Maharashtra Board Class 7 History Chapter 12 Progression of the Empire Solutions

1. Answer In One Word:

Question 1. She took the charge of the Indore administration.
Answer: Ahilyabai Holkar
In simple words: Ahilyabai Holkar was a notable queen who took control of the administration of Indore.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying key historical figures and their specific roles is crucial for scoring well in history questions.

Question 2. The most capable and brave man in Nagpurkar Bhosale family.
Answer: Raghuji
In simple words: Raghuji Bhosale was recognized as the bravest and most capable individual within the Nagpurkar Bhosale family.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember important personalities associated with specific families or regions as this helps in recalling their contributions.

Question 3. He reinstated the Emperor on the throne of Delhi.
Answer: Mahadji Shinde
In simple words: Mahadji Shinde was responsible for restoring the Emperor to the throne in Delhi.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing key events and the individuals who brought them about is important for understanding political changes.

Question 4. He managed politics in the South.
Answer: Nana Phadnavis
In simple words: Nana Phadnavis was a skilled administrator who oversaw and managed political affairs in the Southern region.

🎯 Exam Tip: Keep track of who held significant political or administrative power in different regions during various historical periods.

2. Arrange Chronologically:

Question. Arrange chronologically:
- The battle of Ashti.
- Maratha dominance over Odisha.
- The British hoisted the Union Jack in Pune.
Answer:
- Maratha dominance over Odisha.
- The battle of Ashti.
- The British hoisted the Union Jack in Pune.
In simple words: The correct sequence of events starts with Maratha dominance in Odisha, followed by the Battle of Ashti, and then the British raising their flag in Pune.

🎯 Exam Tip: For chronological questions, focus on the order of events rather than specific dates, unless dates are provided for comparison.

3. Write Briefly:

Question 1. The work done by Ahilyabai Holkar.
Answer:
- She created new laws for agricultural tax and tax recovery.
- She brought barren land under cultivation.
- Dug wells for farmers.
- She promoted trade and industry.
- Built water reservoirs.
- She constructed mandirs, ghats, matts and dharamshalas.
- Provided water facilities over India.
- She brought cultural integration in the country.
In simple words: Ahilyabai Holkar was a benevolent ruler who enacted reforms in agriculture and taxation, promoted economic growth, and undertook extensive public works for the welfare and cultural unity of her people.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to describe contributions, provide a comprehensive list covering various aspects like administration, economy, and public welfare.

Question 2. The valour shown by Mahadji Shinde.
Answer:
(a) He played a major role in re-establishing the Maratha power in the North after the defeat of the Marathas at Panipat.
(b) He realised that guerilla tactics would not be any more useful so he trained and modernised his army under a French military expert de Boigne.
(c) With this trained army, he defeated the Rohillas, the Jats, the Rajputs and the Bundellas.
(d) Mahadji managed the difficult affairs with strong determination and looked after the Delhi affairs during CE 1784 to CE 1794. The Mughal Emperor honoured him with the title Vakil-i-Mutlak.
In simple words: Mahadji Shinde bravely revitalized Maratha power in the North after Panipat, modernized his army with French training, and used it to defeat various enemies, earning him the prestigious title of Vakil-i-Mutlak from the Mughal Emperor for his management of Delhi affairs.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight specific achievements and strategies, such as military reforms and political influence, to showcase a historical figure's valour and capability.

Question 3. The Maratha rule in Gujarat.
Answer:
(a) General Khanderao Dabhade and his son laid the foundation of Maratha power in Gujarat.
(b) After the death of Khanderao, his wife Umabai took the charge, bravely fought the battle with Mughal Sardar at Ahmadabad and captured a fort.
(c) The Gaikwads made Vadodara their centre of power.
In simple words: Maratha rule in Gujarat was established by Khanderao Dabhade and his son, with Umabai bravely defending and expanding it after Khanderao's death, and the Gaikwads later consolidating their power in Vadodara.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the key figures and their specific contributions to the establishment and expansion of power in a region.

Question 4. Discuss the reasons behind the end of the Maratha rule.
Answer: The reasons behind the end of Maratha rule were:
(a) After the death of Mahadji Shinde and Nana Phadnavis, the Maratha power started declining.
(b) Raghunathrao's son, Bajirao II the Peshwa did not have leadership qualities which could create solidarity among the Maratha Sardars.
(c) Maratha power got weakened due to these differences among the Maratha Sardars.
(d) The supremacy of the Marathas declined in the North and the South during the period of Bajirao II.
(e) The British dethroned the Maratha power and became the rulers
In simple words: The Maratha rule declined due to the loss of strong leaders like Mahadji Shinde and Nana Phadnavis, the lack of leadership skills and unifying influence from Peshwa Bajirao II, internal divisions among Maratha Sardars, and ultimately, the British takeover.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing decline, mention a combination of internal weaknesses (lack of leadership, disunity) and external pressures (British intervention).

Complete The Sentence By Choosing The Appropriate Word From The Options Given Below:

Question 1. The Gaikwads made ______ in Gujarat a seat of their power. (Vadodara, Ahmadabad, Surat)
Answer: Vadodara
In simple words: The Gaikwads established Vadodara as their primary center of power within Gujarat.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the capitals or main centers of power for different ruling dynasties or groups.

Question 2. ______ was the founder of the Holkar rule in Indore. (Mahadji, Malharrao, Raghunathrao)
Answer: Malharrao
In simple words: Malharrao Holkar is credited with founding the Holkar dynasty in Indore.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the founders of important historical dynasties is a common and important historical fact.

Question 3. ______ managed to take care of the politics in the South. (Nana Phadnavis, Kanhoji, Khanderao)
Answer: Nana Phadnavis
In simple words: Nana Phadnavis was the key figure responsible for overseeing political affairs in the Southern regions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between the roles and regional influences of various historical leaders.

Question 4. ______ strengthened the naval power of Shivaji. (Patwardhan, Bhosale of Nagpur, Kanhoji Tulaji Angre)
Answer: Kanhoji Tulaji Angre
In simple words: Kanhoji Tulaji Angre was instrumental in reinforcing Shivaji's naval forces.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specific individuals are often associated with strengthening particular aspects of a kingdom, such as naval or military power.

Question 5. During the reign of ______ there was a complete breakdown of the Maratha power. (Ahilyabai, Bhosale, Bajirao-II)
Answer: Bajirao-II
In simple words: The Maratha power experienced a total collapse during the period when Bajirao-II was the ruler.

🎯 Exam Tip: Associate specific rulers with significant periods of strength or decline in a kingdom's history.

Question 6. ______ laid the foundation of Maratha power in Gujarat. (Khanderao Dabhade, Madhavrao, Raghuji)
Answer: Khanderao
In simple words: Khanderao Dabhade was the person who established the initial Maratha influence in Gujarat.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying the pioneers or founders of regional powers is essential for understanding their historical beginnings.

Question 7. Malharrao Holkar was well versed in ______ (Sword fighting, Martial art, Guerrilla Warfare)
Answer: Guerrilla warfare
In simple words: Malharrao Holkar was particularly skilled and proficient in the military strategy of guerrilla warfare.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect historical figures with their known skills or specialties, especially in military tactics.

Question 8. The British managed to get the rights of the ______ of the Bengal region. (Diwani, Chauthai, Sardeshmukhi)
Answer: Diwani
In simple words: The British successfully acquired the Diwani rights for the Bengal region, giving them control over revenue collection.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand key historical terms like 'Diwani' and their implications for power transfer.

Question 9. Delhi was under the influence of Maratha power till ______. (1803 CE, 1807 CE, 1819 CE)
Answer: 1803 CE
In simple words: Maratha influence over Delhi continued until the year 1803 CE.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specific dates marking the end or beginning of significant periods are important for chronological understanding.

Question 10. British defeated the Marathas in the battle of Ashti in Solapur in ______ (CE 1818, CE 1820, CE 1814)
Answer: 1818 CE
In simple words: The British forces defeated the Marathas in the Battle of Ashti, which took place in Solapur in 1818 CE.

🎯 Exam Tip: Key battles and their corresponding years are fundamental facts in historical studies.

Match The Following:

Question 1.

Answer:
1-b
2-a
3-d
4-c
In simple words: This matching exercise connects key individuals and events, pairing Khanderao Dabhade's wife with Umabai, the capable Maratha Sardar with Raghuji Bhosale, Mahadji's death with Wanawadi, and the role in judiciary with Ahilyabai Holkar.

🎯 Exam Tip: Thoroughly review the connections between historical figures, their relatives, and significant events or places.

Answer In One Word:

Question 1. Title conferred to Mahadji Shinde.
Answer: Vakil-i-Mutlak (Chief agent of the Emperor)
In simple words: Mahadji Shinde was given the title of Vakil-i-Mutlak, signifying his role as the Emperor's chief agent.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember important titles and honors conferred upon historical figures and their meanings.

Question 2. An expert in guerilla tactics.
Answer: Mahadji Shinde
In simple words: Mahadji Shinde was recognized for his expertise in employing guerrilla warfare tactics.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the specialized skills or strengths attributed to prominent historical military leaders.

Question 3. She was the wife of Khanderao, Malharrao's son.
Answer: Ahilyabai Holkar
In simple words: Ahilyabai Holkar was the wife of Khanderao, who was the son of Malharrao Holkar.

🎯 Exam Tip: Family connections and relations between key historical figures are important for contextual understanding.

Question 4. Managed the supremacy in the South.
Answer: Nana Phadnavis
In simple words: Nana Phadnavis was the leader responsible for maintaining and managing Maratha supremacy in the Southern region.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand which leaders were dominant in specific geographical areas during certain periods.

Question 5. Peshwa who didn't have leadership qualities.
Answer: Bajirao II
In simple words: Bajirao II was the Peshwa who lacked strong leadership qualities, contributing to the decline of Maratha power.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize figures whose lack of leadership skills played a role in historical setbacks or decline.

Question 6. Appointed as Sardar in the North.
Answer: Ranoji Shinde
In simple words: Ranoji Shinde was appointed as a Sardar, or military commander, in the Northern regions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Keep track of key appointments and their geographical locations for prominent historical figures.

Answer In One Or Two Sentences:

Question 1. Which regions were given as jagirs to Parasoji by Shahu Maharaj?
Answer: Varhad and Gondawan were given to Parasoji by Shahu Maharaj.
In simple words: Shahu Maharaj granted the regions of Varhad and Gondawan as jagirs to Parasoji.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recall specific grants of land or titles made by rulers to their subordinates.

Question 2. What rights were assigned to Raghuji?
Answer: Raghuji Bhosale was assigned the Chauthai rights of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha.
In simple words: Raghuji Bhosale received the Chauthai rights, which allowed him to collect revenue from Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the different types of rights (e.g., Chauthai, Sardeshmukhi, Diwani) and who was granted them.

Question 3. Who laid the foundation of the Maratha power in Gujarat?
Answer: Khanderao Dabhade and his son Trimbakrao laid the foundation of the Maratha power in Gujarat.
In simple words: Khanderao Dabhade and his son Trimbakrao were the key individuals who established Maratha influence in Gujarat.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the names of founders or initial proponents of regional powers.

Question 4. Why did Mahadji Shinde train his army?
Answer: Mahadji Shinde trained his army because the Marathas generally used the guerrilla tactics in the hilly regions of the South. But would not be suitable in the plains of the North.
In simple words: Mahadji Shinde modernized his army because traditional Maratha guerrilla tactics, effective in the South's hilly terrain, were unsuitable for the open plains of the North.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect military reforms with the strategic needs and geographical challenges of different regions.

Question 5. What was the contribution of Punyashloka Ahilyabai?
Answer:
(a) Punyashloka Ahilyabai ruled for twenty-eight years and enhanced the Maratha prestige in the North.
(b) She brought peace and order in her kingdom and made her people happy.
In simple words: Punyashloka Ahilyabai ruled for 28 years, boosting Maratha prestige in the North by ensuring peace, order, and the welfare of her subjects, which led to their happiness.

🎯 Exam Tip: When detailing contributions, mention both political/territorial impact and social/administrative achievements.

Question 6. What was crystal clear amongst the British and Marathas?
Answer: It was crystal clear that whoever will rule India will be ultimately decided by the war between the Marathas and the British.
In simple words: Both the British and Marathas clearly understood that the ultimate control over India would be determined by a decisive war between their two powers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand moments of historical inevitability, where key powers recognize an impending conflict for dominance.

Give Reason:

Question 1. Mahadji Shinde conferred the title of Vakil-i- Mutlak (Chief agent of the Emperor).
Answer: British wanted to take the Delhi Emperor in their captivity. Even though the conditions were unfavourable, Mahadji Shinde defeated the British and again reinstated the Emperor on the throne. The Emperor was pleased with his bravery and conferred the title of Vakili- Mutlak. (Chief Agent of the Emperor).
In simple words: Mahadji Shinde earned the title Vakil-i-Mutlak because he bravely rescued the Delhi Emperor from British captivity and reinstated him, thus impressing the Emperor with his courage and leadership.

🎯 Exam Tip: When providing reasons for honors, explain the specific heroic acts or significant services rendered.

Question 2. The Maratha Sardars became successful in establishing the supremacy in North and South India.
Answer: After the death of Madhavrao Peshwa, the Maratha Empire went in a disarray, Nana Phadnavis and Mahadji Shinde brought it back to normal. Mahadji was busy in the North to establish the supremacy of Marathas, Nana Phadnavis managed to take care of the politics in South. Leadership and capability helped the Maratha power to reach to a new pinnacle. Hence the Maratha Sardar became successful in establishing the supremacy in north and south India.
In simple words: Maratha Sardars succeeded in establishing supremacy across India due to the combined efforts of Nana Phadnavis and Mahadji Shinde, who restored order after Madhavrao Peshwa's death, with Mahadji focusing on the North and Nana Phadnavis managing the South, leveraging their strong leadership.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the role of effective leadership and coordinated efforts in expanding and consolidating power across diverse regions.

Question 3. The supremacy of Marathas in the North and the South declined in the times of Bajirao II.
Answer: Bajirao II became the Peshwa. He didn't have any leadership qualities. On the contrary he had many vices. He couldn't create solidarity amongst the Maratha Sardars. Because of many such reasons, the supremacy of the Maratha power in the North and the South declined in the times of Bajirao II.
In simple words: The Maratha supremacy declined under Bajirao II because he lacked leadership skills, possessed many vices, and failed to unite the Maratha Sardars, leading to weakened power in both North and South India.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the personal failings and political incapacities of a leader when explaining a period of decline.

Write Short Notes On:

Question 1. Malharrao Holkar
Answer:
- He was the founder of the Holkar rule at Indore.
- He served the Maratha kingdom for a long time.
- He was expert in guerilla warfare.
- He proved his valour in the eras of Bajirao I and Nanasaheb Peshwa.
- He played a major role in establishing the supremacy of the Marathas in Malwa and Rajputana.
- He greatly helped Madhavrao Peshwa in re-establishing the Maratha supremacy after the defeat at Panipat.
In simple words: Malharrao Holkar, founder of the Indore Holkar rule, was a long-serving, valiant Maratha general skilled in guerrilla warfare, instrumental in establishing Maratha dominance in Malwa and Rajputana, and critical in restoring Maratha power post-Panipat.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing short notes, include key achievements, roles, and defining characteristics of the historical figure.

Question 2. Mahadji Shinde
Answer:
- Madhavrao Peshwa was conferred the title of Vakil-i-Mutlak by the Emperor. He was brave and an astute statesmen.
- After the Maratha defeat at Panipat, he played a major role in re-establishing the Maratha dominance and prestige in the Northern India.
- He realised that the guerilla tactics of Marathas would not be useful in the plains of the northern region.
- He trained his army under the French military expert de-Boigne and updated his artillery.
- With the help of his trained army, he subdued the Rohillas, Jats, Rajputs, Bundellas, etc.
In simple words: Mahadji Shinde, a brave and astute statesman, was pivotal in restoring Maratha power in Northern India after Panipat; he modernized his army with French training and artillery, using these forces to successfully defeat various adversaries, earning the title Vakil-i-Mutlak.

🎯 Exam Tip: For influential figures like Mahadji Shinde, emphasize their strategic foresight, military innovations, and political accomplishments.