Question 13 of 17intermediate🔍 AnalyzeLong Answer5 marks

The chapter states, 'The British took India from the Marathas more than from the Mughals or any other power.' What do you think this means? What evidence from the chapter supports this idea?

Correct Answer

This statement means that by the time the British established control over India, the Marathas had become the dominant power across the subcontinent, having surpassed the Mughals in territorial control and military strength.

The Marathas brought large parts of India under their control, extending their influence to Lahore, Attock, and Peshawar in the north.

Under Mahadji Shinde, they recaptured Delhi in 1771 and controlled it for three decades until the British captured it.

The Marathas were the chief rivals of the British in the latter half of the 18th century, requiring three Anglo-Maratha wars (1775-1818) for the British to defeat them.

The Mughal Empire had already been severely weakened, with Aurangzeb dying without subduing the Marathas.

The chapter explicitly states that "the British took India from the Marathas more than from the Mughals or any other power."

Thus, the British essentially inherited control of India from the Marathas, who had become the largest pan-Indian power before British colonisation.

Exercise: Questions and activities | Q: 4 | (Page Page 22)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The chapter clearly states that the Marathas were the chief rivals of the British in the latter half of the 18th century and that three Anglo-Maratha wars were fought between 1775 and 1818. It notes that the Marathas controlled Delhi from 1771 until the British captured it three decades later. The chapter explicitly states that 'the British took India from the Marathas more than from the Mughals or any other power.'

Solution Steps

  1. The Marathas had become the dominant power in India, surpassing the Mughals in territorial control and military strength

  2. The Marathas extended their influence to Lahore, Attock, and Peshawar in the north

  3. Under Mahadji Shinde, the Marathas recaptured Delhi in 1771 and controlled it for three decades

  4. Three Anglo-Maratha wars (1775-1818) were required for the British to defeat the Marathas

  5. The Mughal Empire was already severely weakened, with Aurangzeb dying without subduing the Marathas

  6. The British essentially inherited control of India from the Marathas, the largest pan-Indian power before colonisation

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