The decentralized nature of the Maratha state, though a weakness in battle, was its greatest strength in terms of resilience. Because power was spread among various regional houses (Scindia, Holkar, etc.), the loss at Panipat did not destroy the entire empire’s infrastructure. These regional centers remained intact, allowing the Marathas to rebuild their strength and reoccupy North India within a decade. ANSWER: (C) Flexible confederate structure