NCERT Class 8 Social Science Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I (Sanskrit): Chapter 3 — मराठानाम् अभ्युदयः
This chapter, "मराठानाम् अभ्युदयः" (The Rise of the Marathas) from NCERT's Class 8 Social Science textbook "Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I", details the emergence of the Marathas as a significant political power in Indian history. It begins by quoting Ramchandra Pant Amatya from "Aadnyapatra" (1715), highlighting the mercantile nature of European traders like the Portuguese, English, Dutch, and French, and their ambition to expand their influence and spread their religion in India. The chapter emphasizes the need to control their movement and restrict the construction of strong fortifications. It introduces the Marathas as indigenous people of the Deccan plateau, particularly modern Maharashtra, known for their rich literary history in the Marathi language. The text traces their rise, mentioning Shivaji Maharaj's coronation in 1674 at Raigad fort as the formal beginning of the Maratha Empire. Key events like Shivaji's birth (1630), the establishment of the Maratha navy (1657), the start of Shivaji's rule (1646), his death (1680), and his Southern campaigns are chronologically presented. The chapter also touches upon the historical context of the Yadava dynasty ruling Maharashtra before the Marathas. This chapter helps students understand the dynamics of power shifts in medieval India and the factors contributing to the rise of empires.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — मराठानाम् अभ्युदयः |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 205 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the historical context of the Maratha rise.
- Identify key figures like Shivaji Maharaj and their contributions.
- Analyze the socio-political and economic factors influencing the Maratha Empire.
- Recognize the significance of the Maratha Empire in Indian history.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| वणिजः | Merchants/Traders |
| आग्नेयास्त्राणि | Firearms |
| बारूदः | Gunpowder |
| नौसेना | Navy |
| राज्याभिषेकः | Coronation |
| साम्राज्यस्य | Of the empire |
| पठारस्य | Of the plateau |
| मूलनिवासिनः | Original inhabitants |
| साहित्यिकः इतिहासः | Literary history |
| गतिम् | Speed/Pace |
| राजनीतिक-सत्ता | Political power |
| वंशेन | By the dynasty |
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Practice questions
- Who were the Marathas? Answer: The Marathas were the original inhabitants of the Deccan plateau, particularly of present-day Maharashtra.
- What were the main weapons of the European traders mentioned? Answer: Their main weapons were the navy and firearms (gunpowder).
- When and where was Shivaji Maharaj coronated? Answer: Shivaji Maharaj was coronated in 1674 at Raigad fort.
- What is the significance of the Marathi language mentioned in the chapter? Answer: The Marathi language has a rich and continuous literary history dating back to the twelfth century.
Frequently asked questions
Who were the Marathas and where did they primarily reside?
The Marathas were the indigenous people of the Deccan plateau, mainly from present-day Maharashtra.
What was the significance of Raigad fort in Maratha history?
Raigad fort was where Shivaji Maharaj was coronated in 1674, marking the formal beginning of the Maratha Empire.
What were the main concerns mentioned regarding European traders?
Concerns included their ambition to expand, spread their religion, and the need to control their movement and construction of fortifications.
When was the Maratha navy established?
The Maratha navy was established in 1657.
What is the historical background of Maharashtra before the Marathas?
Much of Maharashtra was ruled by the Yadava dynasty, with Devagiri as its capital, before the rise of the Marathas.
What is the literary significance of the Marathi language?
The Marathi language has a rich and continuous literary history dating back to the twelfth century.
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NCERT Class 8 Social Science — Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I (Sanskrit) — Chapter 3 — मराठानाम् अभ्युदयः. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.