Class 8 Maths Chapter 3 NCERT Solutions: A Story of Numbers

1. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

1. Who were the Marathas? How did they emerge as a leading power in India before the arrival of the British?

Answer: The Marathas were natives of the Deccan plateau, mainly in present-day Maharashtra, who spoke Marathi. Under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, they organized into a formidable political and military power. Through efficient administration, military innovation, and strategic leadership, they resisted Mughal dominance and expanded across India until the British gained ascendancy.

2. What were the main features of Maratha governance?

Answer: Maratha governance under Shivaji included a centralised administration, the aṣṭa pradhāna manḍala (council of eight ministers), revenue reforms, salaries for officials, rotation of appointments, justice for commoners, efficient taxation (chauth and sardeshmukhi), military and naval strength, religious tolerance, and encouragement for trade and culture.

3. Briefly describe the impact the Maratha Empire left in Indian history.

Answer: The Maratha Empire shaped Indian history by ending Mughal dominance in much of India, establishing the largest Indian state before the British, reviving indigenous governance and cultural pride, inspiring figures of resistance, demonstrating successful use of forts and navies, and encouraging future Indian nationalism.

2. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

1. Analyse how geography guided Maratha military strategy and state formation.

Answer: The Marathas made expert use of geography—the Sahyadri mountains and the Konkan coast—to shape their strategies. The rugged terrain allowed practice of guerrilla warfare and construction of impregnable forts like Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sindhudurg, offering both refuge and strongholds for counter-attacks. Coastal access enabled the formation of a navy, securing trade and defending against foreign naval threats. The strategic positioning of forts atop hills and near trade routes facilitated state consolidation and revenue collection, ensuring resilience against invaders. Thus, geography was central to the rise and survival of the Maratha state.

2. Compare Shivaji and later Marathas' treatment of religious places and people of different faiths, using chapter examples.

Answer: Shivaji was known for his religious tolerance—despite waging war, he spared religious sites, including during the sacking of Surat. Shivaji patronised Sanskrit and Marathi culture but respected all communities. Later Marathas maintained similar values, encouraging diversity in Thanjavur and supporting social reforms under figures like Ahilyabai Holkar, who rebuilt temples and supported people of various backgrounds. Although some campaigns led to devastation (as in Bengal), the overall policy discouraged religious persecution.

3. Why were forts so important to the Marathas? How did these help them survive larger enemies?

Answer: Forts were the backbone of Maratha defence, providing secure refuges, bases for guerrilla operations, and controlling vital routes. Their strategic construction atop mountains made them difficult to capture. Even with smaller numbers, the Marathas resisted large Mughal and later British armies for decades, as the forts allowed quick retreats, surprise attacks, and long sieges to exhaust enemies. This defensive network ensured the state's survival during prolonged invasion.

4. What is meant by: “The British took India from the Marathas more than from the Mughals”? Provide chapter evidence.

Answer: By the late 18th century, Marathas controlled extensive regions and Delhi itself, while Mughal power had declined. The British fought three wars against the Marathas (not the Mughals) to gain Indian territory, only succeeding after defeating Maratha armies and alliances. Thus, British dominance in India replaced the Marathas, not the Mughals, as shown by British campaigns and the end of Maratha power in 1818.

3. Match the following.

4. Write a short biography on any one Maratha leader (Kanhoji Angre, Bajirao I, Mahadji Shinde, Ahilyabai Holkar, Tarabai) for younger students. Include a challenge they overcame.

Answer: Ahilyabai Holkar: Ahilyabai Holkar, ruler of Indore, became famous for her wisdom, kindness, and development work. She rebuilt great temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath and cared for her people by building wells, roads, and schools. As a woman leader, she faced challenges after her husband's death, but she ruled with courage and justice, setting an example for all generations.

NCERT Solutions Class 8 Maths Chapter 3 A Story of Numbers 2025-26

Mastering Class 8 Maths Chapter 3 A Story of Numbers is essential for building a strong foundation in arithmetic and number patterns. Our step-by-step NCERT solutions for 2025-26 are designed to make concepts easy and exam-ready for every learner.

By practicing these NCERT Class 8 chapter-wise solutions, you can boost your problem-solving ability and tackle tricky questions with confidence. Focus on understanding place value, properties of numbers, and patterns for top performance in your assessments.

Consistent revision using chapter exercises helps in quick recall and effective learning. Remember to review solved examples and practice regularly to strengthen your basics and score maximum marks in your exams.