Peshwa Period & Maratha Wars — Set 2

Correct Answer: C. Ahmad Shah Durrani (Abdali)

The Third Battle of Panipat on January 14, 1761 was fought between the Maratha Empire and Ahmad Shah Durrani (Abdali), the Afghan ruler. The Marathas suffered a catastrophic defeat that killed tens of thousands of soldiers. This battle is considered a turning point after which the Maratha Empire began its decline.

Correct Answer: C. 1761

The Third Battle of Panipat was fought on January 14, 1761, near Panipat in present-day Haryana. It was one of the largest and bloodiest battles in 18th century India. The Maratha defeat ended their aspirations to dominate all of India and marked the beginning of their decline.

Correct Answer: C. Vishwas Rao

Vishwas Rao, son of Peshwa Nanasaheb and the designated heir to the Peshwaship, was killed at the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. His death in battle devastated his father Nanasaheb, who died just a few months later. The loss of Vishwas Rao was a severe blow to the Maratha cause.

Correct Answer: C. Sadashivrao Bhau

Sadashivrao Bhau (Vishwas Rao's uncle) was the Maratha commander-in-chief at the Third Battle of Panipat. He was considered one of the most capable military minds of his generation. He also died in the battle, making the Maratha defeat even more devastating.

Correct Answer: A. Ahmad Shah Abdali

Ahmad Shah Durrani was also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali, after his Abdali Pashtun tribal origin. He was the founder of the Durrani Empire (modern Afghanistan) and one of the greatest military commanders of 18th century Asia. His victory at Panipat checked Maratha expansion into the northwest.

Correct Answer: C. Madhav Rao I

Madhav Rao I (Madhav Rao Ballal) became Peshwa in 1761 after the death of Nanasaheb and worked brilliantly to reverse the decline caused by the Panipat defeat. In just 11 years of his reign he restored Maratha power and prestige significantly. He is called Madhav Rao the Elder and is considered one of the greatest Peshwas.

Correct Answer: B. 1772

Peshwa Madhav Rao I died on November 18, 1772, of tuberculosis at the young age of 27. His early death was a devastating loss for the Maratha Empire as he had done more than anyone else to restore its power after Panipat. His death led to a period of instability in Maratha affairs.

Correct Answer: B. 1775-1782

The First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782) was the first major conflict between the British East India Company and the Maratha Confederacy. It began over a disputed succession to the Peshwaship involving Raghunathrao. The war ended inconclusively with the Treaty of Salbai in 1782.

Correct Answer: C. Treaty of Salbai

The Treaty of Salbai was signed on May 17, 1782, between the British East India Company and the Maratha Confederacy, ending the First Anglo-Maratha War. Both sides generally agreed to restore territories held before the war. The treaty gave the Marathas a period of relative peace with the British.

Correct Answer: B. 1803-1805

The Second Anglo-Maratha War was fought from 1803 to 1805 between the British East India Company and the Maratha Confederacy. It began after Peshwa Baji Rao II signed the Treaty of Bassein with the British in 1802. The war significantly weakened Maratha power and Britain gained control over large territories including Odisha.