Assertion (A): Marathas emerged as the strongest native power in India after the decline of Mughal empire.
Reason (R): Marathas were the first to have clear concept of a united Indian nation.
A
Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
B
Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
C
A is true but R is false
D
A is false but R is true
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
1. This is an Assertion-Reason question about the Marathas after the decline of the Mughal empire.
2. Assertion (A): Marathas emerged as the strongest native power in India after the decline of Mughal empire. This is true. In the 18th century, as the Mughal empire weakened, the Marathas expanded their influence significantly across large parts of India, becoming the dominant indigenous political and military power before the rise of the British.
3. Reason (R): Marathas were the first to have clear concept of a united Indian nation. This is false. While the Marathas established a vast confederacy, their primary focus was on Maratha power and influence rather than a modern concept of a religiously and culturally diverse, united Indian nation. The concept of a united Indian nation in its modern sense developed much later, during the struggle against British rule.
4. Since Assertion (A) is true and Reason (R) is false, the correct option is (C).