The Rise of the Marathas Notes

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Class 8 Social Science The Rise of the Marathas (CBSE) notes provide concise chapter summaries, important questions, MCQ practice and question answer tips for quick revision. Main sub-topics: Shivaji’s coronation at Raigad (1674), Ashta Pradhan administration, hill and sea forts, ganimi kava (guerrilla warfare), coastal navy, revenue claims (Chauth and Sardeshmukhi), Maratha expansion, Panipat (1761) and later recovery under Madhavrao I and Mahadji Scindia. For Class 8 CBSE/NCERT students preparing school chapter tests, term exams and quick revision before assessments.

Key points you will learn

Class 8 Social Science The Rise of the Marathas (CBSE) notes: Shivaji’s coronation at Raigad (1674) and state-building
Ashta Pradhan council — eight ministers including Peshwa (prime minister) and Senapati (commander)
Forts: hill forts as refuge/observation and sea forts protecting coasts
Ganimi kava: fast cavalry, surprise raids, use of local terrain and quick withdrawals
Coastal navy for defence and raids along the western coast
Chauth (one-fourth, 25%) and Sardeshmukhi (additional ~10%) as Maratha revenue claims
Third Battle of Panipat (1761) — major setback; recovery under Madhavrao I and Mahadji Scindia

What is inside this chapter

Notes for this chapter will be added soon.

Questions students ask

What was the Ashta Pradhan?

The Ashta Pradhan was Shivaji’s council of eight ministers set up to run different departments; it included offices like the Peshwa (prime minister) and Senapati (commander) and organised revenue, justice and military administration.

What was Chauth and Sardeshmukhi?

Chauth was a tribute equal to one‑fourth (25%) of revenue or produce claimed by Marathas; Sardeshmukhi was an additional hereditary surcharge often described around 10%, used as a political and fiscal claim over territories.

How did ganimi kava (guerrilla warfare) work?

Ganimi kava combined fast cavalry, surprise attacks, local terrain knowledge and hill-fort refuges; hit‑and‑run raids, ambushes and quick retreat to forts gave Marathas mobility against larger conventional armies.

Why was the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) important?

Panipat (1761) was a major military defeat that weakened Maratha central leadership and resources, creating a temporary power vacuum; later leaders like Madhavrao I and Mahadji Scindia helped the polity recover and regain influence.

How to answer an 8‑mark question on Shivaji’s administration?

Begin with Shivaji’s coronation at Raigad (1674) for context, explain the Ashta Pradhan, mention land revenue arrangements, fort and naval strategy, and conclude with one line on long‑term impact.

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