Q41. The Second Anglo-Maratha War was sparked by the signing of the Treaty of Bassein in 1802. Between whom was this treaty signed?
The Marathas: RAS Prelims MCQs
65 RAS Prelims MCQs on the Marathas follow Shivaji, the Peshwas and the Anglo-Maratha wars. Questions ask for Shivaji’s forts and treaties, the Ashtapradhan, Baji Rao I’s campaigns, the Third Battle of Panipat, Mahadji Scindia, the treaties with the British and the reasons for Maratha decline.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 41–50 of 65 questions
Q42. What was the most critical factor that contributed to the ultimate defeat of the Marathas by the British East India Company?
Explanation
The Marathas were beaten mainly because their chiefs were divided and jealous of one another, so they could not unite against the British.
Q43. The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818) was precipitated by which immediate action of the British?
Explanation
The Third Anglo-Maratha War began with the British campaign against the Pindaris, which the Marathas saw as an infringement of their sovereignty.
Q44. Match List-I (Maratha Administrative Personnel) with List-II (Function) and select the correct answer:
| Maratha Administrative Personnel | Function |
|---|---|
| A. Kamavisdar | i. Head of provincial administration and revenue collection |
| B. Mamlatdar | ii. Local level revenue official |
| C. Fadnavis | iii. Officer in charge of the cash box / treasury |
| D. Potnis | iv. Head clerk or deputy auditor |
Explanation
A Kamavisdar was a local revenue official, a Mamlatdar headed the provincial administration and revenue, a Fadnavis was the head clerk or deputy auditor, and a Potnis was in charge of the treasury. This gives A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii.
Q45. In the context of the Maratha rural economy, who were the ‘Bara Balutedars’?
Explanation
The Bara Balutedars were the village artisans and servants who provided essential services to the village.
Q46. Consider the following factors regarding the decline of the Maratha power:
I. The static nature of their state economy, which relied heavily on plunder and tribute.
II. The failure to develop a modern, scientific outlook and indigenous military technology.
III. The absence of a settled system of succession, leading to frequent civil wars.
IV. The widespread use of the Jagirdari (Saranjam) system undermining central authority.
V. The complete abandonment of guerrilla warfare in favor of cumbersome pitched battles.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The static nature of their state economy, which relied heavily on plunder and tribute.
II. The failure to develop a modern, scientific outlook and indigenous military technology.
III. The absence of a settled system of succession, leading to frequent civil wars.
IV. The widespread use of the Jagirdari (Saranjam) system undermining central authority.
V. The complete abandonment of guerrilla warfare in favor of cumbersome pitched battles.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Maratha state relied on plunder and tribute, did not develop modern science or indigenous military technology, lacked a settled succession and had the Saranjam system weaken central authority. They did not abandon guerrilla warfare completely, so V is wrong.
Q47. The office of the Peshwa was finally abolished and the last Peshwa, Baji Rao II, was pensioned off to Bithur near Kanpur following which conflict?
Explanation
After the Third Anglo-Maratha War, the Peshwa’s office was abolished and Baji Rao II was pensioned off to Bithur near Kanpur.
Q48. During the reign of which Peshwa did the Maratha forces cross the Indus river and capture Attock and Peshawar in 1758?
Explanation
In 1758, under Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, the Marathas crossed the Indus and took Attock and Peshawar.
Q49. Consider the following statements regarding the Chhatrapati’s position during the Peshwa period:
I. The Chhatrapati became a titular head confined to the palace at Satara.
II. The Peshwa took all important decisions, though formally in the name of the Chhatrapati.
III. The capital of the Maratha Empire shifted de facto from Satara to Pune.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The Chhatrapati became a titular head confined to the palace at Satara.
II. The Peshwa took all important decisions, though formally in the name of the Chhatrapati.
III. The capital of the Maratha Empire shifted de facto from Satara to Pune.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
In the Peshwa period the Chhatrapati was only a titular head at Satara, the Peshwa took the real decisions in his name and the de facto capital moved to Pune. All three statements are correct.
Q50. The Marathas increasingly intervened in Rajputana during the 18th century. Which of the following Rajput states was forced to pay heavy tributes, leading to conflicts like the Battle of Tunga (1787) against Mahadji Scindia?
Explanation
Jaipur was forced to pay heavy tribute and fought the Marathas under Mahadji Scindia at Tunga in 1787.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 41 | (a) Peshwa Baji Rao II and Lord Wellesley |
| 42 | (d) Internal divisions and mutual jealousies among the Maratha chiefs |
| 43 | (c) The military campaign against Pindaris, infringing sovereignty |
| 44 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 45 | (d) Village artisans and servants providing essential services |
| 46 | (c) I, II, III and IV only |
| 47 | (c) Third Anglo-Maratha War |
| 48 | (d) Balaji Baji Rao |
| 49 | (d) I, II and III |
| 50 | (c) Jaipur |
Key facts from The Marathas
- Shivaji began his conquests by capturing Torna in 1646; his council of eight ministers was called the Ashtapradhan.
- By the Treaty of Purandar (1665) Shivaji gave 23 forts to the Mughals after Jai Singh besieged Purandar.
- Ganimi Kava was Shivaji’s guerrilla warfare; the Saranjam system gave chiefs revenue grants for troops.
- After the Battle of Bhopal in 1737 the Marathas and the Nizam signed the Treaty of Doraha Sarai.
- The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was fought against Ahmad Shah Abdali; Sadashivrao Bhau was the commander.
- Treaties with the British: Surat (1775), Purandar (1776), Salbai (1782) and Bassein (1802).
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on The Marathas?
This page has 65 practice MCQs on The Marathas (Medieval Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What was the Treaty of Purandar of 1665?
A treaty between Shivaji and the Mughal general Jai Singh. Shivaji gave up 23 forts to the Mughals, and he was promised the right to collect certain dues in return. It followed Jai Singh’s successful siege of Purandar.
Who commanded the Marathas at the Third Battle of Panipat?
Sadashivrao Bhau, with the Peshwa’s son Vishwasrao as nominal head. Both died in the battle, in which the Marathas lost to Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1761, a blow to Maratha power in the north.
What was the Saranjam system?
A system under which Maratha chiefs received grants of land revenue to maintain troops. It expanded in the Peshwa period and helped build an army, but it also made chiefs hereditary and weakened central control.