired the idea of independence from British rule.