Maharashtra Board Textbook Solutions for Standard VII
Chapter 10 – The Expansion of the Maratha Power
1. Write the Meaning
(1) Chauthai
Answer: Chauthai was the right to collect one-fourth (1/4) of the revenue from the Mughal territory.
(2) Sardeshmukhi
Answer: Sardeshmukhi was the right to collect one-tenth (1/10) of the revenue from the Mughal territory.
2. Write the Answer in One Word
- Balaji was from this town in Konkan – Shrivardhan
- He ruled Bundelkhand – Raja Chhatrasal
- Bajirao died at this place – Raverkhedi
- He defeated the Portuguese – Chimaji Appa
3. Write About Them in Your Own Words
(1) Kanhoji Angre
a) Kanhoji Angre was the chief of the Maratha Navy.
b) He supported Maharani Tarabai and attacked the territories of Shahu Maharaj.
c) Shahu Maharaj sent Balaji Vishwanath to deal with him.
d) Balaji avoided war and successfully persuaded Kanhoji Angre to support Shahu Maharaj.
(2) The Battle of Palkhed
a) Nizam-ul-Mulk was the Subhedar of the Deccan.
b) He tried to establish his independent rule at Hyderabad.
c) He opposed granting the rights of Chauthai and Sardeshmukhi to the Marathas.
d) He captured some parts of the Pune Pargana.
e) Bajirao I decided to confront the Nizam.
f) In the Battle of Palkhed near Aurangabad, Bajirao defeated the Nizam.
g) After his defeat, the Nizam accepted the Maratha rights of Chauthai and Sardeshmukhi.
(3) Balaji Vishwanath
a) Balaji Vishwanath hailed from Shrivardhan in Konkan and was an able administrator.
b) He convinced many Maratha Sardars that Shahu Maharaj was the rightful heir to the Maratha throne.
c) Recognizing his abilities, Shahu Maharaj appointed him as the Peshwa.
(4) Bajirao I
a) After the death of Balaji Vishwanath, Shahu Maharaj appointed his son Bajirao I as Peshwa in 1720 CE.
b) During his 20-year tenure, Bajirao greatly expanded the Maratha Empire.
c) He was a brave and skilled general who established Maratha supremacy in North India.
d) He strengthened the position of the Maratha Empire as a powerful force in India.
e) Bajirao I passed away in April 1740 at Raverkhedi on the banks of the Narmada River.
4. Give Reasons
(1) Two Separate Maratha States Were Formed
Two separate Maratha states were formed because:
a) After his release, Shahu Maharaj claimed the Maratha throne.
b) Maharani Tarabai refused to accept his claim.
c) Shahu Maharaj defeated Tarabai in the Battle of Khed.
d) He captured Satara and crowned himself as Chhatrapati.
e) Tarabai declared her minor son, Shivaji II, as Chhatrapati at Panhala in 1710 CE.
Thus, two separate centres of power emerged — Satara and Kolhapur.
(2) Azamshah Released Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj
Azamshah released Shahu Maharaj because he believed that his release would create conflict between Shahu Maharaj and Maharani Tarabai over the Maratha throne.
He thought that internal conflict would weaken the Maratha power.
(3) Delhi Needed Help from the Marathas
a) The Mughal Empire faced threats from Iranian and Afghan invaders from the northwest.
b) Local rulers such as the Pathans, Rajputs, Jats, and Rohillas also challenged Mughal authority.
c) Internal conflicts and court rivalries further weakened the Mughal Empire.
Therefore, the Mughal court in Delhi sought the support of the Marathas.