Read the extract and answer the following questions.
Extract:
For the Peshwas the immediate result was an increase in the influence of Bhausaheb and Vishwasrao who eventfully succeeded his father in 1780 A.D. The trouble-maker, Dadasaheb, was relegated to the background and he eventually retired from state politics.
To its dismay, the East India Company met its match in the new Maratha ruler, Vishwasrao. He and his brother, Madhavrao, combined political acumen with valour and systematically expanded their influence all over India.
(The Adventure)
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Question (i)
Who was the father of Vishwasrao and Madhavrao?
Answer:
Answer as written by the student:
The father of Vishwasrao and Madhavrao was Bhausaheb or Balaji Baji Rao, who was the third Peshwa of the Maratha Empire.
Step-by-step explanation of the answer: 🌳
- To answer this question, we need to use our knowledge of Indian history and the context of the extract.
- Indian history tells us that the Peshwas were the prime ministers or chief ministers of the Maratha Empire. They were appointed by the Maratha kings or Chhatrapatis and wielded great power and influence. The first Peshwa was Balaji Vishwanath, who was succeeded by his son Bajirao I. Bajirao I was succeeded by his son Balaji Baji Rao, who was also known as Bhausaheb or Nanasaheb. He was the third Peshwa and ruled from 1740 to 1761 A.D.
- The context of the extract tells us that Bhausaheb had three sons: Vishwasrao, Madhavrao, and Narayanrao . Vishwasrao was the eldest son and the heir apparent to the Peshwa title. He succeeded his father in 1780 A.D. but died in the same year at the Third Battle of Panipat. Madhavrao was the second son and became the fourth Peshwa after his brother's death. He ruled from 1761 to 1772 A.D. and restored the Maratha power and prestige. Narayanrao was the youngest son and became the fifth Peshwa after his brother's death. He ruled from 1772 to 1773 A.D. but was assassinated by his uncle Raghunathrao.
- Therefore, we can infer that the father of Vishwasrao and Madhavrao was Bhausaheb or Balaji Baji Rao, who was the third Peshwa of the Maratha Empire.
Question (ii)
What does the word "acumen" mean in the context of the extract?
Answer:
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