Peshwa Period & Maratha Wars — Set 6

Correct Answer: C. Haripant Phadke

Haripant Phadke was one of the Maratha commanders during the First Anglo-Maratha War who conducted aggressive military operations against the British. The First Anglo-Maratha War was characterized by several notable Maratha military successes before ending in the Treaty of Salbai. Multiple Maratha commanders including Scindia and Holkar participated in the conflict.

Correct Answer: C. British surrender to Marathas

The Battle of Wadgaon in January 1779 resulted in a British surrender to the Maratha forces under Bhim Rao, Tukoji Holkar, and Mahadaji Scindia. The British Colonel Cockburn surrendered and signed the Convention of Wadgaon. This was one of the rare British military defeats in India, though the British later repudiated the convention.

Correct Answer: C. Gwalior and northern India

Mahadji Scindia (Madhavrao Scindia) was the powerful ruler of Gwalior who dominated northern Indian politics in the late 18th century. He restored Maratha power in northern India after the Panipat disaster and effectively controlled the Mughal Emperor. He is one of the most significant figures in post-Panipat Maratha history.

Correct Answer: C. Pune

Pune (Poona) was the center of the Peshwa's administration and the effective capital of the Maratha Confederacy. The famous Shaniwarwada palace in Pune was the Peshwa's official residence and administrative headquarters. While Satara was the nominal royal capital under the Chhatrapati, real power resided in Pune.

Correct Answer: C. Persian

The term 'Peshwa' is derived from Persian, where it means 'foremost' or 'first.' It was the title given to the Prime Minister of the Maratha Empire. The Persian influence on Maratha administrative terminology reflected the broader use of Persian as a language of statecraft in medieval India.

Correct Answer: C. 1818

The Maratha Confederacy effectively ended in 1818 when Peshwa Baji Rao II surrendered to the British following the Third Anglo-Maratha War. The remaining Maratha chiefs were forced to accept British paramountcy. The Maratha kingdom that Shivaji had founded nearly 180 years earlier had come to an end.

Correct Answer: C. Battle of Deogaon-Signature

The Treaty of Deogaon (signed after the Battle of Argaon) in December 1803 transferred the province of Odisha (Cuttack) to the British from the Nagpur Bhonsle chief. This gave the British a continuous stretch of territory along India's east coast. It was a major outcome of the Second Anglo-Maratha War.

Correct Answer: C. Madhav Rao I

Madhav Rao I's reign (1761-1772) is considered a second golden age of Peshwa rule. Despite coming to power after the devastating Panipat defeat, he brilliantly restored Maratha power in just 11 years. He defeated the Nizam, recovered territories, and re-established Maratha prestige across India.

Correct Answer: B. Diplomat and chief minister

Nana Phadnavis served as the chief minister and chief diplomat of the Maratha Confederacy for nearly four decades (roughly 1774-1800). He managed complex diplomacy with the British, Mysore, Hyderabad, and other powers. His death in 1800 was described by the British Governor-General as a major turning point that would lead to Maratha decline.

Correct Answer: C. Pune

Pune became the main administrative capital during the Peshwa period, replacing Satara which remained the nominal royal capital. The Peshwas built Shaniwarwada as their official residence and the city grew significantly during their rule. The Deccan College, temples, and gardens built during this period testify to Pune's cultural flourishing.