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 4.

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. remembered
• B. renounced
• C. resigned
• D. retreated

Answer 1

Answer:

B. renounced

The sentence describes the outcome of the Treaty of Poona (1817), where the British Resident, Elphinstone, forced the Peshwa into a position of weakness. Renounced (Correct): To "renounce" a claim or a title means to formally declare one's abandonment of it. Historically, through this treaty, Bajirao II was forced to give up his claim as the head of the Maratha Confederacy. This fits perfectly with the word "claim" used in the sentence. Resigned: This usually refers to leaving a job or office (e.g., "resigned from the post"). While similar, in legal and historical contexts involving titles and claims to power, "renounced" is the precise term used. Retreated: This refers to moving back or withdrawing from a battlefield. One does not "retreat a claim." Remembered: This means to recall information. It is the opposite of what would happen during a forced treaty intended to strip someone of their power. Correct Sentence Segment: "The Peshwa renounced his claim as the ‘Peshwa’."