Which of the following statement is/are correct? The Marathas became the strongest power in southern India in the mid 18th century. Marathas played the role of king-makers at the Madras court. Marathas acted as the defenders of the country against foreign invaders like Ahmad Shah Abdali. Decline of the Mughal Empire was the rise of the Marathas under the Peshwa. Select the correct code from below.

Which of the following statement is/are correct? The Marathas became the strongest power in southern India in the mid 18th century. Marathas played the role of king-makers at the Madras court. Marathas acted as the defenders of the country against foreign invaders like Ahmad Shah Abdali. Decline of the Mughal Empire was the rise of the Marathas under the Peshwa. Select the correct code from below. Correct Answer 3 and 4

The correct answer is option 3, i.e, 3 and 4.

• The rise of Marathas:
  • Decline of the Mughal Empire was the rise of the Marathas under the Peshwa.
  • They consolidated their position in Western India and then started entertaining plans for a Hindu-Pad Padshahi.
  • The Marathas became the strongest power in Northern India in the mid 18th century.
  • They played the role of king-makers at the Delhi court.
  • They acted as the defenders of the country against foreign invaders like Ahmad Shah Abdali.
  • The inability to the Mughal Emperors to accomodate the Marathas and to adjust their claims within the framework of the Mughal Empire.
  • The consequent breakdown of the attempt to create a composite ruling class in India. 
• Ahmad Shah Abdali:
  • Abdali repeatedly invaded and plundered northern India right down to Delhi and Mathura between 1748 and 1767.
  • In 1761, Abdali defeated the Maratha in the third Battle of Panipat.
  • After defeating Mughal and Maratha, Abdali didnot found a new Afghan kingdom in India.