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 3.

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. satisfying
• B. orthodox
• C. pleasant
• D. rigid

Answer 1

Answer:

D. rigid

The sentence describes the relationship between the Peshwa and the British Resident, noting that the Peshwa was "smarting under" the control exercised by the British. Contextual Clue: To "smart under" something means to feel sharp pain or resentment because of it. This implies that the control was harsh, strict, or difficult to endure. Rigid (Correct): This means stiff, unyielding, or extremely strict. In historical terms, the British "Subsidiary Alliance" and the control of the Resident were often rigid, leaving the local rulers with no real power. This directly explains why the Peshwa was resentful and trying to organize a "united front" against them. Satisfying / Pleasant: These are positive words. If the control were satisfying or pleasant, the Peshwa would not be "smarting" or making a "desperate attempt" to regain independence. Orthodox: This refers to following traditional or established beliefs (usually in religion or social customs). It does not fit the context of military or political control. Correct Sentence Segment: "...Peshwa who was smarting under the rigid control exercised by the British Resident."