Class 8 Social Science - HARYANA

The Rise of the Marathas

The chapter 'The Rise of the Marathas' explores how the Maratha empire grew in western India under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later the Peshwas. Students will learn about the geographical advantages of the region, the guerrilla warfare tactics used against the Mughals, and the establishment of 'Swarajya'. This chapter is very important for Haryana Board (BSEH) Class 8 exams as it tests students on important historical dates, administrative systems like the Ashta Pradhan, and key battles that shaped medieval Indian history.

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Key Concepts

Geography of Maharashtra

The rugged terrain, hills, and dense forests of the Sahyadri mountains provided natural protection and helped the Marathas develop unique guerrilla warfare tactics.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

The founder of the Maratha Empire who united local chiefs and fought against the Adil Shahi sultanate of Bijapur and the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Guerrilla Warfare (Ganimi Kava)

A military strategy involving surprise attacks, rapid movements, and using the local terrain to defeat larger armies.

Ashta Pradhan

A council of eight ministers appointed by Shivaji to assist him in the efficient administration of his kingdom.

Chauth and Sardeshmukhi

Types of taxes collected by the Marathas; Chauth was 25% of the revenue claimed from neighboring territories, and Sardeshmukhi was an additional 10% levy.

Important Formulas

1674 CE: Coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad
1680 CE: Death of Shivaji Maharaj
1761 CE: The Third Battle of Panipat between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali
Chauth: 25% land revenue tax collected from non-Maratha territories for protection
Sardeshmukhi: 10% additional tax claimed by Marathas as hereditary rights

Board Exam Info

This chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks in the Haryana Board (BSEH) Class 8 Social Science examinations. Common question types include very short answer questions (dates and terms like Chauth), short notes on Shivaji's administration, and descriptive questions about the rise of Maratha power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the Maratha Empire.

What was the council of eight ministers called in Shivaji's administration?

It was called the Ashta Pradhan.

Why did the Marathas collect Chauth and Sardeshmukhi?

These were taxes collected from territories outside the Maratha kingdom to increase their financial resources and ensure protection from plunder.

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