The NCERT Solutions for Class VIII Social Science Chapter 3 – The Rise of the Marathas, will provide students with all the information they require about the rise of the Marathas to a dominant position within Indian history. The chapter outlines the favourable physical factors combined with the major leadership and efficient administration that contributed to their rise and expansion of the Maratha Empire.
Solutions to this chapter of social science for class 8 have been developed according to the current NCERT syllabus, as set forth by NCERT, and are in line with the format of the CBSE Board of Secondary Education examination, whereby questions are to be asked of the students, answering in a systematic, logical manner and with a clear reference to the content of the text and an emphasis on developing and strengthening their historical concepts.
The students can have access to the Class VIII Social Science Chapter 3, “The Rise of the Marathas” in a soft copy (PDF) to facilitate effective revision as well as revision. All the solutions included in this chapter are prepared by the expert lecturers of ALLEN, they cover the entire syllabus, accurate, as well as help to enhance students’ comprehension of concepts and develop an understanding of the underlying theories behind their answers to the questions.
1. Analyse how geography (particularly mountains and coastlines) influenced Maratha military strategy and state formation.
Ans. The Marathas lived in the Western Ghats mountains and near the western coast of India. The mountains helped them build strong hill forts that provided protection and secret routes for surprise attacks. These natural features made it difficult for enemies to capture Maratha territory.
The long coastline helped the Marathas develop a powerful navy to protect maritime trade and coastal regions. Together, the mountains and coastline strengthened the Maratha military strategy and helped in the formation of a strong and advanced state.
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.
Ans. Kanhoji Angre – The Maratha Sea Lion
Kanhoji Angre was a brave Maratha naval chief who protected India’s western coast in the early 18th century. He fought against powerful British and Portuguese ships that tried to control Indian sea trade.
Even though his navy was smaller, Kanhoji Angre used his deep knowledge of the sea and smart strategies to defeat foreign ships many times. He built strong sea forts like Vijaydurg and kept strict watch over the Arabian Sea.
A major challenge he faced was fighting better-equipped European navies. Despite this, his courage and clever tactics helped him succeed. He ensured that Indian traders could conduct business safely without being looted. Because of his bravery, he is remembered as India’s first great naval hero.
3. The chapter states, “The British took India from the Marathas more than from the Mughals or any other power.” What does this mean? What evidence from the chapter supports this idea?
Ans. This statement means that when the British began to establish control over India, the Marathas were the strongest power, not the Mughals. By that time, the Mughal Empire had become weak, while the Marathas controlled large regions such as Delhi, Gujarat, and Malwa.
The Marathas fought three major wars with the British and were the last powerful Indian rulers before British rule began. This shows that to gain control of India, the British had to defeat the Marathas rather than the Mughals, proving the strength and importance of the Maratha Empire.
4. 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?
Ans. Shivaji and the later Marathas followed the policy of religious tolerance and treated people of all faiths with respect and equality. Although Shivaji was a devout Hindu, he never attacked mosques or harmed people of other religions. When Shivaji captured Surat, he protected religious places and even safeguarded the house of a kind Muslim man. He also employed Muslim soldiers and officers in his army. Later, under the Thanjavur Marathas, a Muslim poet named Ambar Husain was allowed to write about the Bhagavad Gita. This shows that the Marathas believed in religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.
5. The chapter describes forts as “the core of the state” for the Marathas. Why were forts so important? How did they help the Marathas survive against larger enemies?
Ans. Forts were extremely important for the Marathas because they provided safety and control. Built on high hills with strong walls, forts were difficult for enemies to capture.
When large armies like the Mughals attacked, the Marathas took shelter in forts, planned strategies, and used guerrilla warfare. Forts allowed them to monitor roads, store food and weapons, and protect civilians. This is why forts were called the “core of the state”—they helped the Marathas remain strong even against larger and more powerful enemies.
6. 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.
Ans. If I were to design a Maratha coin, it would reflect their greatness and values. On one side, I would place Shivaji’s face with a sword and a fort in the background to represent bravery and the importance of forts in protecting the kingdom. The saffron flag would symbolise unity and cultural pride.
On the other side, I would use Sanskrit writing similar to Shivaji’s royal seal. Around the edges, symbols such as a ship (Maratha navy), a book (knowledge and justice), and shaking hands (respect for all religions) would be added. This coin would show that the Marathas were brave, wise, fair, and tolerant.
7. After learning about the Maratha period, what do you think was their most important contribution to Indian history? Support your answer with examples from the chapter.
Ans. The most important contribution of the Marathas was protecting Indian culture and freedom during a time when foreign powers like the Mughals and the British were trying to dominate India. Shivaji established a strong and just kingdom and promoted the idea of Swarajya (self-rule).
Even after Shivaji’s death, the Maratha army continued to resist Mughal expansion. Leaders like Tarabai and Ahilyabai Holkar contributed through both warfare and good governance. The Marathas ruled large parts of India and preserved Indian traditions, making their contribution to Indian history highly significant.
(Session 2026 - 27)