Class 8 Social Science Part 1 Chapter 3 – The Rise of the Marathas from the new NCERT textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond. Get easy Notes and complete Book Solutions with important concepts, questions and answers, and revision material for effective learning, practice and exam preparation.
Class 8 Social Science
Exploring Society: India and Beyond – Grade 8 Part 1
Chapter 3 – The Rise of the Marathas
Colourful Concept Notes • NCERT/Book Questions • Easy Solutions
🌟 Chapter at a Glance
The Marathas were a people native to the Deccan Plateau, especially the region of present-day Maharashtra. During the 17th and 18th centuries, they developed into a major political power in India.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj played the central role in bringing many Maratha groups together and establishing a sovereign kingdom based on the idea of Swarājya.
The Marathas became powerful through a combination of forts, knowledge of the terrain, guerrilla warfare, cavalry, a navy, administration, trade networks and political organisation.
After Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha state gradually changed from a more centralised kingdom into a more decentralised political structure in which the Peshwas and regional chiefs became increasingly powerful.
🟣 1. Who Were the Marathas?
Important Background
- In the 13th century, much of Maharashtra was ruled by the Yadava dynasty.
- Devagiri, present-day Daulatabad, was the capital.
- In the 14th century, the Yadava dynasty was overcome by the Khilji Sultanate.
- Bhakti traditions continued despite political changes.
- Saints such as Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram and Ramdas helped create a strong cultural foundation.
🌸 Bhakti Tradition
Bhakti means devotion to the divine or to a particular deity. Bhakti saints used songs and poetry in languages understood by ordinary people. Their teachings travelled widely.
A famous saint associated with the Marathi bhakti tradition.
A prominent devotional saint whose teachings spread among people.
A famous Marathi bhakti poet and saint.
A respected saint whose teachings influenced society in Maharashtra.
🔎 LET’S EXPLORE
Bhakti means loving devotion towards the divine. One can choose Sant Tukaram. He was a Marathi saint and poet who expressed devotion through devotional poetry and songs. His teachings encouraged devotion and spiritual values. A student can select one of his abhangas and present its meaning to the class.
📅 Maratha Timeline – Quick Revision
Birth of Chhatrapati Shivaji
Beginning of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s rule
Founding of the Maratha navy
Imprisonment at and escape from Agra
Coronation at Raigad
Dakṣiṇa digvijaya
Death of Chhatrapati Shivaji
Mughal-Maratha wars
Beginning of Maratha control over Delhi
Battle of Panipat
First Anglo-Maratha War
Third Anglo-Maratha War and end of Maratha power
🟠 2. Foundation of Maratha Power and Rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji

- At the age of 16, Shivaji began military campaigns.
- He first strengthened his position around Pune.
- He captured neglected or unoccupied forts.
- He improved their defences.
- His kingdom expanded towards the western coast.
- He created a navy to protect coastal interests.
What is Swarājya?
Swarājya means self-rule or a sovereign kingdom. For Shivaji, it included political, economic and cultural dimensions.
⚔️ Guerrilla Warfare
Guerrilla warfare uses small groups that depend on speed, surprise, local knowledge and the terrain to challenge larger armies.
💭 THINK ABOUT IT
1. Why did you give so much importance to forts? — To understand their strategic value.
2. Why did you create a navy? — To understand the importance of protecting the coastline.
3. What inspired your idea of Swarājya? — To understand the political vision behind the Maratha kingdom.
🌊 3. The Maratha Navy

- The Maratha Navy protected the western coast.
- Sea forts strengthened coastal defence.
- Sindhudurg was one of the important naval fortifications.
- Maratha naval power later became associated with Kanhoji Angre.
🔎 LET’S EXPLORE
Guerrilla warfare has been used in different parts of the world. It is especially useful where fighters know mountains, forests, jungles or other difficult terrain well. Such terrain can help smaller forces move quickly, hide, surprise larger armies and avoid direct large-scale battles.
🟡 4. Important Events in Shivaji’s Career
🎭 LET’S EXPLORE
Students may stage Shivaji’s escape from Agra, the defence of Pratapgad, his coronation at Raigad or another event from the chapter. The play can include characters, dialogue, costumes and a short narrator’s introduction.
🔵 5. The Marathas After Chhatrapati Shivaji
- Rajaram became Chhatrapati and moved to Gingee.
- The conflict between Mughals and Marathas spread into south India.
- Maratha forts remained important centres of resistance.
- Tarabai organised Maratha forces after Rajaram’s death.
- The Marathas later expanded into Mughal territories.
Rise of the Peshwas
The Maratha state gradually changed from Shivaji’s centralised model to a more decentralised structure.
A Persian term meaning prime minister. Peshwas became highly powerful in the later Maratha state.
A major Peshwa associated with the expansion of Maratha power.
Son of Bajirao I and an important figure in Maratha expansion.
A powerful Maratha leader who helped restore Maratha control over Delhi.
🗺️ 6. Pan-Indian Expansion
- The Marathas suffered defeat at the Battle of Panipat in 1761.
- They recovered during the time of Peshwa Madhavrao I.
- Mahadji Shinde helped the Marathas recapture Delhi in 1771.
- Delhi remained under Maratha control until the British captured it.
- The Marathas became major rivals of the British in the late 18th century.
🟢 7. Maratha Administration
Civilian Administration
- Shivaji established a relatively centralised administration.
- Hereditary government posts were abolished.
- Government officials were paid salaries from the state treasury.
- Officials could be transferred periodically.
- Pensions were given to widows of soldiers who died in battle.
- Military posts could also be offered to their sons.
Ashta Pradhana Mandala
Shivaji had an aṣhṭa pradhāna manḍala, or council of eight ministers, to help administer the kingdom.
| Office | Main Role |
|---|---|
| Pradhān | Prime Minister |
| Amātya | Finance Minister |
| Mantrī | Intelligence Minister |
| Sachiv | Land Revenue Minister |
| Senāpatī | Commander-in-chief |
| Sumant | Foreign Affairs |
| Nyāyādhīsh | Chief Justice |
| Panḍitrāo | Head of Religious Affairs |
💭 THINK ABOUT IT
The letter shows that Shivaji valued the welfare of his people. He instructed officials not to oppress people or destroy useful trees without permission. He understood that trees such as mango and jackfruit took many years to grow and were cared for by families. The letter shows concern for people, nature and responsible administration.
💰 8. Maratha Revenue System
In return, the Marathas provided protection and generally did not interfere in the internal administration of those provinces.
⚔️ 9. Maratha Military Administration
Soldiers who fought mainly on foot.
Horse-mounted soldiers.
A force created to protect the western coast.
Cavalry soldiers whose horses and equipment were paid for by the state.
Cavalry soldiers who provided their own horses and equipment.
Strategic centres used for defence, routes and shelter.
Weapons
Marathas used swords and lances, guns and rockets. Later they also tried to develop European-style disciplined troops and artillery.
🏰 10. Forts – The Core of the Maratha State
- Forts were built in strategically useful locations.
- Hill forts provided natural protection.
- Coastal forts helped protect the sea.
- Forts supported guerrilla warfare.
- They helped the Marathas survive long conflicts with larger armies.
🌊 11. Maritime Supremacy
European powers used naval passes called cartaz. Ships without such passes could be confiscated. The Marathas challenged this practice and demanded passes from Europeans as well.
⚖️ 12. Judicial System
- The Marathas had an organised judicial system.
- The panchāyat was a local gathering that helped deliver justice.
- An appeal could be made to a Maratha chief.
- Kotwāls helped maintain law and order in important towns.
🚢 13. Trade Networks
- Ships carried goods such as gold and textiles.
- Roads were constructed and maintained.
- Ferries supported river transport.
- Bridges were built across rivers and streams.
📚 14. Cultural Revival
- Shivaji’s seal carried a Sanskrit inscription.
- Rājya-Vyavahāra-Koṣha promoted Marathi terminology.
- Sanskrit and Marathi literature received support.
- Traditional arts and religious institutions were supported.
- The Maratha flag became an important symbol.
👑 15. The Mighty Maratha Women
She led Maratha forces after the death of her husband Rajaram and played an important role in resisting Mughal power.
She governed her state for about thirty years and is remembered for administration, public works and support for temples, roads, wells and other facilities.
🎨 16. Marathas in Thanjavur
Serfoji II supported music, literature, medicine and printing. The chapter also connects his period with developments in Carnatic music and the early stages of Bharatanatyam.
🔎 LET’S EXPLORE
The chapter explains that during the rule of Serfoji II in Thanjavur, the cultural environment supported music and the early stages of the classical dance tradition of Bharatanatyam. Students can research Thanjavur’s Maratha patronage and present the connection in class.
🌟 17. The Maratha Legacy
The Marathas challenged Mughal dominance and established a very large Indian empire before British rule. Their administration, military organisation, forts, navy, trade networks and cultural activities left a lasting impact.
📌 Before We Move On – Quick Revision
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha kingdom in the 17th century.
The Marathas expanded across large parts of India during the 18th century.
Forts were central to Maratha defence and state formation.
The Maratha navy challenged European naval power on the western coast.
The Marathas contributed to cultural revival and innovation in different regions.
📘 Questions and Activities – Book Solutions
Note: The questions below are reproduced in the same wording as supplied from the chapter. Solutions are short, easy and student-friendly.
The mountains provided natural protection and helped the Marathas use guerrilla warfare. Hill forts helped control important routes and shelter soldiers. The long western coastline encouraged the Marathas to build a navy and coastal forts. Thus, mountains and the sea strongly influenced Maratha defence and state formation.
Ahilyabai Holkar was an important Maratha ruler of the Holkar dynasty. She governed her state wisely and cared about the welfare of ordinary people.
She faced great personal difficulties after losing her husband and son. Even in these difficult circumstances, she continued to govern for many years.
She supported the construction and restoration of temples, ghats, wells and roads. She also encouraged the Maheshwar weaving industry. Her life shows courage, responsibility and dedication to public welfare.
I would choose Raigad Fort because it was an important centre of the Maratha state and is associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation. Its hilltop location provided strong natural defence. For a presentation, I would include its history, gates, walls, palace remains, strategic location and importance in Maratha history.
It means that the Marathas were a major political power when British power was expanding in India. The chapter says that the Marathas were the chief rivals of the British in the latter half of the 18th century. Three Anglo-Maratha Wars were fought between 1775 and 1818. The chapter connects the end of Maratha power with the Third Anglo-Maratha War.
The chapter gives examples of Shivaji respecting religious places and people of different faiths. During the sack of Surat, religious places were spared and the house of Mohandas Parekh was not attacked. The chapter also describes the Maratha legacy as supporting local traditions without religious discrimination. These examples show an approach that included respect for religious diversity.
Forts protected soldiers and important routes. Hill forts used natural terrain for defence, while coastal forts helped protect the coastline. Forts also provided safe places for the army during guerrilla warfare. Because of their large number of forts, the Marathas could continue resisting larger armies for long periods.
I would place a fort on one side to represent Maratha defence and state-building. I would add a ship to represent the Maratha navy and maritime trade. A Devanagari inscription would represent cultural identity and Marathi traditions. A symbol of Swarājya would represent self-rule.
In my opinion, an important contribution of the Marathas was their development of a strong system of self-rule and administration. Chhatrapati Shivaji established an organised administration, developed forts and created a navy. The Marathas later expanded over large parts of India. They also supported languages, literature, arts and traditional culture. These achievements made their contribution significant in Indian history.
🧠 Big Questions – Chapter Review
The Marathas were people native to the Deccan, especially present-day Maharashtra. Under Shivaji and later Maratha leaders, they built a strong military and administrative system. Forts, guerrilla warfare, cavalry, navy, political organisation and strategic expansion helped them become a major pan-Indian power.
Shivaji developed a relatively centralised administration, appointed officials, paid them from the state treasury and created the aṣhṭa pradhāna manḍala. The Marathas also had revenue arrangements, a judicial system, military organisation and systems for maintaining roads and trade.
The Marathas challenged Mughal dominance, controlled large parts of India and became a major rival of the British. They developed administrative and military systems and contributed to literature, language, art, trade and cultural development.
📝 Chapter Keywords
People native to the Deccan, particularly Maharashtra, who developed a major political power.
The idea of self-rule or sovereign government.
Land given by a ruler to a person, usually for service.
A method using speed, surprise, small groups and knowledge of terrain.
Prime minister; later Peshwas became very powerful in the Maratha state.
A tax of 25 per cent mentioned in the chapter.
An additional 10 per cent collected along with chauth.
A cavalry soldier whose horse and equipment were paid for by the state.
A cavalry soldier who provided his own horse and equipment.
A naval trade pass used by European powers.
Council of eight ministers assisting Shivaji in administration.
A cursive form of Devanagari used for Maratha correspondence.
⭐ One-Minute Revision
- Marathas originated mainly in the Deccan region.
- Marathi was an important language of the region.
- Bhakti traditions helped create a strong cultural foundation.
- Shivaji was born in 1630.
- Shivaji developed the idea of Swarājya.
- Forts were central to Maratha military strategy.
- Guerrilla warfare helped smaller forces challenge larger armies.
- The Marathas developed a navy to protect the western coast.
- Shivaji was coronated at Raigad in 1674.
- After Shivaji, the Marathas continued resistance against the Mughals.
- Tarabai played an important role in Maratha resistance.
- Peshwas became increasingly powerful.
- Bajirao I and Nanasaheb Peshwa were important in expansion.
- Mahadji Shinde helped the Marathas regain Delhi in 1771.
- The Marathas fought three Anglo-Maratha Wars.
- The Third Anglo-Maratha War ended Maratha political power.
- The Marathas contributed to administration, trade, military organisation and culture.
Prepare more, practise more and learn better! This worksheet is designed to help Class 8 students revise chapter 3 and Their Use through important questions and practice exercises based on the NCERT chapter. Solve the questions carefully, check your understanding and strengthen your preparation for class tests and examinations.
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