1. Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire?
A) Baji Rao I
B) Shivaji
C) Madhavrao I
D) Balaji Vishwanath
2. Which administrative system was introduced by Shivaji to collect land revenue?
A) Zamindari System
B) Ryotwari System
C) Chauth and Sardeshmukhi
D) Jagirdari System
3. Who served as the Peshwa (Prime Minister) and expanded the Maratha Empire beyond the Deccan?
A) Balaji Vishwanath
B) Baji Rao I
C) Madhavrao I
D) Nana Phadnavis
4. In which year did the Marathas raid Delhi, demonstrating their growing power?
A) 1720
B) 1737
C) 1757
D) 1761
5. Which battle marked the decline of Maratha power in North India?
A) First Battle of Panipat
B) Battle of Plassey
C) Third Battle of Panipat
D) Battle of Buxar
6. Which of the following Maratha chiefs established control over Gwalior?
A) Scindia
B) Holkar
C) Gaekwad
D) Bhonsle
7. Poona became the capital of the Marathas under which leader?
A) Shivaji
B) Balaji Vishwanath
C) Baji Rao I
D) Shahu
8. What was the main reason for the Maratha expansion beyond the Deccan?
A) To establish religious rule
B) To counter Mughal influence and expand revenue collection
C) To align with British East India Company
D) To create a unified Hindu state
9. Which important tax, amounting to 25% of land revenue, was collected by the Marathas from other rulers?
A) Sardeshmukhi
B) Chauth
C) Malgujari
D) Ijaradari
10. Which city was the center of Maratha administration and culture in the 18th century?
A) Nagpur
B) Ujjain
C) Poona (Pune)
D) Baroda
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Answers and Explanations
1. B) Shivaji
Shivaji founded the Maratha Empire in the 17th century and established a strong administrative system.
2. C) Chauth and Sardeshmukhi
Chauth (25% of revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (additional 10%) were collected by the Marathas from other rulers.
3. B) Baji Rao I
Baji Rao I, the son of Balaji Vishwanath, expanded the Maratha Empire beyond the Deccan.
4. B) 1737
In 1737, the Marathas raided Delhi, weakening Mughal authority.
5. C) Third Battle of Panipat
The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was fought between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali, leading to heavy Maratha losses.
6. A) Scindia
The Scindias of Gwalior were one of the powerful Maratha chiefs controlling North India.
7. C) Baji Rao I
During Baji Rao I’s leadership, Poona became the capital of the Marathas.
8. B) To counter Mughal influence and expand revenue collection
The Marathas aimed to collect Chauth and Sardeshmukhi and weaken the Mughals.
9. B) Chauth
Chauth was a tax collected by the Marathas from other rulers in return for protection.
10. C) Poona (Pune)
Poona became the center of Maratha administration and a major cultural hub.
