Marathas defeated after the decline of the Mughal Empire [Topic 3]

Question 1

Why did the Marathas struggle to control the lands they gained after the decline of the Mughal Empire?

Answer 1

• After the Mughal Empire declined, the Marathas took over large territories that were once under Mughal control.
• However, they found it difficult to manage and govern such a vast area.
• This made it hard for them to defend their land and fight off threats from rival armies, revealing that their empire had grown too large to maintain effectively.

Question 2

How did internal divisions weaken the Maratha Empire?

Answer 2

• Maratha families began to show more loyalty to local rulers rather than the Maratha leaders in the capital city of Pune.
• As a result, cracks began to show in Maratha unity and control.
• Their grip on the empire was weakened.

Question 3

What happened at the Battle of Panipat in 1761 that led to the defeat of the Marathas?

Answer 3

• The Marathas lost the Battle of Panipat in 1761 against the invading Afghan army led by Ahmad Shah Abdali.
• Though the Marathas had 55,000 cavalry and infantry along with thousands of irregular fighters, they were outmatched by Abdali’s 42,000 cavalry and a strong support of infantry.
• Abdali’s military genius and tactics won him the battle, while the Marathas suffered a crushing loss.

Question 4

What were the consequences of the Marathas’ defeat at Panipat in 1761?

Answer 4

• The Maratha army was destroyed at Panipat, and thousands of their soldiers and key administrators were killed.
• Important Maratha leaders also died in the battle, including the Peshwa’s heir.
• The Peshwa himself died shortly after.
• This loss shattered the central Maratha power in Pune and ended their ambition to replace the Mughal Empire with their empire.