Question

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no 1

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank The 18th century witnessed a fierce struggle for supremacy in India, pitting the Marathas, a powerful indigenous force, against the formidable British East India Company. The Marathas (1)_____ vast territories and played a pivotal role in shaping the subcontinent's political landscape, receiving tributes from regions beyond their direct rule. The Second Anglo-Maratha War had shattered the power of the Maratha chiefs but not their spirit. The (2)_____ of their freedom rankled in their hearts. They made a last desperate attempt to regain their independence and old prestige in 1817. The lead in organising a united front of the Maratha chiefs was taken by the Peshwa who was smarting under the (3)_____ control exercised by the British Resident. However, Elphinstone, the British Resident at Pune, compelled the Peshwa to sign the treaty of Poona in June 1817. The Peshwa (4)_____ his claim as the ‘Peshwa’. Lord Hastings also compelled Daulatrao Sindhia to conclude the Treaty of Gwalior in November 1817. Hardly had Scindia signed the treaty of Gwalior when the Peshwa Bajirao II attacked the British at Kirki, near Pune. The British forces (5)_____ and occupied Pune. The might of the British forces since then had established completely and on many occasions they had proved it easily during their regime.

• A. survived
• B. gifted
• C. lost
• D. controlled

Answer 1

Answer:

D. controlled

The first part of the passage describes the Marathas as a "powerful indigenous force" that played a "pivotal role in shaping the subcontinent's political landscape." To fit the context of having "vast territories" and "receiving tributes from regions beyond their direct rule," the word must indicate authority or governance. Controlled (Correct): This aligns with the historical fact that the Maratha Empire governed and had authority over large parts of India during the 18th century. Survived: This implies they merely existed or lasted through a difficult time, which contradicts the description of them being a "powerful force" with "vast territories." Gifted: This would mean they gave the territories away, which does not fit the context of them being a dominant power. Lost: While they eventually lost territory to the British, this specific sentence describes their period of influence and strength before the major wars.