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Practice Class 8 History Chapter 2 MCQs based on NCERT. Learn about the Marathas, Peshwa, Maratha Confederacy, British expansion, and the Anglo-Maratha Wars with detailed explanations.
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Chapter Information
Class: 8
Subject: Social Science – History
Chapter: 2 – From Trade to Territory: The Company Establishes Power
Practice Set: 7
Board: CBSE / NCERT
4. Introduction
After establishing political influence in several parts of India, the East India Company continued to expand its territories. The Marathas were one of the major powers that challenged British expansion.
The Maratha power was organised around the Peshwa, along with several powerful chiefs. Conflicts between the Marathas and the Company eventually led to the Anglo-Maratha Wars.
This practice set focuses on the Marathas, the Peshwa, and the Company’s expansion into Maratha territories.
5. What You Will Learn
In this practice set, students will learn about:
- The rise and organisation of Maratha power
- The role of the Peshwa
- The Maratha Confederacy
- The Anglo-Maratha Wars
- The gradual decline of Maratha power
- Expansion of the East India Company into Maratha territories
6. Why This Topic Is Important
The Marathas were one of the important political powers in eighteenth-century India. Their conflicts with the East India Company help explain how the Company gradually extended its control over large parts of the Indian subcontinent.
7. 5 MCQs with Detailed Solutions
MCQ 1. Who was the principal minister and head of the Maratha administration?
A. Nawab
B. Peshwa
C. Resident
D. Diwan
Answer: Peshwa
Detailed Solution
The Peshwa was the principal minister of the Maratha ruler and gradually became the most important political authority in the Maratha state.
Under the Peshwas, Maratha power expanded considerably during the eighteenth century.
Concept Behind This Question:
The Peshwa became the central figure in the political organisation of the Maratha power.
MCQ 2. What was the name given to the Maratha state under the leadership of the Peshwa and other powerful chiefs?
A. Maratha Confederacy
B. Bengal Presidency
C. Mughal Confederacy
D. Carnatic League
Answer: Maratha Confederacy
Detailed Solution
The Maratha political system developed into a Maratha Confederacy. Several powerful chiefs exercised control over different regions while recognising the authority of the Peshwa.
This arrangement gave the Marathas considerable political and military influence across different parts of India.
Concept Behind This Question:
The Maratha Confederacy consisted of several powerful Maratha chiefs working within a broader political system.
MCQ 3. Which Maratha chief controlled territories around Gwalior?
A. Scindia
B. Holkar
C. Gaekwad
D. Bhonsle
Answer: Scindia
Detailed Solution
The Scindias were one of the important Maratha families. They established their influence in the region around Gwalior.
Other major Maratha chiefs included the Holkars, Gaekwads and Bhonsles, who controlled different regions.
Concept Behind This Question:
Different Maratha chiefs controlled different territories as part of the Maratha Confederacy.
MCQ 4. Which Maratha family was associated with Indore?
A. Holkar
B. Scindia
C. Gaekwad
D. Bhonsle
Answer: Holkar
Detailed Solution
The Holkars were an important Maratha family associated with Indore.
The Maratha Confederacy included several powerful families, each with influence over particular regions. Understanding these regional centres helps explain the political structure of the Maratha power.
Concept Behind This Question:
The Holkars were one of the major Maratha chiefs and were associated with Indore.
MCQ 5. What was the result of the Anglo-Maratha Wars for the Marathas?
A. They expanded their territories across India
B. They defeated the East India Company permanently
C. Their power was gradually weakened and the Company gained control
D. They established a new empire in Bengal
Answer: Their power was gradually weakened and the Company gained control
Detailed Solution
The Anglo-Maratha Wars were a series of conflicts between the Maratha powers and the East India Company.
The Marathas were eventually defeated, and their political power declined. By the end of the conflicts, the Company had established greater control over territories that had previously been under Maratha influence.
Concept Behind This Question:
The defeat of the Marathas was an important stage in the Company’s expansion across India.
8. Important Concepts
Peshwa
The Peshwa was the principal minister of the Maratha ruler. Over time, the Peshwa became the most important political authority in the Maratha state.
Maratha Confederacy
The Maratha political system consisted of several powerful chiefs who controlled different regions while operating within the broader Maratha Confederacy.
Scindias
The Scindias were a major Maratha family associated with the region around Gwalior.
Holkars
The Holkars were another important Maratha family associated with Indore.
Anglo-Maratha Wars
The Anglo-Maratha Wars were conflicts between the East India Company and the Maratha powers. These wars eventually resulted in the decline of Maratha political power and increased Company control.
9. Related Practice Questions
- What was the role of the Peshwa in the Maratha administration?
- What was the Maratha Confederacy?
- Which Maratha family was associated with Gwalior?
- Which Maratha family was associated with Indore?
- How did the Anglo-Maratha Wars affect Maratha power?
10. Mini Quiz Challenge
Question:
Which Maratha family was associated with Indore?
Answer: Holkar
11. Exam Tips
- Remember that the Peshwa became the central political authority of the Marathas.
- Remember the term Maratha Confederacy.
- Scindias → Gwalior
- Holkars → Indore
- The Anglo-Maratha Wars weakened Maratha power and increased Company control.
12. Quick Revision Notes
- The Peshwa was the principal minister of the Maratha ruler.
- The Maratha political system developed into a confederacy.
- Several powerful Maratha chiefs controlled different regions.
- Scindias were associated with Gwalior.
- Holkars were associated with Indore.
- The Anglo-Maratha Wars weakened Maratha political power.
- The East India Company gained greater control over territories formerly influenced by the Marathas.
13. Common Mistakes Students Make
Mistake 1: Confusing Peshwa with a British official
The Peshwa was a leading figure in the Maratha political system, not a British administrative officer.
Mistake 2: Confusing Scindias and Holkars
Remember:
Scindias → Gwalior
Holkars → Indore
Mistake 3: Thinking that the Marathas were controlled by one ruler throughout the period
The Maratha political system involved several powerful chiefs and developed into a confederacy.
Mistake 4: Forgetting the importance of the Anglo-Maratha Wars
These conflicts played an important role in the decline of Maratha power and the expansion of Company control.
14. Key Takeaways
- The Peshwa became an important political authority among the Marathas.
- The Maratha power developed into a confederacy.
- Scindias and Holkars were important Maratha families.
- The Anglo-Maratha Wars weakened Maratha power.
- The Company expanded its territorial control after defeating the Marathas.
15. FAQs
Q1. Who was the Peshwa?
The Peshwa was the principal minister of the Maratha ruler and later became the most important political authority in the Maratha state.
Q2. What was the Maratha Confederacy?
It was a political system in which several powerful Maratha chiefs controlled different regions.
Q3. Which Maratha family was associated with Gwalior?
The Scindias were associated with Gwalior.
Q4. Which Maratha family was associated with Indore?
The Holkars were associated with Indore.
Q5. What happened to Maratha power after the Anglo-Maratha Wars?
Maratha political power declined, while the East India Company expanded its control over territories previously influenced by the Marathas.
16. Conclusion
The Marathas were a major power in eighteenth-century India. Their defeat in the Anglo-Maratha Wars helped the East India Company expand its territorial control.
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