The Rise of the Marathas — Class 8 MCQs with Answers
Class 8 CBSE Social Science · Chapter 3
72 practice questions · 24 Easy · 24 Medium · 24 Hard · Updated
Practise the most important Class 8 CBSE Social Science questions from Chapter 3, "The Rise of the Marathas". You get 9 timed quizzes made from 72 NCERT-based MCQs, with answers and explanations. The questions are split into 24 Easy, 24 Medium and 24 Hard. Warm up on the basics, then move on to the exam-level questions that set top scorers in CBSE Board exams apart.
To score well in "The Rise of the Marathas", focus on dates, cause and effect, and reading maps and sources. Each MCQ here is timed and uses exam-style marking (+4 correct, −1 wrong, 0 skipped). This trains you to stay accurate under time pressure, as real papers need. Every question has a short explanation, so a wrong answer becomes a quick lesson. It is the fastest way to fix gaps before a test.
Use this chapter for focused revision. Start with the Easy set to check your basics on The Rise of the Marathas, then move to Medium and Hard to practise applying them. Your accuracy, streaks and XP save automatically. This chapter also adds to your overall Class 8 Social Science mastery score. 14 sample questions are solved in full below, with the answer and a worked explanation. Sign in free to start practising.
Key concepts: The Rise of the Marathas (Class 8 Social Science)
From a base in the Deccan, Chhatrapati Shivaji built Swarajya on forts, guerrilla tactics and a navy, and set up a salaried administration. After him the Marathas became the largest pan-Indian power before the British.
- Swarajya
- Chhatrapati Shivaji's vision of a sovereign kingdom, extending to political, economic and cultural self-rule.
- Guerrilla warfare
- Using small groups with speed, surprise and knowledge of the terrain to defeat much larger armies.
- Ashta pradhana mandala
- Chhatrapati Shivaji's council of eight ministers, including the Pradhan, Amatya (finance), Senapati (commander-in-chief) and Nyayadhish (chief justice).
- Chauth and sardeshmukhi
- Taxes of 25% and a further 10% collected from provinces outside direct Maratha rule, in return for protection.
The Rise of the Marathas — important questions & MCQs with answers (Class 8 Social Science)
14 solved questions from this chapter's difficulty levels, each with its answer and explanation. The other 58 are timed and scored when you sign in.
- Q1Easy
The Marathas are a group of people native to the Deccan plateau, more specifically present-day:
A.KarnatakaB.Maharashtra✓ CorrectC.GujaratD.OdishaAnswer: B. Maharashtra
Explanation: They are identified with Marathi, which has had a continuous literary history since the 12th century.
- Q2Easy
Chhatrapati Shivaji was born in 1630 in the Bhonsle clan to Shahji and:
A.AhilyabaiB.TarabaiC.Jijabai✓ CorrectD.DurgavatiAnswer: C. Jijabai
Explanation: He grew up in the Pune jāgīr under her watchful eye while Shahji served the Deccan sultanates.
- Q3Easy
After Chhatrapati Shivaji's death, who became the next Chhatrapati?
A.ShahuB.Bajirao IC.Sambhaji✓ CorrectD.RajaramAnswer: C. Sambhaji
Explanation: He was captured by Aurangzeb, brutally tortured and executed.
- Q4Easy
Chhatrapati Shivaji's council of eight ministers was called the:
A.aṣhṭa pradhāna manḍala✓ CorrectB.Rājya-Vyavahāra-KoṣhaC.kotwālD.panchāyatAnswer: A. aṣhṭa pradhāna manḍala
Explanation: It included the Pradhān, Amātya, Senāpatī, Nyāyādhīsh and others.
- Q5Easy
During the 13th century most of Maharashtra was ruled by the Yadava dynasty, with its capital at:
A.GingeeB.PuneC.RaigadD.Devagiri✓ CorrectAnswer: D. Devagiri
Explanation: Devagiri is present-day Daulatabad, later famous as Muhammad bin Tughlaq's chosen capital.
- Q6Easy
In this period, a jāgīr was best described as:
A.a council of ministersB.a naval trade passC.a type of fortD.land given for service, from which taxes could be collected✓ CorrectAnswer: D. land given for service, from which taxes could be collected
Explanation: The holder used the revenue for his needs and to help the king when required.
- Q7Medium
Bhakti saints helped build a cultural foundation for later Maratha political unity mainly because they:
A.commanded large armiesB.composed in the language of the masses so their message spread widely✓ CorrectC.collected taxes for the sultansD.traded with EuropeansAnswer: B. composed in the language of the masses so their message spread widely
Explanation: They also translated texts such as the Upaniṣhads and Bhagavad Gītā into Marathi.
- Q8Medium
Establishing a navy was a revolutionary step because, by comparison, the Bijapur Sultanate:
A.had no coastlineB.banned all sea tradeC.had a larger navy alreadyD.kept merchant ships but had no full-time naval force to protect the coast✓ CorrectAnswer: D. kept merchant ships but had no full-time naval force to protect the coast
Explanation: Even the Mughal Empire's use of a navy was very limited.
- Q9Medium
Aurangzeb was unable to leave the Deccan and died without subduing the Marathas mainly because they:
A.staunchly defended their fortresses and often had the upper hand✓ CorrectB.signed a lasting treatyC.were supported by the BritishD.had a larger armyAnswer: A. staunchly defended their fortresses and often had the upper hand
Explanation: The conflict had spread as far south as Gingee after Rajaram fled there.
- Q10Medium
Chhatrapati Shivaji abolished hereditary posts and land assignments, instead paying officials:
A.a share of the harvestB.chauth from the provincesC.nothing at allD.a salary out of the state treasury✓ CorrectAnswer: D. a salary out of the state treasury
Explanation: Officials were also transferred periodically so they could not dictate terms to the king.
- Q11Medium
Guerrilla warfare suited Chhatrapati Shivaji because it uses small groups with speed, surprise and:
A.larger numbers of soldiersB.foreign mercenariesC.knowledge of the terrain to defeat bigger armies✓ CorrectD.heavier artillery than the enemyAnswer: C. knowledge of the terrain to defeat bigger armies
Explanation: This let him protect his people against far more powerful enemies.
- Q12Hard
Assertion: Maratha society had a solid cultural foundation before it became a political power. Reason: Bhakti saints had spread philosophy in Marathi among ordinary people. Choose the correct option.
A.Both are falseB.Both are true, but the reason does not explain the assertionC.The assertion is true but the reason is falseD.Both are true, and the reason explains the assertion✓ CorrectAnswer: D. Both are true, and the reason explains the assertion
Explanation: The chapter draws exactly this link, noting some saints also worked on social organisation and political awareness.
- Q13Hard
Chhatrapati Shivaji began by capturing 'neglected and unoccupied' forts rather than attacking strong ones because this:
A.gave him access to the seaB.avoided all fightingC.built a defensible base at low cost before facing larger powers✓ CorrectD.was demanded by the Deccan sultansAnswer: C. built a defensible base at low cost before facing larger powers
Explanation: He then strengthened their defences, consolidating the Pune region first.
- Q14Hard
Assertion: Aurangzeb's Deccan campaign did not destroy the Marathas. Reason: He conquered Bijapur and Golconda during the same campaign. Choose the correct option.
A.Both are true, but the reason does not explain the assertion✓ CorrectB.Both are true, and the reason explains the assertionC.The assertion is true but the reason is falseD.Both are falseAnswer: A. Both are true, but the reason does not explain the assertion
Explanation: Conquering the sultanates is a real event but does not account for Maratha survival, which rested on forts and terrain.
Start this chapter free
You have 14 solved above. Sign in with Google (no card needed). You get 1 Easy + 1 Medium quiz on every chapter during your 30-day trial. After that, you keep 1 Easy quiz on every chapter, free for good, plus the full key-concept notes, formulas & exam tips.
This chapter has 72 questions (24 Easy · 24 Medium · 24 Hard), with timed scoring and instant feedback. The rest unlock with the ₹999/year plan.
Start this chapter free →The Rise of the Marathas — FAQs
What are the key concepts in Class 8 Social Science The Rise of the Marathas?+
From a base in the Deccan, Chhatrapati Shivaji built Swarajya on forts, guerrilla tactics and a navy, and set up a salaried administration. After him the Marathas became the largest pan-Indian power before the British. Key ideas include Swarajya, Guerrilla warfare, Ashta pradhana mandala, Chauth and sardeshmukhi.
What does Class 8 Social Science Chapter 3 (The Rise of the Marathas) cover on XamBaaz?+
It has 72 NCERT-based MCQs on "The Rise of the Marathas": 24 Easy, 24 Medium and 24 Hard. Together they make 9 timed quizzes, and you never get the same set twice. Every question has an instant explanation. They help you prepare for CBSE Board exams.
Are these "The Rise of the Marathas" questions free to practise?+
Yes. Sign in with Google to practise "The Rise of the Marathas" free. Full unlimited access is ₹999/year on a launch offer until 1 December 2026. No chapter is charged separately.
How should I revise "The Rise of the Marathas" for the exam?+
Start with the Easy quiz to check your basics, then try Medium and Hard to practise applying them. There are 9 timed quizzes on this chapter, so you can come back for a fresh set instead of one you have seen. Read each explanation, retry the questions you miss, and track your accuracy until it stays high.
Are these "The Rise of the Marathas" MCQs available with answers?+
Yes. 14 sample questions are shown here in full, each with the correct option and a step-by-step "Why" explanation. Sign in free with Google to start practising, with instant scoring.
Is there negative marking in the "The Rise of the Marathas" quizzes?+
Yes. The timed quizzes use exam-style marking: +4 for a right answer, −1 for a wrong one and 0 for a skip. MHT-CET and CBSE board papers have no negative marking. Our mocks for those are scored their way.
What are the important questions from The Rise of the Marathas (Class 8 Social Science)?+
The questions that matter most test Swarajya, Guerrilla warfare, Ashta pradhana mandala, Chauth and sardeshmukhi. This page shows 14 solved important MCQs with answers and explanations; all 72 questions on the chapter are available as timed quizzes once you sign in.
Is there an online quiz for The Rise of the Marathas?+
Yes — Class 8 Social Science The Rise of the Marathas has timed online quizzes at Easy, Medium and Hard levels, with instant scoring and a worked explanation on every question. The first quiz on the chapter is free.