NCERT Class 8 Social Science Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I: Chapter 3 — The Rise of the Marathas
This chapter, 'The Rise of the Marathas,' from NCERT's Class 8 Social Science book 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond Part-I,' details the emergence of the Marathas as a significant pan-Indian power before the British. It begins by defining the Marathas as a people native to the Deccan plateau, speaking Marathi, with a rich literary history dating back to the 12th century. The chapter introduces key figures and events, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation in 1674, marking the formal beginning of the Maratha Empire. It also touches upon the political landscape of 13th-century Maharashtra under the Yadava dynasty. The text highlights the Marathas' eventual rise as a powerful political entity that profoundly impacted India's history, setting the stage for understanding their influence and governance.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — The Rise of the Marathas |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 295 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify the Marathas as a people native to the Deccan plateau.
- Understand the historical significance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire.
- Recognize the Marathas' rise as a major political power in India.
- Appreciate the literary history associated with the Marathi language.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Deccan plateau | A large, elevated area of land in India, south of the Vindhya Range. |
| pan-Indian | Encompassing or affecting all of India. |
| propagating | To spread and promote an idea or belief. |
| obstinate | Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action. |
| coronation | The ceremony of crowning a monarch. |
| entity | A thing with distinct and independent existence. |
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Practice questions
- Who are the Marathas and where are they native to? Answer: The Marathas are a group of people native to the Deccan plateau, primarily in present-day Maharashtra.
- What marks the formal beginning of the Maratha Empire? Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation at Raigad in 1674 marks the formal beginning of the Maratha Empire.
- What is mentioned about the literary history of the Marathi language? Answer: The Marathi language has had a rich and continuous literary development since the 12th century.
Frequently asked questions
Who were the Marathas?
The Marathas are a group of people native to the Deccan plateau, primarily in present-day Maharashtra, identified by the Marathi language.
When did the formal beginning of the Maratha Empire occur?
The formal beginning of the Maratha Empire occurred in 1674 with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation at Raigad.
What is the significance of the Marathi language mentioned in the chapter?
The Marathi language has a rich and continuous literary development dating back to the 12th century.
What was the political situation in Maharashtra in the 13th century?
During the 13th century, most of Maharashtra was ruled by the Yadava dynasty with Devagiri as its capital.
What is the main focus of Chapter 1 of 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond Part-I'?
The chapter focuses on the rise of the Marathas as a powerful political entity that altered the course of India's history before the British takeover.
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NCERT Class 8 Social Science — Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I — Chapter 3 — The Rise of the Marathas. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.