Q1
Who founded the Maratha kingdom?
AShivaji Maharaj
BAkbar
CAshoka
DAurangzeb
CBSEClass 8 (CBSE)Social ScienceCh 3 · Topic 1
Rise of Maratha Power
The Maratha power rose in the 17th century under Shivaji Maharaj, who built a strong, independent kingdom in western India through military
Core concept
Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha kingdom, using guerrilla warfare tactics and strategically built forts to successfully resist larger empires, including the Mughals.
How it works
Shivaji established an efficient administration, with a council of ministers (Ashtapradhan) helping manage revenue, military affairs, and justice across his kingdom.
Why it matters
The Marathas built a strong navy too, to protect the western coastline from foreign traders and rival powers, showing their strategic vision beyond land warfare.
Key detail
The Maratha kingdom laid the foundation for a larger Maratha Empire, which would later expand significantly and become one of the most powerful forces in India.
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• Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha kingdom in the 17th century.
• Shivaji used guerrilla warfare and forts effectively.
• The Marathas resisted larger empires, including the Mughals.
• Ashtapradhan was Shivaji's council of ministers.
• The council managed revenue, military and justice.
• The Marathas built a strong navy.
• The navy protected the western coastline.
• This kingdom laid the foundation for the larger Maratha Empire.