How to Use This Page
This page provides complete exercise solutions for The Marathas chapter from the Samacheer Kalvi Class 11 History textbook. Follow these steps for thorough preparation:
1. Read the textbook chapter first — these solutions supplement, not replace, the original text. 2. Attempt every question on your own before checking answers. 3. Study the explanations carefully — understanding the reasoning behind each answer is crucial. 4. Use the Key Concepts table for quick revision before exams. 5. Review Common Mistakes to avoid frequently tested errors.
Key Concepts (Quick Recap)
| Concept | Details |
|---|
| Founder | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1627-1680) |
| Capital | Raigad (after coronation in 1674) |
| Shivaji's father | Shahji Bhonsle, a jagirdar under Bijapur |
| Shivaji's mother | Jijabai, who instilled Hindu values and Swaraj ideal |
| Guru | Dadaji Kondadeva (administrator) and Samarth Ramdas (spiritual guide) |
| Ashtapradhan | Council of eight ministers under Shivaji |
| Revenue system | Chauth (25% of revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (10% additional) |
| Military innovation | Guerrilla warfare (Ganimi Kava) |
| Navy | Shivaji built a naval force to counter Portuguese and Siddis |
| Coronation | Shivaji crowned at Raigad in 1674 with the title Chhatrapati |
| Peshwa era | From Balaji Vishwanath (1713) onwards, Peshwas became de facto rulers |
| Greatest Peshwa | Baji Rao I (1720-1740), who expanded Maratha power across India |
| Third Battle of Panipat | 1761 — disastrous defeat against Ahmad Shah Abdali |
| Treaty of Purandar | 1665 — Shivaji ceded forts to Aurangzeb under Mirza Raja Jai Singh |
| Escape from Agra | 1666 — Shivaji famously escaped from Mughal house arrest |
I. Choose the Best Answer
1. Shivaji was born in the year
Answer
(a) 1607 (b) 1627 (c) 1647 (d) 1674
Answer(b) 1627
ExplanationShivaji was born on February 19, 1627 (some sources say 1630) at Shivneri fort near Pune. His father was Shahji Bhonsle, a jagirdar under the Bijapur sultanate, and his mother was Jijabai, a deeply religious woman who instilled in him the ideals of Swaraj (self-rule).
2. The Ashtapradhan of Shivaji consisted of
Answer
(a) Five ministers (b) Seven ministers (c) Eight ministers (d) Nine ministers
Answer(c) Eight ministers
ExplanationThe Ashtapradhan (council of eight) was Shivaji's advisory council consisting of eight ministers: Peshwa (prime minister), Amatya (finance), Sachiva (secretary), Mantri (chronicler), Senapati (commander), Samant (foreign affairs), Nyayadhish (chief justice), and Pandit Rao (ecclesiastical head). Each had specific responsibilities.
3. The Treaty of Purandar (1665) was signed between Shivaji and
Answer
(a) The Portuguese (b) Aurangzeb's general Mirza Raja Jai Singh (c) The Sultan of Bijapur (d) The Nizam of Hyderabad
Answer(b) Aurangzeb's general Mirza Raja Jai Singh
ExplanationIn 1665, the Mughal general Mirza Raja Jai Singh, sent by Aurangzeb, besieged Shivaji's forts. Facing a powerful Mughal force and lack of Bijapur support, Shivaji signed the Treaty of Purandar, ceding 23 forts and agreeing to serve the Mughals. He later visited Agra where he was placed under house arrest and famously escaped.
4. Shivaji's guerrilla warfare tactics are known as
Answer
(a) Dharmayuddha (b) Ganimi Kava (c) Sulh-i-Kul (d) Rajadharma
Answer(b) Ganimi Kava
ExplanationGanimi Kava was Shivaji's military strategy of guerrilla warfare. It involved swift, surprise attacks on the enemy, quick retreats into the rugged Western Ghats, and avoidance of large pitched battles where the enemy had numerical superiority. This strategy was highly effective against the Mughal and Bijapur forces.
5. Who among the following Peshwas expanded Maratha power most significantly?
Answer
(a) Balaji Vishwanath (b) Baji Rao I (c) Balaji Baji Rao (d) Madhav Rao
Answer(b) Baji Rao I
ExplanationBaji Rao I (1720-1740) was the most militarily brilliant Peshwa. He expanded Maratha power from the Narmada to the Chambal, conducted raids into Delhi and Bengal, and established Maratha dominance across much of India. He never lost a battle in his 20-year career.
6. Chauth was
Answer
(a) A religious tax (b) 25% of revenue claimed by the Marathas as protection money (c) Land revenue fixed by Shivaji (d) A trade tax imposed by the Portuguese
Answer(b) 25% of revenue claimed by the Marathas as protection money
ExplanationChauth was one-fourth (25%) of the land revenue or income that the Marathas demanded from territories not under their direct control, in exchange for not attacking them or for providing protection. Along with Sardeshmukhi (an additional 10%), it was a major source of Maratha income.
7. Shivaji was crowned at
Answer
(a) Pune (b) Raigad (c) Shivneri (d) Satara
Answer(b) Raigad
ExplanationShivaji was crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad fort on June 6, 1674, in a grand Hindu coronation ceremony. The ceremony was performed by Gaga Bhatt, a Varanasi Brahmin, who declared Shivaji a Kshatriya descendant of the Sisodia Rajputs. This coronation formalised his independent sovereignty.
8. The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was fought between the Marathas and
Answer
(a) The British (b) Ahmad Shah Abdali (c) The Mughals (d) The Nizam
Answer(b) Ahmad Shah Abdali
ExplanationThe Third Battle of Panipat (January 14, 1761) was fought between the Marathas, led by Sadashiv Rao Bhau, and the Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali (Durrani). The Marathas suffered a devastating defeat in which almost their entire leadership was killed, severely weakening Maratha power.
II. Fill in the Blanks
1. Shivaji was born at Shivneri fort near Pune in 1627. 2. Shivaji's father was Shahji Bhonsle, a jagirdar under the Bijapur sultanate. 3. Shivaji's mother Jijabai instilled in him the ideal of Swaraj. 4. Shivaji's administrative guru was Dadaji Kondadeva. 5. Shivaji's spiritual guide was Samarth Ramdas. 6. The council of eight ministers under Shivaji was called Ashtapradhan. 7. The Peshwa was the prime minister in Shivaji's administration. 8. Shivaji introduced the guerrilla warfare strategy known as Ganimi Kava. 9. Chauth was one-fourth of revenue collected by the Marathas as protection money. 10. In addition to Chauth, the Marathas collected Sardeshmukhi (10% additional). 11. Shivaji was crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad in 1674. 12. Shivaji escaped from Mughal house arrest in Agra in the year 1666. 13. The Treaty of Purandar (1665) was signed between Shivaji and the Mughals. 14. The greatest Peshwa was Baji Rao I, who expanded Maratha power across India. 15. The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was a devastating defeat for the Marathas.
III. True or False (with corrections)
1. Shivaji was the son of a Mughal noble.
Answer
False. Shivaji was the son of Shahji Bhonsle, a jagirdar (landholder) under the Bijapur sultanate. His mother Jijabai was the daughter of a prominent Maratha noble. He was not connected to the Mughal nobility.
2. The Ashtapradhan was Shivaji's council of eight ministers.
Answer
True. The Ashtapradhan (council of eight) was Shivaji's advisory and administrative council. It consisted of the Peshwa (prime minister), Amatya (finance minister), Sachiva (secretary), Mantri (chronicler), Senapati (military commander), Samant (foreign affairs), Nyayadhish (chief justice), and Pandit Rao (ecclesiastical affairs).
3. Shivaji fought conventional large-scale battles throughout his career.
Answer
False. Shivaji primarily used guerrilla warfare (Ganimi Kava), which involved swift surprise attacks, quick retreats into the Western Ghats, and avoiding large pitched battles where the enemy had numerical superiority. This was his key military innovation.
4. Shivaji built a navy to counter foreign powers.
Answer
True. Shivaji recognised the importance of sea power and built a navy to counter the Portuguese, the Siddis of Janjira, and other maritime threats. He established naval bases at Kolaba, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg. This was a significant innovation among Indian rulers of the time.
5. The Peshwas were subordinate to the Chhatrapati throughout Maratha history.
Answer
False. While initially the Peshwas were subordinate to the Chhatrapati, under Balaji Vishwanath and his successors, they became the de facto rulers of the Maratha Empire. The Peshwas centralized power in their own hands, reducing the Chhatrapati to a figurehead.
6. The Third Battle of Panipat resulted in a Maratha victory.
Answer
False. The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was a catastrophic defeat for the Marathas. Their entire leadership, including Sadashiv Rao Bhau and Vishwas Rao, was killed. The battle severely crippled Maratha power and ended their dream of a pan-Indian empire.
7. Shivaji respected women and prohibited their harassment in war.
Answer
True. Shivaji was known for his strict code of conduct regarding women. He prohibited his soldiers from harming or capturing women during military campaigns. This was unusual for the time and reflected his ethical approach to warfare.
IV. Match the Following
| Column A | Column B |
|---|
| 1. Peshwa | (a) Military commander |
| 2. Amatya | (b) 25% revenue collection |
| 3. Senapati | (c) Prime minister |
| 4. Chauth | (d) Finance minister |
| 5. Ganimi Kava | (e) 1665 treaty with Mughals |
| 6. Treaty of Purandar | (f) Guerrilla warfare |
| 7. Jijabai | (g) Shivaji's mother |
| 8. Sardeshmukhi | (h) Additional 10% collection |
Answer1 — (c), 2 — (d), 3 — (a), 4 — (b), 5 — (f), 6 — (e), 7 — (g), 8 — (h)
V. Answer Briefly (2-mark questions)
1. What was the Ashtapradhan?
Answer
The Ashtapradhan was Shivaji's council of eight ministers, each responsible for a specific area of governance. The eight members were: Peshwa (prime minister), Amatya (finance), Sachiva (secretary), Mantri (chronicler), Senapati (military commander), Samant (foreign affairs), Nyayadhish (chief justice), and Pandit Rao (ecclesiastical head). Unlike the Mughal Mansabdari system, the Ashtapradhan ministers could be appointed from any caste and were not hereditary.
2. What were Chauth and Sardeshmukhi?
Answer
Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were taxes collected by the Marathas from territories not under their direct control. Chauth was one-fourth (25%) of the land revenue, collected as protection money — territories paying Chauth would not be attacked by the Marathas. Sardeshmukhi was an additional one-tenth (10%) claimed as the chief's right (over and above the Chauth). Together, these taxes formed a significant source of Maratha income.
3. How did Shivaji escape from Agra?
Answer
In 1666, Shivaji visited Aurangzeb's court at Agra where he was placed under house arrest. He escaped through a clever stratagem — he arranged for sweetmeats (batashas) to be sent daily from his quarters, and gradually the guards became lax in checking them. One day, Shivaji and his son Sambhaji hid in baskets supposed to contain sweetmeats and were carried out of the fort. He then made his way back to the Deccan disguised as a wandering ascetic.
4. Write a note on Shivaji's navy.
Answer
Shivaji was one of the few Indian rulers who recognised the importance of naval power. He built a strong navy to counter the Portuguese, the Siddis of Janjira, and other maritime threats. He established naval bases at Kolaba, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg. His fleet consisted of various types of ships including warships (ghurab) and lighter vessels (galivat). The navy protected the Konkan coast and Maratha trade interests.
5. What was the significance of Shivaji's coronation?
Answer
Shivaji's coronation at Raigad on June 6, 1674, was significant because it formally established an independent Hindu kingdom (Swarajya) in the Deccan. The ceremony, conducted by Gaga Bhatt, a Varanasi Brahmin, legitimised Shivaji's sovereignty by declaring him a Kshatriya of the Sisodia Rajput clan. The coronation gave Shivaji the title of Chhatrapati (lord of the parasol — a symbol of sovereignty) and transformed him from a rebel chieftain into a legitimate king.
VI. Answer in Detail (5-mark questions)
1. Describe Shivaji's administration.
Answer
Shivaji established an efficient and well-organised administration that formed the foundation of the Maratha state:
Central Administration:
- The king (Chhatrapati) was the supreme authority, assisted by the Ashtapradhan (council of eight ministers).
- The Peshwa (prime minister) was the most important minister, heading the civil administration.
- The Amatya managed finance, the Sachiva was the secretary, and the Nyayadhish was the chief justice.
- Unlike the Mughal system, the Ashtapradhan ministers were not hereditary and could be appointed from any caste.
Provincial Administration:
- The kingdom was divided into provinces called prants or sarkars.
- Each province was under a viceroy (subedar) responsible for maintaining law and order and collecting revenue.
- Provinces were further divided into parganas and villages.
Revenue Administration:
- Shivaji abolished the existing system of revenue farming (ijara) and collected revenue directly from the cultivators.
- Land was measured and assessed, and revenue was fixed at 30-40% of the produce.
- The Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were collected from territories outside direct Maratha control.
- Farmers were given loans (takavi) during famines and natural disasters.
Military Administration:
- Shivaji maintained a well-disciplined standing army paid directly by the state.
- He introduced the guerrilla warfare strategy (Ganimi Kava) suited to the hilly terrain of the Western Ghats.
- The army was organised into infantry, cavalry, and navy.
- Strict discipline was maintained — soldiers were forbidden from harming civilians, especially women.
- Shivaji built a network of forts (over 300) that served as military bases and administrative centres.
Justice:
- The Nyayadhish was the chief justice, and justice was administered according to Hindu law (Dharmashastra).
- Panchayats (village councils) handled local disputes.
- Shivaji's justice was swift and impartial, earning him the trust of his subjects.
2. Explain the rise and expansion of the Maratha power under the Peshwas.
Answer
After Shivaji's death in 1680, the Maratha state faced challenges from Aurangzeb's prolonged Deccan campaign. However, the Marathas survived and eventually expanded dramatically under the Peshwas:
Balaji Vishwanath (1713-1720):
- He is considered the second founder of the Maratha state.
- He secured from the Mughal emperor the right to collect Chauth and Sardeshmukhi from the six Deccan provinces.
- He helped the Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar gain the throne in exchange for important concessions.
- He strengthened the Maratha confederacy and laid the foundation for Peshwa power.
Baji Rao I (1720-1740):
- The greatest military leader among the Peshwas, Baji Rao I never lost a battle in his 20-year career.
- He expanded Maratha power from the Narmada to the Chambal and beyond.
- He conducted daring raids, reaching Delhi in 1737 and extracting tribute from the Mughal emperor.
- He conquered Gujarat, Malwa, and parts of Bundelkhand.
- His vision was "to plant the Maratha flag on the banks of the Indus" — Maratha expansion across India.
Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb, 1740-1761):
- He consolidated Maratha gains and expanded further into Bengal, Orissa, and the south.
- The Marathas became the dominant power in India, controlling vast territories.
- However, his reign ended with the disaster of the Third Battle of Panipat (1761).
Maratha Confederacy:
- Under the Peshwas, the Maratha state evolved into a confederacy of powerful chiefs:
- The Gaekwads of Baroda
- The Holkars of Indore
- The Scindias of Gwalior
- The Bhonsles of Nagpur
- While this structure allowed rapid expansion, it also created internal rivalries and lack of unity that would later prove fatal.
3. Discuss the causes and consequences of the Third Battle of Panipat.
Answer
The Third Battle of Panipat (January 14, 1761) was one of the most decisive battles in Indian history, fought between the Marathas and the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Causes:
- Maratha Expansion: The Marathas, under Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, had expanded rapidly across India, threatening the interests of other powers including the Afghans and the Nawab of Awadh.
- Control over Delhi: The Marathas had gained influence over the Mughal emperor in Delhi, which alarmed Abdali.
- Maratha Interference in Punjab: The Marathas tried to extend their control into Punjab, which Abdali considered his sphere of influence.
- Alliance Against the Marathas: Ahmad Shah Abdali formed an alliance with the Nawab of Awadh (Shuja-ud-Daula), the Rohillas, and other northern chiefs who were threatened by Maratha expansion.
The Battle:
- The Maratha army, led by Sadashiv Rao Bhau, faced the combined forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali and his Indian allies.
- The Marathas were outnumbered and lacked adequate supplies and reinforcements.
- Key Maratha allies like the Jats did not provide expected support.
- Vishwas Rao (the Peshwa's son) was killed, leading to demoralisation.
- The Marathas were decisively defeated, with most of their leadership killed on the battlefield.
Consequences:
- Devastating Loss of Leadership: Almost the entire Maratha leadership was killed, including Sadashiv Rao Bhau, Vishwas Rao, and many prominent sardars.
- End of Maratha Dream: The battle ended the Maratha ambition of establishing a pan-Indian empire.
- Power Vacuum: The Maratha defeat created a power vacuum in northern India that was eventually filled by the British.
- Weakened Peshwa Authority: The Peshwa's authority over the Maratha confederacy was severely weakened, leading to greater independence of the Gaekwads, Holkars, and Scindias.
- Afghan Withdrawal: Despite winning, Abdali could not hold India and withdrew to Afghanistan, leaving a fragmented political landscape.
- British Advantage: The weakened Marathas were less able to resist British expansion, which eventually led to the Anglo-Maratha Wars and British supremacy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Confusing the Peshwa with the Chhatrapati: The Chhatrapati was the nominal sovereign; the Peshwa was the prime minister who became the de facto ruler under later Maratha history.
2. Attributing the founding of the Maratha Empire to the Peshwas: Shivaji founded the Maratha state. The Peshwas came later and expanded it.
3. Mixing up Chauth and Sardeshmukhi: Chauth is 25% (one-fourth) and Sardeshmukhi is an additional 10% (one-tenth). They are separate taxes, not the same.
4. Treating guerrilla warfare as cowardice: Ganimi Kava was a brilliant military strategy suited to the terrain, not a sign of weakness. Do not describe it negatively.
5. Forgetting Shivaji's navy: Shivaji's naval innovation is an important and frequently tested point that students often overlook.
6. Confusing the three Battles of Panipat: First (1526, Babur vs Lodi), Second (1556, Akbar vs Hemu), Third (1761, Marathas vs Abdali). Each is distinct.
7. Overstating Maratha unity: The Maratha confederacy was often divided by internal rivalries. Lack of unity was a key reason for their eventual defeat at Panipat and against the British.
Exam Checklist
- [ ] I can trace Shivaji's life from birth (1627) to coronation (1674) to death (1680)
- [ ] I know the Ashtapradhan and the role of each minister
- [ ] I can explain Chauth and Sardeshmukhi with exact percentages
- [ ] I understand Ganimi Kava (guerrilla warfare) and its significance
- [ ] I know the Treaty of Purandar (1665) and Shivaji's escape from Agra (1666)
- [ ] I can describe Shivaji's administrative system in detail
- [ ] I can name the key Peshwas and their contributions (Balaji Vishwanath, Baji Rao I, Balaji Baji Rao)
- [ ] I understand the Maratha confederacy structure (Gaekwads, Holkars, Scindias, Bhonsles)
- [ ] I can explain the causes and consequences of the Third Battle of Panipat (1761)
- [ ] I know why the Marathas declined (Panipat defeat, internal divisions, British rise)
- [ ] I can write detailed answers on Shivaji's administration and the Peshwa era
