Solutions-NCERT-Class-8-Social Science-Chapter-3-The Rise of the Marathas-CBSE

The Marathas were a group of brave warriors from the western region of India, mainly from present-day Maharashtra. They rose to power under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. Shivaji established the Maratha Empire based on the idea of Swarājya — self-rule and freedom from foreign domination.

Pan-Indian Dominance :

• Strong Leadership: Great leaders like Shivaji, Peshwa Baji Rao I, and others expanded the empire with courage and skill.
• Efficient Administration: The Marathas set up a strong system of government and tax collection, which kept their empire organized.
• Powerful Army: They built a fast and flexible army that could fight in mountains, plains, and cities.
• Unity and Patriotism: Their dream of self-rule inspired people across India to join and support them.
• Cultural pride: Shivaji revived Hindu political traditions and resisted Mughal domination, becoming a symbol of regional pride and resistance.
• Decline of the Mughals: As Mughal power weakened, the Marathas took control of many parts of India and became the most powerful Indian empire before the British.

The Maratha governance system was decentralized, efficient, and military-oriented, blending traditional Indian principles with practical innovations.

Here are some key features:

• Decentralized administration: Power was shared among regional leaders (like Sardars and Deshmukhs), who managed local affairs while remaining loyal to the central authority.
• Council of Ministers (Ashta Pradhan): Shivaji established an eight-member advisory council, each responsible for key departments like finance, foreign affairs, and military.
• Revenue system: The Marathas collected Chauth (25% of revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (10%) from conquered territories, ensuring a steady income without direct rule.
• Military focus: The empire maintained a strong cavalry and used guerrilla tactics, especially under Shivaji and later Peshwas.
• Judicial system: Justice was administered locally, often based on Hindu law and customs, with village panchayats playing a role.
• Provincial autonomy: Provinces were governed by powerful families (e.g., Holkars, Scindias), who had significant independence but paid tribute to the Peshwa.
• Religious tolerance: Though rooted in Hindu traditions, Shivaji respected all religions and protected places of worship.

These features helped the Marathas govern a vast and diverse empire effectively until internal conflicts and British intervention led to their decline.

The Maratha Empire had a lasting impact on Indian history.

• They were the first Indian power to challenge and defeat the Mughal rule, creating the largest Indian empire before the British came.
• The Marathas introduced new methods of administration and warfare and helped revive Indian traditions and culture.
• Most importantly, their dream of Swarājya (self-rule) and their success in fighting a powerful empire gave Indians great confidence.
• This spirit later inspired many people in India’s struggle for freedom.

Yes, I’ve heard the term “Bhakti.” Bhakti means devotion or love for God. It is a deep, emotional connection between a devotee and the divine, expressed through prayer, singing, service, and surrender.

Saint: Sant Tukaram (1608–1649) :

• Region: Maharashtra
  Language: Marathi
• Life : Sant Tukaram was born in a small village called Dehu, near Pune. He belonged to the Varkari tradition—devotees of Lord Vitthal (Vithoba) of Pandharpur. His life was full of struggles, including poverty and personal loss, but he found peace through devotion and poetry.

Teachings and Message :

• True devotion is more important than rituals or wealth.
• God lives in every human heart, so we should love and serve everyone.
• Honesty, humility, and compassion are the real forms of worship.
• He opposed caste discrimination and false pride.
• His simple and heartfelt verses, called “Abhangas,” inspired people to live a moral, spiritual life filled with love and equality.

Famous Abhanga (Poem) :

“Pandharicha Raja, Vithoba, Vithoba,
Tuka Mhane Majhe Hechi Sarva Sukha.”

Translation:

• “Vithoba, the King of Pandhari, Says Tukaram — You alone are my greatest joy.”
• This poem shows Tukaram’s deep love and surrender to Lord Vithoba, seeing God as his only source of happiness.

Bhakti teaches us that devotion is not about performing big rituals, but about having a pure heart filled with love, faith, and kindness.

Guerrilla warfare is a type of fighting where small groups use surprise attacks, ambushes, and hit-and-run tactics instead of big battles. It is often used by weaker forces against stronger armies.

Many countries have used this method in history.

For example,

• In Spain, people used guerrilla warfare against the French army in hilly areas.
• In Vietnam, fighters used thick jungles and tunnels to hide and attack American soldiers.
• In Afghanistan, guerrillas used the mountains to fight the Soviet army.

Geographical Advantages Used in Guerrilla Warfare :

These fighters used their knowledge of the land—like forests, mountains, and villages—to move secretly and protect themselves.

• Forests and Jungles: Provide concealment and ambush opportunities
• Mountains and Hills: Hard to access, ideal for hiding and launching attacks
• Urban Areas: Crowded spaces make it hard for conventional forces to distinguish fighters
• Border Zones: Easy escape routes and supply lines from neighboring countries
• Caves and Underground Networks: Used for shelter and secret movement

Guerrilla warfare shows how local geography can help small groups fight large, powerful enemies.

Yes, I have heard of the dance form 'Bharatanatyam'. It is a very famous classical dance of Tamil Nadu.

When the Maratha rulers ruled Thanjavur in South India, they supported and promoted Bharatanatyam and formed a deep connection with it. The Maratha emperors built temples help the dancers grow, and supported preserve the art form.

Meeting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would be an incredible opportunity to understand the mind of one of India’s greatest warrior-kings and visionary leaders. Here are three thoughtful questions I’d ask him—and why:

Q.1. "How did you maintain unity among diverse communities in your kingdom?"

Why: Shivaji’s empire included Hindus, Muslims, Marathas, and tribal groups. His ability to unite them under a common cause of Swarajya (self-rule) is legendary. I’d want to learn how he built trust and loyalty across such diversity—something still relevant today.

Q.2. "What inspired your military innovations like guerrilla warfare and hill forts?"

Why: Shivaji revolutionized warfare in India by using terrain-smart tactics and building forts in strategic locations. Understanding his thought process would reveal how geography and strategy shaped his success against powerful enemies like the Mughals.

Q.3. "What was your vision for Swarajya beyond military conquest?"

Why: Shivaji wasn’t just a warrior—he was a nation-builder. I’d ask about his long-term goals for governance, justice, and people’s welfare. Did he dream of a democratic system, cultural revival, or economic reforms?

Based on the above letter we can conclude that,

• Shivaji perused values like compassion, justice, and environmental responsibility.
• He took the accountability of his people and always protected them.
• He emphasized an ethical governance and avoided oppression.
• He valued the emotions of his people and supported them grow throughout his rule.
• He promoted humanity, religious tolerance and a principled leadership style.
• The letter also demonstrates his deep love for nature, art and literature.

Geographical Influence on Maratha Military Strategy and State Formation

• Mountainous Terrain (Western Ghats): The rugged hills of the Western Ghats provided natural protection and served as excellent locations for forts like Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sinhagad.
• Defensive Advantage: The high altitude and narrow passes made it difficult for large Mughal or Sultanate armies to attack or sustain campaigns in the region.
• Guerrilla Warfare: The uneven terrain helped the Marathas develop guerrilla tactics (Ganimi Kawa).
• Fort Network: Shivaji built and maintained a wide network of hill forts to control regions, store supplies, and monitor enemy movements.
• Konkan Coastline: The long Arabian Sea coastline allowed the Marathas to build a strong navy under Kanhoji Angre, protecting sea trade and coastal territories.
• Economic and Trade Benefits: Coastal ports like Sindhudurg and Vijayadurg promoted trade and strengthened the Maratha economy.

The combination of mountain defense and coastal power helped the Marathas establish a strong, independent empire and resist powerful enemies like the Mughals and British.

(i) Kanhoji Angre - The Maratha Sea Lion

• Kanhoji Angre was a brave Maratha navy chief who protected India's west coast in the early 18th century.
• He fought against the powerful British and Portuguese ships that tried to control Indian trade.
• Even though his navy was smaller, he used smart ideas and sea knowledge to defeat them many times.
• He built strong sea forts like Vijaydurg and kept watch over the Arabian Sea.
• The European powers feared him because he never let them win easily.
• Kanhoji made sure that Indian traders could do business without being looted by foreign powers.

(ii) One big challenge he faced was fighting better-equipped European navies, but his courage and clever tactics helped him win.

That's why he is still remembered as India's first great naval hero.

I would choose to visit Raigad Fort, the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s empire, because it holds immense historical, architectural, and strategic significance as the heart of Maratha sovereignty.

Why Raigad Fort? : Raigad Fort isn’t just a military structure—it’s a symbol of Swarajya (self-rule) and the birthplace of Maratha pride. It was here that Shivaji Maharaj was crowned in 1674, marking the formal beginning of the Maratha Empire

Raigad Fort – The Pride of the Maratha Empire

• Historical Importance: Raigad Fort was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s empire and the site of his coronation in 1674.
• Location: It is located in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats in present-day Maharashtra, about 820 meters above sea level.
• Strategic Position: The steep cliffs and narrow approaches made it a naturally strong fort, almost impossible for enemies to attack.
• Military Importance: Raigad served as a central command post, from where Shivaji controlled nearby forts and planned military campaigns.
• Architecture: The fort had royal palaces, granaries, water tanks, watchtowers, and secret escape routes, showing advanced planning.
• Defense System: Its thick stone walls and elevated location helped resist Mughal and other enemy attacks.
• Administrative Role: Raigad was not just a fort but also the political and administrative capital of the Maratha Empire.
• Symbol of Swaraj: The fort symbolized Maratha independence, strength, and self-rule (Hindavi Swaraj).
• Legacy: Today, Raigad stands as a monument of Maratha glory and reminds us of Shivaji’s vision, courage, and efficient use of geography in state-building.

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 power and chief rival whose defeat was necessary for the British to establish control over India. This implies that by the time of the critical British expansion, the Mughal Empire was already severely weakened.

Evidence for this idea is substantial,

• The Marathas were the chief rivals of the British during their expansion in India.
• The struggle for control was seen in the three Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818), which finally ended Maratha dominance.
• The Maratha Empire was the largest Indian power before British conquest, rising after Aurangzeb’s failure to crush them.
• Their territory extended up to Lahore, Attock, and Peshawar, showing their wide influence.
• The Marathas controlled Delhi from 1771 to 1803, proving they held the political center of India, not the Mughals.
• Internal disunity among Maratha leaders weakened their strength.
• The British had better organization and military discipline, leading to their victory.
• The defeat of the Marathas cleared the path for full British control over India.

Religious Tolerance of Shivaji:

• Shivaji respected all religions and showed tolerance towards people of other faiths.
• During the sack of Surat, he strictly avoided harming religious places or attacking mosques.
• He believed in peaceful coexistence among different communities.

Revival of Hindu Culture:

• Promoted Hindu identity by using a saffron flag and Sanskrit on his royal seal (instead of Persian).
• Rebuilt many destroyed temples, promoting Hindu cultural revival.

Continuation by Later Marathas:

• Later Maratha rulers continued Shivaji’s policy of religious equality and respect for all faiths.
• Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt and restored many temples across India, including Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath

Syncretic Culture of Thanjavur Marathas:

• Encouraged harmony between religions.
• Allowed a Muslim poet, Ambar Husain, to write about the Bhagavad Gita.

Bhonsles of Nagpur:

• Supported revival of Jagannath worship at Puri.
• Continued promoting Hindu culture without discriminating against other religions.

Shivaji and the Marathas balanced religious tolerance with Hindu cultural revival, showing respect for all faiths while reviving Indian traditions and heritage.

Ramachandrapant Amatya, Shivaji’s finance minister, called forts the “core of the state.” Maratha power and survival depended heavily on their forts.

Importance of Forts (Why They Were the Core of the State)

• Foundation of the Kingdom: The Maratha Empire was built “from forts alone,” started by Shivaji.
• Safety and Control: Forts ensured protection and control over Maratha territories.
• Strategic Defence: Usually built on high hills with strong walls—difficult for enemies to capture.
• Storage and Supplies: Forts acted as safe places for storing food, weapons, and sheltering people.
• Control over Routes: Helped in controlling trade and military routes across the region.

How Forts Helped Marathas Survive Against Larger Enemies

• Shelter During Invasions: Provided refuge to Maratha soldiers during enemy attacks. Prevented total destruction during invasions.
• Guerrilla Warfare Support: Forts served as bases for guerrilla tactics—quick attacks and retreats.
• Tactical Advantage: Marathas could hide in forts, plan strategies, and launch surprise attacks on the Mughals.
• Long-Term Resistance: Forts enabled the Marathas to survive Aurangzeb’s long campaigns and continue fighting powerful enemies.

Forts were the heart of Maratha strength, giving them security, strategy, and survival power against stronger rivals like the Mughals.

If I design a Maratha coin, it will show the greatness and values of the Marathas.

Design of a Maratha Coin and Its Meaning

Front Side of the Coin:

• Picture of Shivaji Maharaj’s face with a sword and a fort in the background. -> Symbol of bravery and protection of the kingdom through forts.
• Saffron flag shown beside him. -> Represents Hindu culture, unity, and pride.

Back Side of the Coin:

Sanskrit writing, similar to Shivaji’s royal seal, showing respect for Indian tradition.

Small pictures around the edge:

• Ship – stands for the Maratha navy and sea power.
• Book – symbol of learning, wisdom, and justice.
• Hands shaking – shows religious tolerance and respect for all faiths.

Message of the Coin: The coin represents Maratha bravery, wisdom, justice, and religious equality. It shows the greatness and noble values of the Marathas.

• I think the most important contribution of the Marathas was that they protected Indian culture and freedom when foreign powers like the Mughals and British were trying to rule India.
• Shivaji built a strong and fair kingdom, respected all religions, and started the idea of Swarajya (self-rule).
• The Maratha army fought bravely, even after Shivaji's death, and stopped the Mughals from taking full control.
• Leaders like Tarabai and Ahilyabai Holkar also did great work in war and peace.
• The Marathas ruled large parts of India and kept Indian traditions alive. That's why their contribution is so important.