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SATVIK SHARMAAIR 327· 2025

Question Q12GS1GS1

The Marathas posed a formidable challenge to British expansion but could not consolidate their power into a centralized authority capable of rivaling British dominance in India. Comment.

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AnswerStrengthsGapsKeywords

Main Body

Marathas were formidable with strong military foundation laid by "Shivaji" during "Aurangzeb's Dream plan".

Formidable Challenge to British From Marathas:

1Military Strength. Decanted Scindia legalize of military & speciality.
2Guardian handled ransacked by Marathas. Giving them tactical edge.
3Pergy Psychological & Identify of Maratha'.

But couldn't consolidate due to:

1Internal rivalry amongst confederated.
2Mulemunious in Army with regular salary payment scheme.
3Poor & regressive administrative system.
4A Traditional Wakzuari for British superiority in arms.
5Motivation for "Swavaajya" by "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj".
6Strong Companduroy of Sandia, Haldia, Gwalilor, Bhantle & 50 Headed by Lathwa. So Headed by Lathwa.
7Forced Nipism for surrounded a Chauth & Sandi-would'. High military capability.

But couldn't Consolidate due to:

1Internal rivalry enraged confederation.
2Mulemunious in Army with regular salary payment scheme.
3Poor & regressive administrative system.
4A Traditional Wakzuari for British superiority in arms.
5Last Battle in Bajpur form Ahmad Shah Abdali lead to psychological demoralization.
6No uniform taxation system & administration.
7Court sessions in Baitwal's court leading to vague 'want-to-be' culture.
8Treaty of Surat.
9Had regressive & conservative Batish'.
10'Divide & Rule' policy of British style emerged against the confederate.

After 1857 reward, British finally abolished Peshwa & standalone Maratha Confederacy.

5Last Battle in Panjput form Ahmad Shah Abdali lead to psychological demoralization.
6No uniform taxation system & collection, utilization & redistribution.
7Court sessions in Peshwa's court leading to vague "want-to-be" culture.
8Treaty of Surat.
9Head regressive & conservative Batish'.
10British had superior military commanders, strategy along with top-12 espionage system.

After 1857 reward, British finally abolished Peshwa & standalone Maratha Confederacy.

283 words30 paragraphs

Diagram

Map showing formidable challenge to British from Marathas with different territories and military positions marked. Shows regions like Haddi, Sindia, Hankar, Indore, Gujarat, and indicates fortress/military positions

  • Identifies Shivaji as founder of Maratha power
  • Acknowledges military strengths
  • Lists structural weaknesses preventing consolidation
  • Uses geographical map to show territorial extent
  • Addresses technological factors
  • Identifies multiple consolidation failures
  • Mentions specific battles and treaties
  • References administrative weaknesses
  • Shows understanding of British strategy
  • Uses geographical visualization
  • Notes final British elimination in 1857
  • Continues analysis from previous page
  • Adds more specific factors
  • Mentions British superior military infrastructure
  • References the 1857 final consolidation

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Page 24

Topper

SATVIK SHARMA

AIR 3272025

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present

British Policies and Colonial Expansion

Maratha Challenge and Consolidation Failure

Writing Stats

283

Total words

30

Paragraphs

analytical and critical

Tone