The Rise Of Marathas class 8

 Question Answers 

Ch: 3 The Rise of Marathas

 

Key words

 

1.Swarajya: The vision and ideal of indigenous self-rule.Ashta Pradhan 2.Mandal: The centralized council of eight state ministers.

3.Chauth: A 25% tax collected from neighboring territories.

4.Sardeshmukhi: An additional 10% tax levied as a claim to hereditary overlordship.

5.Guerrilla Warfare (Ganimi Kava): Surprise hit-and-run tactics in hilly terrain.

6.Forts (Durg): Strategic hill bases like Raigad and Pratapgad.

7.Navy: Maritime force built to challenge European and regional powers.

8.Peshwas: Prime ministers who later led the Maratha confederacy.

9.Bhakti Saints: Spiritual leaders like Tukaram and Ramdas who built cultural unity.

10 Jagir: A jāgīr was a piece of land  given by a king or ruler to someone (usually a noble or  soldier) as a  reward for their service.

11. Literary history: The historical  development  of writings in  prose or poetry in a particular language

Questions and Answers

 

Q1.Who were the Marathas? How did they manage to become the largest pan- Indian power before the British took over? 

 

Ans:The Marathas were a Marathi-speaking warrior community from the Deccan region (modern Maharashtra). Under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1674, they established a strong state that eventually dominated the subcontinent.  

 

​Here is how they became the supreme pan-Indian power:

1.​Visionary Leadership: Chhatrapati Shivaji united local clans under Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule), setting up a disciplined military and central administration.  

 

2.​Guerrilla Warfare: Using the terrain, their rapid cavalry and guerrilla tactics they defeated large armies .

 

3.​Rise of the Peshwas: Effective leadership shifted to prime ministers (Peshwas) who expanded Maratha territory across northern and central India.  

4.​Maratha Confederacy: Powerful military dynasties (Scindia, Holkar, Gaekwad, Bhonsle) established semi-autonomous bases.

 

5.​Revenue Systems: Collecting levies (taxes) like Chauth (25%) and Sardeshmukhi (Chauth plus addition 10%) from neighboring states funded their ongoing campaigns.  

 

Q2.What were some features of their governance?

Ans:Here are five key features of Maratha governance (under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj)

Ans.

1.     ​Ashta Pradhana: A central council of eight ministers managed departments like defense, finance, and foreign affairs.

2.     ​Paid Officials: Abolished hereditary posts, paying officers directly from the state treasury to prevent corruption.

3.     ​Taxation System: Revenue was collected systematically through taxes like Chauth (25%) and Sardeshmukhi (25℅+10%).

4.     ​Local Justice & Welfare: Panchayats handled local disputes, and pensions supported families of fallen soldiers.

5.     ​Forts & Military: Built a disciplined standing army, strategic hill forts, and a pioneer navy.

​Q3. Analyse how geography (particularly mountains and coastlines) influenced Maratha military strategy and state formation. 

Ans:1.Western Ghats Defense: Steep mountains provided natural fortresses (e.g., Raigad), securing Maratha bases against heavy artillery.

2.​Guerilla Warfare (Ganimi Kava): Rugged terrain enabled rapid, hit-and-run tactics to exhaust larger, slower Mughal armies.

3.​Maritime Power: The Konkan coastline led to naval development and island forts (e.g., Sindhudurg) to protect sea trade.

4.Decentralized Fort Network: Fragmented geography created autonomous hill-forts, ensuring state survival despite central losses.

Q.4: What impact did the Maratha Empire leave in Indian  history?

Ans: The impact of Maratha empire on Indian history are as under:

1.End of Mughal Dominance: Accelerated the downfall of the Mughal Empire across Northern and Central India.

2.Concept of Swarajya: Championed native self-rule, reviving local culture, governance, and regional languages.

3.Guerrilla Warfare: Pioneered innovative Ganimi Kava (guerrilla tactics) and built a formidable Maratha navy.

4.Administrative Reforms: Introduced structured administration along with taxation systems like Chauth and Sardeshmukhi.

 

5.Subcontinental Power: Unified vast territories from Attock to Cuttack.

 

Q5. The chapter states, “The British took India from the Marathas more than from the Mughals or any other power.” What do you think this means? What evidence from the chapter supports this idea? 

 

Ans. 1)The Marathas were the strongest power in India before British rule.

2)They controlled large parts of India, including Delhi.

3)The British considered the Marathas their main rivals.

4)The three Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818) ended in British victory.

5) After defeating the Marathas, the British became the dominant power in India.

Q.6Compare how Shivaji and later Marathas treated religious places and people of different faiths. What evidence from the chapter shows their approach to religious diversity? 

Ans .1) Shivaji respected all religions and promoted religious tolerance.

2)He protected temples, mosques, and charitable institutions during campaigns.

3)He rebuilt damaged temples and encouraged Hindu culture.

4)Later rulers like Ahilyabai Holkar restored famous temples such as Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath.

5)Maratha rule reflected cultural pride, religious tolerance, and respect for diversity.

Q7. Why were forts the 'core of the state' for the Marathas? How did they help them survive against larger enemies?

Ans. 1. Forts gave the Marathas protection and security.

2. Built on hills, they were difficult for enemies to capture.

3. They helped the Marathas use guerrilla warfare effectively.

4. Forts stored food, water, weapons, and sheltered soldiers.

5. They allowed the Marathas to resist larger armies, regroup, and continue fighting, making forts the core of their state.

 

 

NATIONALISM IN INDIA CLASS 10

 Exercise 

MAP Work

Textbook Questions :

Explain

(a) Why the growth of nationalism in the colonies is linked to an anti-colonial movement?

Ans: The growth of nationalism in the colonies is linked to an anti-colonial movement as:

1. People began discovering their unity in the process of their struggle with colonialism. 

2.The sense of being oppressed under colonialism provided a shared bond that tied many different groups together. 

3. However, each class and group felt the effects of colonialism differently. 

4.Their experiences were varied and their notions of freedom were not always the same. 

5.The Congress under Mahatma Gandhi tried to forge these groups together within one movement. However, unity did not emerge without conflict.

(b) How the First World War helped in the growth of the National Movement in India.

Ans: War created a new political and economic situation.

1.It led to a huge increase in defence expenditure, which was financed by war loans and increasing taxes: custom duties were increased, and income tax was introduced.

2.The forced recruitment in villages caused widespread anger.

3.Crops failed; this resulted in an acute shortage of food. 12 to 13 million people died due to famines and epidemics.

(c) Why Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act.

Ans: Indians had hoped that after the war, their hardships would be over and that the government would take steps to improve their condition.

1. On the other hand, the government passed the Rowlatt Act in the Imperial Legislative Council in 1919 against the united opposition of the Indian members.

2.The Act gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities. It allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.

3.Its provisions meant the suspension of two principles of justice - trial by jury and habeas corpus.

(d) Why Gandhiji decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Ans: Gandhiji decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement because of the following reasons:

1.In February 1922, at Chauri Chaura in Gorakhpur (UP), a group of peaceful Indian demonstrators turned violent. They burnt alive 22 policemen. When Mahatma Gandhi learned about it, he decided to withdraw from the Non-Cooperation Movement.

2.He felt that the movement was turning violent in many places and satyagrahis needed to be properly trained before they would be ready for mass struggles.

3.Within Congress, some leaders like C.R. Dass and Motilal Nehru were also tired of mass struggles and wanted to participate in elections for the provincial councils.

Q2. What is meant by the idea of satyagraha?

Ans: Satyagraha is pure soul-force. Truth is the very substance of the soul. That is why this force is called Satyagraha.

1 The idea of Satyagraha suggested that if the cause was true if the struggle was against injustice, then the physical force was not necessary to fight the oppressor.

2.Without seeking vengeance or being aggressive, a satyagrahi could win the battle through non-violence. Thus non-violence is the supreme dharma.

3.In Satyagraha, oppressors - had to be persuaded to see the truth instead of being forced to accept the truth through the use of violence.

Q3. Write a newspaper report on:

(a) The Jallianwala Bagh massacre

(b) The Simon Commission

Ans: 

(a) The Jallianwala Bagh massacre:

Today is 13 April - Baisakhi. A large crowd of people had gathered in the enclosed ground of Jallianwala Bagh. Some came to protest against the government’s Rowlatt Act. Others had come to attend the annual Baisakhi fair. Being from outside the city, many villagers were unaware of the Martial Law that had been imposed. Gen. Dyer entered the area, blocked the exit points and opened fire on the crowd, killing hundreds.

His object was to ‘produce a moral effect’ to create in the minds of satyagrahis a feeling of terror and awe.

After the massacre, the wounded were left without medical help. The number of exact casualties is not known. It is an example of oppressive rule by the Imperialist Power.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

b) The Simon Commission:

1. the Simon Commission, to look into the functioning of the constitutional system in India and to submit a detailed report on reforms, reached Lahore. 

2.It is really strange that though the object of the Commission is to look into an Indian problem, no Indian has been appointed as its member. 

3.All the members were Britishers.  Indians resist the Commission at all levels so that the British government may include Indians in the Commission.

4. People gather at the station. Lala Lajpat Rai and others led the procession and raised slogans, “Simon Go Back”. There was a clash between police and protesters. Lala Lajpat Rai was badly beaten after few days he lost his life

Q4. Compare the images of Bharat Mata in this chapter with the image of Germania in Chapter 1.

Ans: There are two images of Bharat Mata one by Abanindranath Tagore and the second by another artist .

1.  In the image by Tagore, Bharat Mata is portrayed as an ascetic figure. She has been shown as calm, composed, divine and spiritual. She is shown also as dispensing learning food and clothing. Abanindranath Tagore tried to develop a style of painting that could be seen as truly Indian.

2.In the second figure, Bharat Mata is shown with a Trishul standing beside a lion and an elephant, which are both symbols of power and authority. This figure contrasts with the one painted by Abanindranath Tagore.

3.On  the other hand, the image of Germania by Philip Veet wears a crown of oak leaves, which stands for heroism. Thus, there is one similarity between Bharat Mata and Germania - both have an element of bravery, i.e., power, authority and heroism

.Q5. List all the different social groups which joined the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1921. Then choose any three and write about their hopes and struggles to show why they joined the movement.

Ans: The different social groups which participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement are listed below:

1Middle-class citizens in towns and cities

Students and teachers

Merchants and traders

32Lawyers

4Peasants

5Tribal communities

6Plantation workers

7Artisans and craftsmen

8Women

Three Social Groups and Their Hopes and Struggles:

1. Peasants

Hopes: The peasants joined the Non-Cooperation Movement hoping to end the oppressive taxation and the harsh policies imposed by the British landlords. They sought relief from the heavy taxes, reduced rents, and the abolition of the 'begar' system (forced labor without payment).

Struggles: Peasants faced severe economic hardships, including high taxes and the exploitation by landlords. Despite the risk of violence and repression from authorities, they participated in protests, boycotts, and no-tax campaigns, believing that the movement would improve their living conditions and free them from exploitation.

2. Tribal Communities:

Hopes: Tribal communities joined the movement with the hope of reclaiming their traditional rights over forest lands, which had been restricted by British laws. They wanted to regain control over their resources and resist the colonial government's interference in their way of life.

Struggles: Tribals struggled against the British policies that curtailed their access to forests, which were essential for their livelihoods. They faced displacement and loss of land, leading to widespread poverty. The movement gave them a platform to resist these injustices and demand their rights.

3. Plantation Workers

Hopes: Plantation workers, particularly those working in tea estates in Assam, joined the Non-Cooperation Movement with the hope of improving their working conditions and gaining freedom to return to their homes. They believed the movement would help them escape the oppressive labor contracts that kept them bound to the plantations.

Struggles: The workers endured harsh living and working conditions, with little pay and no rights to leave the plantations. They were often trapped in contracts that prevented them from returning home. Their participation in the movement was driven by a desire to break free from these exploitative conditions and seek a better

 future.

Q6. Discuss the Salt March to make clear why it was an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism.

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation.

The Salt March started from Gandhi’s ashram in Sabarmati to Dandi, a coastal town located in the state of Gujarat.

The Salt March was over a distance of 240 miles.

Development of Events – Salt March and Civil Disobedience Movement

1.Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation as it was consumed by rich and poor alike. 

2.He declared that the tax on salt and the government monopoly over its production was the most oppressive face of British rule. 

3Gandhiji sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin stating eleven demands. 

The most stirring of all was the demand to abolish the salt tax. 

Irwin was unwilling to negotiate, so Gandhiji started the Salt March with 78 volunteers. 

4He reached Dandi, violated the law and made salt. 

5.This March developed the feeling of nationalism, people in different parts of the country broke the salt law and manufactured salt and demonstrated in front of government salt Factories. 

6.Thus, the Salt March was an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism.

Q8. Why did political leaders differ sharply over the question of separate electorates?

Ans: 

1)Dr B.R. Ambedkar, who organised the Dalits into the Depressed Classes Association in 1930, clashed with Mahatma Gandhi at the second Round Table Conference by demanding separate electorates for Dalits. 

1)When the British government conceded Ambedkar’s demand, Gandhiji began a fast unto death. He believed that separate electorates for Dalits would slow down the process of their integration into society. Ambedkar ultimately accepted Gandhiji’s position, and the result was the Poona Pact of September 1932.

2)Muhammad Ali Jinnah was willing to give up the demand for separate electorates if Muslims were assured reserved seats in the Central Assembly and representation in proportion to population in the Muslim-dominated provinces (Bengal and Punjab). 

Negotiations over the question of representation continued, but all hope of resolving the issue at the All Parties Conference in 1928 disappeared when M.R. Jayakar of the Hindu Mahasabha strongly opposed efforts at compromise

Factors of production class 8

 Exercise

Q1. What are the factors of production?

Answer: The factors of production are the resources used to produce goods and services. They are:

1. Land-natural resources (soil, water, forests, minerals, etc.).

2. Labour-human effort (physical and mental).

3. Capital-money and man-made resources (machines, tools, buildings).

4. Entrepreneurship - a person's ability to take risks, organise resources, and run a business.

Technology is a facilitator that makes production faster and easier.

Q2. How are these factors interconnected?

Answer: All factors (land, labour, capital, entrepreneurship, technology) work together like puzzle pieces.

Example: Agriculture depends more on labour, while industries like satellites dependmore on capital a machines.

If one factor is missing or misused, production may slow down or stop.

Supply chains connect resources from different places, showing global interdependence.

Q3. What is the role of human capital in production, and what are its facilitators?

Answer:Human capital = the knowledge, skills, health, and training of people that make labour more efficient.

Role: Improves productivity, creates better goods and services, supports innovation.

Facilitators of human capital:

i. Education & Training - build knowledge and skills.

ii. Healthcare - healthy people work better and faster.

iii. Social & Cultural values - hard work, discipline, and quality improve efficiency (e.g., Japan's Kaizer

Class 8 1. NATURAL RESOURCES AND THEIR USE

 

Chapter 1.Natural resources and their use. 

QUESTION ANSWERS

.Q1: How do We Categorize Natural Resources?

Ans:  Natural resources  can be categorised based on their use and renewability.

1. Based on their use :

A)Essential resources: Air, water, and soil are crucial for life.

B.)Material resources: Wood, coal, and metals are used to create products.

C)Energy resources: Solar, wind, and fossil fuels generate electricity and provide power to industries.

2. Based on their renewability.

   A)Renewable resources: Timber, water, and solar energy can regenerate over time.

 B) Non-renewable resources: Coal, petroleum, and minerals are limited and take millions of years to form, making them difficult to replace once used.

Q2: What is the Connection Between the Distribution of Natural Resources and Different Aspects of Life?

Ans:Uneven distribution of resources affects where people live, jobs, trade and even conflicts. For example, areas with minerals attract industries, while water-rich regions support farming. Sharing resources like rivers can cause disputes between regions or countries.

Q3. What are the implications of unsustainable use / over-exploitation of natural resources?

Ans:Overuse leads to pollution, loss of biodiversity ,and climate change. example, over-pumping groundwater dries up wells and deforestation reduces wildlife habitats. Sustainable practices are needed For to protect resources for future generations.

Q4: What can make what is today a renewable resource non-renewable tomorrow? Describe some actions that can prevent this from happening.

Ans: A renewable resource can become non-renewable if it is consumed faster than it can regenerate. Key examples include:

1)Overfishing: Removing fish from oceans quicker than they can reproduce.

2)Deforestation: Cutting down trees faster than they can grow back.

3)Groundwater extraction: Taking water from underground sources faster than it can be replenished.

To prevent renewable resources from becoming non-renewable, we can:

1. Use resources at a sustainable rate (take only what nature can replace)

2. Replant trees and protect forests

3. Reduce pollution that harms air, water and soil

4. Use traditional farming methods that keep soil healthy

5 witch to renewable energy like solar and wind power

6. Follow rules that protect natural resources

By being careful and responsible, we can keep renewable resources available for future generations.

Q5. Name five ecosystem functions that serve humans.

Ans.Five important ecosystem functions that benefit humans:

I)Trees produce oxygen for us to breathe while absorbing carbon dioxide.

ii)Forests and wetlands naturally filter water, making it clean for drinking.

ii)Bees and other pollinators help crops grow by transferring pollen between plants.

iii)Healthy soil supports agriculture by providing nutrients for food crops.

iV)Mangroves and coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion.

V)Ecosystems provide diverse food sources, including plants, animals, and fish, which are vital for human nutrition and survival.

Vi) Ecosystems also regulate climate and prevent floods, showing how deeply we depend on nature's balance.

Q6.What are renewable resources? How are they different from non-renewable ones? What can people do to ensure that renewable resources continue to be available for our use and that of future generations? Give two examples.

Ans. Ans: Renewable resources are natural materials that regenerate over time, such as sunlight, wind, water, and wood. Unlike non-renewable resources like fossil fuels and minerals, they are not exhausted when used responsibly, as they replenish naturally. Non-renewable resources, however, are limited and cannot be restored within a human timescale.

To ensure the availability of renewable resources for future generations, we can:

1)Use clean energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

2)Minimise waste and adopt sustainable practices, like responsible forestry.

For example:

Installing solar-powered street lighting reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

Replanting trees after timber harvests ensures the forest can regenerate.

Q.7. Identify cultural practices in your home and neighbourhood that point to mindfulness in the use of natural resources.

Ans Ans: In our home and neighbourhood, various cultural practices demonstrate a mindful approach to using natural resources:

1)Sacred Trees: Trees like the peepal and banyan are considered sacred and are preserved, promoting tree conservation.

2)Sacred Groves: Forest patches known as sacred groves are protected due to their spiritual importance, helping to maintain biodiversity.

3)Eco-friendly Festivals: Traditional festivals use sustainable materials, such as banana leaves for serving food, clay for making idols, and natural dyes for decorations.

4)Water Conservation: Rituals are performed to clean and honour water bodies like ponds and wells, encouraging the conservation of water.

5)Sustainable Living: Practices such as fasting and simple living during religious observances promote reduced consumption and sustainability.

Q8.What are some considerations to keep in mind in the production of goods for our current use?

When producing goods for current use, we must consider several important factors. 

First, we should use renewable resources carefully without overexploiting them. 

Second, non-renewable resources need to be used wisely so they last longer. 

Third, production methods should minimize pollution and waste. 

Fourth, traditional sustainable practices should be combined with modern technology. 

Fifth, fair distribution of resources is important so everyone benefits. 

Finally, we must think about futuregenerations by maintaining nature's ability to restore itself. These considerations help balance current needs with long-term sustainability

Keywords

1)Nature:Nature is the totality of life and non-life forms that are part of our environment but have not been created by humans.

2)Restoration:Restoration is the process of returning something to its original healthy state if it has been degraded or damaged.

3)Renewable Resources:Resources that are naturally replenished or renewed in a short period of time and can be used again and again without getting exhausted.

Examples: sunlight, wind, water

4)Non-Renewable Resources:Resources that are available in limited quantities and take millions of years to form, so they cannot be replaced quickly once used.

Examples: coal, petroleum, natural gas

5)Regenration:. It is about Nature’s ability to create new life and the conditions for thriving

6)Arghyam: offering, generally of water, as a mark of respect or gratitude.

7)Biodiversity loss :The decline in the variety of life on Earth.

8)Soil degradation :Soil degradation means the decline in the quality and fertility of soil, making it less suitable for growing plants.

9)IASE: International Alliance for Solar Energy 

10)Organic farming:Organic farming  is a method of growing crops without using chemical fertilizers and  pesticides.

Extra Questions.

1.What three factors make something a resource?
Answer: Technological accessibility, economic feasibility, and cultural acceptability.

2.How is Nature described in many indigenous traditions?
Answer:
Nature is viewed as sacred, feminine, and a nurturer.

3.Define restoration and explain its significance in Nature’s cycle of resources.

Ans: Restoration involves returning degraded systems to their original state. This is crucial as it enables nature to heal, maintain ecosystem balance, and help sustain resources.

4.How does cultural acceptability play a role in determining whether nature becomes a resource?

Ans :Cultural acceptability determines if exploiting a natural entity aligns with societal norms and values. In some cultures, sacred groves must remain untouched, even if they contain valuable resources like wood, because cutting down trees conflicts with cultural beliefs. Therefore, cultural acceptance is necessary to. transition nature into a resource.

5.What is Vrikshayurveda, and what agricultural practices does it promote?

Answer: Vrikshayurveda is an ancient Indian science focused on the care of plants and trees, with its roots in Sanskrit: Vriksha meaning tree and ayurueda meaning science of life or health. Formalised in texts such as Surapala’s Vrikshayurveda in the 10th centuiy CE, it offers guidance on sustainable farming practices

6.What led to the groundwater crisis in Punjab, and what are its effects?

Answer:The crisis can be traced back to the 1960s, when farmers in Punjab began growing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice that required more water than traditional crops. To meet this need, they increasingly relied on groundwater, aided by free electricity that encouraged over-pumping. The widespread use of fertilisers and pesticides also contributed to groundwater contamination. Over time, water tables fell to depths of around 30 metres, and nearly 80% of the region became overexploited. Although these practices helped secure food supplies at the time, they have resulted in serious long-term environmental and sustainability issues

7.What is the "natural resource curse" or "paradox of plenty" and how has India generally avoided it?

Answer.  The "natural resource curse", also known as the "paradox of plenty", is an economic phenomenon where regions abundant in natural resources may paradoxically experience slower economic growth and development. This often occurs because economies fail to develop industries that convert raw resources into higher-value products. India has generally avoided this curse by strategically investing in the development of such industries to meet its growing needs and add value to its resources.

Q.8.How do "ecosystem functions" differ from "ecosystem services" and how do humans benefit from the latter?

Ans :Ecosystem functions are the inherent ways nature works, such as trees naturally producing oxygen or a forest filtering water and preventing soil erosion. Ecosystem services, on the other hand, are the benefits that humans receive when these natural processes serve their needs. For example, when we get clean water, protected farmland or pollinated crops because of a healthy forest, we are receiving ecosystem services from nature.

9What does 'stewardship' of resources mean?

Ans: Using resources wisely to help them restore and regrow or last longer.

10.What is Bhadla Solar Park, and when was the International Solar Alliance launched?
Ans: Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan is one of the world's largest solar parks; the International Solar Alliance was launched in 2015 by India and France.

11.What does the Bhagavad Gita's concept of lokasangraha mean?
Ans: Working for the good of all, encouraging thoughtful use of resources.

12.What is meant by 'ecosystem services'?

Ans: Natural actions of ecosystems that benefit people, like trees producing oxygen and cleaning water.

13.What is the main aim of the International Solar Alliance?
Ans: To promote solar energy use among sunshine-rich countries