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CBSEClass 8Social Studies★ 10-12 marks · CBSE Class 8 Social Studies (Exploring Society Chapter 3)

The Rise of the Marathas

'The Rise of the Marathas' (Theme B, Tapestry of the Past) traces the rise of Maratha power under Chhatrapati Shivaji, expansion through Peshwas, conflicts with Mughals, and lasting impact on Indian history. Covers key battles, leaders, administration, and the Maratha Confederacy. CBSE Class 8 Social Studies (Exploring Society) Chapter 3.

⏱ 22 min readMedium difficulty✓ Free · NCERT-aligned
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By the end of this chapter you'll be able to…

  • 1Know Chhatrapati Shivaji's life and contributions
  • 2Understand Maratha rise and administration
  • 3Identify key battles (Pratapgarh, Panipat III)
  • 4Trace Peshwa era and Maratha Confederacy
  • 5Appreciate Maratha legacy in modern India
💡
Why this chapter matters
Maratha Empire was indigenous Indian power between Mughals and British. Shivaji is national icon. Important pre-colonial history.

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The Rise of the Marathas — Class 8 Social Studies (Exploring Society)

"Swarajya is my birthright, and I shall have it!" — Bal Gangadhar Tilak (echoing Shivaji's spirit)

1. About the Chapter

This chapter traces the Maratha Empire — one of India's most influential indigenous powers that arose against the Mughals and shaped India's history between 17th and 19th centuries.

Key Topics

  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
  • Maratha resistance to Mughal Empire
  • Peshwa era and Maratha Confederacy
  • Key battles (Pratapgarh, Panipat III)
  • Administration and culture
  • Decline and British conquest

2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680)

Quick Facts

  • Born: 19 February 1630, Shivneri Fort, near Pune
  • Died: 3 April 1680, Raigad
  • Parents: Shahaji Bhonsle (father), Jijabai (mother)
  • Coronation: 6 June 1674 at Raigad
  • Title: Chhatrapati ('Lord of the Umbrella' = Sovereign)

Early Life

  • Raised by mother Jijabai (father served Adil Shah)
  • Inspired by Hindu epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata)
  • Trained in warfare, statecraft from young age

Early Conquests

  • Age 16: captured Torna Fort (1646)
  • Built network of forts in Sahyadri (Western Ghats)
  • Created an army of MAVALAS (local mountain men)

Famous Episodes

Afzal Khan Episode (1659):

  • Bijapur general Afzal Khan came to defeat Shivaji
  • They met at Pratapgarh
  • Khan tried to stab Shivaji during embrace
  • Shivaji killed him with concealed 'wagh-nakh' (tiger claws)
  • Maratha army defeated Bijapur

Surat Sack (1664, 1670):

  • Twice raided Mughal port of Surat
  • Took Mughal wealth
  • Showed Maratha boldness

Treaty of Purandar (1665):

  • Forced by Mughal general Raja Jai Singh I
  • Shivaji had to surrender 23 forts
  • Was summoned to Agra (1666)

Escape from Agra (1666):

  • Aurangzeb tried to capture Shivaji
  • Shivaji escaped hidden in sweetmeat baskets — legendary escape

Coronation (1674):

  • Crowned CHHATRAPATI at Raigad on 6 June 1674
  • Formally established Maratha Kingdom
  • Renaissance of Hindu kingship

Death (1680)

  • Died at Raigad, age 50
  • Son Sambhaji succeeded

3. Shivaji's Administration

Ashta Pradhan (Council of 8 Ministers)

  • Peshwa (Prime Minister)
  • Amatya (Finance Minister)
  • Mantri (Secretary)
  • Senapati (Commander-in-chief)
  • Sumant (Foreign affairs)
  • Sachiv (Records)
  • Panditrao (Religion)
  • Nyayadhish (Justice)

Military

  • Mavalas: hill warriors, expert guerrilla fighters
  • Navy: first Indian ruler to build major navy
  • Forts: 300+ fortifications across Western Ghats
  • Guerrilla tactics: hit-and-run, ambushes

Revenue System

  • Chauth: 25% tax on territories paying tribute
  • Sardeshmukhi: additional 10%
  • Land revenue moderate (lower than Mughal)
  • Encouraged trade

Religious Policy

  • Hindu by faith
  • Tolerant of all religions
  • Allowed Muslims in army
  • Protected mosques, churches in conquered territories
  • Banned forced conversions, attacks on women, looting

4. Successors of Shivaji

Sambhaji (1680-1689)

  • Eldest son
  • Brave warrior; continued resistance against Aurangzeb
  • Captured by Aurangzeb in 1689
  • Tortured and killed for refusing to convert to Islam

Rajaram (1689-1700)

  • Younger son
  • Continued struggle from Jinji fort
  • Married Tarabai

Tarabai (1700-1707)

  • Widow of Rajaram
  • Brilliant military strategist
  • Led Maratha resistance against Aurangzeb
  • Aurangzeb's continuous wars in Deccan WEAKENED Mughals

Shahu (1707-1749)

  • Released by Aurangzeb's successor
  • Re-established Maratha kingdom
  • Introduced PESHWA-led system

5. The Peshwa Era (1713-1818)

What is a Peshwa?

Originally a 'Prime Minister'; under Shahu, the Peshwa became the EFFECTIVE ruler of the Maratha kingdom.

Major Peshwas

Balaji Vishwanath (1713-1720):

  • First Peshwa
  • Stabilised Maratha kingdom

Bajirao I (1720-1740):

  • Greatest Peshwa
  • Expanded Maratha power across India
  • 41 battles, never lost
  • 'Never the river went dry' — never stopped fighting

Balaji Bajirao (Nana Saheb) (1740-1761):

  • Expanded further
  • Loss at Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was disastrous

Madhavrao I (1761-1772):

  • Recovered Maratha power
  • Greatest post-Panipat Peshwa

Madhavrao II, Bajirao II:

  • Decline; Bajirao II defeated by British (1818)

6. The Maratha Confederacy

By mid-1700s, the Maratha Empire was a CONFEDERACY of major chiefs:

  • Holkars of Indore (central India)
  • Scindias of Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)
  • Gaikwads of Baroda (Gujarat)
  • Bhonsles of Nagpur (central India)
  • Peshwa at Pune (Maharashtra) — central authority

Maratha Empire at Peak (1758)

  • From Tamil Nadu to Punjab
  • Eastern coast to western coast
  • LARGEST Indian empire after Mughals
  • Controlled most of subcontinent

Maratha Influence

  • Sacked Delhi (1737, 1758)
  • Levied chauth across India
  • Dominant Indian power

7. Third Battle of Panipat (1761)

Background

  • Ahmad Shah Abdali (Afghan ruler) invaded India
  • Marathas were defending Indian interests
  • Battle at Panipat (Haryana) on 14 January 1761

The Battle

  • Maratha army led by Sadashiv Rao Bhau
  • Faced Abdali + Najib-ud-Daula (Rohillas) + others
  • HUGE Maratha defeat
  • Tens of thousands killed
  • Marathas lost generation of leaders

Consequences

  • Maratha expansion halted temporarily
  • Aging Peshwa Balaji Bajirao died of grief (months later)
  • BUT: Marathas recovered under Madhavrao I
  • Afghan invader couldn't stay either

Legend

The battle is one of Indian history's greatest 'what if's. Had Marathas won, India's history would have been different (perhaps no British conquest?).

8. Maratha Decline (1772-1818)

Why Decline?

  • Internal conflicts in Confederacy
  • Weak Peshwas after Madhavrao I
  • British intervention through 'Subsidiary Alliance'
  • Three Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775-1818)

Anglo-Maratha Wars

  • First: 1775-1782 (Maratha mostly held)
  • Second: 1803-1805 (Marathas lost; British gained much territory)
  • Third: 1817-1818 (Marathas finally defeated; Peshwa Bajirao II exiled)

End of Maratha Empire (1818)

  • Peshwa Bajirao II surrendered to British
  • Pune fell to British
  • Maratha territories absorbed into British India

9. Maratha Legacy

Cultural

  • Marathi language and literature
  • Marathi cinema and theatre
  • Maharashtra state pride

Military

  • Indian Army's Maratha Light Infantry
  • Inspired freedom fighters

Political

  • Showed Indians COULD rule themselves
  • Inspired anti-colonial movements
  • Tilak's swarajya call (1916) echoed Shivaji
  • Shivaji is icon for Maharashtrians, all Indians

Forts and Monuments

  • 300+ Maratha forts in Western Ghats
  • Raigad fort (Shivaji's capital) — pilgrimage site
  • Many UNESCO-pending sites

Modern Tributes

  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai)
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Mumbai railway station)
  • Statues across Maharashtra
  • 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti' celebrated

10. Important Personalities

Marathas

  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680)
  • Jijabai (Shivaji's mother)
  • Sambhaji (1680-1689)
  • Tarabai (regent)
  • Bajirao I (greatest Peshwa)
  • Mahadji Scindia (later Peshwa-era general)
  • Ahilyabai Holkar (Indore queen, 1767-1795 — great administrator)
  • Yashwantrao Holkar

Adversaries

  • Aurangzeb (Mughal Emperor)
  • Afzal Khan (Bijapur general)
  • Mirza Raja Jai Singh I (Mughal)
  • Ahmad Shah Abdali (Afghan invader, Panipat III)

11. Worked Examples

Example 1: Shivaji's coronation

When and where was Shivaji crowned Chhatrapati?

  • 6 June 1674 at Raigad fort

Example 2: Council of 8

Name Shivaji's 'Ashta Pradhan' (Council of 8 ministers).

  • Peshwa (PM), Amatya (Finance), Mantri (Secretary), Senapati (Commander), Sumant (Foreign affairs), Sachiv (Records), Panditrao (Religion), Nyayadhish (Justice).

Example 3: Third Panipat

When was the Third Battle of Panipat?

  • 14 January 1761 — Marathas vs Ahmad Shah Abdali; Marathas defeated.

Example 4: Greatest Peshwa

Who was the greatest Peshwa?

  • Bajirao I (1720-1740) — never lost in 41 battles.

12. Conclusion

The Maratha Empire is one of India's greatest historical achievements:

  • Chhatrapati Shivaji showed Indian valour against Mughal might
  • Peshwas expanded Maratha control across India
  • At peak, Marathas controlled MOST of India
  • Defeated at Panipat III (1761) — but recovered
  • Finally lost to British in 1818

Shivaji's legacy continues to inspire:

  • Indian independence struggle (Tilak, Bose)
  • Modern Maharashtra pride
  • All Indians who value courage, statecraft, justice

The Maratha story teaches:

  • One person's leadership (Shivaji) can change history
  • Common people (Mavalas) can become great warriors
  • Forts and strategy can defeat larger empires
  • Internal unity is crucial — Maratha defeats came when they were divided

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai!

Key formulas & results

Everything you need to memorise, in one card. Screenshot this for revision.

Shivaji
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (19 Feb 1630 – 3 Apr 1680)
Born Shivneri, died Raigad
Coronation
6 June 1674, Raigad
Ashta Pradhan
Council of 8 ministers
Peshwa, Amatya, etc.
Pratapgarh
1659; Shivaji killed Afzal Khan
Bajirao I
Greatest Peshwa (1720-1740), 41 battles unbeaten
Third Panipat
14 January 1761; Marathas defeated by Ahmad Shah Abdali
Final defeat
1818 (Third Anglo-Maratha War); British took over
⚠️

Common mistakes & fixes

These are the exact errors that cost students marks in board exams. Read them once, save yourself the trouble.

WATCH OUT
✗ Shivaji was Mughal
✓ Shivaji was HINDU Maratha, FOUNDED Maratha kingdom AGAINST Mughals. Major rival of Aurangzeb.
WATCH OUT
✗ Peshwa = king
✓ Peshwa was originally Prime Minister. After Shahu, Peshwa became EFFECTIVE ruler but officially Chhatrapati remained titular king.
WATCH OUT
✗ Marathas were small power
✓ At peak (1758), Marathas controlled MOST of India — from south to north Punjab. Largest indigenous Indian empire after Mughals.

NCERT exercises (with solutions)

Every NCERT exercise from this chapter — what it covers and how many questions to expect.

Map work
Map work
Maratha forts, expansion
3
Questions
Comprehension
Comprehension
Shivaji, battles, Peshwas
8
Questions
Long Answer
Long Answer
Maratha legacy
3
Questions

Practice problems

Try each one yourself before tapping "Show solution". Active recall > rereading.

Q1EASY· Founder
Who founded the Maratha Empire and when was he crowned?
▶ Show solution
✦ Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680) founded the Maratha Empire. Crowned at Raigad on 6 June 1674.
Q2EASY· Battle
Why is the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) important?
▶ Show solution
✦ Answer: The Marathas were defeated by Ahmad Shah Abdali (Afghan) on 14 January 1761 at Panipat. Tens of thousands killed. Halted Maratha expansion temporarily. One of India's most consequential battles.
Q3MEDIUM· Administration
Describe Shivaji's Ashta Pradhan system.
▶ Show solution
Step 1 — What it is. Ashta Pradhan = 'Council of Eight Ministers' established by Shivaji to administer his kingdom. Each minister had specific portfolio. Step 2 — The 8 ministers. 1. PESHWA (Prime Minister) — overall coordination 2. AMATYA (Finance) — revenue and accounts 3. MANTRI (Secretary) — diary, official records 4. SENAPATI (Commander-in-Chief) — military 5. SUMANT (Foreign Affairs) — diplomacy 6. SACHIV (Records) — official records 7. PANDITRAO (Religion) — Hindu religious matters 8. NYAYADHISH (Justice) — legal matters Step 3 — Significance. • Specialised administration (modern concept) • Checks and balances • Each minister directly accountable to king • Influenced future Indian and even British administration • Many of these portfolios continue today (PM, Finance, Defence, etc.) Step 4 — Continuation. Under successors, Peshwa became most powerful — eventually became effective ruler. By Bajirao I (1720), Peshwa dominated. ✦ Answer: Shivaji established the ASHTA PRADHAN — Council of 8 Ministers: Peshwa (PM), Amatya (Finance), Mantri, Senapati (Commander), Sumant (Foreign), Sachiv (Records), Panditrao (Religion), Nyayadhish (Justice). Each had specific portfolio. Modern-style specialised administration. Peshwa later became dominant role, becoming effective ruler.
Q4HARD· Legacy
Discuss the rise and decline of the Maratha Empire and its legacy.
▶ Show solution
Step 1 — RISE under Shivaji (1630-1680). Shivaji founded Maratha kingdom in 1674 (Raigad coronation). Built forts in Western Ghats, used guerrilla warfare, defeated Bijapur (Pratapgarh 1659), challenged Mughals (escape from Agra 1666). Set foundation through Ashta Pradhan administration. Step 2 — SUCCESSORS (1680-1707). Sambhaji continued resistance against Aurangzeb (executed 1689). Rajaram and Tarabai fought Mughal expansion. Aurangzeb spent 27 years in Deccan fighting Marathas — wars exhausted Mughal Empire. Step 3 — PESHWA ERA (1713-1761). Shahu introduced Peshwa-led system. Bajirao I (1720-1740) was greatest Peshwa — won 41 battles, expanded Marathas across India. By 1758, Marathas controlled most of subcontinent. Step 4 — PANIPAT III (1761). Sadashiv Rao Bhau led Maratha army against Ahmad Shah Abdali. Marathas suffered huge defeat. Generation of leaders lost. Step 5 — RECOVERY under Madhavrao I (1761-1772). Marathas recovered remarkably. Re-established control. Step 6 — DECLINE and CONFEDERACY (1772-1818). Internal conflicts among Holkars, Scindias, Gaikwads, Bhonsles, Peshwa. British exploited divisions through 'Subsidiary Alliance' system. Step 7 — ANGLO-MARATHA WARS. Three wars (1775-82, 1803-05, 1817-18). British gradually defeated Marathas. Peshwa Bajirao II surrendered 1818. End of Maratha Empire. Step 8 — REASONS FOR DECLINE. • Internal divisions in Confederacy • Weak Peshwas after Madhavrao I • British military and political tactics • Adapting too slowly to changing warfare (artillery) • Heavy taxes alienating peasants Step 9 — CULTURAL LEGACY. • Marathi language and literature flourished • Marathi theatre, music, cinema • Maharashtra state identity • Forts of Western Ghats (Raigad, Sinhagad, etc.) — heritage sites Step 10 — POLITICAL LEGACY. • Showed Indians COULD govern themselves effectively • Inspired Bal Gangadhar Tilak's swarajya call (1916) • Inspired Bose, freedom fighters • Shivaji is national hero, especially in Maharashtra Step 11 — MILITARY LEGACY. • Maratha Light Infantry of Indian Army • Guerrilla warfare techniques used by Indian forces • Fort architecture still admired Step 12 — MODERN HONOURS. • Mumbai: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, CSMT railway station • Statues across Maharashtra and India • Films, TV serials about Shivaji • Maharashtra Day on 1 May celebrates Shivaji's legacy Step 13 — KEY INSIGHT. The Maratha story teaches India about: • Power of one visionary leader (Shivaji) • Importance of internal unity (lost during decline) • Adapting to new military realities • Building lasting institutions (Ashta Pradhan model) ✦ Answer: Maratha Empire (1674-1818) rose under Shivaji, expanded through Peshwas (especially Bajirao I), peaked around 1758 controlling most of India. Declined after Panipat III (1761), though briefly recovered. Three Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775-1818) ended the empire. Decline due to internal divisions and British tactics. LEGACY: cultural (Marathi language), political (inspired freedom fighters), military (Indian Army), and modern honours (Mumbai airport, statues). Shivaji remains a national icon for courage, statecraft, justice.

5-minute revision

The whole chapter, distilled. Read this the night before the exam.

  • •Shivaji: 19 Feb 1630 - 3 Apr 1680
  • •Born Shivneri; coronation Raigad 6 June 1674
  • •Killed Afzal Khan at Pratapgarh (1659)
  • •Escaped Agra (1666)
  • •Ashta Pradhan: 8 ministers
  • •Chauth + Sardeshmukhi: taxes
  • •Sambhaji (executed 1689), Tarabai (regent)
  • •Peshwa era: Balaji Vishwanath (1713-20)
  • •Bajirao I (1720-40): 41 battles unbeaten
  • •Maratha Confederacy: Holkars, Scindias, Gaikwads, Bhonsles, Peshwa
  • •Maratha peak: 1758, most of India
  • •Panipat III: 14 Jan 1761, Marathas vs Abdali, defeat
  • •Madhavrao I (1761-72): recovery
  • •Three Anglo-Maratha Wars: 1775-82, 1803-05, 1817-18
  • •End: 1818, Bajirao II surrendered
  • •Mavalas: Shivaji's hill warriors
  • •300+ Maratha forts
  • •Ahilyabai Holkar (1767-95): great administrator

CBSE marks blueprint

Where the marks come from in this chapter — so you can plan your prep.

Typical chapter weightage: 10-12 marks per chapter

Question typeMarks eachTypical countWhat it tests
MCQ / Very Short13Dates, founders, battles
Short Answer32Administration, expansion, Peshwas
Long Answer51Rise/decline analysis, legacy
Prep strategy
  • Memorise Shivaji's dates and coronation
  • Know Ashta Pradhan
  • Bajirao I as greatest Peshwa
  • Third Panipat 1761 — Marathas vs Abdali
  • Anglo-Maratha Wars and 1818 end

Where this shows up in the real world

This chapter isn't just an exam topic — it lives in the world around you.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

Mumbai's main airport, named after Shivaji. Symbol of his enduring importance to Maharashtra and India.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)

Mumbai's historic railway station. UNESCO World Heritage Site (2004). Built by British 1888.

Raigad fort

Shivaji's capital and coronation site. Maharashtra's holy site. Pilgrimage destination.

Statue of Shivaji (proposed)

Proposed massive Shivaji statue off Mumbai coast — to be tallest in India when completed.

Maratha Light Infantry

Indian Army regiment with Maratha heritage. One of oldest infantry regiments.

Exam strategy

Battle-tested tips from teachers and toppers for this chapter.

  1. Memorise Shivaji's dates: 1630-1680, coronation 1674
  2. Quote Ashta Pradhan
  3. Mention famous battles (Pratapgarh, Panipat III)
  4. Connect to modern legacy (Mumbai airport, CSMT)
  5. Use Hindi/Marathi terms accurately

Going beyond the textbook

For olympiad aspirants and curious learners — topics that build on this chapter.

  • Read 'Shivaji and His Times' by Jadunath Sarkar
  • Study Maratha military tactics in detail
  • Compare Marathas with other regional kingdoms (Sikhs, Vijayanagar)
  • Maratha-British relations and diplomacy
  • Ahilyabai Holkar's reign in Indore

Where else this chapter is tested

CBSE board isn't the only one — other exams test this chapter too.

CBSE Class 8 School ExamVery High
Social Science OlympiadVery High
Maharashtra State ExamsVery High
NTSEVery High
UPSC HistoryVery High

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Questions students ask

The real ones — pulled from the Q&A community and tutor sessions.

Shivaji is important because he: (1) Founded a Hindu kingdom amid Mughal dominance; (2) Showed Indians COULD challenge Mughal power; (3) Established efficient administration (Ashta Pradhan); (4) Pioneered guerrilla warfare; (5) Built India's first major navy; (6) Protected religious tolerance; (7) Inspired Indian freedom fighters (Tilak, Bose); (8) Is icon of Maharashtra and all India. His coronation (1674) marked Hindu resurgence after centuries of Islamic rule.

Bajirao I (1720-1740) led the Maratha Empire to its peak: (1) Never lost a battle in 41 military engagements; (2) Expanded Maratha territory dramatically across north and central India; (3) Defeated Nizam of Hyderabad; (4) Took control of Malwa and Bundelkhand; (5) Crossed into Punjab and Rajasthan; (6) Made Marathas the dominant Indian power. His son Balaji Bajirao continued the expansion until Panipat III.

Possibly. The Marathas were the LAST major obstacle to British conquest of India. Had they been united and adapted to modern warfare (artillery), they might have prevented or significantly delayed British dominance. Failures: (1) Internal divisions in Confederacy; (2) Slow adoption of artillery; (3) Did not modernise governance fast enough; (4) Allowed British 'Subsidiary Alliance' to divide them. With unity and military reform, they could have been India's defenders. The 1818 defeat ended this possibility.

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