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

 Exercise Question Answers for Chapter 3- The Rise of the Marathas in Class VIII for Subject Social Science 

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Questions and activities:

1. Analyse how geography (particularly mountains and coastlines) guided Maratha military strategy and state formation. 

Answer: Geography and Maratha Military Strategy:

• The Sahyadri (Western Ghats) mountains gave natural protection and hiding places for guerrilla warfare.

• Forts like Raigad and Pratapgad were built on hills, making them hard to capture.

• The Konkan coastline helped the Marathas build a strong navy under Shivaji and Kanhoji Angre.

• Mountain passes allowed sudden attacks and quick retreats.

• Control of sea routes stopped European traders from fully dominating the west coast.

2. Imagine you are creating a short biography of a Maratha leader for younger students. Choose one personality (Kanhoji Angre, Bajirao I, Mahadji Shinde, Ahilyabai Holkar or Tarabai) and write 3-4 paragraphs highlighting what makes them inspirational. Include at least one challenge they overcame. 

Answer: Short Biography – Ahilyabai Holkar:

• Ahilyabai Holkar ruled the Malwa region for thirty years after losing her husband and son.

• She showed wisdom, kindness, and bravery in administration.

• She rebuilt many temples like Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi) and Somnath (Gujarat), and constructed ghats, wells, and roads.

• She supported weavers of Maheshwar, keeping traditional crafts alive.

• Despite personal tragedies, she continued ruling with fairness and care for her people, which makes her inspirational.

3. If you could visit one Maratha fort today (such as Raigad, Sindhudurg, Gingee, or Pratapgad), which would you choose and why? Research its history, architecture, and strategic importance. Present your findings as a digital presentation or a poster in class. 

Answer: Visit to a Fort – Raigad Fort:

• I would choose Raigad Fort, where Shivaji was crowned in 1674.

• It is located on a hilltop, difficult for enemies to capture.

• The fort has strong walls, gateways, and secret paths.

• It was the capital of Shivaji’s kingdom, making it a symbol of Swaraj.

• Visiting Raigad shows the Maratha vision of independence and strength.

4. The chapter states, “The British took India from the Marathas more than from the Mughals or any other power.” What do you think this means? What evidence from the chapter supports this idea? 

Answer: 

• By the 18th century, the Marathas controlled most of India, not the Mughals.

• They fought three Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818) with the British.

• The British defeated them due to better organisation and internal disunity among Marathas.

• Delhi was under Maratha control till 1803, before the British took it.

• This means the British gained power mainly by defeating the Marathas, not the Mughals.

5. Compare how Shivaji and later Marathas treated religious places and people of different faiths. What evidence from the chapter shows their approach to religious diversity? 

Answer: Approach to Religious Diversity: 

• Shivaji respected other religions and did not destroy places of worship.

• When he sacked Surat, he spared the house of a charitable Jain merchant, Mohandas Parekh.

• He rebuilt desecrated temples and supported Sanskrit and Marathi literature.

• Later Marathas like Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt temples across India.

• The Marathas revived Hindu traditions but did not forcefully convert or discriminate.

6. The chapter describes how forts were ‘the core of the state’ for Marathas. Why were they so important? How did they help the Marathas survive against larger enemies? 

Answer: Importance of Forts: 

• Forts were the “core of the state” as written in the Ādnyāpatra.

• They gave shelter and supply bases for armies.

• Forts like Pratapgad helped in guerrilla warfare and sudden attacks.

• They secured important trade routes and villages from enemy invasions.

• Even when big empires like the Mughals attacked, forts helped the Marathas survive.

7. You have been appointed as the chief designer for Maratha coins. Design a coin that represents Maratha achievements and values. Explain the symbols you chose. 

Answer: Design of a Maratha Coin: 

• Front side: Shivaji’s seal with a saffron flag symbolising Swaraj.

• Back side: Lord Ganapati symbol for blessings and cultural pride.

• Use of Devanagari script to show Marathi identity.

• A fort symbol to mark strength and defence.

• Waves or a ship to represent Maratha naval power under Kanhoji Angre.

8. After this introduction to the Maratha period, what do you think was their most important contribution to Indian history? Write a paragraph supporting your opinion with examples from the chapter. Then share and discuss your ideas with classmates.

Answer: Maratha Contribution to Indian History: 

• The Marathas built the largest Indian empire before the British, spreading from Peshawar to Tamil Nadu.

• They introduced efficient administration with fair taxation and justice.

• They inspired cultural revival by promoting Marathi and Sanskrit.

• Their resistance to the Mughals and later to the British kept alive the ideal of Swaraj (self-rule).

• Their most important contribution was planting the early seeds of freedom in Indian minds.

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To Learn More Click Below:

NCERT Solutions:

Chapter-1 Natural resources and Their Use - CLICK HERE

Chapter-2 Reshaping India's Political Map - CLICK HERE

Chapter-3 The Rise of the Marathas - CLICK HERE

Chapter-4 The Colonial Era in India - CLICK HERE

Chapter-5 Universal Franchise and India’s Electoral System - CLICK HERE

Chapter-6 The Parliamentary System Legislature and Executive - CLICK HERE

Chapter-7 Factors of Production - CLICK HERE