Test: The Rise of the Marathas - CTET & State TET MCQ

The council of eight ministers established by Shivaji was called the Ashta Pradhana Mandala. This council was crucial for managing the kingdom efficiently, as it included various officials responsible for different administrative functions, thereby helping to ensure a structured governance system.

A significant challenge for the Marathas during their expansion was internal disunity. As regional chiefs gained more power, they sometimes acted against the values established by Shivaji, leading to conflicts within the empire. This disunity ultimately weakened their position against external threats, particularly during the Anglo-Maratha wars.

Shivaji's naval strategies were instrumental in securing the west coast against foreign powers. He established a navy when most of his contemporaries lacked one, which allowed the Marathas to control trade routes and protect their coastal territories, thereby enhancing their economic strength and military capabilities.

Forts played a crucial role in the Maratha Empire by serving as strategic points for controlling important trade routes and providing defense against invasions. They were essential for maintaining territorial integrity and enabled the Marathas to conduct guerrilla warfare effectively against larger forces.

Shivaji utilized guerrilla warfare, characterized by quick, surprise attacks with small units, to effectively defeat larger armies. This strategy allowed him to capture neglected forts and outmaneuver his opponents, establishing his reputation as a formidable leader. His innovative tactics became a hallmark of Maratha military operations.

The Surat raids were significant as they allowed Shivaji to accumulate substantial wealth, estimated at about one crore rupees. This financial boost was crucial for funding his military campaigns and consolidating power. Shivaji's decision to spare religious places during these raids also garnered public support and enhanced his reputation.

Shivaji Bhonsle is recognized as the founder of the Maratha Empire. He transformed the Marathas into a sovereign force with his vision of Swarajya, utilizing guerrilla tactics and strategic victories. His crowning as Chhatrapati in 1674 marked the establishment of a powerful and independent Maratha state, which played a significant role in Indian history.

Shivaji inspired a cultural revival that emphasized the promotion of Hindu traditions and local arts. He respected other religions but prioritized the restoration of Hindu cultural practices, language, and arts, which fostered a sense of identity and pride among his people. This revival laid the groundwork for a rich cultural landscape in India that persisted beyond his reign.

The Bhakti movement primarily aimed to foster devotion to God, emphasizing personal spiritual experiences over rituals. It played a crucial role in uniting various communities and provided a cultural foundation that helped in the political rise of the Marathas, with saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram contributing significantly through poetry and teachings.