1. The Maratha Confederacy rose to prominence after the decline of:
a) Vijayanagara Empire
b) Mughal Empire
c) Bahmani Sultanate
d) Delhi Sultanate
Answer: b) Mughal Empire
Explanation: With Mughal decline after Aurangzeb’s death (1707), the Marathas became the strongest power in India.
2. The Peshwa system of administration was introduced by:
a) Shivaji
b) Shahu
c) Balaji Vishwanath
d) Baji Rao II
Answer: b) Shahu
Explanation: Shahu appointed Balaji Vishwanath as Peshwa (1713), strengthening the Maratha confederacy.
3. The Maratha Confederacy consisted of chiefs like Holkar, Scindia, Bhonsle, and:
a) Gaekwad
b) Wodeyar
c) Nizam
d) Nawab of Arcot
Answer: a) Gaekwad
Explanation: The Maratha Confederacy was divided among powerful houses: Scindia (Gwalior), Holkar (Indore), Bhonsle (Nagpur), Gaekwad (Baroda).
4. The First Anglo-Maratha War was fought between:
a) 1765–1767
b) 1775–1782
c) 1785–1788
d) 1790–1792
Answer: b) 1775–1782
Explanation: It arose due to the succession dispute after the death of Peshwa Madhavrao I.
5. The immediate cause of the First Anglo-Maratha War was:
a) Treaty of Salbai
b) Death of Narayan Rao
c) Treaty of Bassein
d) Raghunath Rao’s claim to Peshwaship
Answer: d) Raghunath Rao’s claim to Peshwaship
Explanation: The British supported Raghunath Rao’s claim against Narayan Rao’s infant son, leading to war.
6. Which treaty first formalized British intervention in Maratha affairs?
a) Treaty of Salbai (1782)
b) Treaty of Purandar (1776)
c) Treaty of Bassein (1802)
d) Treaty of Poona (1817)
Answer: b) Treaty of Purandar (1776)
Explanation: It was signed between the British and Marathas, weakening Raghunath Rao’s claim.
7. The Treaty of Purandar (1776) was signed by:
a) Nana Phadnavis
b) Mahadji Scindia
c) Baji Rao II
d) Holkar of Indore
Answer: a) Nana Phadnavis
Explanation: The treaty was signed by Nana Phadnavis, the powerful minister of the Maratha confederacy.
8. The British leader involved in the Treaty of Purandar was:
a) Warren Hastings
b) Sir Eyre Coote
c) Colonel Upton
d) Cornwallis
Answer: c) Colonel Upton
Explanation: Colonel Upton signed the treaty on behalf of the British East India Company.
9. Which treaty ended the First Anglo-Maratha War?
a) Treaty of Purandar (1776)
b) Treaty of Salbai (1782)
c) Treaty of Bassein (1802)
d) Treaty of Srirangapatna (1792)
Answer: b) Treaty of Salbai (1782)
Explanation: The Treaty of Salbai ended the war and restored the status quo for 20 years.
10. Who was the Governor-General during the First Anglo-Maratha War?
a) Cornwallis
b) Warren Hastings
c) Wellesley
d) Dalhousie
Answer: b) Warren Hastings
Explanation: Warren Hastings (1773–1785) was the Governor-General during the First Anglo-Maratha War.
11. The Treaty of Salbai (1782) guaranteed:
a) Raghunath Rao as Peshwa
b) Recognition of Madhavrao II as Peshwa
c) Partition of Maratha Confederacy
d) British annexation of Gujarat
Answer: b) Recognition of Madhavrao II as Peshwa
Explanation: The treaty recognized Madhavrao II (Narayan Rao’s son) as the legitimate Peshwa.
12. Which Maratha leader played the most important role in resisting the British during the First Anglo-Maratha War?
a) Mahadji Scindia
b) Holkar of Indore
c) Nana Phadnavis
d) Gaekwad of Baroda
Answer: c) Nana Phadnavis
Explanation: Nana Phadnavis united the Marathas against British interference.
13. The Treaty of Salbai resulted in:
a) 20 years of relative peace
b) Immediate war with Tipu Sultan
c) Annexation of Bengal by Marathas
d) British withdrawal from India
Answer: a) 20 years of relative peace
Explanation: It ensured temporary peace between Marathas and the British until 1802.
14. Who was the infant Peshwa supported by Nana Phadnavis during the First Anglo-Maratha War?
a) Baji Rao II
b) Narayan Rao
c) Madhavrao II
d) Balaji Vishwanath
Answer: c) Madhavrao II
Explanation: Madhavrao II, infant son of Narayan Rao, was placed on the throne.
15. The First Anglo-Maratha War showed that:
a) British had military superiority everywhere
b) Marathas could still challenge British expansion
c) French were more powerful in India
d) The Mughals were still dominant
Answer: b) Marathas could still challenge British expansion
Explanation: The war ended in a stalemate, showing Maratha strength.
16. Who acted as regent for Madhavrao II during his minority?
a) Baji Rao II
b) Raghunath Rao
c) Nana Phadnavis
d) Mahadji Scindia
Answer: c) Nana Phadnavis
Explanation: Nana Phadnavis acted as regent and safeguarded Maratha independence.
17. The First Anglo-Maratha War exposed the weakness of which British system?
a) Dual government in Bengal
b) Warren Hastings’ diplomacy
c) Bombay government acting independently
d) Subsidiary Alliance
Answer: c) Bombay government acting independently
Explanation: The Bombay presidency acted rashly, dragging the Company into a long war.
18. The Bombay Council entered into a treaty with Raghunath Rao in 1775, known as:
a) Treaty of Bassein
b) Treaty of Purandar
c) Treaty of Surat
d) Treaty of Poona
Answer: c) Treaty of Surat
Explanation: The Treaty of Surat (1775) promised support to Raghunath Rao.
19. Under the Treaty of Surat (1775), the British were promised:
a) Salsette and Bassein
b) Pune and Nagpur
c) Gwalior and Baroda
d) Gujarat and Bundelkhand
Answer: a) Salsette and Bassein
Explanation: In return for helping him, Raghunath Rao promised Salsette and Bassein to the British.
20. Which Maratha leader later emerged as the de facto head of the confederacy?
a) Holkar
b) Mahadji Scindia
c) Gaekwad
d) Baji Rao II
Answer: b) Mahadji Scindia
Explanation: Mahadji Scindia became the most powerful Maratha chief after the First Anglo-Maratha War.
21. Who defeated the British at Wadgaon (1779) during the First Anglo-Maratha War?
a) Nana Phadnavis
b) Holkar
c) Mahadji Scindia
d) Pindaris
Answer: c) Mahadji Scindia
Explanation: The British were forced to surrender at Wadgaon, a major embarrassment.
22. Which British treaty of 1779 had to be annulled after the Wadgaon defeat?
a) Treaty of Surat
b) Treaty of Purandar
c) Treaty of Salbai
d) Treaty of Poona
Answer: a) Treaty of Surat
Explanation: The humiliating terms imposed at Wadgaon nullified the Treaty of Surat.
23. Which European power secretly encouraged the Marathas against the British?
a) Dutch
b) French
c) Portuguese
d) Danish
Answer: b) French
Explanation: The French hoped to check British expansion by backing the Marathas.
24. The First Anglo-Maratha War revealed that:
a) British were militarily superior everywhere
b) Marathas still retained unity and strength
c) The Mughals were stronger than Marathas
d) The British had consolidated all of India
Answer: b) Marathas still retained unity and strength
Explanation: Despite internal rivalries, the Marathas successfully resisted the British.
25. Who said that the Treaty of Salbai (1782) “secured British possessions and ended danger from Marathas for two decades”?
a) Lord Hastings
b) Warren Hastings
c) Cornwallis
d) K.M. Panikkar
Answer: b) Warren Hastings
Explanation: Hastings himself praised the treaty as a diplomatic success.
26. The Second Anglo-Maratha War was fought between:
a) 1780–1784
b) 1790–1792
c) 1803–1805
d) 1817–1818
Answer: c) 1803–1805
Explanation: The war began after the Treaty of Bassein (1802), which divided the Maratha Confederacy.
27. The immediate cause of the Second Anglo-Maratha War was:
a) Treaty of Salbai
b) Treaty of Bassein
c) Treaty of Purandar
d) British attack on Nagpur
Answer: b) Treaty of Bassein
Explanation: The Treaty of Bassein signed by Peshwa Baji Rao II with the British in 1802 triggered the war.
28. The Treaty of Bassein (1802) was signed between the British and:
a) Nana Phadnavis
b) Madhavrao II
c) Baji Rao II
d) Holkar
Answer: c) Baji Rao II
Explanation: Peshwa Baji Rao II, after defeat by Holkar, sought British support and signed the treaty.
29. The Treaty of Bassein required the Peshwa to accept:
a) British suzerainty and subsidiary alliance
b) Division of Maratha Confederacy
c) Control of Gujarat by the British
d) French officers in Maratha army
Answer: a) British suzerainty and subsidiary alliance
Explanation: It bound the Peshwa to station British troops and accept British dominance.
30. Who described the Treaty of Bassein as a “death warrant of Maratha independence”?
a) Lord Wellesley
b) Warren Hastings
c) K.M. Panikkar
d) Mountstuart Elphinstone
Answer: c) K.M. Panikkar
Explanation: Historian K.M. Panikkar called it the death warrant of Maratha independence.
31. Which British Governor-General engineered the Treaty of Bassein?
a) Cornwallis
b) Wellesley
c) Hastings
d) Dalhousie
Answer: b) Wellesley
Explanation: Lord Wellesley (1798–1805) imposed the Subsidiary Alliance system, including on the Peshwa.
32. Which Maratha chief defeated the Peshwa Baji Rao II at the Battle of Poona (1802)?
a) Scindia
b) Holkar
c) Bhonsle
d) Gaekwad
Answer: b) Holkar
Explanation: Yashwantrao Holkar defeated Baji Rao II, forcing him to flee and seek British help.
33. Which Maratha chiefs opposed the Treaty of Bassein and fought against the British?
a) Holkar and Scindia
b) Scindia and Bhonsle
c) Holkar and Gaekwad
d) Bhonsle and Peshwa
Answer: b) Scindia and Bhonsle
Explanation: Scindia of Gwalior and Bhonsle of Nagpur opposed British interference and fought the war.
34. The Battle of Assaye (1803) was fought between:
a) British and Holkar
b) British and Scindia
c) British and Bhonsle
d) British and Tipu Sultan
Answer: b) British and Scindia
Explanation: Arthur Wellesley defeated Scindia at the Battle of Assaye, a major victory.
35. Who was the British commander at the Battle of Assaye (1803)?
a) Cornwallis
b) Eyre Coote
c) Arthur Wellesley
d) General Baird
Answer: c) Arthur Wellesley
Explanation: Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) won the decisive Battle of Assaye.
36. The Battle of Assaye (1803) is considered:
a) The greatest victory of Arthur Wellesley’s Indian career
b) A defeat for the British
c) The end of Maratha confederacy
d) Beginning of First Anglo-Maratha War
Answer: a) The greatest victory of Arthur Wellesley’s Indian career
Explanation: Wellesley himself described Assaye as his finest battle.
37. The Battle of Argaon (1803) was fought between the British and:
a) Holkar
b) Scindia and Bhonsle
c) Gaekwad
d) Peshwa
Answer: b) Scindia and Bhonsle
Explanation: Arthur Wellesley defeated Scindia and Bhonsle at Argaon in December 1803.
38. Who signed the Treaty of Deogaon with the British in 1803?
a) Scindia
b) Holkar
c) Bhonsle of Nagpur
d) Peshwa
Answer: c) Bhonsle of Nagpur
Explanation: Raghuji Bhonsle II signed the Treaty of Deogaon, surrendering Cuttack (Orissa).
39. Which Maratha ruler signed the Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon with the British in 1803?
a) Scindia
b) Holkar
c) Gaekwad
d) Bhonsle
Answer: a) Scindia
Explanation: Daulat Rao Scindia signed this treaty, surrendering Delhi and Agra.
40. Under the Treaty of Deogaon (1803), the Bhonsle ceded:
a) Delhi
b) Orissa (Cuttack)
c) Gujarat
d) Malwa
Answer: b) Orissa (Cuttack)
Explanation: The British gained Cuttack, strengthening their control of the east.
41. The Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon (1803) resulted in:
a) Scindia losing Delhi and Agra
b) Scindia losing Orissa
c) Scindia becoming Peshwa
d) British defeat
Answer: a) Scindia losing Delhi and Agra
Explanation: Scindia ceded key Mughal territories, including Delhi, to the British.
42. Who was the Mughal Emperor in Delhi when the British took over from Scindia in 1803?
a) Shah Alam II
b) Aurangzeb
c) Bahadur Shah I
d) Bahadur Shah II
Answer: a) Shah Alam II
Explanation: Shah Alam II came under British protection after Delhi was taken from Scindia.
43. Which British general captured Delhi and Agra in 1803?
a) Arthur Wellesley
b) Lake
c) Baird
d) Cornwallis
Answer: b) Lake
Explanation: General Gerard Lake captured Delhi and Agra from Scindia.
44. Which Maratha chief did not participate in the Second Anglo-Maratha War?
a) Holkar
b) Scindia
c) Bhonsle
d) Gaekwad
Answer: a) Holkar
Explanation: Yashwantrao Holkar remained neutral initially and fought later.
45. Which treaty ended the Second Anglo-Maratha War?
a) Treaty of Salbai (1782)
b) Treaty of Bassein (1802)
c) Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon and Deogaon (1803)
d) Treaty of Poona (1817)
Answer: c) Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon and Deogaon (1803)
Explanation: These treaties ended the war, heavily curtailing Maratha power.
46. The Second Anglo-Maratha War weakened the Marathas because:
a) They lost Delhi and Agra
b) They lost Orissa
c) They accepted British supremacy
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The Marathas lost territory, prestige, and independence after the war.
47. Which Maratha leader emerged strongest after the Second Anglo-Maratha War?
a) Holkar of Indore
b) Scindia of Gwalior
c) Bhonsle of Nagpur
d) Gaekwad of Baroda
Answer: a) Holkar of Indore
Explanation: Holkar, who did not fight in the war, remained relatively strong until 1817.
48. The outcome of the Second Anglo-Maratha War firmly established:
a) French supremacy in India
b) British supremacy in India
c) Mughal restoration in Delhi
d) Maratha independence
Answer: b) British supremacy in India
Explanation: By gaining Delhi, Agra, and Orissa, the British emerged supreme.
49. Which Maratha chief later tried to resist the British after 1805, but was defeated?
a) Holkar
b) Bhonsle
c) Scindia
d) Gaekwad
Answer: a) Holkar
Explanation: Holkar resisted British pressure but was defeated by General Lake.
50. The significance of the Second Anglo-Maratha War was that it:
a) Ended Mughal rule in Delhi
b) Paved the way for British control of North and Central India
c) Restored French power
d) Made Marathas supreme again
Answer: b) Paved the way for British control of North and Central India
Explanation: With Delhi under their control, the British became rulers of India in the name of the Mughal Emperor.
51. The Third Anglo-Maratha War was fought between:
a) 1803–1805
b) 1810–1812
c) 1817–1818
d) 1820–1822
Answer: c) 1817–1818
Explanation: This war was the final conflict between the Marathas and the British, leading to Maratha downfall.
52. The immediate cause of the Third Anglo-Maratha War was:
a) Treaty of Bassein
b) Rising of the Pindaris
c) French intervention
d) Maratha–Hyderabad alliance
Answer: b) Rising of the Pindaris
Explanation: The Pindaris, who were plundering central India, provoked British military action which led to war with the Marathas.
53. The Pindaris were:
a) Peasant rebels
b) Mughal nobles
c) Irregular cavalry attached to Marathas
d) French mercenaries
Answer: c) Irregular cavalry attached to Marathas
Explanation: The Pindaris were irregular cavalrymen who lived by plunder and were associated with the Marathas.
54. The British campaign against the Pindaris was launched by:a) Cornwallis
b) Wellesley
c) Lord Hastings
d) Dalhousie
Answer: c) Lord Hastings
Explanation: Governor-General Lord Hastings organized the campaign against the Pindaris in 1817.
55. Which Maratha power gave refuge to the Pindaris, angering the British?
a) Holkar of Indore
b) Scindia of Gwalior
c) Bhonsle of Nagpur
d) Peshwa Baji Rao II
Answer: d) Peshwa Baji Rao II
Explanation: The Peshwa and other Marathas sheltered the Pindaris, leading to war.
56. Which treaty reduced the Peshwa to a pensioner of the British before the final war?
a) Treaty of Purandar
b) Treaty of Bassein
c) Treaty of Poona (1817)
d) Treaty of Salbai
Answer: c) Treaty of Poona (1817)
Explanation: Signed in June 1817, it further curtailed the Peshwa’s authority.
57. The Third Anglo-Maratha War broke out when Peshwa Baji Rao II attacked:
a) The British Residency at Poona
b) Scindia’s forces
c) Nagpur army
d) Holkar’s troops
Answer: a) The British Residency at Poona
Explanation: On 5 November 1817, Baji Rao II attacked the British Residency, sparking the war.
58. The attack on the British Residency at Poona (1817) is called:
a) Battle of Koregaon
b) Battle of Kirkee
c) Battle of Wadgaon
d) Battle of Assaye
Answer: b) Battle of Kirkee
Explanation: The Battle of Kirkee (near Poona) marked the beginning of open hostilities.
59. The Battle of Koregaon (1818) is notable because:
a) Marathas defeated the British
b) A small British force resisted a large Maratha army
c) Pindaris were destroyed
d) Holkar surrendered
Answer: b) A small British force resisted a large Maratha army
Explanation: A detachment of 800 men (including Mahar soldiers) held out against Baji Rao’s 20,000 troops.
60. The Battle of Koregaon (1818) is commemorated today by:
a) Peshwa descendants
b) Dalit and Mahar communities
c) British archives
d) Scindia family
Answer: b) Dalit and Mahar communities
Explanation: The Mahar regiment’s role is celebrated as a symbol of Dalit pride.
61. The British commander in the Battle of Koregaon (1818) was:
a) General Lake
b) Captain Staunton
c) Arthur Wellesley
d) General Baird
Answer: b) Captain Staunton
Explanation: Captain Staunton led the British troops in the heroic defence at Koregaon.
62. The Bhonsle of Nagpur was defeated by the British at:
a) Battle of Argaon
b) Battle of Sitabuldi
c) Battle of Assaye
d) Battle of Gwalior
Answer: b) Battle of Sitabuldi
Explanation: At Sitabuldi (Nagpur, 1817), the British defeated the Bhonsle forces.
63. The Holkar of Indore was defeated in 1817 at:
a) Battle of Assaye
b) Battle of Mehidpur
c) Battle of Kirkee
d) Battle of Wadgaon
Answer: b) Battle of Mehidpur
Explanation: The Holkar army was crushed by Sir Thomas Hislop at Mehidpur.
64. Which treaty was signed with the Holkars after the Battle of Mehidpur (1817)?
a) Treaty of Gwalior
b) Treaty of Mandasor
c) Treaty of Poona
d) Treaty of Salbai
Answer: b) Treaty of Mandasor
Explanation: The Treaty of Mandasor (1818) forced Holkar into submission under the British.
65. The Scindias signed a treaty with the British during the Third Anglo-Maratha War known as:
a) Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon
b) Treaty of Gwalior (1817)
c) Treaty of Mandasor
d) Treaty of Bassein
Answer: b) Treaty of Gwalior (1817)
Explanation: Scindia signed the Treaty of Gwalior in November 1817, aligning with the British.
66. The Treaty of Gwalior (1817) forced Scindia to:
a) Accept Subsidiary Alliance
b) Give up Pindari support
c) Cede territory
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Scindia surrendered territory, accepted Subsidiary Alliance, and renounced the Pindaris.
67. Who captured the fortress of Asirgarh (1818), known as the “key to the Deccan”?
a) Lord Hastings
b) General Lake
c) Sir John Malcolm
d) Arthur Wellesley
Answer: c) Sir John Malcolm
Explanation: Malcolm’s capture of Asirgarh symbolized the end of Maratha resistance.
68. The last Peshwa, Baji Rao II, was captured in:
a) 1817
b) 1818
c) 1820
d) 1825
Answer: b) 1818
Explanation: Baji Rao II surrendered to the British in June 1818.
69. What pension was granted to Peshwa Baji Rao II after his surrender?
a) ₹4 lakh annually
b) ₹8 lakh annually
c) ₹12 lakh annually
d) ₹15 lakh annually
Answer: c) ₹12 lakh annually
Explanation: He was pensioned off with ₹12 lakh annually and sent to Bithoor near Kanpur.
70. The adopted son of Baji Rao II, later connected with the 1857 Revolt, was:
a) Nana Saheb
b) Tatya Tope
c) Chimaji Appa
d) Raghunath Rao
Answer: a) Nana Saheb
Explanation: Nana Saheb (adopted son) played a key role in the 1857 revolt after his pension was stopped.
71. The Third Anglo-Maratha War ended in:
a) 1817
b) 1818
c) 1820
d) 1825
Answer: b) 1818
Explanation: The war concluded in 1818 with the surrender of the Peshwa.
72. The final outcome of the Third Anglo-Maratha War was:
a) Restoration of Peshwa power
b) End of Maratha Confederacy
c) Maratha victory over the British
d) Return of Mughal authority
Answer: b) End of Maratha Confederacy
Explanation: The war ended Maratha power and established British supremacy.
73. After 1818, the Peshwaship was:
a) Continued under British
b) Abolished
c) Transferred to Scindia
d) Given to Holkar
Answer: b) Abolished
Explanation: The Peshwa institution was abolished permanently.
74. The Maratha state of Satara was:
a) Annexed immediately in 1818
b) Given to a descendant of Shivaji
c) Given to Scindia
d) Placed under Holkar
Answer: b) Given to a descendant of Shivaji
Explanation: Satara was handed to Pratap Singh, a descendant of Shivaji, as a princely state.
75. The significance of the Third Anglo-Maratha War was that it:
a) Marked the final victory of French in India
b) Completed British conquest of India
c) Restored Mughal authority in Delhi
d) Revived Maratha supremacy
Answer: b) Completed British conquest of India
Explanation: With Maratha power crushed, British supremacy across India was established.
76. After 1818, the Maratha Confederacy was:
a) United under Scindia
b) Divided among the French and British
c) Dissolved permanently
d) Restored under Holkar
Answer: c) Dissolved permanently
Explanation: The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–18) ended the Maratha Confederacy and British supremacy was established.
77. The Peshwa Baji Rao II after his defeat was:
a) Executed
b) Imprisoned in Delhi
c) Pensioned off at Bithoor
d) Sent to England
Answer: c) Pensioned off at Bithoor
Explanation: He lived near Kanpur on a pension of ₹12 lakh annually until his death in 1851.
78. The adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II, who later became a leader in the Revolt of 1857, was:
a) Raghoba
b) Nana Saheb
c) Tatya Tope
d) Chimaji Appa
Answer: b) Nana Saheb
Explanation: Nana Saheb’s pension was stopped by the British, pushing him into rebellion in 1857.
79. The state of Satara was handed over to:
a) Scindia
b) Bhonsle
c) Pratap Singh, descendant of Shivaji
d) British Resident
Answer: c) Pratap Singh, descendant of Shivaji
Explanation: The British installed Pratap Singh (descendant of Shivaji) as ruler of Satara in 1818.
80. Later, the state of Satara was annexed by the British under:
a) Subsidiary Alliance
b) Doctrine of Lapse
c) Treaty of Poona
d) Permanent Settlement
Answer: b) Doctrine of Lapse
Explanation: Satara was annexed in 1848 by Lord Dalhousie after failure of heirs.
81. The Scindias of Gwalior accepted British supremacy through the:
a) Treaty of Salbai
b) Treaty of Gwalior (1817)
c) Treaty of Bassein
d) Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon
Answer: b) Treaty of Gwalior (1817)
Explanation: Scindia submitted to British authority before the war ended.
82. The Holkars of Indore accepted British terms through the:
a) Treaty of Mandasor (1818)
b) Treaty of Salbai (1782)
c) Treaty of Poona
d) Treaty of Deogaon
Answer: a) Treaty of Mandasor (1818)
Explanation: Holkar’s defeat at Mehidpur forced him to sign the Treaty of Mandasor.
83. The Bhonsles of Nagpur were defeated and accepted British supremacy after:
a) Battle of Sitabuldi
b) Battle of Assaye
c) Battle of Argaon
d) Battle of Koregaon
Answer: a) Battle of Sitabuldi
Explanation: In 1817, the Bhonsles were defeated at Sitabuldi, reducing Nagpur to a dependent state.
84. After 1818, the Marathas came under:
a) French control
b) Direct Mughal authority
c) British paramountcy
d) Independent status
Answer: c) British paramountcy
Explanation: All Maratha states were subordinated to British supremacy.
85. The most powerful Maratha chief before the final defeat was:
a) Gaekwad
b) Holkar
c) Scindia
d) Nana Phadnavis
Answer: c) Scindia
Explanation: The Scindias of Gwalior were militarily the strongest of the Maratha houses.
86. Which Maratha state remained as a princely state until 1947?
a) Satara
b) Gwalior
c) Poona
d) Nagpur
Answer: b) Gwalior
Explanation: Gwalior (Scindia dynasty) remained a princely state under British suzerainty until independence.
87. The capital of the Scindia dynasty of Marathas was:
a) Pune
b) Indore
c) Baroda
d) Gwalior
Answer: d) Gwalior
Explanation: Gwalior was ruled by the Scindias, important allies of the British after 1818.
88. The Gaekwads ruled which Maratha state?
a) Baroda
b) Indore
c) Satara
d) Nagpur
Answer: a) Baroda
Explanation: The Gaekwad dynasty ruled Baroda (Vadodara) under British protection.
89. The Holkars ruled from:
a) Indore
b) Nagpur
c) Pune
d) Gwalior
Answer: a) Indore
Explanation: The Holkars were based in Indore and were among the key Maratha chiefs.
90. The Bhonsles ruled from:
a) Gwalior
b) Nagpur
c) Indore
d) Satara
Answer: b) Nagpur
Explanation: The Bhonsles were seated at Nagpur and controlled parts of central India.
91. The collapse of Maratha power opened the way for British supremacy in:
a) Bengal
b) North India and the Deccan
c) Punjab
d) Sindh
Answer: b) North India and the Deccan
Explanation: The Marathas were the last major Indian power resisting British rule.
92. Which Governor-General finally crushed Maratha power?
a) Wellesley
b) Cornwallis
c) Hastings
d) Dalhousie
Answer: c) Hastings
Explanation: Lord Hastings (1813–1823) defeated the Marathas in the Third Anglo-Maratha War.
93. The Marathas’ political system failed mainly because of:
a) Centralized monarchy
b) Internal rivalries among chiefs
c) Weak military
d) Support from the French
Answer: b) Internal rivalries among chiefs
Explanation: The confederacy was disunited; Holkar, Scindia, Bhonsle, and Gaekwad often fought each other.
94. The Maratha confederacy was centered around:
a) Delhi
b) Pune
c) Nagpur
d) Indore
Answer: b) Pune
Explanation: Pune (Poona) was the seat of the Peshwa, the head of the confederacy.
95. Which policy ensured British dominance over Indian states, including the Marathas?
a) Dual government
b) Doctrine of Lapse
c) Subsidiary Alliance
d) Ryotwari system
Answer: c) Subsidiary Alliance
Explanation: Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance was imposed on the Marathas and other Indian rulers.
96. Which Maratha power continued to retain some autonomy under British?
a) Bhonsle of Nagpur
b) Scindia of Gwalior
c) Holkar of Indore
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: These states survived as princely states but under British suzerainty.
97. The final annexation of Satara by the British happened in:
a) 1818
b) 1825
c) 1848
d) 1857
Answer: c) 1848
Explanation: Lord Dalhousie annexed Satara under the Doctrine of Lapse.
98. The defeat of Marathas ensured that:
a) Mughal power revived
b) British became supreme in India
c) French regained colonies
d) Peshwa became stronger
Answer: b) British became supreme in India
Explanation: The collapse of Marathas in 1818 meant no Indian power could rival the British.
99. Who described the Treaty of Bassein as “the nail in the coffin of Maratha power”?
a) Mountstuart Elphinstone
b) Warren Hastings
c) Lord Hastings
d) K.M. Panikkar
Answer: a) Mountstuart Elphinstone
Explanation: Elphinstone, a British official, remarked that it destroyed Maratha independence.
100. The defeat of the Marathas in 1818 is considered significant because it:
a) Marked the end of Indian resistance until 1857
b) Gave French supremacy in India
c) Restored Mughal rule
d) Strengthened Tipu Sultan
Answer: a) Marked the end of Indian resistance until 1857
Explanation: With Mysore and Marathas defeated, the British faced no major resistance until the 1857 Revolt.