The Marathas After Chhatrapati Shivaji Key Points & Exam MCQs

The Marathas after Chhatrapati Shivaji continued their struggle against the Mughals under Sambhaji and Rajaram. Despite Aurangzeb’s efforts to destroy Maratha power, the Marathas defended their forts and resisted Mughal control. Under Tarabai and later the Peshwas, especially Bajirao I and Nanasaheb Peshwa, they expanded across large parts of India. The Maratha state gradually became more decentralised, with regional chiefs and Peshwas gaining greater power. Although defeated at Panipat in 1761, the Marathas recovered and recaptured Delhi in 1771. Their internal disunity and British superiority eventually led to their defeat in the three Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818).

We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 8th about “The Marathas after Chhatrapati Shivaji“ from the NCERT social science for class 8th chapter 3 “The Rise of the Marathas”.

The Marathas after Chhatrapati Shivaji

1. Succession after Chhatrapati Shivaji:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji had two sons, Sambhaji and Rajaram.
• After Shivaji’s death, Sambhaji became the Chhatrapati.
• At this time, the Marathas were the only obstacle to total Mughal control of the Deccan.

2. Aurangzeb’s Deccan Campaign:

• Aurangzeb invaded the Deccan to establish Mughal control.
• He conquered the:
  • Bijapur or Adil Shahi Sultanate
  • Golconda or Qutb Shahi Sultanate
• Aurangzeb then captured Sambhaji.
• Sambhaji was brutally tortured and executed.
• Aurangzeb also captured Raigad, the Maratha capital.

3. Rajaram and the Expansion of the Mughal-Maratha Conflict:

• After Sambhaji, Rajaram became the Chhatrapati.
• Rajaram fled to Gingee, in present-day Tamil Nadu.
• The Mughal-Maratha conflict consequently spread to South India.
• The Marathas strongly defended their fortresses.
• They often gained the upper hand over the Mughals in battles and skirmishes.
• Aurangzeb was unable to leave the Deccan because he could not subdue the Marathas.
• He died without succeeding in subduing the Marathas.
• The Marathas consequently emerged as a strong contender to Mughal power.

4. Maratha Expansion under Tarabai:

• After Aurangzeb’s failure to subdue them, the Marathas moved from the defensive to large-scale expansion.
• Tarabai, the queen of Rajaram, led the Marathas in making large-scale inroads into Mughal territories.
• The Marathas eventually conquered large parts of India.

5. Transformation of the Maratha State:

• During their rapid expansion, the Marathas underwent a structural transformation.
• The centralised state established during Shivaji’s time gradually gave way to a more decentralised structure.
• The state remained nominally centred around the Chhatrapati.
• However, the chiefs acquired greater power.
• The Peshwa, a Persian term meaning prime minister, became particularly influential.
• The Peshwa eventually wielded great influence even over the Chhatrapati.

6. Role of the Peshwas:

• Peshwa Bajirao I played an important role in the pan-Indian expansion of the Marathas.
• Nanasaheb Peshwa, Bajirao I’s son, also contributed significantly to Maratha expansion.
• Under the Peshwas, the Marathas brought large parts of India under their control.
• The Marathas generally ruled these territories well.
• However, greater power and autonomy among regional chiefs sometimes resulted in:
  • Indiscipline
  • Abuse
• These developments were in stark contrast to Chhatrapati Shivaji’s values.

7. Maratha Expansion towards North India:

• During their northward expansion, the Marathas briefly controlled:
  • Lahore
  • Attock
  • Peshawar
• These regions are in modern-day Pakistan.
• The Marathas fought against the Afghans.
• They suffered a disastrous defeat at Panipat in 1761.
• Despite this defeat, the Marathas quickly recovered during the period of Peshwa Madhavrao I.

8. Recapture of Delhi:

• Under the leadership of Mahadji Shinde, also known as Mahadji Scindia, the Marathas recaptured Delhi in 1771.
• Delhi remained under Maratha control until the British captured it three decades later.

9. Marathas as Rivals of the British:

• In the latter half of the 18th century, the Marathas became the chief rivals of the British in India.
• The Anglo-Maratha Wars were fought between the Marathas and the British.
• There were three Anglo-Maratha Wars between 1775 and 1818.

10. Decline of Maratha Power:

• The British eventually ended Maratha power because of:
  • Increased internal disunity among the Marathas
  • Superior organisational abilities of the British
  • Superior technological abilities of the British
• The British effectively took control of India more from the Marathas than from the Mughals or any other power.

11. Nana Phadnavis and Anti-British Alliance:

• Nana Phadnavis was a powerful official under the Peshwas.
• He is credited with organising the first pan-Indian anti-British alliance.
• He united with former adversaries, including:
  • Hyder Ali of Mysore
  • The Nizam of Hyderabad
• This alliance was formed as an effort to oppose the British.

The Marathas after Chhatrapati Shivaji: Exam & Revision Summary

After the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji, his two sons, Sambhaji and Rajaram, continued the Maratha struggle. Sambhaji became the Chhatrapati and faced the Mughal attempt to gain complete control over the Deccan. Aurangzeb invaded the Deccan and conquered the Bijapur (Adil Shahi) and Golconda (Qutb Shahi) Sultanates. He then captured Sambhaji, brutally tortured and executed him, and captured Raigad, the Maratha capital.

After Sambhaji’s death, Rajaram became the Chhatrapati and escaped to Gingee in present-day Tamil Nadu. As a result, the Mughal-Maratha conflict spread into southern India. The Marathas strongly defended their forts and frequently gained the upper hand in battles and skirmishes. Aurangzeb was therefore unable to leave the Deccan and died without achieving his goal of subduing the Marathas. The Marathas consequently emerged as a major challenger to Mughal power.

Maratha Expansion under Tarabai and the Peshwas

After Rajaram’s death, his queen Tarabai led the Marathas. The Marathas shifted from defence to large-scale attacks on Mughal territories and eventually brought large parts of India under their control.

During this period, the Maratha political structure changed significantly. The highly centralised state established during Shivaji’s time gradually became more decentralised. Although the Chhatrapati remained the nominal head, Maratha chiefs gained greater power and autonomy.

The Peshwa, a Persian term meaning ‘prime minister’, became particularly powerful and could even exercise influence over the Chhatrapati. Peshwa Bajirao I and his son Nanasaheb Peshwa played major roles in expanding Maratha power across India.

Marathas in Northern India

During their northward expansion, the Marathas briefly controlled territories including Lahore, Attock and Peshawar, in present-day Pakistan. They also fought against the Afghans.

In 1761, the Marathas suffered a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Panipat. However, they recovered quickly during the leadership of Peshwa Madhavrao I.

Under Mahadji Shinde, also known as Mahadji Scindia, the Marathas recaptured Delhi in 1771. Delhi remained under Maratha control until the British captured it about three decades later.

Maratha Rule and Internal Problems

The Marathas brought large parts of India under their control and generally governed these territories well. However, the growing power and autonomy of regional chiefs also created problems. Internal indiscipline and occasional abuse increased, contrasting with the values associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji’s rule.

Thus, while Maratha expansion made them a major power across India, their increasingly decentralised political structure also contributed to internal disunity.

Anglo-Maratha Wars and the End of Maratha Power

By the second half of the 18th century, the Marathas had become the chief rivals of the British in India. The three Anglo-Maratha Wars were fought between 1775 and 1818.

The Marathas eventually lost their political power because of increasing internal disunity and the superior organisational and technological abilities of the British. The British ultimately ended Maratha power and established greater control over India.

Nana Phadnavis and the Anti-British Alliance

Nana Phadnavis, a powerful official under the Peshwas, is credited in the given text with organising an early pan-Indian anti-British alliance. He brought together former adversaries, including Hyder Ali of Mysore and the Nizam of Hyderabad, in an attempt to oppose British expansion.

Overall Significance

The Marathas remained the major obstacle to Mughal dominance in the Deccan after Shivaji’s death. Despite the execution of Sambhaji and the capture of Raigad, they continued resisting the Mughals and expanded into large parts of India. Their transformation from a centralised kingdom into a more decentralised political structure enabled powerful regional chiefs and Peshwas to drive expansion, but it also created internal divisions. After the Maratha recovery from Panipat and the recapture of Delhi, they became the principal rivals of the British. The three Anglo-Maratha Wars ultimately ended Maratha power by 1818.

Worksheet on The Marathas after Chhatrapati Shivaji

Fill in The Blanks:

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji had two sons, __________ and Rajaram.

2. After Chhatrapati Shivaji’s death, __________ became the Chhatrapati.

3. The Marathas were the only obstacle to total Mughal control of the __________.

4. Aurangzeb invaded the Deccan and conquered the __________ Sultanate.

5. The Bijapur Sultanate was also known as the __________ Sultanate.

6. Aurangzeb also conquered the Golconda or __________ Sultanate.

7. Aurangzeb captured __________ and executed him after brutally torturing him.

8. After capturing Sambhaji, Aurangzeb captured __________, the Maratha capital.

9. After Sambhaji, __________ became the Chhatrapati.

10. Rajaram fled to __________ in present-day Tamil Nadu.

11. The Mughal-Maratha conflict spread to __________ India after Rajaram fled to Gingee.

12. The Marathas staunchly defended their __________ and often had the upper hand over the Mughals.

13. Aurangzeb died without succeeding in __________ the Marathas.

14. The Marathas emerged as a strong __________ to the Mughals.

15. The Marathas were led by __________, Rajaram’s queen, during their large-scale inroads into Mughal territories.

16. During their rapid expansion, the Marathas underwent a __________ transformation.

17. The centralised state from Chhatrapati Shivaji’s time gave way to a more __________ structure.

18. The more decentralised Maratha structure was still nominally centred around the __________.

19. The __________ wielded more power in the decentralised Maratha structure.

20. The Peshwa is a Persian term meaning __________.

21. The __________ wielded great influence, even over the Chhatrapati himself.

22. Peshwa __________ and his son Nanasaheb Peshwa were instrumental in the pan-Indian expansion of the Marathas.

23. The Marathas briefly controlled Lahore, Attock and even __________ during their northward expansion.

24. The Marathas suffered a disastrous defeat at __________ in 1761.

25. The Marathas quickly recovered during the time of Peshwa __________.

26. Mahadji Shinde is also known as Mahadji __________.

27. Under the leadership of Mahadji Shinde, the Marathas recaptured __________ in 1771.

28. Delhi remained under Maratha control until the __________ captured it three decades later.

29. In the latter half of the 18th century, the chief rivals of the British in India were the __________.

30. __________ Anglo-Maratha wars were fought between 1775 and 1818.

31. The Anglo-Maratha wars were fought between __________ and 1818.

32. The British succeeded in ending Maratha power due to increased internal __________ and their superior organisational and technological abilities.

33. Nana Phadnavis was a powerful official under the __________.

34. Nana Phadnavis is credited with organising the first pan-Indian __________ alliance.

35. Nana Phadnavis united with Hyder Ali of __________ and the Nizam of Hyderabad against the British.

Answer:

1. Sambhaji
2. Sambhaji
3. Deccan
4. Bijapur
5. Adil Shahi
6. Qutb Shahi
7. Sambhaji
8. Raigad
9. Rajaram
10. Gingee
11. south
12. fortresses
13. subduing
14. contender
15. Tarabai
16. structural
17. decentralised
18. Chhatrapati
19. chiefs
20. prime minister
21. Peshwa
22. Bajirao I
23. Peshawar
24. Panipat
25. Madhavrao I
26. Scindia
27. Delhi
28. British
29. Marathas
30. Three
31. 1775
32. disunity
33. Peshwas
34. anti-British
35. Mysore

MCQs:

Question 1. Who became the Chhatrapati after the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji?

A. Rajaram
B. Sambhaji
C. Bajirao I
D. Madhavrao I

Answer: B. Sambhaji

Question 2. Which two Sultanates were conquered by Aurangzeb during his Deccan campaign?

A. Bijapur and Golconda
B. Delhi and Agra
C. Mewar and Marwar
D. Bengal and Gujarat

Answer: A. Bijapur and Golconda

Question 3. What happened to Sambhaji after he was captured by Aurangzeb?

A. He was imprisoned for life
B. He was sent to Delhi
C. He was tortured and executed
D. He joined the Mughal service

Answer: C. He was tortured and executed

Question 4. Who succeeded Sambhaji as Chhatrapati?

A. Tarabai
B. Rajaram
C. Bajirao I
D. Nanasaheb Peshwa

Answer: B. Rajaram

Question 5. Where did Rajaram flee after becoming Chhatrapati?

A. Agra
B. Delhi
C. Gingee
D. Lahore

Answer: C. Gingee

Question 6. Who led the Marathas after Rajaram’s death and helped expand their territories into Mughal lands?

A. Jijabai
B. Tarabai
C. Nana Phadnavis
D. Rani Durgavati

Answer: B. Tarabai

Question 7. What major change took place in the Maratha state during its rapid expansion?

A. It became a Mughal province
B. It changed from a centralised state to a more decentralised structure
C. The Chhatrapati gained complete control over all chiefs
D. The Marathas abandoned their forts

Answer: B. It changed from a centralised state to a more decentralised structure

Question 8. What was the meaning of the Persian term ‘Peshwa’?

A. Military commander
B. Governor
C. Prime minister
D. Revenue officer

Answer: C. Prime minister

Question 9. Which two Peshwas were instrumental in the pan-Indian expansion of the Marathas?

A. Bajirao I and Nanasaheb Peshwa
B. Madhavrao I and Nana Phadnavis
C. Rajaram and Sambhaji
D. Tarabai and Mahadji Shinde

Answer: A. Bajirao I and Nanasaheb Peshwa

Question 10. Which areas were briefly controlled by the Marathas during their northward expansion?

A. Kabul, Kandahar and Herat
B. Lahore, Attock and Peshawar
C. Delhi, Agra and Jaipur only
D. Bengal, Bihar and Odisha

Answer: B. Lahore, Attock and Peshawar

Question 11. In which year did the Marathas suffer a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Panipat?

A. 1757
B. 1761
C. 1771
D. 1818

Answer: B. 1761

Question 12. Under whose leadership did the Marathas recapture Delhi in 1771?

A. Peshwa Bajirao I
B. Nana Phadnavis
C. Mahadji Shinde
D. Nanasaheb Peshwa

Answer: C. Mahadji Shinde

Question 13. How long did Delhi remain under Maratha control after its recapture in 1771?

A. About one decade
B. About two decades
C. About three decades
D. About five decades

Answer: C. About three decades

Question 14. Between which years were the three Anglo–Maratha Wars fought?

A. 1757–1765
B. 1761–1771
C. 1775–1818
D. 1818–1857

Answer: C. 1775–1818

Question 15. Which factors contributed to the end of Maratha power?

A. Internal disunity and superior British organisation and technology
B. Lack of forts and naval power
C. Famine and foreign invasion alone
D. Conflict with the Mughal Empire

Answer: A. Internal disunity and superior British organisation and technology

Question 16. Who was Nana Phadnavis?

A. A Mughal emperor
B. A powerful official under the Peshwas
C. A British governor
D. A Maratha king

Answer: B. A powerful official under the Peshwas

Question 17. With which two former adversaries did Nana Phadnavis unite to organise an anti-British alliance?

A. Tipu Sultan and Shivaji
B. Hyder Ali and the Nizam of Hyderabad
C. Aurangzeb and Jai Singh
D. Rajaram and Sambhaji

Answer: B. Hyder Ali and the Nizam of Hyderabad

Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Social Science Class 8 Chapter 3: The Rise of the Marathas

FAQs on The Marathas after Chhatrapati Shivaji Class 8 Social Science

1. Who succeeded Chhatrapati Shivaji after his death?

Answer: After Chhatrapati Shivaji’s death, his elder son Sambhaji became the Chhatrapati. During his rule, the Marathas remained a major obstacle to Mughal control of the Deccan.

2. What happened to Sambhaji?

Answer: Aurangzeb invaded the Deccan, conquered the Bijapur and Golconda Sultanates, and later captured Sambhaji. Sambhaji was brutally tortured and executed by the Mughals. After this, Aurangzeb also captured Raigad, the Maratha capital.

3. Who succeeded Sambhaji as the Chhatrapati?

Answer: After Sambhaji, his brother Rajaram became the Chhatrapati. He fled to Gingee in present-day Tamil Nadu, causing the Mughal-Maratha conflict to spread further into south India.

4. How did the Marathas resist Aurangzeb?

Answer: The Marathas strongly defended their fortresses and often gained the upper hand in battles and skirmishes against the Mughals. Their resistance prevented Aurangzeb from successfully subduing them, and he died in the Deccan without achieving this goal.

5. What role did Tarabai play in the Maratha resistance?

Answer: Tarabai, the queen of Rajaram, led the Marathas after Rajaram and made large-scale inroads into Mughal territories. Under her leadership, the Marathas moved from defending their territories to expanding into Mughal lands.

6. What changes took place in the Maratha political structure?

Answer: During the Marathas’ rapid expansion, the centralised state created during Chhatrapati Shivaji’s time gradually changed into a more decentralised structure. Although the Chhatrapati remained the nominal centre, regional chiefs gained greater power and autonomy.

7. Who were the Peshwas and what role did they play in Maratha expansion?

Answer: The Peshwa was a Persian term meaning prime minister. As the Maratha political structure became more decentralised, the Peshwa gained considerable influence, even over the Chhatrapati. Peshwa Bajirao I and his son Nanasaheb Peshwa played an important role in the pan-Indian expansion of the Marathas.

8. Which areas did the Marathas control during their northward expansion?

Answer: During their northward expansion, the Marathas briefly controlled Lahore, Attock and Peshawar in present-day Pakistan. They also fought the Afghans during this period.

9. What happened to the Marathas after the Battle of Panipat in 1761?

Answer: The Marathas suffered a major defeat at Panipat in 1761, but they recovered quickly during the time of Peshwa Madhavrao I. Under Mahadji Shinde, they recaptured Delhi in 1771, which remained under Maratha control until the British captured it.

10. How did Maratha power come to an end?

Answer: The Marathas fought three Anglo-Maratha Wars between 1775 and 1818. Their increasing internal disunity, along with the superior organisational and technological abilities of the British, eventually led to the end of Maratha power.