What was the importance of speed in Baji Rao I's military strategy?

Swift cavalry campaigns gave opponents less time to respond

The direct answer is A: swift cavalry campaigns gave opponents less time to respond. Baji Rao I was known for speed, mobility, and rapid Maratha military movement. Step by step: fast horsemen could cover long distances quickly; they could reach an area before an enemy was fully prepared; they could attack or change direction suddenly; they could withdraw before a slower force organized a strong response. Thus speed created surprise, reduced the opponent's reaction time, and helped Maratha expansion. Option A is correct because it states the practical military advantage of rapid cavalry campaigns. Option B is wrong because slow siege warfare was not the only or defining method associated with Baji Rao's mobile strategy. A siege could be used in some circumstances, but it does not explain the importance of speed. Option C is wrong because naval war was not the only main instrument of his campaigns; his reputation is strongly associated with land-based cavalry movement. Option D is wrong because artillery was not the sole basis of his strategy; claiming only one weapon ignores mobility and horsemen. The best exam cue is: Baji Rao I = fast cavalry, surprise, long-distance movement, and rapid Maratha expansion.

This is a Class 10 General Knowledge question. Chapter: Indian History. Topic: Famous Indian Rulers.