Maharashtra Board Class 11 History Chapter 16 Swarajya to Empire (Maratha Period) Solutions

1A. Choose the Correct Alternative and Complete Sentences.

Question 1. ___________ is known as the Father of Indian Navy.
(a) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
(b) Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
(c) Kanhoji Angre
(d) Balaji Vishwanath
Answer: (a) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
In simple words: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built a strong coastal defense and naval force to protect the western coast of India from foreign powers, which is why he is honored with this title.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering fill-in-the-blank questions, write out the complete sentence and underline the selected answer to make it clear for the examiner.

Question 2. The Pathans from Afghanistan had settled in ___________ the province at the foothills of the Himalayas.
(a) Varanasi
(b) Mathura
(c) Ayodhya
(d) Delhi
Answer: (c) Ayodhya
In simple words: The Pathans who came from Afghanistan settled down in the Ayodhya region, which is located near the base of the Himalayan mountains.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that the Rohillas/Pathans settled in the northern plains near the Himalayas, specifically around the Ayodhya province during this historical period.

Question 3. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj wrote the Sanskrit text ___________
(a) Nayikabhed
(b) Budhabhushan
(c) Nakhshikh
(d) Satasattka
Answer: (b) Budhabhushan
In simple words: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was highly educated and composed a famous book in Sanskrit called Budhabhushan.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize the book names associated with historical rulers, as these are frequently asked in match-the-following or MCQ questions.

1B. Find the Incorrect Pair from Set B and Write the Correct Ones.

Question 1. Find the incorrect pair from the table below and write the correct one:

🎯 Exam Tip: When identifying incorrect pairs, always write down both the incorrect pair first and then clearly state the corrected version to secure full marks.

Write the Names

Question 1. He was the Chief of the intelligence network of Chh. Shivaji Maharaj
Answer: Bahirji Naik. He was highly skilled in gathering secret information from enemy camps, which helped Shivaji Maharaj plan successful military strategies.
In simple words: Bahirji Naik was the head of Shivaji Maharaj's spy system who collected secret information about enemies.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to spell 'Bahirji Naik' correctly as it is a key historical name frequently asked in exams.

Question 2. He assisted in the provincial affairs
Answer: Subhedars/Deshadhikari. These administrative officers were responsible for maintaining law, order, and revenue collection in their respective provinces.
In simple words: Subhedars or Deshadhikaris were officers who helped manage and run the local regions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mentioning both terms 'Subhedars' and 'Deshadhikari' shows a complete understanding of Maratha administrative titles.

Question 3. Leader of the Rohillas
Answer: Najib Khan. He was a prominent Rohilla chief who played a significant role in the politics of northern India during the 18th century.
In simple words: Najib Khan was the main leader of the Rohilla Afghans in northern India.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly associate Najib Khan with the Rohillas to secure full marks in one-word answer questions.

Complete the Concept Map

Question 1. Complete the concept map:
• Main Topic: Characteristic of Maratha Temples
• Characteristic architecture
• Sculpture
• Places
• Building material
Answer:
• Characteristic architecture: Shikhar (spire), Gabhara (sanctum), and Sabhamandap (assembly hall).
• Sculpture: Simple carvings, figures of deities, and floral motifs.
• Places: Jejuri, Shikhar Shingnapur, and Pune.
• Building material: Stone, brick, lime, and wood.
In simple words: Maratha temples had unique features like spires and assembly halls, were built using stone and brick, and can be found in places like Jejuri.

🎯 Exam Tip: When completing a concept map, ensure all four branches are filled with accurate, relevant historical details.

Characteristics of Maratha Temples:

• Characteristic architecture: Saswad, Mahuli, Jejuri
• Places: Satara, Wai, Nashik, Sinnar etc
• Sculpture: Arches, Wooden hall, Shikhara
• Building material: Bricks, Stucco, Stone

3. Explain the Statement with Reasons.

Question 1. Shahajiraje is known as the visionary of Swarajya.
Answer:
• Shahajiraje Bhosale was a prominent Sardar in the Nizamshahi kingdom. After the end of Nizamshahi’s rule, he accepted the rank of a Mansabdar in the Adilshahi court.
• Shahajiraje was valiant, courageous, wise, and well-versed in the science of statehood.
• He had successfully handled many Adilshahi expeditions in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• The provinces of Pune, Supe, Shirwal, Indapur, and Chakan were given to Shahajiraje as Jahangir.
• He personally aspired to establish Swarajya. His deep-rooted desire for self-rule served as a constant source of inspiration for his son. He is regarded as the visionary of Swarajya.
• The concept of Swarajya was visualized by Shahajiraje and it was turned into reality by Chh. Shivaji Maharaj.
• Chh. Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundation of Swarajya from the Mawal region. Several factors like the topography of Maharashtra, valour of the local Mawalas, the administrative and military experience gained by the Maratha sardars while working with Nizamshahi, and Adilshahi and above all these the able leadership of Chh. Shivaji Maharaj could make it possible.
In simple words: Shahajiraje dreamed of an independent kingdom for his people. He had great political and military experience, which helped lay the groundwork for his son, Shivaji Maharaj, to turn this dream of Swarajya into reality.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention Shahajiraje's role as a visionary and how his administrative experience in Pune and Supe helped Shivaji Maharaj establish Swarajya.

Question 2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built the naval force.
Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj realized the importance of having a strong navy to protect the coastline of Maharashtra from foreign invaders like the Siddis, Portuguese, and British. He built a strong naval force and constructed sea forts like Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg. His foresight in maritime security earned him the title of the Father of the Indian Navy. This strategic move helped him secure the maritime borders and establish dominance over the Arabian Sea.
In simple words: Shivaji Maharaj built a navy to protect his kingdom's coast from sea invaders. This helped him control the waters and keep his people safe from foreign attacks.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the names of the sea invaders (Siddis, Portuguese, British) and the sea forts built by Shivaji Maharaj to secure full marks.

Question 3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj charged heavy duty on the salt imported from the Portuguese territory.
Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was keen on protecting the local industries. He protected the salt industry in Konkan. At that time, traders imported salt from the Portuguese territory and sold it in Swarajya, which affected the local trade in the Konkan areas. Therefore, Chh. Shivaji Maharaj charged heavy duty on the salt imported into Swarajya from the Portuguese territory. The intention was that the salt imported from the Portuguese territory would then cost more and as a result, its import would be discouraged and the sale of the local salt would increase. This strategic economic move successfully safeguarded the livelihoods of local Konkan artisans.
In simple words: Shivaji Maharaj wanted to protect local salt makers in Konkan from cheap foreign imports. By putting a high tax on salt coming from Portuguese areas, he made foreign salt expensive so people would buy local salt instead.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly mention the protection of the Konkan salt industry and how the heavy duty made imported salt more expensive to score full marks.

4. Write Short Notes

Question 1. Maratha Art:
Answer: During the Maratha period, art developed in various forms such as painting, sculpture, and architecture. The Maratha style of painting was influenced by Rajput and European styles, and was seen in the form of murals and miniatures. Beautiful murals can be found on the walls of wadas in places like Satara, Wai, and Pune. Sculptures of deities, animals, and decorative patterns were carved on temples, ghats, and memorials. Additionally, wood carving and glass painting also flourished during this era. These artistic expressions reflected the rich cultural heritage and daily life of the Maratha society.
In simple words: During the Maratha rule, different arts like painting, wood carving, and stone sculpture became very popular. People decorated their large houses (wadas) and temples with beautiful drawings and carvings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention key art forms like murals, miniatures, and sculptures, and name specific places like Satara and Pune to make your answer stand out.

Question 2. Maratha Architecture:
Answer:
• Chh. Shivaji Maharaj built forts, the tradition of which was prevalent in the Deccan for three centuries.
• The Kasaba temple in Pune and Vitthal temple in Vitthalwadi were reconstructed by Veermata Jijabai.
• During the Peshwa period, the Maratha kingdom regained its prosperity and all forms of art and architecture received patronage.
• The construction of temples began on a large scale during the later Peshwa period. These temples are of three types. Examples of temple architecture of this period are found at Saswad, Mahuli, Jejuri, etc.
• These are huge in size. The plan of these temples is in star design, the foundation of the temple was multi-layered and was named accordingly.
• The shikhara is made in bricks and stucco method.
• The Kalaram, Goraram, and Sundarnarayan temples at Nasik and Mahadev temple at Trimbakeshwar, Mohiniraj temple at Nevasa is similar to the temples in Malwa and Rajasthan.
• These temples are constructed in stone. These temples are embellished extensively with sculptures.
• The third type of temple can be found at Pune, Satara, Wai, etc. This architectural style represents a significant era in Maharashtra's history.
In simple words: Maratha architecture includes strong forts built by Shivaji Maharaj and beautiful temples built during the Peshwa rule. These temples had unique star-shaped designs, strong stone walls, and decorative brick towers.

🎯 Exam Tip: To score full marks, remember to mention the three distinct types of temples and key locations like Pune, Nasik, and Saswad.

Activity

Question. Collect information about capable women in the medieval period and present it in class. Arrange a discussion on it.
Answer:
• In Indian history, we find only a few women actively participating in public affairs. Their contributions, though limited in number, were highly significant.
• In the Muslim period, Razia Sultan was the only woman who conducted the affairs of the government for a short time.
• And in later times, Rani of Jhansi rose into prominence during the revolt of 1857.
• During the Maratha period, there were women like Jijabai and Maharani Tarabai who performed public duties in the absence of their husbands.
In simple words: During medieval times, women like Razia Sultan, Rani of Jhansi, Jijabai, and Tarabai showed great leadership and managed public affairs successfully. They proved that women could rule and protect their kingdoms just as well as men.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing about historical figures, mention specific names like Razia Sultan and Maharani Tarabai to show a strong grasp of the topic and secure full marks.