Peshwa Period & Maratha Wars — Set 11

Correct Answer: C. Mughal captivity

Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath traveled to Delhi in 1719 and through skillful diplomacy secured the release of Chhatrapati Shahu from Mughal captivity (Shahu had been held since 1689). He also secured the formal recognition of Maratha revenue rights (Chauth and Sardeshmukhi) in the Deccan from the Mughal Sayyid brothers. This diplomatic achievement established the Peshwa's position as the most important political figure in the Maratha state.

Correct Answer: C. 1779

The Treaty of Salbai (1782) largely restored the territorial status quo to what it was before the First Anglo-Maratha War, specifically to the positions of 1779. The treaty was considered a victory for the Marathas and a reversal for the British. It gave the Marathas a 20-year period of relative peace with the British East India Company.

Correct Answer: B. British surrendered to Marathas

The Battle of Wadgaon (January 1779) ended with the British surrendering and signing the humiliating Convention of Wadgaon. The British Colonel Cockburn agreed to restore all territories gained since 1773 and surrender prominent British officers as hostages. Although the British later repudiated the convention, it was a significant Maratha military victory.

Correct Answer: B. Nanasaheb Balaji Baji Rao

Peshwa Nanasaheb (Balaji Baji Rao) built the Parvati Hill temple complex in Pune, which remains a prominent landmark and pilgrimage site. The Parvati temple houses shrines to Parvati, Vishnu, Kartikeya, and Ganesh. The Peshwas were known for building and restoring numerous temples across the Maratha territories.

Correct Answer: B. First Anglo-Maratha War

The conflict between Raghunathrao and the Barbhai Confederation (which supported the infant Sawai Madhav Rao) drew in the British through the Treaty of Surat (1775) and triggered the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782). Raghunathrao promised British territories in return for military support. The war ended with the Treaty of Salbai in 1782.

Correct Answer: B. Second Anglo-Maratha War

Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) made his military reputation in the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805), particularly at the Battle of Assaye and the capture of Ahmednagar. His victories in the Deccan established him as one of Britain's finest generals. He went on to defeat Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815.

Correct Answer: C. Mughal Empire became even weaker, eventually under British protection

The Third Battle of Panipat weakened the Mughal Empire further by removing the Marathas as their potential protectors. The Mughal Emperor was left without any powerful military ally. By the late 18th century, the Mughal Emperor became a puppet under British protection, formally ending in 1857.

Correct Answer: B. Benoit de Boigne

Benoit de Boigne, a French officer of Savoy origin, organized and trained Mahadji Scindia's infantry force on European lines from 1784 onwards. He created disciplined battalions (called the Deccan Infantry) that used European drill and tactics. This force became one of the most effective military units in late 18th century India.

Correct Answer: B. Brahmin intellectual and administrative culture

During the Peshwa period, Pune became a major center of Brahmin intellectual and administrative culture. Sanskrit scholarship, Hindu religious practice, and sophisticated administrative traditions flourished under Peshwa patronage. The city developed into an important educational and cultural center, a role it continues to play today.

Correct Answer: B. Baji Rao I

Peshwa Baji Rao I was the first to significantly extend Maratha power into northern India, conducting campaigns in Malwa, Rajputana, Gujarat, and reaching the outskirts of Delhi. He established Maratha tributary relationships with many northern kingdoms. His northward expansion created the foundation for the later Maratha dominance of northern India.