Maratha Empire Practice Questions
20 free Maratha Empire practice questions for the Static GK. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire and was formally crowned as Chhatrapati in 1674?
- A Shahji Bhonsle
- B Shivaji Maharaj
- C Sambhaji Maharaj
- D Rajaram I
Correct answer: Shivaji Maharaj
Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha Empire by challenging the Bijapur Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. He was formally crowned at Raigad Fort in 1674, assuming the title of Chhatrapati.
The council of eight ministers that assisted Shivaji Maharaj in his administration was known as:
- A Ashta Pradhan
- B Navaratnas
- C Ashta Diggajas
- D Dahshala
Correct answer: Ashta Pradhan
Shivaji Maharaj established a council of eight ministers known as the Ashta Pradhan to handle various administrative portfolios. This included positions like the Peshwa (Prime Minister) and Amatya (Finance Minister).
Which treaty was signed between Jai Singh I (on behalf of Aurangzeb) and Shivaji Maharaj in 1665?
- A Treaty of Alinagar
- B Treaty of Purandar
- C Treaty of Bassein
- D Treaty of Surat
Correct answer: Treaty of Purandar
The Treaty of Purandar was signed in 1665 after Jai Singh I besieged Purandar fort. Under this treaty, Shivaji had to cede 23 forts to the Mughals and agree to visit Aurangzeb's court in Agra.
Who served as the first Peshwa (Prime Minister) during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu?
- A Baji Rao I
- B Balaji Baji Rao
- C Ramchandra Pant Amatya
- D Balaji Vishwanath
Correct answer: Balaji Vishwanath
Balaji Vishwanath was appointed as the Peshwa by Shahu Maharaj in 1713. He played a crucial role in consolidating Shahu's position and making the post of Peshwa hereditary and powerful.
Which Maratha ruler was executed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1689?
- A Shivaji Maharaj II
- B Rajaram Maharaj
- C Sambhaji Maharaj
- D Shahu Maharaj
Correct answer: Sambhaji Maharaj
Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of Shivaji, was captured by Mughal forces at Sangameshwar. He was executed in 1689 on the orders of Aurangzeb after refusing to convert to Islam.
The 'Chauth' and 'Sardeshmukhi' were types of taxes collected by the Marathas. What percentage of the land revenue was 'Chauth'?
- A 10%
- B 33%
- C 50%
- D 25%
Correct answer: 25%
Chauth was a tax equal to one-fourth (25%) of the land revenue paid by non-Maratha territories to avoid Maratha raids. Sardeshmukhi was an additional 10% tax levied by the Marathas claiming to be the hereditary overlords.
In the Maratha administration, who was responsible for the Royal Correspondence and Intelligence?
- A Peshwa
- B Sumant
- C Sachiv
- D Panditrao
Correct answer: Sachiv
The Sachiv (also known as Shurunavis) was the minister in the Ashta Pradhan responsible for royal correspondence and drafting edicts. They also oversaw the accounting of the king's various departments.
The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was fought between the Maratha Empire and which foreign invader?
- A Nadir Shah
- B Zaman Shah Durrani
- C The East India Company
- D Ahmad Shah Abdali
Correct answer: Ahmad Shah Abdali
The Third Battle of Panipat took place in 1761 between the Marathas, led by Sadashivrao Bhau, and the Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali. The Marathas suffered a major defeat, halting their northward expansion.
Which Peshwa is famous for the statement, 'Let us strike at the trunk of the withering tree; the branches will fall off themselves'?
- A Balaji Vishwanath
- B Balaji Baji Rao
- C Narayanrao
- D Baji Rao I
Correct answer: Baji Rao I
Baji Rao I, renowned for his military genius and expansionist policy, advocated for attacking the Mughal heartland directly. He led the Marathas to the gates of Delhi and fought over 40 battles without losing one.
Who was the female ruler of the Maratha-ruled state of Indore, famous for her administrative skills and temple restorations?
- A Ahilyabai Holkar
- B Tarabai
- C Jijabai
- D Lakshmibai of Jhansi
Correct answer: Ahilyabai Holkar
Ahilyabai Holkar ruled Indore from 1767 to 1795. She is celebrated for her piety, justice, and for rebuilding numerous Hindu temples and ghats across India, including the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
The Maratha navy reached its zenith under the leadership of which famous Admiral (Sarkhel)?
- A Kanhoji Angre
- B Maynak Bhandari
- C Lay Patil
- D Hambirrao Mohite
Correct answer: Kanhoji Angre
Kanhoji Angre was the chief of the Maratha Navy in the early 18th century. He successfully defended the Maratha coast against British, Dutch, and Portuguese naval forces.
Which fort served as the capital of the Maratha Empire at the time of Shivaji Maharaj's coronation?
- A Shivneri
- B Pratapgad
- C Raigad
- D Torna
Correct answer: Raigad
Raigad Fort was selected by Shivaji Maharaj as the capital of the Maratha Kingdom. He was crowned there in 1674, and the fort remained the center of Maratha power for many years.
The Treaty of Salbai (1782) ended which conflict between the Marathas and the British?
- A First Anglo-Maratha War
- B Second Anglo-Maratha War
- C Third Anglo-Maratha War
- D Anglo-Mysore War
Correct answer: First Anglo-Maratha War
The Treaty of Salbai was signed in 1782, concluding the First Anglo-Maratha War. It restored the status quo and provided a period of relative peace between the two powers for twenty years.
Who led the Maratha resistance against the Mughals after the death of Rajaram, acting as the regent for her son Shivaji II?
- A Tarabai
- B Yesubai
- C Soyarabai
- D Putalabai
Correct answer: Tarabai
Tarabai, the widow of Rajaram, led the Maratha forces against Aurangzeb from 1700 to 1707. She was a skilled military strategist and kept the Maratha resistance alive during a critical period.
Which Maratha family ruled from the city of Gwalior?
- A Scindia
- B Holkar
- C Bhonsle
- D Gaekwad
Correct answer: Scindia
The Scindias (or Shindes) established their power base in Gwalior. Other confederacy members included the Holkars of Indore, the Gaekwads of Baroda, and the Bhonsles of Nagpur.
What was the designation of the Finance Minister in Shivaji Maharaj's Ashta Pradhan?
- A Amatya
- B Sumant
- C Senapati
- D Nyayadhish
Correct answer: Amatya
The Amatya (also known as Mazumdar) was responsible for managing the accounts and finances of the empire. He examined the income and expenditure of the state and advised the Chhatrapati.
Who was the last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, who was pensioned off to Bithoor by the British?
- A Baji Rao II
- B Raghunath Rao
- C Narayanrao
- D Nana Fadnavis
Correct answer: Baji Rao II
Baji Rao II was the last Peshwa. Following the Maratha defeat in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1818), the British abolished the office of Peshwa and exiled him to Bithoor near Kanpur.
Which of the following was the primary guerrilla warfare tactic used by the Marathas?
- A Ganim Kava
- B Tulughama
- C Dahshala
- D Mansabdari
Correct answer: Ganim Kava
Ganim Kava refers to the guerrilla warfare tactics utilized by the Marathas. It involved sudden ambushes, mobility, and utilizing the rugged terrain of the Deccan to harass larger, conventional armies.
Which influential statesman and minister was known as the 'Maratha Machiavelli'?
- A Mahadji Scindia
- B Nana Fadnavis
- C Baji Rao I
- D Balaji Baji Rao
Correct answer: Nana Fadnavis
Nana Fadnavis was an influential minister and statesman of the Maratha Empire in Pune. He was known for his diplomatic skills and intelligence, managing the empire's affairs during the turbulent late 18th century.
The Battle of Kharda (1795) was the last time the Maratha Confederacy fought together as a united force. Against whom was it fought?
- A The East India Company
- B The Nizam of Hyderabad
- C Tipu Sultan
- D The Sikhs
Correct answer: The Nizam of Hyderabad
The Battle of Kharda was fought between the Maratha Confederacy and the Nizam of Hyderabad. The Marathas won a decisive victory, and it was the last major battle where all Maratha chiefs fought under the Peshwa's banner.