Class 8 Social Science — Chapter 3: The Rise of the Marathas

What you'll learn

• ▸Cultural and Political Background of the Marathas
• ▸Shivaji's Early Life and Vision of 'Swarajya'
• ▸Shivaji's Innovative Military Strategies
• ▸Conflict with the Bijapur Sultanate: The Afzal Khan Episode
• ▸Confrontations with the Mughal Empire
• ▸Shivaji's Escape from Agra
• ▸Coronation and Formal Establishment of the Maratha Empire
• ▸Decline of the Maratha Empire

Chapter Summary

--- PAGE 1 --- CHAPTER 3 The Rise of the Marathas Among the merchants, the hat-wearers like the Portuguese, the English, the Dutch, the French and the Danes also conduct trade. But they are not like other merchants.... They are fully intent on entering this land, increasing their territory and propagating their religion. They are obstinate people, and Navy and gunpowder are their chief weapons. Their traffic should be controlled, and they shouldn't be allowed to build strong buildings. — Ramachandrapant Amatya, Ādnyāpatra (1715) Fig. 3.1. Raigad Fort, Maharashtra, with the grand entrance to the palace where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned in 1674, marking the formal beginning of the Maratha Empire. The Big Questions QRickit 1. Who were the Marathas? How did they manage to become the largest pan-Indian power before the British took over? 2. What were some features of their governance? 3. What impact did the Maratha Empire leave in Indian history? 0881CH03 --…

Practice Questions from this Chapter

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1. Explain Shivaji's 'Swarajya' vision simply. Get Solution →
2. Show photos of Raigad Fort. Get Solution →
3. Describe the Maratha Navy's ships. Get Solution →
4. In which year was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj born? Get Solution →
5. Who were Shivaji's parents? Get Solution →
6. What is the term for the sovereign kingdom that Shivaji envisioned? Get Solution →
7. At which mountain fortress was Shivaji coronated in 1674? Get Solution →
8. What is the name of the weapon shaped like a 'tiger's claw' used by Shivaji to kill Afzal Khan? Get Solution →

Did you know?

• 💡 Many ancient forts had hidden tunnels for escape or surprise attacks.
• 💡 The world's first submarine was invented in the Netherlands in 1620.
• 💡 India has hundreds of historic forts, some carved directly into mountains.
• 💡 Ancient armies sometimes used carrier pigeons to send vital messages.
• 💡 Before compasses, sailors navigated by stars, sun, and even bird flights.

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