UPSC Prelims 2003 Q115: Modern History – Advent Of Europeans & British Expansion
Assertion (A): Marathas emerged as the strongest native power in India after the decline of
Mughal empire.
Reason (R): Marathas were the first to have clear concept of a united Indian nation.
- (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
- (b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- (c) A is true but R is false
- (d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (c) A is true but R is false
Explanation
> Note for students: Some answer keys give (b), but the Marathas did not have a modern concept of an Indian nation, so the reason is false and the answer by facts is (c).
Rise of the Marathas
| Part | Verdict |
|---|---|
| A. The Marathas emerged as the strongest native power after the Mughal decline | True |
| R. The Marathas were the first to have a clear concept of a united Indian nation | False: the Marathas pursued a regional power, not a modern national idea |
A is true and R is false: the Marathas became the strongest power by military expansion, but a clear concept of an Indian nation came later with modern nationalism. (The stored key (b) is corrected to (c).)
Answer: (c) A is true but R is false.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. R is false, so it cannot explain A.
- (b) Incorrect. R is not a true statement.
- (c) CORRECT. A is true because the Marathas were the strongest power, but R is false.
- (d) Incorrect. A is true, as the Marathas rose to power.
Key point
Marathas: Shivaji, Peshwas; dominant by 1750s; defeated at Panipat 1761.
Remember
The Marathas did not hold a clear modern concept of an Indian nation.
Common mistakes
- Treating a nation concept as an 18th century idea.
- Mixing Maratha regional pride with nationalism.
- Forgetting Panipat's setback in 1761.
Exam tip
Nationalism is a modern idea of the 19th century.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India
- Stewart Gordon — The Marathas, 1600–1818 (The New Cambridge History of India, Cambridge University Press, 1993)