Rise of the Marathas & the Foundation of Swaraj by Shivaji – UGC NET Practice Questions

Rise of the Marathas

1. The Marathas were primarily a:
A) Persian-speaking trading community
B) Marathi-speaking warrior people
C) Tamil-speaking priestly class
D) Kannada-speaking merchants

2. The homeland of the Marathas was mainly the:
A) Indo-Gangetic Plain
B) Eastern Ghats
C) Western Deccan Plateau
D) Coromandel Coast

3. The term ‘Hindavi Swarajya’ means:
A) Self-rule of Hindus
B) Rule by Brahmins
C) Mughal sovereignty
D) Confederation of Deccan states

4. The founder of Hindavi Swarajya was:
A) Sambhaji
B) Shahu
C) Balaji Vishwanath
D) Shivaji Maharaj

5. Shivaji revolted primarily against the:
A) Nizam of Hyderabad
B) Adil Shahi dynasty and the Mughals
C) Portuguese and Dutch
D) Rajputs and Sikhs

6. The capital of Shivaji’s kingdom was:
A) Satara
B) Kolhapur
C) Raigad
D) Pune

7. Shivaji was crowned as Chatrapati in:
A) 1674 CE
B) 1665 CE
C) 1680 CE
D) 1707 CE

8. The title ‘Chatrapati’ means:
A) Prime Minister
B) Commander of Army
C) Governor of Forts
D) Sovereign ruler

9. Match List I with List II regarding early Maratha history.

A- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
C- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
D- A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

10. Assertion (A): Shivaji founded Hindavi Swarajya under Mughal patronage.
Reason (R): He revolted against both the Adil Shahis and the Mughals.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

11. Sambhaji was:
A) Shivaji’s brother
B) Shivaji’s son
C) Shivaji’s minister
D) Shivaji’s father

12. Sambhaji was captured and executed by:
A) Akbar
B) Shah Jahan
C) Aurangzeb’s army
D) Bahadur Shah I

13. Shahu was taken prisoner after the death of:
A) Sambhaji
B) Shivaji
C) Balaji Vishwanath
D) Rajaram

14. Shahu was released in:
A) 1689 CE
B) 1674 CE
C) 1713 CE
D) 1707 CE

15. Shahu was released by:
A) Aurangzeb
B) Bahadur Shah I
C) Farrukhsiyar
D) Jahandar Shah

16. After Shahu’s release, the Marathas:
A) Lost political significance
B) Became Mughal feudatories permanently
C) Re-established themselves rapidly
D) Migrated southwards

17. Which two states emerged within the Maratha polity?
A) Satara and Kolhapur
B) Pune and Nashik
C) Bijapur and Golconda
D) Madurai and Tanjore

18. Shahu appointed Balaji Vishwanath as:
A) Peshwa
B) Senapati
C) Sena-Karte
D) Deshmukh

19. Match List I with List II regarding Maratha consolidation.

A- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
B- A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
C- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
D- A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

20. Assertion (A): Shahu remained imprisoned throughout his life.
Reason (R): Bahadur Shah I released him in 1707 CE.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

21. The office of Peshwa referred to the:
A) Commander of cavalry
B) Prime Minister
C) Governor of provinces
D) Revenue collector

22. Balaji Vishwanath and his descendants contributed significantly to:
A) Mughal expansion
B) Portuguese administration
C) Growth of Maratha power
D) Bengal trade

23. Maratha mobility enabled them to remain powerful during:
A) Mughal-Maratha Wars
B) Carnatic Wars
C) Anglo-Mysore Wars
D) Sikh Wars

24. At its height, the Maratha Empire extended in the north up to:
A) Delhi
B) Lahore
C) Kashmir
D) Peshawar

25. The Maratha Empire stretched in the south up to:
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Karnataka only
D) Andhra Pradesh only

26. In the east, the Maratha influence extended up to:
A) Assam
B) Odisha
C) Bengal
D) Bihar only

27. The Maratha rise was aided by their:
A) Mobility and military flexibility
B) Naval superiority alone
C) European alliances
D) Mughal support

28. Which region became central to Maratha expansion?
A) Gangetic Plain
B) Malwa Plateau
C) Punjab
D) Maharashtra region

29. Match List I with List II regarding territorial expansion.

A- A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
B- A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
C- A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
D- A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

30. Assertion (A): The Marathas lacked mobility during warfare.
Reason (R): Their flexibility helped them survive Mughal-Maratha conflicts.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

31. According to the passage, the Marathas were generally described as:
A) Lazy and wealthy
B) Energetic and hardy
C) Peace-loving merchants
D) Urban aristocrats

32. Compared to Rajputs, Marathas lacked:
A) Military skill
B) Political unity
C) Pride and dignity
D) Administrative experience

33. Compared to Rajputs, Marathas were less characterized by:
A) Indolence and lack of worldly wisdom
B) Bravery
C) Mobility
D) Resistance

34. Maratha characteristics were influenced significantly by:
A) Persian culture
B) Mughal courts
C) Portuguese trade
D) Physical geography of Maharashtra

35. Eknath contributed to Maratha unity by promoting:
A) Persian language
B) Pride in Marathi language
C) Sanskrit exclusivity
D) Mughal administration

36. Which factor strengthened Maratha identity?
A) Foreign alliances
B) Buddhist revival
C) Language and literature
D) Urbanization

37. Maharashtra’s geography mostly consists of a:
A) Plateau region
B) River valley
C) Desert region
D) Coastal plain only

38. Because survival in Maharashtra was difficult, the Marathas became:
A) Mercantile and urbanized
B) Passive and dependent
C) Isolated and weak
D) Brave and hardworking

39. Match List I with List II regarding factors behind Maratha rise.

A- A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
C- A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
D- A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2

40. Assertion (A): Language played no role in Maratha nationalism.
Reason (R): Marathi literature fostered unity and belonging among the Marathas.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

41. The rugged terrain of Maharashtra enabled the Marathas to excel in:
A) Naval warfare
B) Guerilla warfare
C) Desert warfare
D) Siege warfare only

42. Guerilla warfare was effective because of:
A) Flat plains of Maharashtra
B) European military aid
C) Rugged terrain and hill forts
D) Mughal alliances

43. Maratha soldiers were often stationed in:
A) Villages’ dispersed sections
B) Major port cities
C) Mughal cantonments
D) Desert camps

44. Surprise attacks by the Marathas were often launched from:
A) River valleys
B) Coastal settlements
C) Market towns
D) Hilltop forts

45. Long before Shivaji, Marathas gained administrative experience under:
A) Rajput kingdoms
B) Muslim rulers of the Deccan
C) Portuguese India
D) Sikh rulers

46. Marathas especially worked in which department under Deccan rulers?
A) Naval administration
B) Judiciary
C) Tax department
D) Religious administration

47. Maratha Jagirdars played an important role in:
A) Political affairs of Deccan states
B) Bengal administration only
C) European trade networks
D) Mughal succession disputes

48. Which among the following Deccan states had Maratha Jagirdars?
A) Bijapur
B) Ahmednagar
C) Golkonda
D) All of the above

49. Match List I with List II regarding Maratha military methods.

A- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
B- A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
C- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
D- A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3

50. Assertion (A): The Marathas lacked experience in administration before Shivaji.
Reason (R): Many Marathas served Muslim rulers in various departments.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

51. The political condition of southern India before Maratha rise was:
A) Highly centralized
B) Politically unstable
C) Dominated by Rajputs
D) Completely peaceful

52. The Muslim kingdoms of the south were:
A) Militarily supreme
B) Expanding rapidly
C) On the verge of collapse
D) Allied permanently with Mughals

53. The unstable political climate of the south provided an opportunity for:
A) Maratha rise to power
B) Portuguese conquest
C) Rajput expansion
D) Sikh dominance

54. Before Shivaji, the Marathas were politically:
A) Highly united
B) Imperial rulers
C) Economically dominant
D) Scattered among Deccan kingdoms

55. Shivaji united the Marathas despite opposition from:
A) Mughals
B) Bijapur
C) Portuguese India
D) All of the above

56. Which naval/foreign power opposed Shivaji?
A) Dutch East India Company
B) French Company
C) Abyssinians of Janjira
D) British East India Company

57. Shivaji is regarded as:
A) Founder of the Maratha Empire
B) Founder of Mughal rule
C) Portuguese ally
D) Last Sultan of Bijapur

58. Shivaji has been described as:
A) Only a military leader
B) A religious saint only
C) Weak administrator
D) A constructive genius of medieval India

59. Match List I with List II regarding Shivaji’s leadership.

A- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
B- A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
C- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
D- A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3

60. Assertion (A): Shivaji failed to unite the Marathas.
Reason (R): He transformed scattered Marathas into a powerful political force.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

61. Later Mughal rulers are described as:
A) Absolute conquerors
B) Emperors only in name
C) Military geniuses
D) Maritime rulers

62. In the eighteenth century, the most powerful rulers in India became:
A) Rajputs
B) Sikhs
C) Maratha chiefs
D) Portuguese

63. Maratha nationalism developed mainly through unity of:
A) Language, literature, community, and homeland
B) Trade and ports only
C) Persian culture
D) Mughal institutions

64. Maharashtra’s central location helped Marathas expand:
A) Only to the west
B) Only to the east
C) Only to the north
D) Both to north and south

65. Economic differences among Marathas were:
A) Extremely high
B) Comparatively minimal
C) Based entirely on caste
D) Dominated by aristocrats

66. Few Marathas were considered:
A) Priestly elites
B) Nomadic warriors
C) Extremely wealthy
D) Foreign merchants

67. Which Mughal ruler’s Deccan policy intensified Maratha resistance?
A) Aurangzeb
B) Akbar
C) Jahangir
D) Humayun

68. Marathas feared Mughal domination over:
A) North India only
B) Bengal alone
C) Punjab region
D) Entire South India

69. Match List I with List II regarding Maratha nationalism.

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
C- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
D- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

70. Assertion (A): Maharashtra’s location hindered Maratha expansion.
Reason (R): Its central position facilitated expansion to both north and south.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

71. The Marathas enjoyed privileges under:
A) Mughal emperors exclusively
B) Muslim states of the Deccan
C) British East India Company
D) Sikh confederacies

72. Marathas feared losing privileges under:
A) Rajput rulers
B) Portuguese administration
C) Aurangzeb’s centralized rule
D) Bahmani rulers

73. The growth of Mughal power in South India especially alarmed the:
A) Marathas
B) Rajputs
C) Sikhs
D) Jats

74. The Marathas formed alliances mainly against:
A) Portuguese
B) British
C) Rajputs
D) Mughals

75. Shivaji organized the Marathas into:
A) Temple bureaucracy
B) A mobile military force
C) Naval federation
D) Merchant guilds

76. The Marathas fought primarily for preservation of:
A) Trade and commerce
B) Foreign alliances
C) Faith and territory
D) Mughal interests

77. Marathas are historically credited with contributing to the:
A) End of Mughal Empire
B) Rise of Portuguese India
C) Fall of Vijayanagara
D) Growth of Bahmani kingdom

78. Which among the following contributed to Maratha rise?
A) Geography
B) Language and literature
C) Guerilla warfare
D) All of the above

79. Match List I with List II regarding Maratha resistance.

A- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
B- A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
C- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
D- A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3

80. Assertion (A): The Marathas supported Mughal domination of the Deccan.
Reason (R): They resisted Mughal expansion to protect their privileges and interests.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

81. Shivaji’s military success depended greatly on:
A) Naval dominance
B) Guerilla warfare tactics
C) European artillery only
D) Mughal alliances

82. The Marathas used surprise attacks effectively because of:
A) Vast deserts
B) Dense river plains
C) Forts on hilltops and rugged terrain
D) Naval support from Europeans

83. Maratha soldiers were generally stationed in:
A) Scattered village sections
B) Urban forts only
C) Mughal cantonments
D) Coastal settlements

84. Long before Shivaji, Marathas acquired administrative expertise under:
A) British administrators
B) Rajput rulers
C) Portuguese officials
D) Deccan Muslim kingdoms

85. Marathas particularly served in which department under Deccan rulers?
A) Naval administration
B) Tax department
C) Judiciary
D) Religious administration

86. Maratha Jagirdars played a political role in:
A) Bijapur
B) Ahmednagar
C) Golkonda
D) All of the above

87. Which Deccan kingdom employed many Maratha administrators?
A) Bijapur
B) Bengal
C) Kashmir
D) Punjab

88. Which factor among the following most directly encouraged Maratha military resilience?
A) Fertile plains
B) Urbanization
C) European alliances
D) Plateau geography and struggle for survival

89. Match List I with List II regarding administrative experience.

A- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
B- A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
C- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
D- A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1

90. Assertion (A): Marathas had no administrative background before Shivaji.
Reason (R): They had experience in governance under Deccan rulers.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

91. The political instability in South India favored the rise of:
A) Rajputs
B) Marathas
C) Sikhs
D) Ahoms

92. The southern Muslim kingdoms before Maratha rise were:
A) Expanding rapidly
B) Economically dominant
C) Near collapse
D) Politically united

93. Shivaji unified the Marathas against how many major hostile powers?
A) Four
B) Two
C) Six
D) Eight

94. Which among the following opposed Shivaji?
A) Mughals
B) Bijapur
C) Portuguese India
D) All of the above

95. The Abyssinians of Janjira were mainly associated with:
A) Revenue collection
B) Opposition to Shivaji
C) Temple administration
D) Literary patronage

96. Shivaji is remembered not only as founder but also as:
A) A Mughal ally
B) Religious preacher only
C) Constructive genius of medieval India
D) Portuguese commander

97. Which of the following best explains Shivaji’s historical significance?
A) Founder of Maratha Empire and organizer of Swarajya
B) Founder of Mughal Empire
C) Creator of British administration
D) Founder of Vijayanagara Empire

98. The remembrance of Shivaji left behind:
A) Temporary military fame
B) Portuguese legacy
C) Regional trade networks
D) An indelible historical legacy

99. Match List I with List II regarding Shivaji’s opposition.

A- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
B- A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
C- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
D- A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

100. Assertion (A): Shivaji faced no external resistance while uniting the Marathas.
Reason (R): He confronted Mughals, Bijapur, Portuguese, and Janjira forces.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

101. In the eighteenth century, Mughal emperors became:
A) Strong military rulers
B) Emperors only in name
C) Naval rulers
D) Religious heads only

102. The rise of Marathas was mainly the effort of:
A) Shivaji alone
B) Peshwas alone
C) Entire Maratha people
D) Portuguese allies

103. Maratha nationalism was based on unity of:
A) Language, literature, community, and homeland
B) Naval trade
C) Mughal service
D) Religious conversion

104. Maharashtra’s geography helped Marathas because:
A) It was a fertile river valley
B) It had desert defenses
C) It encouraged trade only
D) Survival struggles made people resilient

105. Maharashtra’s central position enabled Marathas to expand:
A) Only eastwards
B) Both southwards and northwards
C) Only towards Gujarat
D) Only to Bengal

106. Economic inequality among Marathas was:
A) Very high
B) Based on caste hierarchy
C) Comparatively low
D) Controlled by Mughal nobles

107. Aurangzeb’s Deccan policy encouraged:
A) Maratha resistance
B) Maratha surrender
C) Portuguese dominance
D) Rajput supremacy

108. Marathas feared Mughal domination over:
A) Northern India only
B) Bengal alone
C) Gujarat only
D) Entire South India

109. Match List I with List II regarding nationalism and geography.

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
C- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
D- A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

110. Assertion (A): Economic inequality among Marathas was minimal.
Reason (R): Few among them were extremely wealthy.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) A is false, but R is true.

111. Marathas feared losing privileges previously enjoyed under:
A) British rulers
B) Weak Muslim rulers of the Deccan
C) Portuguese India
D) Sikh confederacies

112. Under Aurangzeb, Marathas expected:
A) More privileges
B) Equality with Rajputs
C) Loss of earlier privileges
D) Complete independence

113. Maratha alliance against the Mughals emerged mainly to protect:
A) Their larger political interests
B) Portuguese trade
C) Rajput territories
D) Persian influence

114. Shivaji transformed the Marathas into:
A) Temple officials
B) Revenue farmers
C) Merchant guilds
D) A formidable mobile military force

115. Marathas fought the Mughals primarily for:
A) Mughal patronage
B) Faith and territory
C) Trade monopolies
D) Religious conversion

116. Marathas are credited with helping to:
A) Expand Mughal Empire
B) Strengthen Portuguese rule
C) Bring Mughal Empire to an end
D) Establish Delhi Sultanate

117. Which of the following was NOT a factor in Maratha rise?
A) Mughal naval supremacy
B) Guerilla warfare
C) Language and literature
D) Geography

118. Which saint promoted Marathi language and identity?
A) Tukaram
B) Ramdas
C) Eknath
D) Namdev

119. Match List I with List II regarding resistance and privilege.

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
C- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
D- A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

120. Assertion (A): Marathas willingly accepted Mughal supremacy in the Deccan.
Reason (R): Fear of losing privileges and regional interests encouraged resistance.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

121. The term ‘Hindavi Swarajya’ is most closely associated with:
A) Balaji Vishwanath
B) Shivaji Maharaj
C) Sambhaji
D) Shahu

122. Shivaji’s coronation as Chatrapati symbolized:
A) Mughal subordination
B) Portuguese alliance
C) Sovereign independence
D) Rajput influence

123. Which Maratha ruler was captured and executed by Aurangzeb?
A) Sambhaji
B) Rajaram
C) Shahu
D) Balaji Vishwanath

124. Shahu was released after the death of:
A) Shah Jahan
B) Akbar
C) Jahandar Shah
D) Aurangzeb

125. The post of Peshwa gradually became:
A) Ceremonial office
B) Powerful Prime Ministership
C) Revenue office
D) Naval office

126. Balaji Vishwanath was first appointed as:
A) Chatrapati
B) Peshwa
C) Sena-Karte
D) Jagirdar

127. The Marathas successfully maintained power because of:
A) Mobility and flexibility in warfare
B) Large naval fleets
C) Mughal patronage
D) Portuguese artillery

128. Which region marked the northern limit of Maratha influence?
A) Delhi
B) Punjab
C) Lahore
D) Peshawar

129. Match List I with List II regarding Maratha polity.

A- A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
B- A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
C- A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
D- A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2

130. Assertion (A): The office of Peshwa remained insignificant in Maratha administration.
Reason (R): It evolved into the office of Prime Minister with growing influence.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

131. The geographical location of Maharashtra mainly contributed to:
A) Religious decline
B) Expansion in multiple directions
C) Maritime monopoly
D) Political isolation

132. Maharashtra’s rugged geography particularly favored:
A) Chariot warfare
B) Naval expeditions
C) Guerilla warfare
D) Open battlefield combat only

133. Surprise attacks by Marathas generally originated from:
A) Forts on hilltops
B) River islands
C) Desert camps
D) Market centers

134. Maratha bravery was strengthened because:
A) They had fertile lands
B) Mughal support encouraged them
C) European training shaped them
D) Survival in plateau geography was difficult

135. Which literary-cultural factor promoted Maratha unity?
A) Persian poetry
B) Marathi language and literature
C) Urdu administration
D) Portuguese writings

136. Eknath’s contribution lay mainly in:
A) Revenue reforms
B) Military leadership
C) Promotion of Marathi pride
D) Mughal diplomacy

137. The Maratha character has been described as:
A) Energetic, hardy, and preserving
B) Aristocratic and luxurious
C) Passive and urbanized
D) Mercantile and isolated

138. Compared to Rajputs, Marathas were considered less:
A) Militarily capable
B) United politically
C) Proud and dignified
D) Skilled in governance

139. Match List I with List II regarding geography and society.

A- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
C- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
D- A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

140. Assertion (A): Geography had little impact on Maratha rise.
Reason (R): Maharashtra’s plateau and rugged terrain shaped Maratha resilience.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

141. Maratha Jagirdars influenced politics in:
A) Ahmednagar
B) Bijapur
C) Golkonda
D) All of the above

142. Before Shivaji, Marathas developed administrative expertise mainly under:
A) Sikh rulers
B) Muslim Deccan rulers
C) Portuguese officials
D) British administrators

143. Which department employed many Marathas under Deccan rulers?
A) Tax department
B) Naval administration
C) Judicial office
D) Temple management

144. The weakening of southern Muslim kingdoms created conditions favorable for:
A) Rajput expansion
B) Mughal decline
C) Portuguese rule
D) Rise of Marathas

145. Before Shivaji, the Marathas were politically:
A) Strongly united
B) Fragmented among Deccan kingdoms
C) Mughal governors
D) European allies

146. Shivaji unified Marathas against how many major enemies?
A) Two
B) Three
C) Four
D) Five

147. Which among the following opposed Shivaji?
A) Portuguese India
B) French Company
C) British Parliament
D) Afghan rulers

148. The Abyssinians of Janjira represented:
A) Maratha allies
B) Mughal generals
C) Rajput chiefs
D) A hostile regional power

149. Match List I with List II regarding opposition to Shivaji.

A- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
B- A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
C- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
D- A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

150. Assertion (A): Shivaji unified the Marathas without resistance.
Reason (R): He fought against Mughals, Bijapur, Portuguese, and Janjira forces.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

151. During the eighteenth century, Maratha chiefs became:
A) Minor feudatories
B) The most powerful rulers in India
C) Portuguese allies
D) Naval commanders only

152. Maratha nationalism rested significantly on:
A) Religious uniformity alone
B) Naval supremacy
C) Language, literature, community, and homeland
D) Mughal support

153. Maharashtra’s central location helped Marathas expand toward:
A) North and South India
B) Only Bengal
C) Only Punjab
D) Only Gujarat

154. Economic inequality among Marathas was:
A) Very high
B) Similar to Mughal aristocracy
C) Based on overseas trade
D) Comparatively limited

155. Aurangzeb’s Deccan policy encouraged:
A) Peaceful settlement
B) Maratha resistance
C) Rajput expansion
D) Portuguese trade

156. Marathas feared Mughal domination over:
A) Western India only
B) North India alone
C) Entire South India
D) Bengal region only

157. The privileges enjoyed by Marathas were mainly under:
A) Weak Muslim rulers of the Deccan
B) British governors
C) Sikh rulers
D) Rajput confederacies

158. Marathas feared loss of privileges under:
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb

159. Match List I with List II regarding Mughal-Maratha relations.

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
C- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
D- A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

160. Assertion (A): Marathas welcomed Mughal expansion into South India.
Reason (R): Fear of Mughal control united Marathas against the empire.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

161. Shivaji transformed the Marathas into:
A) Merchant guilds
B) A formidable mobile military force
C) Naval traders
D) Mughal allies

162. The Marathas fought the Mughals mainly for:
A) Commercial privileges
B) Persian patronage
C) Preservation of faith and territory
D) Religious conversion

163. Marathas are historically credited with helping to:
A) Bring the Mughal Empire to an end across much of India
B) Establish Portuguese rule
C) Restore Delhi Sultanate authority
D) Expand Vijayanagara power

164. Which among the following was a major factor in Maratha rise?
A) Geography
B) Language and literature
C) Guerilla warfare
D) All of the above

165. The rise of the Marathas represented:
A) A purely military movement
B) Emergence of Maratha nationalism
C) A Portuguese-supported revolt
D) A Mughal provincial rebellion only

166. Maratha nationalism was based on:
A) Persian literature
B) Coastal trade
C) Unity of language, literature, homeland, and community
D) Mughal administrative reforms

167. Which among the following best describes Shivaji’s role?
A) Founder and organizer of Hindavi Swarajya
B) Mughal governor of Maharashtra
C) Portuguese military ally
D) Rajput administrator

168. Raigad became historically important as:
A) Mughal capital in the Deccan
B) Portuguese naval base
C) British headquarters
D) Capital of the Maratha Empire

169. Match List I with List II regarding Maratha polity and expansion.

A- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
B- A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
C- A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
D- A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3

170. Assertion (A): Maratha nationalism emerged solely because of military conquests.
Reason (R): Shared language, literature, homeland, and identity strengthened unity.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.

171. The Maratha Empire began as a:
A) Vast imperial federation
B) Small kingdom in western India
C) Mughal province
D) Portuguese dependency

172. Shivaji’s revolt was directed mainly against:
A) Rajputs and Sikhs
B) British and French
C) Adil Shahis and Mughals
D) Bahmanis and Vijayanagara

173. Which Mughal emperor was directly responsible for Sambhaji’s execution?
A) Aurangzeb
B) Akbar
C) Bahadur Shah I
D) Farrukhsiyar

174. The release of Shahu in 1707 accelerated:
A) Mughal expansion
B) Portuguese trade
C) Rajput influence
D) Maratha consolidation

175. The title ‘Chatrapati’ assumed by Shivaji represented:
A) Ministerial office
B) Sovereign kingship
C) Revenue authority
D) Temple headship

176. Balaji Vishwanath laid foundations for:
A) Mughal supremacy
B) Portuguese alliance
C) Expansion of Maratha state power
D) Decline of Peshwa office

177. Which characteristic particularly distinguished Marathas from Rajputs?
A) Greater practicality and less indolence
B) Weak military organization
C) Inferior mobility
D) Lack of resistance spirit

178. Maharashtra’s rugged landscape particularly favored:
A) Open cavalry battles
B) Naval warfare
C) Siege cannons only
D) Surprise attacks and guerilla tactics

179. Match List I with List II regarding factors of rise.

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
C- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
D- A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

180. Assertion (A): The Marathas played no role in weakening Mughal authority.
Reason (R): They are credited with bringing Mughal dominance to an end across much of India.

A) Both A and R are true.
B) A is false, but R is true.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) Both A and R are false.