Question 10 of 17advanced🔍 AnalyzeLong Answer5 marks

Analyse how geography (particularly mountains and coastlines) guided Maratha military strategy and state formation.

Correct Answer

Geography played a crucial role in shaping Maratha military strategy and state formation.

The mountainous terrain of the Western Ghats and Sahyadri range provided natural fortifications that Shivaji exploited through guerrilla warfare. He captured and built numerous hill forts like Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sindhudurg, which became the 'core of the state.'

These forts allowed the Marathas to launch surprise attacks on larger armies and retreat to safety, as demonstrated when Shivaji's forces hidden in mountains routed Afzal Khan's army.

The coastline along the Arabian Sea prompted Shivaji to establish a revolutionary navy when other Indian powers neglected maritime defence. This navy, later led by commanders like Kanhoji Angre, challenged European naval supremacy and protected coastal trade.

The strategic location between north and south India enabled Maratha expansion in both directions, as seen in Shivaji's southern conquest (dakṣhiṇa-digvijaya) which gave strategic depth against Mughal invasion.

The geography thus enabled both defensive strength through forts and offensive capability through naval and cavalry operations.

Exercise: Questions and activities | Q: 1 | (Page Page 22)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The chapter extensively discusses how Shivaji used the mountainous terrain for guerrilla warfare and fort-building. It mentions that forts were essential to strategically control important routes and shelter the army. The chapter also details how Shivaji created a navy to secure the west coast, a revolutionary step at the time. The southern extension under Shivaji provided strategic depth against Mughal invasion.

Solution Steps

  1. Geography shaped Maratha military strategy and state formation

  2. Mountainous terrain of Western Ghats and Sahyadri range enabled guerrilla warfare

  3. Hill forts like Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sindhudurg became the core of the state

  4. Forts allowed surprise attacks and safe retreat, as shown against Afzal Khan

  5. Coastline along Arabian Sea prompted establishment of a revolutionary navy

  6. Navy under commanders like Kanhoji Angre challenged European supremacy

  7. Strategic location enabled expansion in both north and south directions

  8. Southern conquest (dakṣhiṇa-digvijaya) provided strategic depth against Mughal invasion

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