Maratha Empire MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Maratha Empire - Download Free PDF

Key Points

• Chattrapati Shahu appointed Balaji Vishwanath as the Peshwa in 1713, marking the beginning of the Peshwa era in Maratha history.
• Baji Rao I succeeded his father Balaji Vishwanath and became Peshwa in 1720. However, the statement saying he continued till his death in 1750 is incorrect since Baji Rao I died in 1740.
• During Balaji Baji Rao's tenure, Chattrapati Ram Raja delegated many powers to the Peshwas, making them the de facto rulers of the Maratha empire.
• Peshwa Baji Rao I was known for popularizing the slogan 'Hindu-pad-padshahi,' reflecting his vision of establishing a Hindu empire.

Additional Information

• Peshwa: The Peshwa was the Prime Minister in the Maratha empire. While initially subordinate to the Chattrapati, the Peshwas became the de facto rulers of the Maratha state during the later period.
• Balaji Vishwanath: He was the first prominent Peshwa and played a key role in consolidating the Maratha empire under Chattrapati Shahu.
• Baji Rao I: Also known as the greatest Peshwa, Baji Rao I was a brilliant military strategist and expanded the Maratha empire significantly. His campaigns are still remembered for their audacity and success.
• 'Hindu-pad-padshahi': This slogan was associated with Baji Rao I's vision of establishing a Hindu empire, emphasizing the Maratha dominance over regions historically ruled by Muslim dynasties.
• Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb): He was the third Peshwa and son of Baji Rao I. Under his tenure, the Peshwa's authority expanded, but his reign also saw setbacks, including the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.

The correct answer is - 45000 and 60000

Key Points

• Cavalry strength during Shivaji Maharaj's reign:
  • According to the Sabhasad Bakhar, a historical chronicle, at the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's death in 1680, his cavalry consisted of approximately 45,000 pagas and 60,000 siledars.
  • Pagas refers to the royal cavalry directly maintained and funded by the state.
  • Siledars were feudal cavalrymen who maintained their own horses and equipment but served under the Maratha Empire.
• Significance of cavalry numbers:
  • These numbers demonstrate the scale and strength of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's military organization.
  • The cavalry was a critical component of the Maratha warfare strategy, emphasizing mobility and speed.

Additional Information

• Sabhasad Bakhar:
  • It is a Marathi historical chronicle written by Krishnaji Anant Sabhasad, who was an official in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's administration.
  • This document is one of the earliest and most reliable sources about the life and achievements of Shivaji Maharaj.
• Military organization under Shivaji Maharaj:
  • The Maratha military under Shivaji Maharaj was highly disciplined and well-structured, with a focus on cavalry, infantry, and fort defense.
  • Shivaji Maharaj introduced the concept of ashtapradhan mandal (a council of eight ministers) to ensure the efficient functioning of the administration and military.
  • The cavalry was divided into pagas (state-maintained cavalry) and siledars (feudal cavalry), ensuring flexibility in warfare.
• Legacy of Shivaji Maharaj:
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is remembered as a visionary leader and an architect of the Maratha Empire, known for his innovative military strategies.
  • His emphasis on swift cavalry movements and guerrilla warfare tactics helped counter larger, better-equipped armies of the Mughals and other adversaries.

The correct answer is - 1657

Key Points

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj came into conflict with the Mughals for the first time in the year 1657.
• This conflict arose during the decline of the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur, which Shivaji was actively fighting against to expand his territories.
• The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who was then the Subedar (governor) of the Deccan under his father Shah Jahan, intervened as the Mughals sought to protect their own interests in the region.
• The conflict was primarily triggered by Shivaji's raids on Mughal territories, including the seizure of key forts like Torna and Purandar.
• This marked the beginning of a prolonged and significant rivalry between the Marathas and the Mughals.

Additional Information

• Shivaji Maharaj's Early Conflicts
  • Shivaji Maharaj's rise to power began with the conquest of forts and territories under the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur.
  • In the mid-1650s, Shivaji systematically captured forts like Rajgad and Torna to establish a strong base for the Maratha Empire.
• Mughal Involvement in the Deccan
  • The Mughals, under Aurangzeb, were expanding their empire in the Deccan during the 1650s. They viewed Shivaji's growing power as a threat to their dominance.
  • The Mughal intervention in the Deccan was also driven by their rivalry with the Bijapur and Golconda Sultanates.
• Later Developments
  • Shivaji's conflicts with the Mughals intensified over the following decades, including the famous Battle of Purandar in 1665 and his daring escape from Agra in 1666.
  • These conflicts eventually led to the establishment of the Maratha Empire as a dominant power in India.

The correct answer is Tatya Tope.

Key Points

• Tatya Tope was a prominent leader of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and served as the commander-in-chief of Nana Saheb's forces.
• He was born as Ramachandra Pandurang Tope and later came to be known as Tatya Tope.
• Tatya Tope played a crucial role in the rebellion, especially in the region of Kanpur and Gwalior.
• Despite facing numerous setbacks, he continued to lead guerrilla warfare against the British forces until his capture and execution in 1859.

Additional Information

• Indian Rebellion of 1857:
  • Also known as the First War of Indian Independence, it was a major, but ultimately unsuccessful, uprising against the British East India Company's rule in India.
  • It began on May 10, 1857, in the town of Meerut and soon spread to other regions like Delhi, Kanpur, and Jhansi.
  • The rebellion was fueled by widespread resentment against the British policies, including the annexation of Indian states, heavy taxation, and disrespect for Indian customs and traditions.
• Nana Saheb:
  • Nana Saheb, also known as Dhondu Pant, was a prominent leader of the 1857 rebellion.
  • He was the adopted son of the last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, Baji Rao II, and sought to restore the Maratha rule.
  • Nana Saheb led the uprising in Kanpur, where his forces captured the British entrenchment and led to the infamous massacre of British soldiers and civilians.
• Guerrilla Warfare:
  • Guerrilla warfare refers to a form of irregular warfare in which small groups of combatants use military tactics, including ambushes, sabotage, raids, and hit-and-run tactics, to fight larger, traditional military forces.
  • Tatya Tope was known for his effective use of guerrilla warfare against the British forces during the 1857 rebellion.
• British East India Company:
  • The British East India Company was a British trading corporation that gradually took control of large parts of India between the 17th and 19th centuries.
  • Its exploitation and oppressive policies led to widespread discontent among the Indian populace, culminating in the 1857 rebellion.

The correct answer is Balaji Baji Rao.

Key Points

• Balaji Baji Rao, also known as Nana Saheb, was the son of Baji Rao I and succeeded him as Peshwa in 1740.
• Under Balaji Baji Rao's leadership, the Maratha Empire reached its greatest territorial extent by 1760.
• His tenure saw the Maratha Empire expanding its influence over most of the Indian subcontinent.
• Balaji Baji Rao played a crucial role in the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, although it ended in a significant defeat for the Marathas.

Additional Information

• Baji Rao I: Balaji Baji Rao's father, also known as the greatest Peshwa, who expanded the Maratha Empire significantly.
• Peshwa: The prime ministerial office in the Maratha Empire, initially appointed by the Chhatrapati but later became hereditary under the Bhat family.
• Maratha Empire: A powerful Indian empire that dominated much of the Indian subcontinent in the 18th century.
• Third Battle of Panipat: A significant battle fought in 1761 between the Maratha Empire and the Durrani Empire, marking a turning point in Indian history.
• Chhatrapati: The title used by the Maratha rulers, considered the sovereign authority of the Maratha Empire.

The correct answer is Tatya Tope.

Key Points

• Tatya Tope was a prominent leader of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and served as the commander-in-chief of Nana Saheb's forces.
• He was born as Ramachandra Pandurang Tope and later came to be known as Tatya Tope.
• Tatya Tope played a crucial role in the rebellion, especially in the region of Kanpur and Gwalior.
• Despite facing numerous setbacks, he continued to lead guerrilla warfare against the British forces until his capture and execution in 1859.

Additional Information

• Indian Rebellion of 1857:
  • Also known as the First War of Indian Independence, it was a major, but ultimately unsuccessful, uprising against the British East India Company's rule in India.
  • It began on May 10, 1857, in the town of Meerut and soon spread to other regions like Delhi, Kanpur, and Jhansi.
  • The rebellion was fueled by widespread resentment against the British policies, including the annexation of Indian states, heavy taxation, and disrespect for Indian customs and traditions.
• Nana Saheb:
  • Nana Saheb, also known as Dhondu Pant, was a prominent leader of the 1857 rebellion.
  • He was the adopted son of the last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, Baji Rao II, and sought to restore the Maratha rule.
  • Nana Saheb led the uprising in Kanpur, where his forces captured the British entrenchment and led to the infamous massacre of British soldiers and civilians.
• Guerrilla Warfare:
  • Guerrilla warfare refers to a form of irregular warfare in which small groups of combatants use military tactics, including ambushes, sabotage, raids, and hit-and-run tactics, to fight larger, traditional military forces.
  • Tatya Tope was known for his effective use of guerrilla warfare against the British forces during the 1857 rebellion.
• British East India Company:
  • The British East India Company was a British trading corporation that gradually took control of large parts of India between the 17th and 19th centuries.
  • Its exploitation and oppressive policies led to widespread discontent among the Indian populace, culminating in the 1857 rebellion.

The correct code is A, B, D only. Key Points

• The Treaty of Purandar was signed between the Maratha king Shivaji and the Mughal Empire in 1665.
• According to the treaty, the following statements are correct:
• Out of 35 forts held by Shivaji, 23 forts were to be surrendered to the Mughals.
  • This statement is correct.
  • As part of the treaty, Shivaji had to surrender 23 of the 35 forts he controlled to the Mughals.
• The surrendered forts yielded a revenue of four lakh Huns every year.
  • This statement is correct.
  • The forts that Shivaji surrendered to the Mughals were estimated to generate an annual revenue of four lakh Huns.
• A territory in the Bijapuri Konkan was granted to Shivaji.
  • This statement is correct.

  • As part of the treaty, Shivaji was granted territory in the Bijapuri Konkan region.

Therefore the correct answer is A, B, D only. Additional Information

•  The remaining 12 forts yielding an annual income of two lakhs Huns were to be left to Shivaji.
• This statement is incorrect.
• According to the treaty, Shivaji had to surrender 23 forts, not 12, to the Mughals.
• Shivaji had to pay 30 lakh Huns in instalments to the Mughals.
• This statement is incorrect.
• The Treaty of Purandar did not specify any payment of 30 lahks Huns by Shivaji to the Mughals.

The correct answer is Option 1

Key Points Forts which were erected by Shivaji:

• Suvarnadurg:
  • Suvarnadurg is a fort located on the western coast of India. Shivaji captured and strengthened this fort as part of his naval defense, but it is not clear if he originally erected it. However, it is closely associated with his naval ambitions.
• Vijayadurg:
  • Vijayadurg is one of the oldest forts on the western coast and was significantly expanded and fortified by Shivaji. It served as a key naval base for the Maratha navy under Shivaji.
• Sindhudurg:
  • Sindhudurg was specifically built by Shivaji in 1664 on an island in the Arabian Sea to establish a strong naval presence. It is one of the most important forts constructed by Shivaji for maritime defense.
• Kolaba:
  • Kolaba Fort (also known as Kulaba Fort) was constructed by Shivaji near the town of Alibag. This fort served as an important naval base and was specifically built by Shivaji.
• All four forts are associated with Shivaji, with Sindhudurg and Kolaba being explicitly erected by him, and Suvarnadurg and Vijayadurg being significantly expanded or fortified under his rule. 
• Hence, the correct answer is  1, 2, 3 and 4.

The correct answer is Option 1

Key Points

• Chhatrasal, inspired by the Maratha leader Shivaji, took up arms against the Mughal Empire and led a rebellion in the Bundelkhand region. Shivaji's successful tactics against Aurangzeb's forces were an inspiration for Chhatrasal, who sought to promote local risings against Mughal authority. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Similar to the Marathas, Chhatrasal imposed the levy of chauth (a 25% tax) on the territories he controlled, reflecting the influence of Maratha practices in his military and administrative strategies. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Chhatrasal did not make peace with Aurangzeb in 1705. Instead, he continued his rebellion and established himself as an independent ruler in Bundelkhand. There is no historical record of Aurangzeb granting Chhatrasal a mansab of four thousand.  Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• The correct answer is Option 1 i.e. 1 and 2 only.

Key Points

• Chattrapati Shahu appointed Balaji Vishwanath as the Peshwa in 1713, marking the beginning of the Peshwa era in Maratha history.
• Baji Rao I succeeded his father Balaji Vishwanath and became Peshwa in 1720. However, the statement saying he continued till his death in 1750 is incorrect since Baji Rao I died in 1740.
• During Balaji Baji Rao's tenure, Chattrapati Ram Raja delegated many powers to the Peshwas, making them the de facto rulers of the Maratha empire.
• Peshwa Baji Rao I was known for popularizing the slogan 'Hindu-pad-padshahi,' reflecting his vision of establishing a Hindu empire.

Additional Information

• Peshwa: The Peshwa was the Prime Minister in the Maratha empire. While initially subordinate to the Chattrapati, the Peshwas became the de facto rulers of the Maratha state during the later period.
• Balaji Vishwanath: He was the first prominent Peshwa and played a key role in consolidating the Maratha empire under Chattrapati Shahu.
• Baji Rao I: Also known as the greatest Peshwa, Baji Rao I was a brilliant military strategist and expanded the Maratha empire significantly. His campaigns are still remembered for their audacity and success.
• 'Hindu-pad-padshahi': This slogan was associated with Baji Rao I's vision of establishing a Hindu empire, emphasizing the Maratha dominance over regions historically ruled by Muslim dynasties.
• Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb): He was the third Peshwa and son of Baji Rao I. Under his tenure, the Peshwa's authority expanded, but his reign also saw setbacks, including the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.

The correct answer is - 45000 and 60000

Key Points

• Cavalry strength during Shivaji Maharaj's reign:
  • According to the Sabhasad Bakhar, a historical chronicle, at the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's death in 1680, his cavalry consisted of approximately 45,000 pagas and 60,000 siledars.
  • Pagas refers to the royal cavalry directly maintained and funded by the state.
  • Siledars were feudal cavalrymen who maintained their own horses and equipment but served under the Maratha Empire.
• Significance of cavalry numbers:
  • These numbers demonstrate the scale and strength of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's military organization.
  • The cavalry was a critical component of the Maratha warfare strategy, emphasizing mobility and speed.

Additional Information

• Sabhasad Bakhar:
  • It is a Marathi historical chronicle written by Krishnaji Anant Sabhasad, who was an official in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's administration.
  • This document is one of the earliest and most reliable sources about the life and achievements of Shivaji Maharaj.
• Military organization under Shivaji Maharaj:
  • The Maratha military under Shivaji Maharaj was highly disciplined and well-structured, with a focus on cavalry, infantry, and fort defense.
  • Shivaji Maharaj introduced the concept of ashtapradhan mandal (a council of eight ministers) to ensure the efficient functioning of the administration and military.
  • The cavalry was divided into pagas (state-maintained cavalry) and siledars (feudal cavalry), ensuring flexibility in warfare.
• Legacy of Shivaji Maharaj:
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is remembered as a visionary leader and an architect of the Maratha Empire, known for his innovative military strategies.
  • His emphasis on swift cavalry movements and guerrilla warfare tactics helped counter larger, better-equipped armies of the Mughals and other adversaries.

The correct answer is - 1657

Key Points

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj came into conflict with the Mughals for the first time in the year 1657.
• This conflict arose during the decline of the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur, which Shivaji was actively fighting against to expand his territories.
• The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who was then the Subedar (governor) of the Deccan under his father Shah Jahan, intervened as the Mughals sought to protect their own interests in the region.
• The conflict was primarily triggered by Shivaji's raids on Mughal territories, including the seizure of key forts like Torna and Purandar.
• This marked the beginning of a prolonged and significant rivalry between the Marathas and the Mughals.

Additional Information

• Shivaji Maharaj's Early Conflicts
  • Shivaji Maharaj's rise to power began with the conquest of forts and territories under the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur.
  • In the mid-1650s, Shivaji systematically captured forts like Rajgad and Torna to establish a strong base for the Maratha Empire.
• Mughal Involvement in the Deccan
  • The Mughals, under Aurangzeb, were expanding their empire in the Deccan during the 1650s. They viewed Shivaji's growing power as a threat to their dominance.
  • The Mughal intervention in the Deccan was also driven by their rivalry with the Bijapur and Golconda Sultanates.
• Later Developments
  • Shivaji's conflicts with the Mughals intensified over the following decades, including the famous Battle of Purandar in 1665 and his daring escape from Agra in 1666.
  • These conflicts eventually led to the establishment of the Maratha Empire as a dominant power in India.

The correct answer is Tatya Tope.

Key Points

• Tatya Tope was a prominent leader of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and served as the commander-in-chief of Nana Saheb's forces.
• He was born as Ramachandra Pandurang Tope and later came to be known as Tatya Tope.
• Tatya Tope played a crucial role in the rebellion, especially in the region of Kanpur and Gwalior.
• Despite facing numerous setbacks, he continued to lead guerrilla warfare against the British forces until his capture and execution in 1859.

Additional Information

• Indian Rebellion of 1857:
  • Also known as the First War of Indian Independence, it was a major, but ultimately unsuccessful, uprising against the British East India Company's rule in India.
  • It began on May 10, 1857, in the town of Meerut and soon spread to other regions like Delhi, Kanpur, and Jhansi.
  • The rebellion was fueled by widespread resentment against the British policies, including the annexation of Indian states, heavy taxation, and disrespect for Indian customs and traditions.
• Nana Saheb:
  • Nana Saheb, also known as Dhondu Pant, was a prominent leader of the 1857 rebellion.
  • He was the adopted son of the last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, Baji Rao II, and sought to restore the Maratha rule.
  • Nana Saheb led the uprising in Kanpur, where his forces captured the British entrenchment and led to the infamous massacre of British soldiers and civilians.
• Guerrilla Warfare:
  • Guerrilla warfare refers to a form of irregular warfare in which small groups of combatants use military tactics, including ambushes, sabotage, raids, and hit-and-run tactics, to fight larger, traditional military forces.
  • Tatya Tope was known for his effective use of guerrilla warfare against the British forces during the 1857 rebellion.
• British East India Company:
  • The British East India Company was a British trading corporation that gradually took control of large parts of India between the 17th and 19th centuries.
  • Its exploitation and oppressive policies led to widespread discontent among the Indian populace, culminating in the 1857 rebellion.

The correct code is A, B, D only. Key Points

• The Treaty of Purandar was signed between the Maratha king Shivaji and the Mughal Empire in 1665.
• According to the treaty, the following statements are correct:
• Out of 35 forts held by Shivaji, 23 forts were to be surrendered to the Mughals.
  • This statement is correct.
  • As part of the treaty, Shivaji had to surrender 23 of the 35 forts he controlled to the Mughals.
• The surrendered forts yielded a revenue of four lakh Huns every year.
  • This statement is correct.
  • The forts that Shivaji surrendered to the Mughals were estimated to generate an annual revenue of four lakh Huns.
• A territory in the Bijapuri Konkan was granted to Shivaji.
  • This statement is correct.

  • As part of the treaty, Shivaji was granted territory in the Bijapuri Konkan region.

Therefore the correct answer is A, B, D only. Additional Information

•  The remaining 12 forts yielding an annual income of two lakhs Huns were to be left to Shivaji.
• This statement is incorrect.
• According to the treaty, Shivaji had to surrender 23 forts, not 12, to the Mughals.
• Shivaji had to pay 30 lakh Huns in instalments to the Mughals.
• This statement is incorrect.
• The Treaty of Purandar did not specify any payment of 30 lahks Huns by Shivaji to the Mughals.

The correct answer is Option 1

Key Points Forts which were erected by Shivaji:

• Suvarnadurg:
  • Suvarnadurg is a fort located on the western coast of India. Shivaji captured and strengthened this fort as part of his naval defense, but it is not clear if he originally erected it. However, it is closely associated with his naval ambitions.
• Vijayadurg:
  • Vijayadurg is one of the oldest forts on the western coast and was significantly expanded and fortified by Shivaji. It served as a key naval base for the Maratha navy under Shivaji.
• Sindhudurg:
  • Sindhudurg was specifically built by Shivaji in 1664 on an island in the Arabian Sea to establish a strong naval presence. It is one of the most important forts constructed by Shivaji for maritime defense.
• Kolaba:
  • Kolaba Fort (also known as Kulaba Fort) was constructed by Shivaji near the town of Alibag. This fort served as an important naval base and was specifically built by Shivaji.
• All four forts are associated with Shivaji, with Sindhudurg and Kolaba being explicitly erected by him, and Suvarnadurg and Vijayadurg being significantly expanded or fortified under his rule. 
• Hence, the correct answer is  1, 2, 3 and 4.