English itihas 7th

Do this. Swaraj struggle bravely with the help of
her Sardars. Aurangzeb captured Satara
Interview the women in your and Panhala from the Maratha territory,
neighbourhood who have made great but at the same time the Marathas dashed
achievements in various fields. up to the Mughal areas of Madhya Pradesh
and Gujarat. Tarabai expanded the war
Maharani Tarabai : After the death areas further. Sardars like Krishnaji
of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, Sawant, Khanderao Dabhade, Dhanaji
Aurangzeb thought that he had won the Jadhav and Nemaji Shinde opened battles
war against the Marathas. But it was not against Mughals on various fronts outside
so. Aurangzeb was winning battle after Maharashtra. This was a sign of change
battle, but he could not win the war. in the outcome of the war.
Maharani Tarabai, the capable wife of
Rajaram Maharaj, came forward to lead Maharani Tarabai fought for seven
the Swaraj movement in the extremely years. She kept the Maratha kingdom
unfavourable circumstances. strong. She took charge of the
administration singlehandedly and
encouraged the Sardars to participate in
the mission of Swaraj. Maratha Sardars
fought against the Mughals up to Sironje,
Mandsaur and Malwa. Khafikhan has
recorded that Rajaram’s wife Tarabai
achieved great things and displayed the

Do you know ?

Maharani Tarabai Maharani Tarabai used the
Guerrilla technique very effectively.
Contemporary Mughal historian Marathas were comparatively weaker
Khafikhan describes Maharani Tarabai as than Aurangzeb in army power.
an intelligent and knowledgeable woman. Aurangzeb used his army to put siege
Her management of the army and to the forts to capture them. Marathas
administration had won renown even used to fight for the fort as long as
during the rule of her husband. they could. But when the rainy season
approached, Killedar of the fort
After the death of Chhatrapati Rajaram pretended to side with Aurangzeb. A
Maharaj, Maharani Tarabai continued the bribe was accepted from Aurangzeb
and the fort was handed over to him.
The Killedar used to deposit this bribe
amount in the Maratha treasury. When
Aurangzeb repleted the wealth, grains
and ammunition on the fort, Tarabai
used to capture that fort again. This
strategy of Tarabai is described as
‘Safe deposit locker system’.

41

qualities of leadership of the army and Mughal-Maratha fight had continued for
management of campaigns. It added force 25 years. Still the Mughals could not
to the Maratha campaigns. defeat the Marathas. In these circumstances,
Emperor Aurangzeb died in 1707 ce at
Do you know ? Ahmednagar. The Maratha War of
Independence ended with his death.
While describing Tarabai’s great
achievements, Poet Devdatta (who was This Maratha war for independence
the son of Paramanand, the author or was the fight between the Mughal
Shivbharat) says, Emperor’s greed to expand his empire
and the spirit of independence of the
ताराबाई रामराणी । भद्रकाली कोपली । Marathas. The Marathas emerged
दिल्ली झाली दीनवाणी । दिल्लीशाचे गेले पाणी । victorious in it. After the death of
Aurangzeb, they led others in filling the
रामराणी भद्रकाली । रणरंगी क्दुर ्ध झाली । vacuum in the political arena. They
प्रयत्नाची वळे आली । मगु ल हो सांभाळा ।। controlled the throne of Delhi, ran the
affairs of almost all parts of Hindusthan
Thus, Maharani Tarabai kept up the and protected it. Therefore, the
legacy of valour inherited from Chhatrapati 18th century is known as the century of
Shivaji Maharaj. the Marathas. In the next chapters, we
will see the achievements of the Marathas
Due to the forceful campaigns of the in that century.
Marathas, Aurangzeb was frustrated. The

THE FAMILY TREE OF THE BHONSALES

Malojiraje

Shahajiraje
(1594 ce to 1664 ce)

Sambhaji Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vyankoji
(1630 ce to 1680 ce)

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj
(1657 ce to 1689 ce) (1670 ce to 1700 ce)

Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati Chhatrapati

(1682 ce t o 1749 ce) Shivaji Sambhaji

(Son of Tarabai) (Son of Rajasbai)

Chhatrapati Ramraja Ramraja

(Adopted (Adopted by

1750 ce t o 1777 ce) Satara gadi)

42

Exercise

1. Choose the correct option. (3) To whom did Rajaram Maharaj entrust
the responsibility of protecting the Swaraj
(1) Aurangzeb was frustrated by his bravery. when he went to Jinji.
(a) Shahajada Akbar
(b) Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (4) Devdatta has described Maharani
(c) Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Tarabai’s valour in these words.

(2) They cut the golden pinnacles the 3. Give reasons.
Emperor’s tent. (1) Aurangzeb turned his attention towards
(a) Santaji and Dhanaji
(b) Santaji Ghorpade and Vithoji Chavan Adilshahi and Qutubshahi kingdoms.
(c) Khando Ballal and Rupaji Bhosale (2) After the death of Sambhaji Maharaj,

(3) He fought bravely in the Goa battle. the Marathas intensified their war with
(a) Yesaji Kank the Mughals.
(b) Nemaji Shinde (3) It was decided that the Raigad fort
(c) Pralhad Niraji should be fought under the leadership of
Maharani Yesubai.
2. Find in the text in the lesson and write
answers. Activity
Show Goa, Bijapur, Golconda, Jinji,
(1) Why did Sambhaji Maharaj return Ahmadabad and Ahmednagar on a map
halfway from the Janjira Campaign ? of India.

(2) Why did Sambhaji Maharaj decide to
teach a lesson to the Portuguese ?

Fort Jinji

43

10. The Expansion of the Maratha Power

At the beginning of the Maratha war won the battle. He captured Satara. He got
himself crowned. Satara became the capital
of independence, the Mughals were on of the Maratha kingdom.

the offensive whereas the Marathas were For a while, the mutual opposition
between Maharani Tarabai and Shahu
on the defensive. This situation however Maharaj continued. Maharani Tarabai
proclaimed her minor son Shivaji II as the
was reversed at the end of the war of Chhatrapati at Pahnala in 1710 c e. This
gave rise to an indendepent Maratha
independence. The Mughals were thrown Kingdom at Kolhapur besides the one at
Satara.
on the defensive against the Marathas. In
The early part of Shahu Maharaj’s life
the latter half of the eighteenth century, was spent in Mughal camps. So, he had
seen Mughal politics from close quarters.
the Marathas subdued the Mughals and He knew the finer points of Mughal and
especially North Indian politics.
extended the Maratha power to cover
He knew the strengths and weaknesses
practically the whole of India. We shall of the Mughal empire very well. Also, he
was acquainted with the influential people
study this in the present chapter. in the Mughal Court. All these factors
helped him deciding the new direction of
Release of Shahu Maharaj : After Maratha politics in the changing
circumstances.
the death of Emperor Aurangzeb, there
Aurangzeb’s successors had given up
ensued a struggle among his sons for the his policy of destroying the Maratha power.
So the Marathas adopted a new policy.
throne of Delhi. Prince Azamshah was in Instead of fighting with the Mughal power,
they decided to protect it and expand their
the South. At once, he marched towards own empire in that role. They believed that
restoring an old temple is as good as
Delhi to seize the imperial throne. Prince building a new one.

Shahu was in his captivity. Azamshah The Mughal power faced the threat of
the Irani and Afghani invaders from the
believed that if Shahu Maharaj was north-west and also of the local Pathan,
local Rajput, Jat and Rohilas rulers. The
released, there would arise a conflict internal competition and tussle in the court
had also weakened the Mughal power. Due
between him and Maharani Tarabai for to all these the Delhi Court needed the help
of the Marathas.
the gadi of the Maratha Chhatrapati.
Balaji Vishwanath : After Shahu
Azamshah felt that this would sap the Maharaj was released by the Mughals, he

Maratha strength and therefore, released

Shahu Maharaj.

Coronation of Shahu Maharaj :

Immediately after his release, Shahu

Maharaj marched towards Maharashtra.

He was joined by some Maratha Sardars,

but Maharani

Tarabai did not

accept his claim to

the throne. The

armies of Shahu

Maharaj and

Maharani Tarabai

fought a battle at

Khed on the bank

of the Bheema.

Shahu Maharaj Shahu Maharaj

44

made Balaji Vishwanath, a Peshwa. Balaji Nizam’s defeat at Palkhed : The
hailed from Shrivardhan, in Konkan. He Mughal emperor Farukhsear appointed
was competent and experienced. He Nizam  –  ul  –  Mulk the Subhedar of Deccan.
convinced many Sardars that Shahu In 1713  ce Nizam tried to establish his
Maharaj was the real heir of the Maratha separate existence at Hyderabad. The
empire and made them join hands with Emperor had given the Marathas the rights
him. to recover Chauthai-Sardeshmukhi from
the Mughal areas. Nizam was against it.
Kanhoji Angre was the chief of He captured some part of the Pune
Maratha Navy. He chose to side with Pargana. Bajirao decided to checkmate the
Maharani Tarabai and attacked the Nizam. He defeated the Nizam at Palkhed
territories of Shahu Maharaj. This gave near Aurangabad. The Nizam accepted the
rise to a difficult situation. Under these Maratha right to collect Chauthai-
circumstances, Shahu Maharaj sent Balaji Sardeshmukhi.
to fight against Kanhoji Angre. Balaji
avoided the war and won Kanhoji over to As the Mughal power had become
Shahu Maharaj’s side. weak, Bajirao knew that there was more
scope to expand the empire towards
Chauthai and Sardeshmukhi rights : northern side. Shahu Maharaj supported
After strengthening the position of Shahu his policy.
Maharaj in Maharashtra, Balaji turned his
attention to the politics in the North. The Malwa : Malwa in todays Madhya
Delhi court, after the death of Emperor Pradesh was part of the Mughal empire.
Aurangzeb, was marked by bickering and Bajirao sent Malharrao Holkar, Ranoji
confusion. The Sayyid brothers, Abdulla Shinde and Udaji Pawar under the
(Hasan) and Hussein Ali had become very leadership of his brother Chimajiappa to
influential. With their help, in 1719 c e Malwa. There, they strengthened the posts.
Balaji obtained from the Mughal Emperor,
the grants or sanads to collect chauthai Bundelkhand: Bundelkhand means
and sardeshmukhi from the Mughal territory some part of today’s Madhya Pradesh and
in the Deccan. These sanads gave the Uttar Pradesh - areas around Jhansi,
Marathas the rights to collect one fourth Panna and Sagar.
part (chauthai) and one tenth part
(sardeshmukhi) of the revenue from the King Chhatrasal had established his
Mughal territory in the Deccan. own kingdom in Bundelkhand. The Mughal
Subhedar Mohmmad Khan Bangush of
Bajirao I Bajirao I : Allahabad attacked Bundelkhand and had
After the death of defeated Chhatrasal. Chhatrasal appealed
Balaji Vishwanath, to Bajirao for help.
Shahu Maharaj
appointed Balaji’s Bajirao took a large army and went
son, Bajirao I the to Bundelkhand. He defeated Bangush.
Peshwa in 1720  ce. Chhatrasal honoured Bajirao. This is how
He expanded the Marathas established their supremacy in
Maratha Empire Malwa and Bundelkhand.
during his term of
20 years. Bajirao demanded from the Emperor
the office of the Subhedar of Malwa. As
the Emperor declined this demand, Bajirao

45

marched on Delhi in 1737  ce. The Mughals Portuguese. Chimaji conquered Thane and
were taken by surprise. the adjacent areas. In 1739 c e, he laid
siege to the Vasai fort. The fort was very
Do you know ? strong. The Portuguese had a powerful
artillery. In spite of all this, Chimaji
Chhatrasal wrote a letter to Bajirao. continued the siege with perseverance and
forced the Portuguese to surrender. The
In that he wrote, जो गत आह गजेंद्र की fort of Vasai and large parts of the
वह गत आई है आज. बाजी जान बुदं ेल की, Portuguese territory passed into the hands
बाजी राखो लाज. (My situation is like of the Marathas.

the elephant whose leg is caught by Death of Bajirao : Nadirshah, the
the crocodile. You are the only one Emperor of Iran, invaded India. Following
who can save me.) the order of Shahu Maharaj, Bajirao set
out for the North with a big army to
The battle of Bhopal : The Emperor defend the Mughal power. By the time he
felt uneasy on account of Bajirao’s Delhi reached Burhanpur, Nadirshah had
expedition. He invited the Nizam to returned to Iran with an enormous booty
protect Delhi. Nijam marched against looted from Delhi. In April 1740, Bajirao
Bajirao with his huge army. Bajirao breathed his last at Raverkhedi on the
defeated him at Bhopal. Nizam agreed to banks of the Narmada.
secure the sanad of Malwa subhedari for
the Marathas from the Badshah. Bajirao was a great General. With
his valour, he established the Maratha
The defeat of Portuguese : The supremacy in the North. He won status
territories of Vasai and Thane on the for the Maratha power as a formidable
Konkan coast were in the possession of power in the whole of India.
the Portuguese. The Portuguese rulers
oppressed their subjects. Bajirao sent his In his time, the Shinde, Holkar,
brother Chimajiappa to subdue the Pawar, Gaikwad families attained
prominence.

Exercise

1. Write the meaning. (3) Balaji Vishwanath
(1) Chauthai - (4) Bajirao I
(2) Sardeshmukhi -
4. Give reasons.
2. Write the answer in one word. (1) Two separate Maratha States were
(1) Balaji was from this town in Konkan formed.
.............. (2) Azamshah released Chattrapati Shahu
(2) He ruled Bundelkhand .............. Maharaj from his custody.
(3) Bajirao died at this place .............. (3) Delhi needed the help from the
(4) He defeated the Portuguese .............. Marathas.

3. Write about them in your own words. Activity
(1) Kanhoji Angre Get a biography of Maharani Tarabai
(2) The Battle of Palkhed and present an inspiring event in her
life.

46

11. Marathas – The Protectors of the Nation

After Bajirao I, Shahu Maharaj Afghans. In return, the Marathas were to
appointed his son Balaji Bajirao alias get cash money, the right to collect
Nanasaheb the Peshwa. Following the chauthai in the territories of the Punjab,
invasion of Nadirshah, there was instability Multan, Rajputana, Sindh and Rohilkhand
in Delhi. In these circumstances, and the Subhedari of Ajmer and Agra
Nanasaheb tried to stabilize the Maratha provinces.
rule in the North. Ahmadshah Abdali
posed a challenge to the Marathas at As per the treaty, the Peshwa sent the
Panipat. We shall learn about these Shinde-Holkar armies for the protection of
developments in this chapter. Delhi on behalf of the Chhatrapati. When
Abdali learnt that the Marathas were
Situation in the North : The region marching to Delhi, he went back to his
to the north-west of Ayodhya province at country. Because the threat of Abdali was
the foothills of the Himalayas was called thus thwarted due to the Marathas, the
Rohilkhand in the 18th century. The Emperor gave them Chauthai rights to the
Pathans who had migrated from Mughal subhas. These subhas included
Afghanistan had settled in this region. Kabul, Kandahar and Peshawar. Though
They were known as Rohillas. The the subhas were previously a past of the
Rohillas had wrought havoc in the Doab Mughal empire, now they were part of
region of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Abdali’s Afghanistan. As per the treaty, it
The Nawab of Ayodhya invited the was a duty of the Marathas to win the
Marathas to subdue the Rohillas. The subhas back from Abdali and annexe them
Marathas chastised the Rohillas. to the Mughal Empire. Abdali however,
wanted to bring under Afghan control, the
Conflict with the Afghans : region up to the Punjab. So a conflict
Ahmadshah Abdali, the ruler of between the Marathas and Abdali was
Afghanistan, was attracted by the riches imminent and inevitable.
of India. He marched on the Punjab in
1751  ce. There was anarchy in the Mughal Raghunathrao, brother of the Peshwa
territory. The Mughals were facing the Nanasaheb, accompanied by Jayappa
threat of Abdali’s invasion. In these
circumstances, the Mughals found it Shinde and Malharrao
necessary for their own protection, to seek Holkar, undertook the
the help of the Marathas. The Emperor campaign of North
was sure of the Maratha strength and India to combat
integrity. There was no other power strong Abdali.
enough to protect Delhi. Therefore, the
Emperor entered into a treaty with the The local rulers
Marathas in April 1752. According to this in the north saw the
treaty, the Marathas agreed to protect the Marathas from the
Mughal power from enemies like the South as their
Rohillas, the Jats, the Rajputs and the competitors. They did
Peshwa Nanasaheb not take into account
the broad vision of the Marathas and

47

remained neutral, offering no help to the to come to his help. On receiving the
Marathas. They did not like the Maratha message from Najibkhan, Abdali invaded
supremacy and interventions in the Delhi India again. Dattaji and Abdali confronted
court. Surajmal Jat and Rani Kishori were each other at Buradi Ghat on the banks
the only ones who helped the Marathas of the Yamuna. A fierce fight ensued.
wounded in the battle of Panipat. Dattaji showed tremendous valour. He
met with a heroic death in this battle.
Also, some of the orthodox sects in
the North saw Marathas as people Do you know ?
belonging to other religions. They, too,
left aside the broad vision of the Marathas. Dattaji fought very bravely. At
They persuaded Abdali to invade India last, he was severely wounded and
with a view to reducing the Maratha collapsed on the battleground. Najib
might. They expected that Abdali would Khan Rohilla’s adviser Qutub Shah
defeat the Marathas and drive them away stepped down from his elephant and
back to the South, beyond the river came towards Dattaji. He asked
Narmada.
Dattaji, ‘क्यों पटेलजी, हमारे साथ तुम और
The Maratha standard on Attock : भी लढगें े?’ Dattaji was in a wounded
Najibkhan was a Rohilla chief. He found
it hard to tolerate the Maratha supremacy state. But after hearing these words
in the North. At the behest of Najibkhan, of Qutub Shah, he replied with pride,
Abdali invaded India again. This was the
fifth time he had invaded India. He ‘हाँ, बचंेगे तो और भी लढेंग े ।’
captured Delhi. He returned to Afghanistan
with a huge booty. Raghunathrao and Sadashivraobhau : Nanasaheb sent
Malharrao Holkar marched to the North
again. They captured Delhi. Then, driving his cousin Sadashivraobhau and eldest
out Abdali’s officers, they captured the
Punjab. The Marathas pursued Abdali’s son Vishwasrao to the North to crush
soldiers right up to Attock in 1758 c e.
The Maratha standard was raised at Abdali. Sadashivraobhau was
Attock. Attock is in present day Pakistan.
From Attock, the Marathas pushed the Chimajiappa’s son. He had with him, a
campaign up to Peshawar. However, they
did not make proper arrangements to look huge army and a
after this newly conquered territory.
powerful artillery.
Dattaji’s valour : To get a firm hold
over the Punjab and to crush Najibkhan, Ibrahimkhan
the Peshwa sent Dattaji Shinde and
Janakoji Shinde to the North. Dattaji went Gardi was the
to the North. Keeping Dattaji engaged in
negotiations, Najibkhan established chief of the
contacts with Abdali. He requested Abdali
artillery. He had

defeated the

Nizam in the

battle of Udgir in

1760  ce, on the

strength of this

Sadashivraobhau artillery.

48

The Battle of Panipat : In his their leader had disappeared, the Maratha
campaign of the North, Sadashivraobhau soldiers lost courage. At that very moment,
captured Delhi. The armies of the the reserve contingents of Abdali launched
Marathas and Abdali confronted each an attack on the Marathas with a fresh
other at Panipat. On 14 January 1761, the vigour. The Marathas were defeated. A
Marathas opened the battle by attacking whole generation of young men in
Abdali’s army. This was the Third Battle Maharashtra was killed. Many brave
of Panipat. Vishwasrao fell a victim to Sardars fell on the battlefield. The
an enemy bullet in the battle. When Marathas believed that an outsider like
Sadashivraobhau learnt this, he fiercely Abdali had no moral right to rule here.
attacked the enemy in a frenzy. He The Marathas fought at Panipat with the
disappeared in the battle fray. Seeing that broad perspective that India is for Indians.

49

Do you know ? at Rakshasbhuvan near Paithan.

Approximately 1,50,000 people were Hyder Ali was the Sultan of Mysore.
killed in the battle of Panipat. One Taking advantage of the Maratha defeat
letter describes this in a poetic way. at Panipat, Hyder Ali attacked their
territory in Karnataka. The Marathas
‘‘दोन मोत्ये गळाली. सत्तावीस मोहोरा defeated Hyder in a battle at Moti Talav
हरवल्या!  आणि रूपय,े खरु ्दा किती गले ्या याची near Srirangapattan. He then agreed to
गणतीच नाही.’’ cede the region north of the river
Tungabhadra to the Marathas.
Sadashivraobhau had explained the
broad, all-inclusive viewpoint of the Peshwa Madhavrao died in 1772 c e.
Marathas in his correspondence with the In the history of the Marathas, he is
rulers in the North, saying that they were described as an honest, hard-working,
all native to the land and Abdali was an determined administrator who was keen
enemy from a foreign country. But the on public welfare. The death of this
rulers in the North did not respond capable Peshwa was an irreparable loss
favourably to him and took a neutral to the Maratha State.
attitude. Naturally, the Marathas had to
shoulder the responsibility of protecting Do you know ?
India. We can say that the Marathas
were the first in our history to realise that Peshwa Madhavrao provided
India was one country and it was special attention towards the welfare
necessary for all to lend support to the of farmers. He dug many wells in
king irrespective of his religion. Pune and increased the water supply
to the city. Administrators like Nana
Peshwa Madhavrao : After the Phadnavis and judges like
Ramshastri Prabhune emerged under
death of Peshwa Nanasaheb, his son his rule. He reformed the judiciary
for better justice to the common
Madhavrao succeeded him to the office people. He started artillery and
ammunition factories. He also
of the Peshwa. Madhavrao kept the established a mint to make coins.

Nizam and Hyder Ali at bay. He The two Peshwas who succeeded
Peshwa Madhavrao, namely Narayanrao
established the and Sawai Madhavrao, did not live long.
During their term, Peshwa was in the grip
supremacy of the of family feuds. Raghunathrao, who had
once raised the Maratha standard at
Marathas in the Attock, sought shelter with the British to
satisfy his greed for power. This led to a
North again. war between the Marathas and the British.

After the defeat

of the Marathas at

Panipat, the Nizam

once again resumed

his anti-Maratha

activities. He

invaded the Maratha

territory. Madhavrao

defeated the Nizam Peshwa Madhavrao

50

Hyder Ali died in 1782 c  e. After him Delhi under their own protection. The
his son Tipu became the Sultan of Maratha power was revived in the North.
Mysore. He was a skilled warrior, a
scholar and a poet. He used his competence The Marathas suffered a heavy loss
to increase the might of his Kingdom. He in the battle of Panipat. Abdali’s army
established contact with French and shook also suffered losses. He did not benefit
the foundation of British supremacy. He financially in the battle. In fact, Abdali
died in 1799 c e in a battle against the or his descendants did not muster enough
British. courage to invade India again. They
realised that only the Marathas had the
The Maratha Supremacy Rises strength and capacity to control the
Once Again : The Maratha prestige in anarchy in the North. They expressed
the North had suffered a severe setback their wish that the Marathas should
because of the debacle at Panipat. protect the Empire. They sent a messenger
Madhavrao dispatched Mahadji Shinde, to Pune to establish cordial relations. It
Tukoji Holkar, Ramchandra Kanade and is important to note that the Marathas
Visajipant Biniwale to re-establish the overcame the great defeat at Panipat and
Maratha rule in the North. The Maratha successfully revived their supremacy in
army defeated the Jats, the Rohillas and the politics of the North. Malharrao
the Rajputs. The Marathas restored the Holkar, Ahilyabai Holkar and Mahadji
Emperor Shah Alam to the throne of Shinde had a lion’s share in all this.

THE FAMILY TREE OF THE PESHWAS

Balaji Vishwanatha

Bajirao I Chimajiappa

Balaji Ramchandra Raghunathrao Janardan Sadashivraobhau
alias Nanasaheb

Bajirao II

N anasaheb (adopted)

Vishwasrao Madhavrao Yeshwantrao Narayanrao

(Peshwa) (Peshwa)

Sawai Madhavrao
(Peshwa)

51

Exercise

1. Name them. 4. Find the names of people in the
chapter :
(1) They came from Afghanistan ... Nn
(2) They settled at the foothills of the
D
Himalayas…
(3) The brother of Nanasaheb Peshwa… N
(4) The chief of Jats at Mathura…
(5) Defeated Nijam at Rakshasbhuvan Activity
Find more information about the battle
near Paithan… of Panipat on the internet and make a
presentation in your class.
2. Write in brief about.
(1) Raising the Maratha standard
at Attock.
(2) Conflict with the Afghans
(3) The after effects of the battle of
Panipat.

3. Arrange chronologically.
(1) The battle of Rakshasbhuvan.
(2) The death of Tipu Sultan.
(3) The death of Madhavrao Peshwa
(4) The battle of Panipat
(5) The battle of Buradi Ghat

The Court of Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa

52

12. Progression of the Empire

Till now we have learnt about the of the Indore administration. She was a
capable, astute and excellent administrator.
rise of the Maratha power and its She made new laws for agricultural cess,
revenue collection etc. and put the affairs
expansion. We studied the developments of the State in order. She strove to bring
from the foundation of the Swaraj till its more land under cultivation, digging wells
expansion into an empire. In this chapter, for farmers, promoting trade and industry,
we take a brief review of the Sardar building lakes and tanks.
families, who gave their valuable

contribution for expanding the Maratha She built temples, Ghats, Maths,
kingdom in the northern parts of India. Dharamshalas, drinking water facilities at
all important places of pilgrimage in the
The Holkars of Indore : Malharrao four quarters of India. This effort of hers
was the founder of the Holkar rule at was important for the cultural integration
Indore. He served the Maratha state for a of the country. She looked into judicial
matters personally and dispensed justice.
long time. He was She was very generous. She had great
love of books. She ruled ably for twenty-
well-versed in eight years and enhanced the Maratha
prestige in the North. She brought peace
guerrilla warfare. and order to her Kingdom and made her
He proved his people happy. Yashwantrao Holkar tried
valour in the to save the Maratha Kingdom when it
northern campaigns was on the decline.

of the Marathas at

Malharrao Holkar the time of Bajirao The Bhosales of Nagpur : Parasoji
I and Nanasaheb
Peshwa. He was
instrumental in
establishing the

Maratha supremacy in Malwa and was given the jagir of Varhad and
Rajputana. He proved to be of great help
to Peshwa Madhavrao in reviving the Gondawan during
Maratha prestige in the North after the
the reign of Shahu

defeat at Panipat. Punyashloka Ahilyabai Maharaj. Among
Holkar was the
wife of Khanderao, the Bhosales of
who was
Malharrao’s son. Nagpur, Raghuji

was the bravest

and the most

Khanderao died in capable. He brought

the battle of the area surrounding
Kumbheri. After a
few days, Raghuji Bhosale Tirucherapalli and
Malharrao also
Arcot in the South under Maratha

dominance. Shahu Maharaj had assigned

passed away. After to him the chauthai rights of Bengal,

him, Ahilyabai Bihar and Odisha. He brought these
assumed the reins
territories under the Maratha dominance.

Ahilyabai Holkar In 1751  ce the Bhosales of Nagpur won

53

the Odisha territory from Ali Vardi politics at Delhi, when they felt that the
Khan. Till 1803 c e Marathas dominated Marathas might have become weak after
Odisha. the battle of Panipat. They managed to get
Diwani rights of Bengal province and
Do you know ? wanted to capture the Emperor of Delhi. In
these adverse circumstances, Mahadji
The Maratha ditch – The British Shinde defeated the British and reinstated
at Kolkata used to fear the Bhosales the Emperor on the throne. The emperor
from Nagpur. So, to protect the city was pleased with his bravery and conferred
of Kolkata from a possible Maratha the title of ‘Vakil – i – Mutlak (Chief agent
attack, they dug a ditch around the of the emperor) upon him, which meant
city. That ditch came to be known that he had the authority of civil and
as the Maratha ditch. military rights. He accepted that position
on behalf of the minor Peshwa Savai
The Shindes of Gwalior : Bajirao I Madhavrao. Due to this, the Marathas
had rightly judged gained full control of the Empire. It was
very difficult to save the tottering empire.
the capabilities of Mahadji managed the difficult affairs with
strong determination and looked after the
Ranoji Shinde and Delhi affairs during 1784 c  e to 1794 c  e.
made him a Sardar
in the North. After The heirs of Najib Khan, responsible
Ranoji’s death, his for the Panipat battle, were still plotting
against the Marathas in Rohilkhand.
sons Jayappa, Najib’s grandson Ghulam Kadir captured
the Red Fort and tortured the Emperor and
Dattaji and his begums for their wealth. He gouged
out the Emperor’s eyes and took hold of
Mahadji, too, the royal treasure. In these circumstances,
Mahadji defeated Kadir. He confiscated
proved their valour the wealth from him and returned it to the
emperor. He reinstated the Emperor on the
Mahadaji Shinde and strengthened throne of Delhi. Thus, Mahadji recovered
the Maratha prestige which was lost after
the Maratha rule in North India. the battle of Panipat. He controlled the
politics of India by putting the Emperor
Peshwa Madhavrao conferred the under Maratha control.

family title on Mahadji. Mahadji was a Due to the family feuds amongst the
Peshwas, Raghunathrao opted to go to the
brave General and an astute statesman. British camp. He wanted to become a
Mahadji was instrumental in Peshwa with the help of the British. It was
re-establishing the Maratha supremacy not acceptable to the Maratha Statesmen.
and prestige in North India after the This led to an inevitable conflict between
the Marathas and the British. The conflict
Maratha defeat at Panipat. He realised between the two great powers. The

that the guerilla tactics of the Marathas
would not be suitable for the warfare in
the plains of the North. He trained his
army and modernised his artillery under

the guidance of a French military expert

de Boigne. With the help of this trained
army, he subdued the Rohillas, the Jats,
the Rajputs and the Bundellas.

The British began to take interest in the

54

Marathas and the British would finally Khanderao Dabhade and his son
decide who the ruler of India would be.
Trimbakrao laid the foundation of Maratha
From Mumbai, the British marched on
the Marathas via Borghat. The Maratha power in Gujarat. After the death of
army gathered under the leadership of Khanderao, his wife Umabai routed the
Mahadaji Shinde. The Marathas blocked Mughal Sardar of Ahmadabad. She
the supply of foodgrains to the British, conquered the fort there.
using guerrilla tactics. Both the armies
met at Wadgaon (on today’s Pune-Mumbai Later, the Gaikwads made Vadodara
Road). The British were defeated in this in Gujarat a seat of their power. The
battle and were forced to surrender the
custody of Raghunathrao to the Marathas. Pawars of Dhar and Dewas in Madhya

Delhi was under Maratha control till Pradesh rendered valuable assistance to
1803 ce. When we note that the British the Shindes and the Holkars in expanding
conquered India after battling with the the Maratha power in the North.
Marathas, we understand the importance
of Mahadaji’s achievements. After setting The Maratha State was in disarray
in order, the affairs of Delhi, Mahadaji after the death of Peshwa Madhavrao.
came to Pune. He died at Wanawadi near
Pune where a memorial is built to him. Nana Phadanvis, the famous administrator

Like the Shindes, the Holkars and the of the Peshwas and a Maratha statesman,
Bhosales, some other prominent Maratha set right the
Sardars also rendered noteworthy service affairs of the
to the Maratha Raj. State with the

Shinde Chhatri, Wanawadi, Pune help of

The navy raised by Shivaji Maharaj Mahadaji. While
was strengthened by Kanhoji Angre and Mahadaji was
his son Tulaji. With this strong navy, they busy restoring
contained the naval powers of the the Maratha
Portuguese, the British and the Siddhis.
They defended the coastline of the supremacy in the
Maratha State.
Nana Phadnavis North, Nana
managed the
affairs of the
South. In this,

he was helped by the Patwardhans,

Haripant Phadke, the Rastes and other
Sardars. As a result of this, Maratha
supremacy was established in the South.

The Holkars of Indore, Bhosales of
Nagpur, Shindes of Gwalior, Gaikwads of
Vadodara brought glory to the Maratha

power on the basis of their valour,

leadership qualities and capability. They
were the pillars of the Maratha power in
its last phase.

The Maratha Sardars were successful
in establishing the influence of the
Maratha power both in North and South

India. After the death of Mahadaji Shinde

55

and Nana Phadanavis, the Maratha power In 1818  ce the British defeated Marathas
began to wane. in the battle of Ashti in Solapur district
and finally the Maratha power came to
At that time, Bajirao II, the son of an end. This event marks a major change
Raghunathrao was the Peshwa. He did not in the History of India. After this, the
have leadership qualities and had many British managed to gain control over a
vices. He was unable to unite the Maratha major part of India. India came into
Sardars. The internal strife between the contact with the Western world. That led
Sardars weakened their power. to many changes in India’s social system.
Many old things became redundant or
During the reign of Bajirao II, the were pushed aside. This was a major
Maratha influence in the North and South transformation. A major change took
waned further. The British replaced the place. The medieval period of Indian
Marathas. history came to an end. The Modern

The British captured Pune in 1817 c  e period began.
and hoisted their flag ‘Union Jack’ there.

Exercise

1. Answer in one word. 3. Write briefly.
(1) She took the charge of the Indore (1) The work done by Ahilyabai Holkar.
administration. (2) The valour shown by Mahadji Shinde.
(2) The most capable and brave man in (3) The Maratha rule in Gujarat.
Bhosale family of Nagpur.
(3) He reinstated the Emperor on the 4. Discuss the reasons behind the end of
throne of Delhi. Maratha rule.
(4) He managed the politics in South.
Activity
2. Arrange chronologically. Create a pictorial chart to show the
(1) The battle of Ashti. families that contributed to the expansion
(2) Maratha dominance over Odisha. of the Maratha power. Exhibit it in your
(3) The British flew the Union Jack in school.
Pune.

Shaniwarwada, Pune

56

13. Life of the People in Maharashtra

The Hindawi Swaraj formed by Customs and traditions : Child
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a State marriages were prevalent. It was
for the people, founded with the noble acceptable to have many wives. There
intention of the welfare of common are a few examples of widow marriages
people, removal of oppression and the in this period. To perform the last rites,
protection of Maharashtra Dharma. In the burning, burial and immersion methods
period after Shivaji Maharaj, Maratha were used as per tradition. Muhurta, or
power spread to all parts of India. It auspicious occasions were sought for
lasted for about 150 years. every little thing, and also to open battles.
People believed in dreams and omens.
We gathered information about the ‘Anushthans’ were performed to avoid the
Maratha administration in the last few wrath of gods and planets. Charitable
chapters. In this chapter, we shall study deeds were also done for the same
the social conditions and life of the purpose. People believed in astrology.
people in that period. There was a general lack of a scientific
attitude and offerings to god (navas) were
Social conditions : Agriculture and considered more important than medical
occupations based on agriculture were the treatment.
major sources of production at the village
level. The Patil was responsible for the Standard of living : A majority of
protection of the village and the Kulkarni people lived in villages. The villages were
handled the revenue. The Patil received mostly self-sufficient. Only salt had to be
land as inam for his work as a Patil. He imported from other places. The needs of
also received a part of the village revenue. farmers were limited. They grew jowar,
The balutedars were paid in kind (in the bajra, wheat, ragi (nachani), maize, rice
form of objects, foodgrains, etc.) for the and other grains in their fields. The daily
work they did for the village people. The diet consisted of bhakari, onion, chutney
village occupations were divided into kali and an accompaniment. Barter system was
and pandhari. Peasants worked in their used for everyday transactions. Village
fields in the kali (land, earth or soil) and houses were simple mud and brick
others, in pandhari - within the village constructions. Wadas with one or two
precincts. It was considered important to storeys were seen in cities. Rice, dal,
conduct the affairs of the village with chapatis, vegetables, salads, milk and dahi
mutual understanding. Joint family system products were mainly included in the rich
was prevalent. people’s diet. Men wore a dhoti, kurta,
angarakha and mundase. Women wore
Do you know ? nine-yard sarees and blouses.

There were twelve balutedars Festivals : People celebrated Gudhi
such as the blacksmith, carpenter, Padwa, Nagpanchmi, Bail-pola, Dasara,
potter, goldsmith, etc. in a village. Diwali, Makarsankrant, Holi, Eid and
They worked for the village people. other festivals. In the Peshwa period,
Ganeshotsava was celebrated in many
homes. The Peshwa himself being a

57

devotee of Ganesha, these celebrations Mallakhamb
acquired importance. Every year these
celebrations lasted from Bhadrapad Sports : Various sports were popular
Chaturthi up to Anant Chaturdashi. in this period. They were a means of
entertainment. Wrestling and martial arts
Dasara being considered as one of the were very popular. Mallakhamb, dand,
three and a half most auspicious occasions, lathi, dandpatta, bothati were practised.
many new things were started on this day. Hututu, kho-kho, atyapatya were the
Weapons were offered puja, and it was popular outdoor games and chess, ganjifa,
customary to cross the boundaries dice were popular indoor games.
ceremoniously (seemollanghana) and
distribute ‘apta’ leaves on Dasara. The Religion and conduct : The two
Marathas launched their campaigns after major religions seen in this period were
Dasara. During Diwali, Balipratipada and Hindu and Muslim. Chhatrapati Shivaji
Bhau-beej celebrations had special Maharaj had a liberal religious policy.
importance. In most of the villages, fairs The general understanding was that
were held. Wrestling bouts were a common everyone should follow their own religion
feature of the fairs, (jatras). Gudhis were and should not impose it on others. The
raised to celebrate Gudhi Padwa. government gave grants to pathshalas,
Celebrations included entertainment temples, madarasas and mosques.
programmes like songs and dances. Tamasha Followers of both religions took part in
was a popular form of entertainment. the celebration of each other’s festivals.
Varkari, Mahanubhav, Datta, Nath and
Bailpola Ramdasi panths were prevalent.

Education : Pathshalas and Women’s life : Women’s life in those
madarasas were the institutes that imparted days was full of hardships. Their world
education. Reading, writing and arithmetic was confined to the house of first their
was taught at home. The modi script was father, and then their husband. Their
used in most transactions. education was neglected. Only a few
exceptional women had achieved any
Travels and communication : progress in literacy, administration and
Transport was carried out by roads, battle skills. They include Veermata Jijabai,
through ghats and across bridges on Maharani Yesubai, Maharani Tarabai,
rivers. Cloth, foodgrains, groceries were
transported by loading them on the backs
of bullocks. Small boats were used in
rivers. Messengers and camel riders
carried letters to and fro.

58

Umabai Dabhade, Gopikabai, Punyashlok Yadav period. The shikhar of the Ambabai
Ahilyabai. Customs like child marriage,
unequal marriage, widowhood, keshwapan, temple at Kolhapur, the temples on the
sati, polygamy had imposed harsh
restrictions on the way women lived. Jotiba hill, Shambhu Mahadev temple at

The period from 1630 c e to 1810 c e Shikhar-Shinganapur, Ghrishneshwar
is broadly defined as Maratheshahi. Let
us review the art and architecture of this temple at Verul are excellent specimens of
period in brief.
sculpture. The Bhavanidevi temple on
Sculpture : We find references to
restoration of Kasba Ganapati Mandir, Pratapgad and the Saptkoteshwar temple
building of the Lal Mahal, construction
on Rajgad and Raigad, building of sea at Goa were built by Shivaji Maharaj.
forts, etc. that are related to architecture.
Hiroji Indulkar was a famous architect of Other temples of the Peshwa period are
that period.
Ghrishneshwar Temple
While setting up a village, the usual
pattern was : roads cutting one another the Kalaram temple at Nashik, the Shiva
at right angles, stone construction along temple at Trimbakeshwar, the Shiva
the sides and extensive ghats (steps) along temples at Kaygaon and Toke on the
the river bank. During the Peshwa period, confluence of the Godavari and Pravara,
a drinking water supply system was built and the Mohiniraj temple at Newase.
like the one at Ahmadnagar and Bijapur.
The Peshwas built underground pipes, Ghat : Stone ghats built on a river or
small dams, gardens and courts, tanks, at the confluence of rivers are characteristic
fountains, etc. The Mastani Talav at of Maratheshahi. The most remarkable
Diveghat, Hadapsar near Pune city is specimen of a ghat is the one at Toke,
worth a mention in this regard. Pravara Sangam on the confluence of the
Godavari and Pravara. In a flight of steps,
Shaniwarwada and Vishrambagwada there would be one wide step at regular
in Pune, Sarkarwada in Nashik, intervals. This would lend beauty to the
Raghunathrao Peshwa’s wada at entire ghat construction. Strong bastions
Kopargaon, the wadas of the Satara were built at regular intervals so as to
Chhatrapati, as also the old wadas at Wai, prevent damage due to water currents.
Menvali, Toke, Shrigonde, Pandharpur are
symbols of the medieval wada culture. Painting : The paintings on the walls
of Shaniwarwada are the important ones
Baked as well as unbaked bricks of the Peshwa period. Ragho, Tanaji,
were used to build the wadas. Wooden Anuprao, Shivram, Mankoji are some of
columns, rafts, boards, dressed stones, the important painters of this period. The
arches, finely prepared lime, round tiles painter Gangaram Tambat was famous at
for the roof, mud and bamboo were all the time of Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa.
used in the construction. The wadas were
decorated with sketches, paintings, wooden
sculptures and mirrors.

Temples : The temples of this period
are build in the Hemadpanti style of the

59

The Peshwas encouraged painting. Wadas Madhya Pradesh, the sculptures at the
in the Pune, Satara, Menvali, Nashik, Mohiniraj temple at Newase.
Chandwad and Nipani regions during the
Peshwa period had paintings on their Metal idols : The Peshwas had
walls. Temples at Pandeshwar, Morgaon, specially commissioned the metal idols of
Pal, Benwadi, Pashan near Pune have Parvati and Ganapati in the Parvati temple
paintings on the walls. The themes of for the purpose of Puja. Wooden sculptures
those paintings were Dashavatara, were also seen.
Ganapati, Shankar, Rampanchayatana,
mythological stories, Ramayana, Literature : Important forms of
Mahabharata, festivals and so on. At literature include the compositions of the
Jamod in Vidarbha, Jin Charitra paintings Sants, mythological narratives, ‘teeka’
adorned the Jain temple. Illustrations in the literature, owi, abhanga, treatises, narrative
pothis, minatures, portraits, scenes, etc. poems, biographies, aaratis of deities,
were also painted. powadas, bakhars, historical letters, etc.

Sculpture : Important specimens Drama : At Tanjavur in the South,
include the sculpture of the meeting between Marathi plays has emerged near the end of
Mallamma Desai and Shivaji Maharaj at the seventeenth century. Sarfoji Raje
the time of his Karnataka campaign, the encouraged this art. Songs, music and
sculpture at Bhuleshwar temple including dance were prominent parts of these plays.
sculptures of individuals and animals (e.g.,
elephant, peacock, monkey), the sculptures So far we reviewed the medieval
on the Toke temple and the idols within, period of history and the rise and
the Trishund Ganapati temple in Pune, the expansion of the Maratha power. Next
memorial to Punyashlok Ahilyabai in year, we shall study the modern period.

Exercise

1. Complete the chart. Sr. Point At the time Today
No. of Shivaji

Maharaj

1. Transactions ................ ...............

One who works One who holds 2. Houses ................ Permanent, well
in the fields the vatan - constructed
Write cement-concrete
One who manages the One who protects multi-storeyed
the revenue of name the town houses
the town
3. Transportation ................ Bus, railway,
aeroplanes

4. Entertainment ................ ...............

2. Which undesirable customs are prevalent 5. Script ................ ...............
in today’s society ? Suggest measures for
their eradication. Activity
Gather information about the capable
3. Make a detailed note about the festivals women of our country and read it aloud
celebrated in your area. in your class, e.g. information on P.V.
Sindhu, Sakshi Malik.
4. Use the following points to compare life
in the era of Shivaji Maharaj and today’s
life.

60

CIVICS

- Contents -

Our Constitution

No. Chapter Page No.

1. Introduction to our Constitution................. 63
2. Preamble to the Constitution...................... 68
3. Features of the Constitution....................... 72

4. Fundamental Rights – Part I...................... 76

5. Fundamental Rights – Part II..................... 80

6. Directive Principles of ............................... 83
State Policy and Fundamental Duties

61

English Civics : Standard Seven - Learning Outcomes

Suggested Pedagogical Processes Learning Outcomes

The learner be provided opportunities in The learner-
pairs/groups/ individually and encouraged
to: 07.73H.13 explains the significance of

equality in democracy.

• participate in a discussion based on 07.73H.14 distinguishes between political
the concepts like democracy, equality, equality, economic equality,
The State Government, gender, media and social equality.
and advertising.
07.73H.15 interprets social, political and
• prepare posters with the help of economic issues in one’s own
drawings; pictures on the significance region with reference to the
of the Constitution, the Preamble, right right to equality.
to equality and struggle for equality.
07.73H.16 differentiates between local
• collect the information about the government and State
Constitution. Government.

• discussion about the Fundamental 07.73H.17 describes the characteristics of
Rights. democratic governance.

• perform a role play or presentation with 07.73H.18 understands that the rights
songs and poems about issues such as mentioned in the Constitution
equality in democracy, discrimination have special protection by the
faced by girls etc. courts.

• discuss about guiding principles 07.73H.19 understands that everyone is
and Fundamental Duties regarding equal before law.
similarities and differences.
07.73H.20 understands that the guiding
principles are not guarded
by the judiciary system, yet
they are obligatory on the
Government.

07.73H.21 explains Fundamental Rights
and Duties with the help of
suitable examples.

07.73H.22 understands that knowledge
about Fundamental Rights
can be used in reality for
infringement of rights,
protection of rights and
nurturing the rights.

62

1. Introduction to our Constitution

Let’s revise a few things ! elected by the people. It is bound to carry
out the administration of the country as
In the Civics textbooks of the previous per the provisions of the Constitution. The
classes, we saw many reasons why rules rules and provisions in the Constitution
are necessary in our lives. We follow are the basic or fundamental law of the
norms and rules in order that the activities land. While making laws, the government
in the family, our school, our village or is bound to follow the Constitution. If it
city are carried out smoothly. There are does not do so, then the Judiciary can
no rules in a family. However, there are declare those laws null and void or
norms about the behavior of members in unconstitutional.
a family. There are rules in a school
regarding admission, uniform and studies. Provisions in the Constitution
Different competitions also have their
own rules. The administration of our The provisions in the Constitution are
village or city is also carried out in about different things, e.g., citizenship,
accordance with rules. Similarly, the the rights of citizens, the relationship
administration of our country is carried between citizens and the State, subjects
out through a system of rules. The rules of the laws to be made by the governments,
regarding family, school, village or city elections, restrictions on government,
are limited in nature. But the rules or jurisdiction of the State, etc.
provisions about the administration of a
country are much wider in scope. Almost all countries have accepted
the principle of governance according to
Do you wish to ask the questions a Constitution. Yet the nature of the
that puzzled Sameer and Vandana ? Constitutions of different countries is
- Where can we find all the rules different. There are differences of history,
social structures, culture, traditions, etc.
according to which the between the countries. Similarly, their
administration of the country is needs and objectives also might be
carried out ? different. Each country tries to create a
- Who makes those rules ? Constitution that is not only suited to its
- Is it binding on us to follow them ? needs and objectives, but also is in tune
with its distinct nature.
See whether you find the answers to
these questions in the following text. Let’s find out.

The Meaning of Constitution Find out some information about the
Constitution of any one country of your
The book in which all the provisions choice with the help of the following
regarding the administration of a the points :
country are mentioned together in a
systematic way is called a Constitution. • Name of the country.
This makes the Constitution a written
document of the provisions related to the • Year of the making of the
administration of the country. Government Constitution.
is established by the representatives
• Two features of the Constitution.

63

Do you know ? participating in the activities of the
government. Democracy is strengthened
The administration of countries like due to the increased participation of
America (USA) and England (UK) is the people.
carried out as per their respective
Constitutions. But these two Constitutions • Constitution presents some political
are different. ideals before the country. The nation
is also bound to act in that direction.
The American Constitution came It creates an atmosphere conducive to
into force in 1789. It is a written attain world peace and security and
Constitution and has only 7 articles. preservation of human rights.
Even after 225 years, the American
government follows the same • Since the constitution also includes the
Constitution. list of citizens’ duties, it fixes the
responsibility of the citizens as well.
England has a long history of several
centuries. The rules of running the country What is administration ?
here are found in the form of conventions,
norms and traditions. Yet they are What is included in the administration
followed meticulously. The Magna Carta of a country ?
of 1215 marks the beginning of the
development of the English Constitution. Government has to make laws relating
Even though there are certain written to several subjects, such as defending the
rules, the English Constitution is boundaries, protecting the people from
considered to be primarily unwritten. external aggression, eradication of poverty,
creating employment, education and health
Necessity of a Constitution : There services, encouragement to commerce and
are several advantages of governing a industries, protection of the weaker
country with the help of rules or provisions sections, making policies for the progress
included in a Constitution. of women, children and the tribal people,
etc. Government has to bring about
• Government has to function within a desirable changes in the society by
set of rules. This reduces the possibility implementing laws. In short, governments
of the misuse of the power and in modern times have to take decisions
authority they have been given. related to different issues right from space
research to public cleanliness. This is
• A Constitution includes the rights and governance or administration.
freedoms of the citizens. Government
cannot take away these rights. Having understood the meaning of
Therefore, people’s rights and freedoms Constitution and governance, we shall
are safeguarded. now see how the Indian Constitution was
made.
• Running a country as per the provisions
of the Constitution is the same as Background to the making of the
establishing the rule of law. Then there Constitution : The process of the making
is no scope for the misuse of power, of the Indian Constitution started in 1946.
or high-handed administration. The leaders of the freedom movement
insisted that Independent India will be
• If a country is run as per the governed not by the laws made by the
Constitution, the faith that the common British, but by laws made by Indians
people have in the government themselves. A Committee was established
increases. They then become keen on to prepare the Constitution of Independent

64

India. It came to be known as the It was discussed Article by Article. Many
Constituent Assembly. amendments were suggested by different
members. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar
Constituent Assembly : India became handled the task of presenting the draft,
independent on August 15, 1947. Before answering the various questions raised on
that, the British ruled over India. They it, making changes in the draft as per the
had divided India into provinces like suggestions of the Constituent Assembly
Bombay, Bengal and Madras for the and making every provision of the
convenience of administration. The Constitution flawless. Due to his
administration in these provinces was contribution towards the making of the
carried out by peoples’ representatives. Constitution, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar is
Similarly, the local princes were carrying called the ‘Architect of the Indian
out the administration in some areas. Constitution.’

Such areas were We are proud of  it : Decisions
known as princely in the Constituent Assembly were
states and their made on the basis of debate and
chiefs were known discussion. A respect for opposing
as princes. The viewpoints and acceptance of
representatives of appropriate suggestions was a
the provinces and characteristic of the working of
the princely states the Constituent Assembly.
were included in
Dr Rajendra Prasad the Constituent It took 2 years, 11 months and 17
Assembly. days to complete the writing of the
Constitution.
There were a total of 299 members
in the Constituent Assembly. Dr Rajendra There were 22 parts, 395 articles
Prasad was the President of the Constituent and 8 schedules in the original
Assembly. Constitution.

The contribution of Dr Babasaheb Do you know ?
Ambedkar :
Some of the well-known members
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was the of the Constituent Assembly were
Dr Rajendra Prasad, Pandit
Chairman of the Drafting Committee. He Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr Babasaheb
Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,
had studied in Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sarojini
Naidu, J.  B.  Kripalani, Rajkumari
depth, the Amrit Kaur, Durgabai Deshmukh,
Hansaben Mehta, and others. The
Constitutions of noted legal expert, B.   N.   Rau was
appointed as the Constitutional
different countries Adviser on legal matters.

of the world. He

studied and

contemplated day

and night to draft

our Constitution.

The draft
Constitution

Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar prepared by him
was presented to the Constituent Assembly.

65

The Constituent Assembly enacted the according to the provisions of the
Constitution and adopted it on 26th Constitution from 26th January 1950. The
November 1949. Therefore, 26th November Indian Republic came into existence from
is observed as ‘Constitution Day.’ this day. Therefore, 26th January is
celebrated as ‘Republic Day.’
The country began to be governed

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Maulana Azad Sarojini Naidu

Do this. Do you know ?

You would like your class to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s
run according to rules, wouldn’t contribution was in a wide range of
you ? Which rules would you like to fields like water conservation, foreign
include in your list of rules ? Prepare policy, national security, journalism,
a list of rules for your class. economics, social justice, etc.

66

Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar presenting the draft of the Indian Constitution to
Dr Rajendra Prasad, President of the Constituent Assembly

Exercise

1. Explain the following concepts : (d) Hansaben Mehta
(1) Provisions of the Constitution
(2) Constitution Day (4) Who was the Chairman of the
Drafting Committee ?
2. Discuss. (a) Dr Rajendra Prasad
(1) A Constituent Assembly was
established. (b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(2) Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar is called (c) Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar
the ‘Architect of the Indian (d) J. B. Kripalani
Constitution’.
(3) What is included in the administration 4. Answer the following questions.
of a country ? (1) On what subjects does the
Government have to make laws ?
3. Choose the right option. (2) Why do we celebrate 26th January
(1) The Constitution of this country is as Republic Day ?
primarily unwritten. (3) What are the advantages of running
(a) America (b) India a country as per the provisions of
(c) England (d) None of the above the Constitution ?

(2) Who was the President of the Activities
Constituent Assembly? (1) Several committees were established
(a) Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar for the effective functioning of the
(b) Dr Rajendra Prasad Constituent Assembly. Find out more
(c) Durgabai Deshmukh information about them and discuss
(d) B. N. Rau the role of different committees.
(2) Prepare a report on how you
(3) Who among these was not a member celebrated Constitution Day in your
of the Constituent Assembly ? school.
(a) Mahatma Gandhi (3) Make a collection of the photos of
(b) Maulana Azad the members of the Constituent
(c) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur Assembly.

67

2. Preamble to the Constitution

We learnt this in the previous chapter: India into a ‘Sovereign, Socialist, Secular,
The Constitution is an important Democratic Republic’. We shall now
document clarifying the rules of understand the meaning of each of these
administration. terms.
The Constituent Assembly made
the Constitution of India. (1) Sovereign State : India was ruled
Our representatives have to carry by Britain for a long period. The British
out the administration as per the rule ended on 15th August 1947. Our
law laid down by the Constitution. country became independent. India became
sovereign. We are now free to take
Our Constitution is the fundamental decisions as we think fit in our own
and the highest law of the land. There country. The word sovereign means that
are definite aims or purposes in making a State is not under the control of a
any law. Basic provisions in the law are foreign power.
made after clarifying these objectives. A
systematic arrangement of all the aims The most important goal of our
and objectives of a law is the Preface to freedom struggle was to acquire
the law. The Preface to the Indian sovereignty. Sovereignty means the
Constitution is called the ‘Preamble’. The ultimate authority to govern yourself. In
Preamble sets out the objectives of our a democracy, sovereignty rests with the
Constitution. people. The people elect their
representatives and grant them the
Do this. permission to exercise sovereign authority
on their behalf. Thus the Constitution
Read the Preamble to our reflects the principle of popular sovereignty
Constitution. Make a list of the and the government elected by the people
important words in it. Where else do makes laws on behalf of the people.
you come across these words ?
(2) Socialist State : A Socialist State
We all are Indian citizens. The is such a State where the gap between
Preamble tells us what we all have to the rich and the poor is minimum. All
achieve as a people. The values, thoughts have a right over the wealth of the
and ideas in it are noble. The entire country. It is ensured that wealth is not
Constitution lays down the provisions concentrated in the hands of a few people.
through which these goals are to be
realised. (3) Secular State : The Preamble
states secularism as one of our goals. In
The Preamble begins with the words, a secular State, all religions are considered
‘We, the people of India’. It talks about as equal.
the resolve of the Indians to constitute
No one religion is considered to be
the State religion. The citizens are free to
follow their own religion. State cannot
discriminate among citizens on the basis
of religion.

68

Do you know ? Discuss.

We have endeavoured to preserve Read what Deepa has written on
the multi-religious nature of our society. the topic : ‘My Family’.
We cannot exercise the rights given to
us by our Constitution, in an unrestrained Democracy does not only imply
manner. The same is true of religious elections. My parents do all household
freedom as well. Whenever we celebrate work together. We also participate in
our festivals, we are required to be it. We ensure that we talk cordially
concerned about public cleanliness, with each other. Even if we happen to
health and the environment. fight, we try to listen to each other’s
views by stopping the fight as soon as
(4) Democratic State : In a possible. If any change has to be made,
democracy, the sovereign power is in the even the grandparents are consulted.
hands of the people. Government makes Anuja wants to take up agricultural
decisions and draws up policies in keeping research as her career. Her decision
with the people’s wishes. Government has was appreciated by everybody.
to take important financial, social and
other decisions to promote common Do you think that Deepa’s house
welfare. All the people are not able to functions in a democratic way ? Which
come together and take such decisions on features of democracy can be found
a day-to-day basis. Therefore, elections in this passage ?
are conducted after a fixed period when
voters elect their representatives. These The Preamble has guaranteed the
representatives sit in the institutions Indian citizens the three values of Justice,
created by the Constitution like the Liberty and Equality. It has enjoined upon
Parliament or Legislature and the the Indian citizens to practise these values
Executive. They take decisions for the and make laws in keeping with these
entire population as per the procedure values. Let us understand these values :
laid down by the Constitution.
(1) Justice : Justice implies removal
(5) Republic : Along with being a of injustice and ensuring that everybody
democracy, we are a Republic. All public has the opportunity for progress.
positions in a Republic are elected by the Establishing justice is adopting such
people. No public position is occupied on policies that will promote public good.
the basis of hereditary succession. Three types of justice are talked of in the
Preamble. They are as follows:
The positions like the President, the
Prime Minister, the Governor, the Chief (a) Social Justice : There should be
Minister, the Mayor, the Sarpanch, etc. no discrimination among individuals on
are public positions. Any Indian citizen the basis of caste, creed, race, language,
fulfilling the prescribed age criterion can region, place of birth or sex. As human
get himself/herself elected to any of these beings, all have the right to the same
positions. In a monarchy, these positions dignity and respect, the same status.
may be occupied by members of a single
family following the principle of heredity. (b) Economic Justice : Poverty leads
to the evils of hunger, hunger-deaths or
malnourishment. If poverty is to be
eradicated, everyone should have the right
to a source of livelihood so as to look
after oneself and one’s family. Our

69

Constitution has given this right to every will get the opportunities for development
citizen without any discrimination. without any discrimination.

(c) Political Justice : We have Discuss.
adopted universal adult franchise to enable
equal participation in the running of the Some statements regarding freedom
country. Accordingly, all citizens have been given below for discussion.
completing 18 years of age have the right Express your views.
to vote in elections.
While publicly celebrating our
(2) Liberty : Liberty implies that festivals, we need to follow some
there should be no coercive, unfair rules. That does not restrict our
restrictions upon us and that there should freedom.
be an atmosphere conducive to the
development of our inherent capacities. In Freedom means behaving in a
a democracy, citizens enjoy libery. In responsible way, not as per our
fact, democracy becomes mature only if whims and fancies.
citizens enjoy freedom.
The Preamble to our Constitution
Freedom of thought and expression is refers to a unique ideal or principle. It is
the most fundamental freedom for an the goal of promoting fraternity among
individual. Everyone is free to express the citizens and to assure the dignity of
their own views and opinions. A give and the individual.
take of ideas enhances the spirit of
cooperation and unity amongst us. Fraternity : The makers of the
Similarly, it also enables us to understand Constitution believed that merely
the various dimensions of any problem. guaranteeing justice, freedom and equality
would not lead to establishing equality in
The liberty of belief, faith and worship Indian society. No amount of laws would
implies religious freedom. Every Indian help us achieve these goals if fraternity
citizen is free to act as per the teachings is lacking among Indians. Hence the
of their religion or the religion of their promotion of fraternity has been included
choice. It implies the freedom of in the Preamble as a goal. Fraternity
celebrating the festivals and the freedom implies a ‘we-feeling’ towards one another.
of faith and worship. It creates a feeling of empathy. People
become more understanding towards each
(3) Equality : The Preamble others’ problems and needs.
guarantees the Indian citizens an equality
of status and of opportunity. Fraternity is closely related to human
dignity. Human dignity implies equal
It means that all have equal human respect to each individual as a human
status and there will be no discrimination being. It does not depend upon the criteria
based on caste, creed, race, sex, place of of caste, creed, race, sex, language, etc.
birth, etc. The guarantee of equal status Just as we would like to be treated with
means not to discriminate between people dignity and respect by others, we should
in terms of high-low, superior-inferior. also treat others with the same dignity
The Preamble has given great importance and respect.
to equality of opportunity as well. All

70

When every individual respects will be facilitated. The Preamble to the
another and honours their freedom and Constitution of India guides us to this
rights, dignity of the individual will get very goal.
established. In such an atmosphere,
fraternity will grow automatically. The The Preamble ends with a mention of
task of bringing about a new society the fact that the people of India have
based on the values of justice and equality given the Constitution to themselves.

Exercise

1. Find the following words in the grid. 3. How should we make use of our freedom ?
Write your views about it.
FAYQAROK J I
R G Z E L F KML L 4. Explain the following concepts.
A E G P S HMYND 1. Socialist State
T F P R E AMB L E 2. Equality
EEAZCH I J IM 3. Sovereign State
RDOPU J ABKO 4. Equality of opportunity
N I ME LK P S QC
I HNZARCOTR 5. Make a list of the key words in the
TCGF RGHGKA Preamble. Look for their meanings in a
YBNQH I E F J C dictionary. Prepare a chart in the
YAAP S L S I FY following way:

1. A sense of ‘we-feeling’ and empathy Keyword Pronunciation Dictionary
towards fellow citizens Meaning

2. A system in which Sovereign power Activities
is in the hands of the people
(1) Visit your Tehsil office with your
3. Introduction to the Constitution teacher to understand how a vote is
4. A system in which all religions are cast and how the electronic voting

considered equal machine works.

2. Answer the following questions. (2) Make a list of newspapers available
in your locality.
(1) W hat are the provisions in a secular
Constitution?

(2) What is meant by adult franchise ?

(3) What right does economic justice
ensure ?

(4) H ow will human dignity be
established in a society?

71

3. Features of the Constitution

In the last two lessons, we studied Government and the State Governments.
how our Constitution was made. We Let us see which Government is entrusted
studied its Preamble and understood terms with what subjects. Our Constitution has
like Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, given three lists of various subjects.
Democratic, Republic. The goals expressed
in the Preamble are the characteristic The first list is called Union List. It
features of our Constitution as well. Apart contains 97 subjects on which the Union
from these, the Constitution also has other Government makes laws. The State List
features. We shall try to understand these is for the State Governments to legislate
in the present chapter. upon. It contains 66 subjects. Apart from
these two lists, there is a Concurrent List,
Federalism : One of the important which contains 47 subjects. Both
features of our Constitution is the federal Governments can make laws on subjects
system. In countries with large territories included in this list. If a subject comes
and huge populations, government is run up that is not included in any of the lists,
by a federal system. Ruling a large the Union Government is entitled to make
territory from a single capital city is not laws on it. These powers are termed as
only difficult, but may also lead to the Residuary Powers.
neglect of some far-flung areas. People
residing there cannot participate in the Do you know ?
affairs of the Government. Therefore,
Governments function at two levels in a The division of powers in the
federation. The Government at the Centre Indian Constitution is unique. It
carries out tasks like defence of the entire enables the Union Government and
country, foreign policy, establishing peace, the State Government to bring about
etc. It is also called ‘Union Government’ the country’s progress by cooperating
or ‘Federal Government’. It carriers out with each other. This also encourages
the administration of the entire country. participation of citizens in the
administration of the country.
The Government that oversees the
administration of the region that we live Who deals with what subjects -
in is called State Government. It looks (1) Subjects with the Union
after the administration of a particular Government : Defence, foreign relations,
State. For example, Government of war and peace, currency, international
Maharashtra looks after the administration trade, etc.
of the State of Maharashtra. (2) Subjects with the State
Government : Agriculture, law and order,
The system of running the local government, health, prison
administration of a country cooperatively administration, etc.
by the Governments at two levels, making (3) Subjects with both the
laws about different subjects is called Governments : Employment, environment,
federalism. economic and social planning, personal
law, education, etc.
Separation of Powers : The
Constitution has divided the subjects for
making laws between the Union

72

Do this. Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh
and Lakshadweep.
Make a list of the north-eastern
Indian States. Name their capital cities. Parliamentary System of

Union Territories : In India, there is Government : The Indian Constitution
a Union Government, 28 State
Governments and 9 Union Territories. has provided for a parliamentary system
The Union Government controls the Union
Territories. Following are the nine Union of Government. In such a system, the
Territories : New Delhi, Daman and Diu,
Puducherry, Chandigarh, Dadra and Parliament, i.e. the Legislature has the
Nagar Haveli, Andaman and Nicobar
highest decision-making power. Indian
Do you know ?
Parliament includes the President, Lok

Sabha or the House of the People and

Rajya Sabha or the Council of States.

The Council of Ministers that runs the

administration emerges from the Lok

Sabha and is answerable to the Lok

Currency note

You have surely seen currency notes. ‘Maharashtra State Road Transport
The words ‘Guaranteed by the Central Corporation’.
Government’ are printed on currency
notes. This means that in our country,
Government functions at two levels. One
If you have seen the badge on the is the Central Government, and the other
uniform of a policeman, it reads is the State Government e.g., Maharashtra
‘Maharashtra Police.’ State Government, Karnataka State
Government, etc.
You must have surely come across the
following : ‘Indian Railways’ and

Maharashtra Police Indian Railways Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation

73

Sabha for all its decisions. In remains more and more independent. For
Parliamentary Democracy, the discussion example, Judges are appointed by the
and debates that take place in the President and not by the Government. It
Parliament have great significance. is not easy to remove the Judges from
their office.
Independent Judiciary : The Indian
Constitution has created an independent Single Citizenship : The Indian
Judiciary. The disputes that cannot be Constitution has granted a single
resolved mutually are referred to the citizenship to all Indians. That is ‘Indian
Judiciary. The Court hears both the Citizenship.’
contesting parties, looks into the injustice
if any, and gives its judgement. This has Process of Amending the
to be done impartially. Constitution : There comes up a need to
make changes or amendments in the
The Constitution has made several provisions of the Constitution due to
provisions to ensure that the Judiciary changing circumstances. But frequent

74

amendments to the Constitution may lead Can you tell ?
to a situation of instability. The procedure
for amendment is specified in the * Who is the current Chief Election
Constitution itself so as to ensure that an Commissioner ?
amendment is made only after giving it a
careful consideration. The procedure for * What do you understand by ‘Code
amendment in the Constitution is unique. It of Conduct’ for Elections ?
is neither too difficult, nor too easy. More
scope has been provided for giving more * What is a Constituency ?
consideration and thought to important
amendments. The procedure is also flexible a candidate of their choice without any
to ensure that general amendments can be fear or pressure. If the government were
brought about easily. to conduct elections, there might be no
guarantee of such free, fair and just
Find out . atmosphere for the elections. Hence, the
Constitution has entrusted the responsibility
How many amendments have been of conducting elections to an independent
made to the Indian Constitution till date? machinery. This machinery is known as
the Election Commission. The responsibility
Election Commission : You must of conducting all elections in India rests
have read about the Election Commission with the Election Commission.
in the newspapers. Since India has adopted
a democratic form of government, people The Indian Constitution has some
have to elect their representatives important characteristic features. In this
periodically. For this, the elections have to chapter, we have studied only some of
be conducted in a free and fair atmosphere. the important features. Another important
Only then will the citizens be able to elect feature of our Constitution is the exhaustive
provision of fundamental rights. We shall
study these in the next chapter.

Exercise

1. Prepare a table to show the separation (2) What do you understand by Residuary
of powers in a Federal Government. Powers ?

Union List State List Concurrent List (3) Why has the Constitution created an
independent Judiciary for India ?
(1) (1) (1)
4. Hold a group discussion on the merits and
(2) (2) (2) demerits of an independent judicial system.

(3) (3) (3) 5. Find out about the Electronic Voting
Machine (EVM) and discuss the advantages
2. Find one word for. of conducting elections with the EVM.
(1) Machinery for the governance of the
entire country - Activity
(2) Machinery for conducting elections - Establish an Election Commission in
(3) The third list of subjects for making your class, decide upon the positions
laws - you would like to fill through elections.
Then conduct elections under the
3. Answer the following questions. guidance of this Commission.
(1) Why does the Government function
at two levels in a federation ?

75

4. Fundamental Rights - Part I

Education is We have a right
our right. over our forests
and its resources !

We must get the
assurance of a
minimum wage.
It is our right !

Let’s find out. You must have seen such placards in
newspapers and elsewhere. In a rally or
You must be aware of children’s a march, sometimes a certain demand is
rights. Can you name two made, asserting it to be their right.
important rights of children ?
We get rights at birth. Every newborn
We are aware of terms like baby has a right to live. The entire society
women’s rights, rights of tribals, and government takes efforts to ensure
rights of farmers and so on. There that the baby is in the best of health.
emerge some questions regarding Only when all individuals get protection
these rights: from injustice, exploitation, discrimination
and deprivation, will they be able to
* What are the uses of rights ? develop their skills and qualities.
* Do they have to be given by Demanding one’s rights is insisting on
creating an atmosphere conducive to the
somebody ? development of the self as well as the
* Can rights be taken away ? entire society. The Indian Constitution has
* If rights are taken away, who guaranteed equal rights to all citizens in
order to create this conducive atmosphere.
should we contact for redressal ? These rights are fundamental rights. As

76

they are included in the Constitution, they that was prevalent in our country has
have the status of law. It is imperative been abolished by law. The practice of
for everybody to abide by these rights. untouchability in any form is a cognizable
offence. This practice has been abolished
Use your imagination and write. in order to establish equality in Indian
Do you have pet animals like dogs, society. The Constitution has also
abolished titles that create an artificial
cats, cows, buffaloes or goats? You hierarchy among people. For example,
surely take good care of them and love titles like Raja, Maharaja, Raobahadur,
them. etc. have been abolished.

If these animals could speak, what Do you know ?
rights do you think they would ask
from you ?

Our Rights as mentioned in the The Constitution prevents the State
Constitution : from conferring titles that nurture
inequality and draw wedges in social
Let us understand the rights of Indian unity. But the State does confer awards
citizens included in the Constitution. like Padmashree, Padmabhushan,
Padmavibhushan, etc. for distinguished
Right to Equality : According to contribution in different fields. Bharat
the right to equality, the State cannot Ratna is the greatest civilian honour
discriminate among citizens as superior- or award of our country.
inferior or as men-women and cannot
give different treatment or privileges to Medals of honour like Paramveer
anybody. The same law applies equally Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Shaurya
to all. Many laws give us protection. For Chakra are awarded for remarkable
example, we have protection from arrest service in the armed forces.
without warrant. Also the State cannot
discriminate while extending such Such awards don’t bestow any
protection. special rights or privileges upon those
who receive them. It is only a
Let’s discuss. recognition of their contribution.

What are the advantages of Right to Liberty : This is a very
equality before law and equal important right given by the Constitution.
protection of the laws ? It gives a guarantee of all the freedoms
necessary from the point of view of the
What other things are included in the individual. As Indian citizens, we have
right to equality ? the right to -

The State cannot discriminate against - freedom of speech and expression
any citizen on grounds of religion, caste,
race, sex, descent or place of birth or - freedom to assemble peaceably
residence for government employment.
The inhuman practice of untouchability - freedom to form associations or
unions

- freedom to move freely throughout
the territory of India.

77

- freedom to reside and settle in any away another’s life. No person can be
part of the territory of India. arrested and detained without any reason.
- freedom to practise any lawful
profession, or to carry on any occupation, Think about it.
trade or business of one’s choice.
There are some rights
Do this. supplementary to the right to life. For
example, nobody can be punished
Following are the actions of A, twice for the same offence. Before
B and C. Which kind of freedom do being punished, the allegations against
you connect them with ? a person have to be proved. The
courts have to perform this task. The
‘A’ established ‘Adivasi police collect evidence against the
Cooperation Forum’ to solve the accused and put up the case in the
problems of the tribal people. court. Even if a person accepts that
he has committed a crime, he is not
‘B’ decided to move his father’s punished immediately. The allegations
bakery production from Goa to have to be proved legally. This
Maharashtra. judicial process takes time, but it is
necessary so that an innocent person
‘C’ found some lacunae in the does not get punished.
new tax policy of the Government.
He wrote an article about it and sent
it to a newspaper for publication.

Do you know ? The right to liberty now also includes
the Right to Education. All children
The Constitution has given us between 6 and 14 years of age are
many rights. But we have to exercise entitled to get education as a Fundamental
these responsibly. We should take Right. This ensures that no child will be
care that others do not get affected deprived of education.
by our behaviour. We have the
freedom of expression but we cannot Right against Exploitation : The
speak or write anything that might right against exploitation implies the right
incite anybody to violence. to prevent exploitation.

The right to liberty in the Constitution While the Constitution has banned all
has guaranteed us the freedom of speech types of oppression through the right
and movement, and it has also provided against exploitation, it has made a special
us security to keep us safe. This legal provision to prevent the exploitation of
protection has been given to everybody children. Accordingly, it is prohibited to
equally. It is not denied to anybody. For employ children under 14 years of age in
example, we all have a right to life. It hazardous places. Children cannot be
appears to be simple, but it has a deep employed or made to work in factories
significance. It implies getting a guarantee and mines.
to live; availability of a conducive
environment for living. Nobody can take Exploitation includes bonded labour
or forcing somebody to work against his/
her wish, treating somebody like a slave,

78

denying them legitimate compensation, Let’s discuss.
making them do excessive or strenuous
work, starving them or ill-treating them. The Government has made many
Generally women, children, the weaker laws in order to prevent exploitation
sections of society and powerless people and to enable every individual to enjoy
are exploited. This right enables us to their freedom. Some laws have been
stand up against any kind of exploitation. mentioned below. Find out if there are
more such laws and discuss them.
Let’s discuss.
Minumum Wages Act - Provisions
Children are not employed here. relating to working hours, rest hours,
Workers are paid daily here. etc. in factories.

You see such boards in shops and The Protection of Women from
hotels. In what way are they related to Domestic Violence Act : .................
the above rights in the Constitution ?
In this chapter we studied the rights
Exercise to liberty and equality and the right
against exploitation. In the next chapter,
we shall study some more fundamental
rights in the Constitution.

1. Answer the following questions in 4. Complete the following graphical
brief. description.

(1) What do you understand by Right to Liberty
‘fundamental rights’ ?
Freedom Freedom Freedom
(2) Name the awards that are conferred of of of
by the Government upon people for
their distinguished contribution in speech movement profession
different fields.
Activities
3. Why is it prohibited to employ 1. Collect news clippings about certain
children under 14 years of age in important rights like the right to
hazardous places ? information, right to education, etc.

4. Why has the Constitution given 2. If you find small children working
equal rights to all Indian citizens ? on construction sites in your
neighbourhood, talk to them and
2. Prepare a picture strip on the right to their parents about their problems
liberty. and present the problems in your
class.
3. Correct and rewrite the following
sentences.

(1) No one gets rights at birth.

(2) Government can deprive you of a
job by discriminating on the basis of
religion, sex, place of birth.

79

5. Fundamental Rights - Part II

In the last chapter we studied some According to this right, people are
fundamental rights guaranteed by the not only free to preserve their own
Indian Constitution. We studied the rights language, script and literature, but also
of liberty, equality and the right against make efforts towards their promotion.
exploitation. In this chapter, we shall also They can establish institutions for the
learn about the right to freedom of development of their language.
religion, cultural and educational rights
and we shall get acquainted with the Find out and discuss.
judicial protection available for the How many official languages are
fundamental rights.
listed in the Constitution ?
Right to Freedom of Religion : Which institutions have been
India, we know, is an important secular
country in the world. We have studied it established by the Maharashtra State
in the previous classes. But you must be Government for the further
curious to know what the Indian development of the Marathi language ?
Constitution says about it, isn’t it ? It is
included in our right to freedom of Let’s discuss.
religion. According to it, each Indian
citizen is free to practise any religion and Do you think that all the work
to establish institutions for religious of the government and the courts
reasons. should be done in Marathi in
Maharashtra ? What should be done
In order to broaden the scope of the to do so ?
right to freedom of religion, two things
are not permitted: Right to Constitutional Remedies :
In case of encroachment of fundamental
(1) State cannot impose religious rights, the Indian citizens’ right to get
taxes that might be used to encourage a judicial remedies is also a fundamental
particular religion. That is, our Constitution right. This is called the Right to
forbids religious taxes. Constitutional Remedies. This means the
Constitution itself has provided for legal
(2) Religious education cannot be remedies in case people’s rights get
made compulsory in educational violated. So, it becomes a constitutional
institutions that receive aid from the State. duty of the courts to protect the rights of
the people.
Cultural and Educational Rights :
We can see that there is a great diversity Sometimes the rights that are
of festivals, food and ways of life in our guaranteed to us by the Constitution may
country. You may have noticed the get encroached upon and we are not able
differences in the different wedding to exercise our rights. This is called an
ceremonies that you attended. All these infringement of our rights. The court
things are part of the cultures of the considers our complaint, investigates it
different communities. Our Constitution and in case it is convinced that rights
has given the different communities the
right to preserve their cultural uniqueness.

80

have indeed been infringed upon and perform an action that is its duty to
injustice has been done to the aggrieved perform in public interest.
individual, the court gives an appropriate
verdict. (3) Prohibition : To prevent a
subordinate court from exceeding its
Some instances of infringement of jurisdiction.
rights :
(4) Quo Warranto : To restrain a
Arresting an individual without person from acting in an office to which
reason. he is not entitled.
Preventing a person from leaving a
village or a town without giving a (5) Certiorari : To order the removal
valid reason. of a law suit from a subordinate court to
Refusing food, water or medicines a superior court.
to jail inmates.
Is the reaction of this
Writs as Constitutional Remedies : Government official right or wrong ?
Courts have powers to issue various kinds
of writs to protect the rights of the An officer tells a woman who
citizens. presents all the documents for getting
the benefits of a scheme for destitutes,
(1) Habeas Corpus : Protection from “You don’t look like a destitute” and
unlawful arrest and detention. refuses her the benefits of the scheme.

(2) Mandamus : The order of the In this instance, do you think the
Courts (the Supreme Court or the High woman’s right has been infringed ?
Court) commanding the government to Where should she go to get redressal ?

Inside a court

81

Because the fundamental rights are active citizens. While considering
thus protected by the courts, citizens are fundamental rights, we also need to
able to exercise their rights. They can remember our duties. In the next chapter,
fulfil their roles as alert, responsible and we shall study our fundamental duties.

Exercise

1. Write about the following. 3. State the reason why we are free to
practise the following.
(1) The Constitution prevents the
imposition of religious taxes. (1) All Indian citizens can celebrate all
festivals joyfully, because …..
(2) What is meant by Right to
Constitutional Remedies ? (2) We can make efforts towards the
preservation and propagation of our
2. Find one appropriate word - language, its script and literature,
because …..
(1) Protection from illegal arrest and
detention - 4. Fill in the blanks with appropriate
words.
(2) To restrain a person from acting
in an office to which he is not (1) We can approach the ............ in
entitled - case of infringement of our rights.

(3) The order of the Supreme Court or (2) ............ education cannot be made
the High Court commanding the compulsory in educational institutions
government to perform an action that get aid from the State.
that is its duty to perform -
Activity
(4) The order preventing a subordinate Organise an interview in your school
court from exceeding its of a judge, a lawyer or a police
jurisdiction - officer.

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6. Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties

In the last two chapters, we studied The goal of people’s welfare had to be
the fundamental rights guaranteed by our achieved. In short, India had to be
Constitution. We learnt what rights Indian transformed into a developed and
citizens enjoy. We also learnt that our progressive nation. The Constitution has
rights have judicial protection. We specified the subjects to which the Union
understood the importance of fundamental and State Governments should give
rights in our individual and public lives. priority in their policies for people’s
With this background, we shall now welfare through the Directive Principles
understand what the Directive Principles of State Policy. Each Directive contains
of State Policy are. a subject for the State Policy. The makers
of the Indian Constitution had realised
Fundamental rights put restrictions on that it would require a lot of resources if
the power of the government. A few such all these policies were to be implemented
restrictions upon the State are listed at the same time. That is the reason why
below. they did not make the directives binding
upon the State like the fundamental rights.
• State shall not discriminate between They expected that States should
and among citizens on the basis of implement them slowly and steadily.
caste, religion, race, language or sex.
Some important Directive Principles of
• State shall not deny anybody equality State Policy :
before the law and equal protection of
the law. • The State should secure adequate
means of livelihood to all citizens
• No person shall be deprived of his life. without any gender discrimination.
• State shall not impose any religious
• The State should secure equal pay for
taxes. equal work for both men and women.
The Constitution has given express
• The State should secure the
instructions to the State about what improvement of public health.
policies it should undertake. This is in the
nature of giving directives or guidelines • The State shall endeavour to protect
about how to achieve the goals expressed and improve the environment and
in the Preamble. Hence they are called safeguard the forests and wild-life of
as Directive Principles of State Policy. the country.

Why were the Directives included ? • The State shall protect all monuments
of historic interest and national
When India won independence, we importance.
faced a great challenge of establishing
order and carrying out smooth • The State shall promote with special
administration. Eradication of poverty, care the educational and economic
backwardness and illiteracy had to be interests of the weaker sections of the
urgently pursued. The task of nation people, especially the Scheduled Castes
building had to be undertaken. For this, and Tribes.
new policies had to be drawn up, and
their implementation had to be undertaken.

83

• The State shall offer public assistance we cannot go to the courts if a Directive
to citizens in cases of unemployment, is not implemented by the Government,
old age, sickness, etc. we can put pressure on the Government
in various ways to make a policy in order
• The State shall secure a uniform civil to meet these goals.
code applicable to the entire country.
What else do you think the
Can you tell ? Government should do for students ?
Make a list of your demands. How
There is a directive to ensure would you convince others that your
‘equal pay for equal work.’ demands are just ?

Which principles and ideals of the Which improvements will be
Constitution will be realised with this possible with the following facilities
directive ? Why does it happen that offered by the Government ?
inspite of doing the same work, women
are paid less than men ? • Public toilets
• Clean water supply
Do this. • Vaccination of children

Apart from the above directives, there Fundamental Duties
are others that specify what the State In a democracy, citizens have a dual
should do in order to bring about the
welfare of the people. A few issues responsibility. They should not only be
have been listed below. Find out the vigilant that their rights are not unfairly
directive that is relevant in these restricted, but should also fulfil some
contexts with the help of your teacher. duties and responsibilities. The Constitution
For example, Foreign Policy : It has made several provisions through the
should be the policy of the State to Fundamental Rights and the Directive
endeavour to secure the promotion of Principles of State Policy for the people’s
international peace and security. welfare. The benefits of the various
(a) Girl’s Education : .................... schemes of the Government cannot reach
(b) Upbringing of children in a healthy all people if they do not fulfil their
Fundamental Duties. For example, the
and happy atmosphere : ............... Government has implemented several
(c) Improvement in agriculture : ......... projects under its Swachch Bharat Scheme,
but people, too, need to change their
Directive Principles of State Policy habits that make public places dirty. In
and Fundamental Rights are two sides of order that the Indian citizens become
the same coin. Due to Fundamental conscious of their responsibilities,
Rights, citizens get the most needed Fundamental Duties were included in the
liberty, while Directive Principles of State Constitution. The Fundamental Duties of
Policy create an atmosphere conducive to the Indian citizens are as follows :
the growth of democracy. Even though
To abide by the Constitution and
respect the National Flag and the
National Anthem.

84

To cherish and follow the noble ideals To develop the scientific temper,
which inspired our national struggle humanism and spirit of inquiry and
for freedom. reform.

To uphold and protect the sovereignty, To safeguard public property and to
unity and integrity of India. abjure violence.

To defend the country, and to render To strive towards excellence in all
national service when called upon to spheres of individual and collective
do so. activity so that the nation constantly
rises to higher levels of endeavour
To promote harmony and the spirit of and achievement.
common brotherhood transcending
diversities; to renounce practices Every citizen of India who is a parent
derogatory to the dignity of women. or guardian should provide
opportunities of education to his or
To value and preserve the rich heritage her child or ward between the age of
of our composite culture. six and fourteen years.

To protect and improve the natural
environment, and to have compassion
for living creatures.

A boy scribbling on a historical structure Hanging lemon, chillies

Damaging a public bus A woman emptying a garbage can

on the street

Which of the Fundamental Duties are not being followed in the situations above ?

85

The river in our village That is all right, People just don’t seem
does not look like a but what to do to realise these things
river at all! What an
about those while celebrating
amount of plastic waste! deafening sounds? festivals!
Even if anybody tells
me, I will never throw
any waste in the river.

We should It is our duty to protect the
also be insistent resources and public

on our property of our country.
responsibilities as

citizens.

• Let us start step by step... Let us
make a few resolutions.

• Let us tell girls and boys to go to
school.

• Let us use the different facilities
in school responsibly.

• Let us be proud of our country.

• Let us participate in the festivals
of different religions.

• Let us celebrate them by avoiding
pollution of the environment.

• Let us use public facilities properly
and take good care of the same.

• Let us perform all the tasks that
we have undertaken honestly,
always striving for excellence.

Which duties are reflected in the dialogues above?
Is there a relationship between rights and duties ?
What do you think happens when we follow our duties ?

86

What do you think ? At the beginning of the Civics section,
we got introduced to the goals and
Girls and boys between the ages 6 characteristic features of the Indian
and 14 have got the right to education. Constitution. We also considered the
All the girls and boys in this age group rights of the Indian citizens and the legal
should be in school. Yet many girls and protection guaranteed to these rights by
boys are not able to go to school the Constitution. We understood the
because of many reasons. They have to Directive Principles of State Policy and
work to help their parents earn a living the Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens.
for the family. Do you think that it is
unfair to such children to insist that they Next year, we shall study the
go to school ? administration of our country.

Exercise

1. List the restrictions on the powers of
the Government.

2. Say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. (4) To give lesser wages to women than
(1) The jobs advertised in the newspaper to men for the same work.
are for men and women both.
(2) Men and women doing the same (5) To keep public places clean.
work in a factory get different wages.
(3) Government implements various 5. Write about the following.
schemes for the improvement of (1) The Directive Principles of the
public health. Constitution enumerated in the
(4) The State shall protect all monuments textbook.
of historic interest and national (2) The provision of a uniform civil
importance. code for citizens in the Directive
Principles of the Indian Constitution.
3. Tell why - (3) Why is it said that the Directive
(1) The State shall protect all monuments Principles and Fundamental Rights
of historic interest. are two sides of the same coin ?
(2) A pension scheme is implemented
for old people. 6. W hat are the ways in which citizens
(3) Free and compulsory education has can conserve the environment ? Write
been made available to children in with examples.
the age group 6 to 14.
Activities
4. Say right or wrong. Correct and write (1) Education is our right. Form groups
the wrong ones. and discuss our duties in this respect.
(1) Not to let the National Flag fall (2) The State shall protect all monuments
down on the ground. of historic interest and national
(2) To stand at attention while the importance. This is one of the
National Anthem is playing. Directive Principles. Find out the
(3) To carve or paint our names on the efforts made by the State about the
walls of a historic place like a fort. conservation and protection of forts
and make a chart.
(3) Gather information about the schemes
implemented by the Government for
children’s health.

87

Timeline - From the 8th century to Maharani The reign of Marathas
the 19th century Tarabai’s Bajirao II defeated
reign Swaraj to by the
Review of Major Events Empire British
Chhatrapati Sawai
Read the sequence of events from Rajaram Madhavrao
the bottom upward. Maharaj Peshwa

The reign of Emperor Chhatrapati Narayanrao
Adilshahi, Akbar’s Sambhaji Peshwa
Nizamshahi, conflict with Maharaj
Qutubshahi, Maharana Madhavrao
Baridshahi, Pratap, Coronation Peshwa
Imadshahi Chandbibi ceremony of
and Rani Chhatrapati The battle
88 Warkari Establishment Durgavati Shivaji of Panipat
Panth of Bahamani Maharaj
Dynasty Beginning of Nanasaheb
the Mughal Foundation Peshwa
Muhammad- Mahanubhav rule. of Swaraj
bin-Qasim The reign of Marathas
invaded Sindh Panth Establishment Babur, Reign of defeated
Humayun. Chhatrapati Portuguese
Rajput - Khalji of Vijaynagar Shivaji Power
Gahadwal Dynasty Dynasty End of the Maharaj
and Parmar Sultanate at Peshwa
dynasties Mahmud of Muhammad The reign of Tughluque Delhi Great famine Bajirao I
Ghazni Ghuri Iltutmish, Dynasty in in
Gurjar  - Shilahar Raja Jaipal invaded India invaded Sultana Delhi. Maharashtra The reign of
Pratihar Dynasty - Sabuktagin India and Razia, Transfer of Chhatrapati
Kingdom Conflict Turks defeated Bulban. capital from Mughal-Sikh Shahu
Chola invaded Prithviraj Qutubuddin Delhi to conflict Maharaj
Pal Dynasty Dynasty India Chauhan. Aibak Deogiri and
End of the became the then back to Aurangzeb
Rashtrakuta Hoysala Chauhan Sultan of Delhi.
Dynasty Dynasty Kingdom Delhi. Timur Shahajahan
Pandya invaded India
Dynasty Yadava Jahangir
Dynasty

8th Century 9th Century 10th Century 11th Century 12th Century 13th Century 14th Century 15th Century 16th Century 17th Century 18th Century 19th Century