The correct option is (b).
Explanation
Following their expansion in the 18th century, the Marathas established control over vast regions such as Malwa and Gujarat. Once their conquest was complete and administrative control was consolidated, they implemented systems to manage the economy, agriculture, and trade effectively.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. Maratha campaigns into Malwa in the 1720s did not destroy the prosperity of cities in the region. On the contrary, cities like Ujjain expanded under the patronage of the Scindias, and Indore prospered under the Holkars. These cities grew into large, affluent commercial and cultural centers.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The Marathas developed an effective administrative system. Revenue demands were not rigid; they were gradually introduced taking local conditions into account. This flexibility encouraged agriculture and ensured a steady flow of revenue without overburdening the peasantry immediately.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect. Trade revived and expanded under Maratha rule. Burhanpur, which was historically a trade center between Agra and Surat, did not decline. Instead, it expanded its hinterland to include new commercial centers within the Maratha dominion, such as Pune (Poona) and Nagpur. New trade routes emerged, connecting these regions.
Key Takeaway:
Maratha rule in the 18th century was not merely predatory; in settled regions, it fostered agricultural growth and commercial prosperity through flexible revenue policies and the patronage of urban centers.