Rise of Maratha Power MCQ: Maratha Army System, Battle of Palkhed & Post-Panipat Recovery

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.In which script were the Maratha state documents written?

   • A.Devanagari
   • B.Modi✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Persian
   • D.Sanskrit

   Explanation: The Maratha state documents and revenue records were written in the 'Modi' script.

2. Q2.Who was the guardian and teacher of Shivaji?

   • A.Samarth Ramdas
   • B.Dadaji Kondadev✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Tukaram
   • D.Shahji Bhonsle

   Explanation: Dadaji Kondadev was the guardian and teacher of Shivaji who trained him in the art of administration and warfare.

3. Q3.Which battle was fought between Shahu and Tarabai's forces in 1707?

   • A.Battle of Palkhed
   • B.Battle of Khed✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Battle of Shakarkheda
   • D.Battle of Bhopal

   Explanation: The Battle of Khed was fought in 1707 between Shahu and Tarabai, in which Shahu emerged victorious.

4. Q4.Who among the following was known as the 'Maratha Machiavelli'?

   • A.Nana Phadnavis✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Mahadji Scindia
   • C.Bajirao I
   • D.Balaji Vishwanath

   Explanation: Nana Phadnavis was an influential minister and statesman during the Peshwa administration, often called the 'Maratha Machiavelli' by Europeans.

5. Q5.What does the term 'Bargir' refer to in the Maratha army?

   • A.Infantry soldiers
   • B.Royal guards
   • C.Cavalrymen provided horses by the state✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Independent soldier with own horse

   Explanation: In the Maratha cavalry, 'Bargirs' were soldiers who were provided horses and equipment by the state.

6. Q6.What does the term 'Silahdar' refer to in the Maratha army?

   • A.Soldiers who brought their own horses and equipment✓ Correct Answer
   • B.State-paid spies
   • C.Tax collectors
   • D.Fort commanders

   Explanation: 'Silahdars' were cavalrymen who maintained themselves and brought their own horses and equipment.

7. Q7.At which place was Shivaji born?

   • A.Raigarh
   • B.Shivneri✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Torna
   • D.Panhala

   Explanation: Shivaji was born in the hill fort of Shivneri in 1627 AD (or 1630 AD).

8. Q8.Who released Shahu from Mughal captivity in 1707?

   • A.Aurangzeb
   • B.Prince Azam Shah✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Bahadur Shah I
   • D.Jahandar Shah

   Explanation: After Aurangzeb's death, his son Prince Azam Shah released Shahu in 1707 to create a division among the Marathas.

9. Q9.Which saint is considered as the spiritual guide of Shivaji?

   • A.Tukaram
   • B.Ramdas✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Eknath
   • D.Namdev

   Explanation: Samarth Ramdas is considered the spiritual guide of Shivaji. His work 'Dasbodh' was very influential.

10. Q10.The 'Treaty of Salbai' in 1782 ended which war?

    • A.First Anglo-Maratha War✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Second Anglo-Maratha War
    • C.Third Battle of Panipat
    • D.Maratha-Mysore War

    Explanation: The Treaty of Salbai was signed in 1782, ending the First Anglo-Maratha War.

11. Q11.Who was the Maratha commander who lost his life in the Third Battle of Panipat along with Sadashivrao Bhau?

    • A.Raghunathrao
    • B.Vishwasrao✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Narayanrao
    • D.Madhavrao

    Explanation: Vishwasrao, the son of Peshwa Balaji Bajirao, was killed in the Third Battle of Panipat.

12. Q12.What was the main outcome of the Third Battle of Panipat?

    • A.Maratha Victory
    • B.Mughal Victory
    • C.Afghan Victory and Maratha Defeat✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Inconclusive

    Explanation: The Third Battle of Panipat resulted in a decisive victory for the Afghans (Ahmad Shah Abdali) and a disastrous defeat for the Marathas.

13. Q13.Identify the incorrect pair regarding Maratha Saints.

    • A.Eknath - Commentator on Ramayana✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Tukaram - Devotional Poetry (Abhangs)
    • C.Ramdas - Dasbodh
    • D.Jyaneshwar - Jyaneshwari

    Explanation: Eknath is famous for his commentary on the Bhagavata Purana, not primarily the Ramayana (though he wrote Bhavartha Ramayana, he is most noted for Eknathi Bhagwat). However, in the context of typical exam options, Jyaneshwar, Tukaram, and Ramdas are correctly paired with their most famous works/styles.

14. Q14.Which Mughal commander lost his fingers in a surprise attack by Shivaji in Pune?

    • A.Afzal Khan
    • B.Shaista Khan✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Jai Singh
    • D.Jaswant Singh

    Explanation: In 1663, Shivaji carried out a daring night attack on Shaista Khan's camp in Pune, in which Shaista Khan lost his fingers.

15. Q15.Who was the 'Patil' in the Maratha administration?

    • A.Village Headman✓ Correct Answer
    • B.District Collector
    • C.Army Chief
    • D.Priest

    Explanation: The Patil was the village headman responsible for revenue collection and law and order at the village level.

16. Q16.Why did Shivaji plunder Surat in 1664?

    • A.To challenge the British
    • B.To obtain wealth for his army✓ Correct Answer
    • C.To punish the Portuguese
    • D.To capture the port

    Explanation: Shivaji plundered Surat, a rich Mughal trading port, primarily to obtain financial resources (wealth) to maintain and expand his army.

17. Q17.Which of the following was a gold coin in the Maratha kingdom?

    • A.Shivrai
    • B.Hon✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Ruka
    • D.Paisa

    Explanation: 'Hon' was a gold coin used in the Maratha kingdom.

18. Q18.Who led the Marathas in the 'Battle of Palkhed' (1728) against the Nizam?

    • A.Balaji Vishwanath
    • B.Bajirao I✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Sadashivrao Bhau
    • D.Madhavrao

    Explanation: Peshwa Bajirao I led the Marathas and defeated Nizam-ul-Mulk in the Battle of Palkhed in 1728.

19. Q19.Which river bank is associated with the Battle of Palkhed?

    • A.Godavari✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Krishna
    • C.Tungabhadra
    • D.Narmada

    Explanation: The Battle of Palkhed took place near the Godavari river.

20. Q20.Who is credited with the restoration of Maratha power in the North after the Panipat disaster?

    • A.Raghunathrao
    • B.Madhavrao✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Nana Phadnavis
    • D.Mahadji Scindia

    Explanation: Peshwa Madhavrao (and his generals like Mahadji Scindia) is credited with the revival and restoration of Maratha power in the North after the defeat at Panipat.