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 51–60 of 65 questions
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · The Marathas
Q51. Given below are two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the correct option. Assertion (A): The Maratha incursions into Rajasthan in the 18th century severely damaged the economy and stability of the Rajput states. Reason (R): The Marathas engaged in extortionate demands for tribute (Khandani) and repeatedly interfered in the internal succession disputes of Rajputana.
Explanation
The Marathas demanded heavy tribute and interfered in succession disputes, which badly damaged the economy and stability of the Rajput states. R explains A.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · The Marathas
Q52. Given below are two statements. Read the statements and choose the correct option. Statement I: The Hurda Conference of 1734 was organized by Rajput rulers to forge a united front against Maratha expansion into Rajasthan. Statement II: The Hurda Conference succeeded in its objective and permanently halted Maratha raids in Rajputana.
Explanation
The Hurda Conference of 1734 was held to form a united front against the Marathas, so Statement I is correct. It did not stop Maratha raids in Rajputana, so Statement II is incorrect.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · The Marathas
Q53. The prominent Maratha leader Nana Phadnavis was often referred to by the British as the "Maratha Machiavelli." What was his primary role during the late 18th century?
Explanation
Nana Phadnavis was a leading statesman at Pune who managed the affairs of the Confederacy. The British called him the Maratha Machiavelli.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · The Marathas
Q54. Consider the following statements about Maratha society and administration: I. The legal system was based largely on the ancient Smritis and customary laws. II. Criminal justice was administered locally by the Patil, often utilizing the system of Panchayats. III. Capital punishment was frequently used for minor offenses to maintain strict order. IV. A special tax known as ‘Kurja-patti’ was occasionally levied during times of financial emergency. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Maratha law rested on the Smritis and custom, the Patil and village panchayats handled local justice and a special levy called Kurja-patti was imposed in emergencies. Capital punishment was not used for minor offences, so III is wrong.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · The Marathas
Q55. The highest judicial authority in the Maratha administration, beneath the Chhatrapati or the Peshwa, was the Chief Justice. What was this official called in the Ashtapradhan?
Explanation
The Nyayadhish was the Chief Justice, the highest judicial officer among the Ashtapradhan under the Chhatrapati.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · The Marathas
Q56. Which of the following regions was never permanently incorporated into the Maratha Empire during their peak expansion in the 18th century?
Explanation
Malwa, Gujarat and Bundelkhand came under Maratha control. Awadh was never permanently incorporated into the Maratha Empire.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · The Marathas
Q57. Match List-I (Maratha Rulers/Figures) with List-II (Key Event/Association) and select the correct answer: List I: (Maratha Rulers/Figures) A. Ahilyabai Holkar B. Raghunath Rao C. Vishwasrao D. Shahji Bhonsle List II: (Key Event/Association) i. Sought British help leading to First Anglo- Maratha War ii. Killed at the Third Battle of Panipat iii. Served the Adil Shahi and Nizam Shahi courts iv. Renowned for exemplary administration of Malwa
Explanation
Ahilyabai Holkar is known for her rule of Malwa, Raghunath Rao for seeking British help, Vishwasrao for dying at Panipat and Shahji Bhonsle for serving the Adil Shahi and Nizam Shahi courts. This gives A-iv, B-i, C-ii, D-iii.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · The Marathas
Q58. The Maratha military machine suffered from several weaknesses towards the end of the 18th century. Which of the following was NOT one of those weaknesses?
Explanation
The Marathas relied on European mercenaries, neglected light cavalry and lacked supply lines, so they plundered. They did not disband their infantry in favour of a naval force, so B was not a weakness.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · The Marathas
Q59. Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of the major Anglo-Maratha Treaties?
Explanation
The Treaty of Surat was signed in 1775, the Treaty of Purandar with the British in 1776, the Treaty of Salbai in 1782 and the Treaty of Bassein in 1802. That is the correct order.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · The Marathas
Q60. Consider the following statements about Maratha interaction with other powers: I. The Marathas collected Chauth from the Portuguese in parts of the Konkan. II. The Marathas defeated the Siddis of Janjira and completely eradicated their naval presence. III. Baji Rao I successfully captured Bassein from the Portuguese in 1739. IV. The Marathas engaged in a long-standing rivalry with the Nizam of Hyderabad for dominance in the Deccan. V. Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore were frequently in conflict with the Marathas. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Marathas collected Chauth from the Portuguese in the Konkan, the Marathas took Bassein from the Portuguese in 1739, the Nizam was a long-time rival and Haidar Ali and Tipu often fought them. They did not eradicate the Siddis of Janjira, so II is wrong.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
51
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
52
(a) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
53
(b) Leading statesman in Pune managing Confederate affairs
54
(b) I, II and IV
55
(c) Nyayadhish
56
(d) Awadh
57
(a) A-iv, B-i, C-ii, D-iii
58
(b) The complete disbandment of their infantry in favor of an exclusively naval force
59
(a) Treaty of Surat Treaty of Purandar Treaty of Salbai Treaty of Bassein
60
(c) I, III, IV and V
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.
