Maratha Empire

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/maratha-empire

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the founder?Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
2. What is the period of dominance?Circa 1674 to 1818
3. Who was Shivaji Maharaj and why was he a hero?Shivaji Maharaj was a visionary leader who founded the Maratha Empire in 1674. He used hill forts and clever guerrilla tactics to win battles and set up a fair, secular government.
4. What were hill forts like Raigad and Sinhagad good for?These forts were strongholds that protected the Maratha kingdom. They helped Shivaji win battles by using the terrain to his advantage.

Chhatrapati: A title meaning 'Emperor' or 'Sovereign Lord', signifying supreme rule.
Peshwa: The chief minister or prime minister in the Maratha Empire, who eventually wielded significant executive power.
Chauth and Sardeshmukhi: Forms of tribute or taxes levied by the Marathas on territories outside their direct control.
Deccan Plateau: A large plateau region in western and southern India, central to Maratha history and strategy.