Peshwa Period & Maratha Wars — Set 14

Correct Answer: C. 1713-1818

The Peshwa period roughly spans from 1713 (when Balaji Vishwanath became Peshwa) to 1818 (when Baji Rao II surrendered and the Peshwaship was abolished). This was a little over 100 years during which the Peshwas dominated the Maratha Confederacy. During this century, India experienced the decline of the Mughals, the rise of the British, and the zenith and fall of the Marathas.

Correct Answer: D. Hyderabad

Hyderabad (the Nizam's state) was NOT part of the Maratha Confederacy — it was actually a rival and enemy of the Marathas. The Nizam fought multiple wars against the Marathas and lost at battles like Palkhed (1728) and Bhopal (1737). The major Maratha Confederacy states included Gwalior (Scindia), Baroda (Gaekwad), and Indore (Holkar).

Correct Answer: C. Brilliant strategy and speed of movement

Baji Rao I remained undefeated throughout his career primarily due to his brilliant strategic mind and unprecedented speed of movement with cavalry. He attacked enemies before they could concentrate their forces, always choosing the time and place of battle on his own terms. His ability to maneuver enemy armies into unfavorable positions and cut their supply lines was his military genius.

Correct Answer: B. Pratapsinh

Pratapsinh Bhonsle was the Chhatrapati of Satara who was installed on the throne with British support in 1818 after the defeat of Peshwa Baji Rao II. He served as a symbolic sovereign under British protection. Satara state continued until it was annexed by the British through the Doctrine of Lapse in 1848.

Correct Answer: C. Peshwa Baji Rao II

Peshwa Baji Rao II was effectively the last major Maratha chief to surrender in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, wandering for months after the Battle of Ashti before surrendering to Malcolm in June 1818. Other chiefs like the Bhonsle of Nagpur and Scindia had already made peace with the British. His surrender formally ended the Maratha Confederacy.

Correct Answer: C. Official seat of the Peshwas

Shaniwarwada was the official seat and residence of the Peshwas, making it the political and administrative center of the Maratha Confederacy from 1732 to 1818. It was the site of several important historical events including the murder of Peshwa Narayanrao. The palace was destroyed by fire in 1828 and its ruins are now a protected monument.

Correct Answer: B. Treaty of Bassein

Peshwa Baji Rao II signed the Treaty of Bassein with the British on December 31, 1802, accepting British protection (subsidiary alliance). Other Maratha chiefs, particularly Scindia and Bhonsle of Nagpur, refused to accept this arrangement and took up arms against the British. This led to the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805).

Correct Answer: C. Third Battle of Panipat (1761)

In Maratha and Maharashtra culture, 'Panipat ka battle' most commonly refers to the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) due to its catastrophic impact on the Maratha Empire. The battle left an indelible mark on Maharashtra's collective memory. The defeat at Panipat is considered one of the greatest tragedies in Maratha history.

Correct Answer: C. Pune

Pune became the center of Maratha power when the Peshwas established their headquarters there, building Shaniwarwada as their official palace. The city grew dramatically during the Peshwa period and became one of the most important cities in India. Pune's importance as an administrative and cultural center continues to the present day.

Correct Answer: C. A rival paying tribute after defeats

The Nizam of Hyderabad was traditionally a rival of the Maratha Confederacy who paid tribute to the Marathas after defeats in battles like Palkhed (1728), Bhopal (1737), and Kharda (1795). The Nizam resented Maratha power and frequently sought alliances against them. The Nizam-Maratha rivalry was a constant feature of 18th century Deccan politics.