Question 11 of 17intermediate✨ CreateEssay5 marks

Imagine you are creating a short biography of a Maratha leader for younger students. Choose one personality (Kanhoji Angre, Bajirao I, Mahadji Shinde, Ahilyabai Holkar or Tarabai) and write 3-4 paragraphs highlighting what makes them inspirational. Include at least one challenge they overcame.

Correct Answer

TARABAI - THE WARRIOR QUEEN: Tarabai was a fearless Maratha warrior queen who ruled in the early 18th century after the death of her husband Rajaram.

She emerged as a remarkable leader during one of the most challenging periods in Maratha history, when Aurangzeb and the Mughal army had occupied the Deccan and captured the Maratha capital Raigad. Despite these devastating setbacks, Tarabai refused to surrender.

Her greatest challenge was preserving Maratha independence when the Mughal Empire seemed unstoppable. She brilliantly recognised that with Aurangzeb focused on the Deccan, north India was unprotected, and organised large Maratha armies to invade Mughal territories in the north.

This strategic vision made her the architect of the northward Maratha expansion. Her military strategy and tenacity outsmarted the mighty Mughal Empire, and she successfully preserved Maratha independence during this critical period.

Tarabai's story teaches us that courage and strategic thinking can overcome even the most formidable obstacles, and that leadership is not limited by gender.

Exercise: Questions and activities | Q: 2 | (Page Page 22)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The chapter provides information about Tarabai in the section 'The mighty Maratha women' and in the narrative about Maratha expansion after Shivaji. Students can choose any of the listed personalities and write a biography highlighting their achievements and challenges overcome, based on chapter content.

Solution Steps

  1. Tarabai was a fearless Maratha warrior queen who ruled in the early 18th century after her husband Rajaram's death

  2. She emerged as a leader during a challenging period when Aurangzeb and the Mughal army occupied the Deccan and captured Raigad

  3. Her greatest challenge was preserving Maratha independence when the Mughal Empire seemed unstoppable

  4. She strategically organised Maratha armies to invade Mughal territories in the north while Aurangzeb was focused on the Deccan

  5. She successfully preserved Maratha independence and became the architect of northward Maratha expansion

  6. Her story teaches that leadership is not limited by gender and courage can overcome formidable obstacles

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