Pakistan Studies 0448 May / June 2026 Paper 11 Question 2

2(a) Describe the military campaigns of the Marathas. Target: AO1 One mark for each relevant point. Additional mark for supporting detail. Indicative content the Marathas fought against Mughal armies Aurangzeb was unable to defeat them they were known for their skills as guerrilla fighters they…

Pakistan Studies · May / June 2026 · Paper 11 · Question 2

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2(a)[4]
Describe the military campaigns of the Marathas.
Target: AO1
One mark for each relevant point. Additional mark for supporting detail. Indicative content
the Marathas fought against Mughal armies
Aurangzeb was unable to defeat them
they were known for their skills as guerrilla fighters
they were led by Shivaji
in 1737 (1) they defeated a Mughal army (1) outside Delhi (1) which they then occupied until 1760 (1)
the Marathas replaced the Mughals as the most powerful force on the subcontinent at that time
they were defeated by Afghans (1) led by Ahmad Shah Abdali/ Durrani (1) in 1761 (1) at Panipat (1)
in 1818 (1), the Marathas were defeated by British forces (1) and forced to accept British control (1)
Ranjit Singh (1) defeated the Marathas in 1799 (1) in Lahore (1) Other relevant responses should also be credited.
2(b)[7]
Explain why Shah Waliullah was an important figure for the revival of Islam in the subcontinent.
Target AO1, AO2
Mark according to the level of response descriptors in Table 1.
Indicative content
Shah Waliullah wanted to stop the decline of Islam
he gave strong leadership
he translated the Holy Quran into Persian
he was a unifying figure for the Muslim community
he wrote 51 books
he influenced the revival of Islam
he tried to unite Sunnis and Shias
he encouraged Amad Shah Abdali to fight the Marathas
Other relevant responses should also be credited.
Level of response, Table 1: used to mark the part (c) question in Section A and part (b) questions in Section B
Target: Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the past through historical explanation (AO1, AO2)
Level 3 (5–7 marks): Explanation
one explanation [5]
two explanations or one developed explanation [6]
additional explanation(s) and/or developed explanation(s) [7]
Supported by relevant and accurate contextual knowledge
Level 2 (2–4 marks): Identification/ description
Identifies and/or describes using relevant and accurate contextual knowledge (1 mark per identification/ description)
Level 1 (1 mark): General answer
Valid general comment lacking specific knowledge
Level 0 (0 marks): No creditable response
2(c)[14]
‘Division amongst Indian communities was the main reason why the British were able to control the subcontinent between 1756 and 1857.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. Target: AO1, AO2
Mark according to the level of response descriptors in Table 2.
Indicative content
may agree that the division amongst Indian communities was the main reason why the British were able to control the subcontinent between 1756 and 1857:
the British had victories against different communities who did not come to each other’s aid in battles
the British were able to make treaties with several local chiefs to secure their position
the British followed the policy of ‘divide and rule’
differences between Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus over religion and culture counter-arguments might include:
Pitt's India Act of 1784 meant the British government could exert greater control over the East India Company’s operations
The British had a strong military with more advanced weapons and military tactics
the British administrative system gave a great deal of control over the country
the Doctrine of Lapse showed how the British were prepared to adopt unpopular policies
the British had leaders such as Robert Clive who helped them remain in control
battles such as Plassey and Buxar helped to extend their control
building of the railways
Other relevant responses should also be credited.
Level of response, Table 2: used to mark the part (c) questions in Section B
Target: Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the past through historical explanation and an ability to analyse and evaluate historical events (AO1, AO2)
Level 5 (13–14 marks): Explanation with evaluation/ judgement
explanation at the top of Level 4 with an evaluation/ judgement supported by relevant and accurate contextual knowledge [13]
explanation at the top of Level 4 with a developed evaluation/ judgement supported by relevant and accurate contextual knowledge [14]
Level 4 (10–12 marks): Explanation of both sides of the issue
one explanation of each side of the issue [10]
two explanations or one developed explanation of one-side of the issue and an explanation of the other side of the issue [11]
additional explanation(s) and/or developed explanation(s) from either side of the issue [12]
Supported by relevant and accurate contextual knowledge
Level 3 (7–9 marks): Explanation of one-side of the issue
one explanation [7]
two explanations or one developed explanation [8]
additional explanation(s) and/or developed explanation(s) [9]
Supported by relevant and accurate contextual knowledge
Level 2 (3–6 marks): Identification/ description of the issue
Identifies and/or describes the issue using relevant and accurate contextual knowledge (1 mark per identification/ description)
Level 1 (1–2 marks): General answer
Valid general comment(s) lacking specific subject knowledge (1 mark per general comment)
Level 0 (0 marks): No creditable response

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