Class 8 Social Science - KERALA
The Rise of the Marathas
The chapter 'The Rise of the Marathas' in Class 8 Social Science explores the emergence of the Maratha power in western India during the 17th century. Students will learn about the geographical features of the Maharashtra region that shaped the Maratha character, the early life and administrative brilliance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and his successful military campaigns against the Adil Shahis of Bijapur and the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The chapter highlights the establishment of the 'Swarajya' concept, the efficient Ashta Pradhan system of administration, and the subsequent expansion under the Peshwas. This is a very important chapter for Kerala SCERT board exams, frequently featuring direct questions on Shivaji's administration and military strategies.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Geography of Maharashtra
The rugged terrain, hills, and dense forests of the Sahyadri mountains fostered a hardy, adventurous population and made guerrilla warfare (Ganimi Kawa) naturally effective.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The founder of the Maratha Empire who united the Mavala soldiers, built invincible hill forts like Raigad, and challenged the might of the Bijapur Sultanate and the Mughals.
Ashta Pradhan
A council of eight ministers appointed by Shivaji to assist him in the efficient administration of the state, with each minister heading a specific department.
Chauth and Sardeshmukhi
System of taxes collected by the Marathas; Chauth was 25% of the revenue collected from neighboring Mughal territories for protection, and Sardeshmukhi was an additional 10% levied as hereditary rights.
Treaty of Purandar (1665)
A crucial treaty signed between Jai Singh I (representing Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb) and Shivaji, forcing Shivaji to surrender 23 of his forts to the Mughals.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
This chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks in the Kerala (SCERT) Social Science examinations. Common question types include short notes on the Ashta Pradhan, the significance of guerrilla warfare, reasons for Shivaji's success, and objective questions matching dates and events like the Treaty of Purandar and Shivaji's coronation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by guerrilla warfare in the context of the Marathas?
Guerrilla warfare (Ganimi Kawa) involved sudden, surprise attacks on the enemy using the cover of hills, forests, and darkness, avoiding open-field battles where the enemy had numerical superiority.
Who were the Ashta Pradhan?
The Ashta Pradhan was a council of eight ministers formed by Shivaji to help him run the administration smoothly. Important posts included the Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance Minister), and Senapati (Commander-in-Chief).
Why did Shivaji collect Chauth and Sardeshmukhi?
Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were taxes collected from territories outside the Maratha kingdom to increase state revenue and to assert Maratha political influence over neighboring declining Mughal and Sultanate provinces.
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