GK Quiz: Which Maratha Leader Masterminded Guerrilla Warfare Against Mughals? – News18

Last Updated:April 03, 2025, 14:01 IST

General Knowledge (GK): Known for their bravery, powerful military, innovative administrative systems, and effective guerrilla warfare tactics, the Marathas fought several wars, including against the Mughals.

GK Quiz: The Maratha Empire, also known as the Maratha Confederacy, was a powerful early modern Indian empire that was formed in the 17th century by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and dominated much of the Indian subcontinent in the 18th century until it was conquered by the British East India Company in 1818. Known for their bravery, powerful military, innovative administrative systems, and effective guerrilla warfare tactics, the Marathas fought several wars, including against the Mughals, Portuguese, the Nizam of Hyderabad, Rajputs, and the three Anglo-Maratha wars.

If you are preparing for a government job or have a keen interest in Indian history, here is a compilation of some important multiple-choice questions (MCQs) related to the Maratha Empire. Take a look:

Q. Who established the Maratha Empire?

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

• Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

• Peshwa Bajirao

• Shahu I

Ans: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established the Maratha Empire in the 17th century.

Q. What was the capital of Shivaji’s kingdom?

Ans: Shivaji chose Raigad as the capital following its fortification. It served as the Maratha Empire’s strategic and administrative centre.

Q. Who introduced the Ashta Pradhan system?

• Sambhaji

• Shivaji

• Balaji Vishwanath

• Peshwa Bajirao

Ans: In 1674, after his coronation, the Maratha leader Shivaji Maharaj introduced the Ashta Pradhan system (a council of eight ministers) to help govern his newly established state.

Q. In 1665, which treaty was signed between the Marathas and the Mughals?

• Treaty of Devgaon

• Treaty of Salbai

• Treaty of Purandar

• Treaty of Bassein

Ans: The Treaty of Purandar, signed in 1665, was between Shivaji and Jai Singh I, who represented Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. As part of the agreement, Shivaji agreed to surrender 23 forts to the Mughals.

Q. Who held the initial position as Peshwa within the Maratha Empire?

• Madhav Rao I

• Baji Rao I

• Nana Phadnavis

• Balaji Vishwanath

Ans: Balaji Vishwanath was the first Peshwa appointed by Chhatrapati Shahu. He laid the foundation for Peshwa rule in the Maratha administration.

Q. What title did Shivaji acquire following his coronation in 1674?

• Chhatrapati

• Peshwa

• Raja

• Maharajadhiraj

Ans: During his coronation at Raigad in 1674, Shivaji assumed the title Chhatrapati, symbolising his independent sovereignty and supreme leadership over the Maratha Empire.

Q. Which Maratha leader was best known for his guerrilla warfare techniques against the Mughals?

• Sambhaji

• Bajirao I

• Shivaji Maharaj

• Mahadaji Shinde

Ans: Shivaji was renowned for his inventive and effective use of guerrilla warfare tactics, known as “Ganimi Kava” or “hit-and-run,” against the larger and more powerful Mughal Empire.

Q. What does ‘Chauth’ refer to in the Maratha administration?

• A religious ceremony

• A type of fortification

• A military rank

• A land revenue tax

Ans: Chauth was a 25 per cent tax levied on lands under nominal Mughal administration, providing significant revenue for the Marathas.

Q. Which Maratha ruler signed the Treaty of Bassein?

• Shivaji

• Sambhaji

• Bajirao II

• Raghuji Bhonsale

Ans: The Treaty of Bassein was signed in 1802 between Bajirao II and the British, leading to the Second Anglo-Maratha War.

Q. Which Peshwa led the Maratha Empire to its highest point in the 18th century?

• Bajirao I

• Madhavrao I

• Balaji Vishwanath

• Raghunath Rao

Ans: From 1720 to 1740, Peshwa Bajirao I significantly expanded the Maratha Empire.