SSC GD 2025 PYQ — Question 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 18^th 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.