Q1. What was the primary reason the Marathas failed to replace the Mughal Empire?
- Invasion by the British
- Internal divisions and lack of a unifying vision
- Military defeats only
- Natural disasters
Correct Option: 2. Internal divisions and lack of a unifying vision
Explanation: Though they destroyed Mughal power militarily, the Marathas lacked unity among sardars and had no national administrative or ideological framework to establish long-term rule.
Q2. Who was the main Maratha general at the Third Battle of Panipat?
- Balaji Baji Rao
- Raghunath Rao
- Sadashiv Rao Bhau
- Mahadji Sindhia
Correct Option: 3. Sadashiv Rao Bhau
Explanation: Sadashiv Rao Bhau led the Maratha army at Panipat, although the Peshwa’s son Vishwas Rao was the nominal head. His contingent included European-trained artillery under Ibrahim Khan Gardi.
Q3. What was one of the key administrative weaknesses of the Maratha Empire?
- They did not invest in trade, technology, or administration
- They abolished revenue systems
- They ruled only Maharashtra
- They taxed only traders
Correct Option: 1. They did not invest in trade, technology, or administration
Explanation: Like the Mughals, the Marathas exploited peasants for revenue but failed to develop trade, industry, or modern administration, especially outside Maharashtra.
Q4. What role did Mahadji Sindhia play in Maratha politics?
- He became the Emperor of Delhi
- He defeated the British in Bengal
- He restored the Mughal Emperor to power and acted on behalf of the Peshwa
- He conquered Mysore
Correct Option: 3. He restored the Mughal Emperor to power and acted on behalf of the Peshwa
Explanation: Mahadji Sindhia was a key Maratha leader in North India. He reinstated Shah Alam II in 1784 and acted as his protector, strengthening Maratha influence in Delhi.
Q5. What marked the end of the Maratha Peshwa dynasty?
- First Anglo-Maratha War
- The Third Battle of Panipat
- Death of Balaji Baji Rao
- The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1816–1819)
Correct Option: 4. The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1816–1819)
Explanation: The Third Anglo-Maratha War resulted in the British dismantling the Peshwa rule entirely. Baji Rao II was pensioned off, and the Peshwa’s authority was abolished.