Test: The Maratha Kingdom & Confederacy - 1 - UPSC MCQ

A Saranjam is grant of land (initially non-hereditary) for maintenance of troops or for military service found among the Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu, Pathare Prabhu, Maratha and Somvanshi Kshatriya Pathare communities in Maharashtra and the former Maratha administered regions of India, including territories in present-day Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. The grant was bestowed by a king or regional ruler of a princely state.

The Pratinidhi was an important member of the ministry in the Maratha Empire. The title of Pratinidhi means the representative of the King, and such officials were entitled to sign and seal papers and to issue orders in the absence of the Ruler. Shivaji's ministry of the eight - the Ashta Pradhan didn't include a Pratinidhi. Later the post of Pant Pratinidhi was created during the Rajaram I reign and a person holding this office exercised powers over all ministers of the Maratha court including the Peshwas. 

Shahu conferred the title of Sena-karte (organiser of forces) on Balaji Vishwanath and elevated him to the post of Peshwa in 1713. From now onwards the Chatrapati became just a figure-head. Balaji Vishwanath by his ability and statesmanship made the Peshwa ship hereditary in his family. Balaji Vishwanath (1713-20):

Shambaji Maharaj was captured by Muqurrab khan and his contingent of 25000 mughal troops in Sangameshvar. He was presented before the mughal emperor who ordered his execution. Muqurrab khan has also taken part in many seiges and he also became the defectors ruler of golcanda.

Chhattrapati Shahu, a grandson of Shivaji, was released by the Mughals after the death of Emperor Aurangzeb. Following a brief struggle with his aunt Tarabai, Shahu became ruler and appointed Balaji Vishwanath, and later, his descendants, as the peshwas or prime ministers of the empire.

Balaji Vishwanath, reigned from 1713 to 1720, was the first Peshwa. He was succeeded by his son Baji Rao I (1720-1740). He was followed by Balaji Baji Rao or Nana Saheb (1740-61), Narayan Rao (1772-73) and Madhav Rao were the next Peshwas.

The correct answer is C as the accurate  order for the army  officials of marathas are in option C

The correct answer is A as events of Shivaji’s reign in the chronological sequence is in option A .

The correct option is D.
All the  statements about the Treaty of 1719 between the Marathas and the Mughals are true.

hahu was released in 1707 after Aurangzeb’s death. Very soon a civil war broke out between Shahu at Satara and his aunt Tara Bai at Kolhapur who had carried out an anti-Mughal struggle since 1700 in the name of her son Shivaji II after the death of her husband Raja Ram. Maratha sardars, each one of whom had a large following of soldiers loyal to himself alone, began to side with one or the other contender for power.

The factor that did not play an important part in the making of the Maratha nation was:
The Deccan policy of the Mughals:
- The Deccan policy of the Mughals refers to their attempts to control and subjugate the Deccan region, which included the Maratha territories.
- However, this factor did not play a significant role in the making of the Maratha nation because the Marathas were able to resist Mughal control and assert their own independence.
- The Marathas, under the leadership of Shivaji, established a strong and formidable kingdom in the Deccan and successfully resisted Mughal dominance.
- The Marathas were able to expand their territories and establish a confederacy that became a prominent political and military power in India.
The influence of geography:
- The geography of the Deccan region played a crucial role in the making of the Maratha nation.
- The Deccan plateau provided natural fortifications and strategic advantages for the Marathas, allowing them to establish and defend their territories.
- The rugged and hilly terrain of the Western Ghats and the strategic location of forts such as Raigad and Pratapgad helped the Marathas in their resistance against external powers.
- The access to the Arabian Sea and the control over important trade routes also contributed to the economic strength and influence of the Marathas.
The religious revival in the Deccan:
- The religious revival in the Deccan, particularly the rise of the Bhakti movement, had a significant impact on the formation of the Maratha identity and nation.
- The Bhakti movement, with its emphasis on devotion and egalitarianism, provided a unifying force for the Marathas and helped to forge a distinct cultural and religious identity.
- The teachings of saints like Tukaram and Ramdas inspired and mobilized the Marathas, fostering a sense of unity and resistance against external powers.
The military training of the Marathas under the Deccan sultans:
- The military training of the Marathas under the Deccan sultans played a crucial role in the making of the Maratha nation.
- The Marathas initially served as soldiers and administrators in the Deccan sultanates, gaining valuable military experience and training.
- This training equipped the Marathas with the necessary skills and knowledge to establish their own independent kingdom and military power.
- The Marathas utilized their military expertise to expand their territories, defeat their rivals, and consolidate their rule.
In conclusion, the factor that did not play an important part in the making of the Maratha nation was the Deccan policy of the Mughals. While the Mughals attempted to control the Deccan, the Marathas successfully resisted their dominance and established their own independent kingdom. The other factors such as geography, religious revival, and military training all played significant roles in the formation and growth of the Maratha nation.

The Guerilla warfare for which the Marathas are best known was pioneered by Malik Ambar. He was a Siddi military leader in the Deccan region of India. He was also the mobilizing force behind the Marathas, the farmers turned into great warriors by Malik Ambar. Guerilla warfare is a type of warfare fought by irregulars in fast-moving, small-scale actions against orthodox military and police force either independently or in conjunction with a larger political-military strategy.

Shivaji's father Shahji belonged to the Bhonsle clan, which claimed patrilineal descent from the Sisodia Rajput royal family of Mewar. His mother Jijabai came from the aristocratic Jadhav family, which traced its lineage to the Yadavas of Devagiri.

The correct option is D.
All of the given statements are correct.

Shahji's Jagir in Poona
Background:
Shahji Bhosale, the father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was a prominent military general and nobleman in the Deccan region during the 17th century. He played a crucial role in the establishment and expansion of the Maratha Empire.
Receiving Poona as a Jagir:
Shahji Bhosale received Poona as a jagir from the Nizam Shahis, who were the ruling dynasty in the Ahmednagar Sultanate. The Nizam Shahis were the predecessors of the Bhosale dynasty and had control over parts of the Deccan region, including Poona.
Significance of the Jagir:
Receiving Poona as a jagir was a significant achievement for Shahji Bhosale as it provided him with a stable source of income and control over a strategic territory. It allowed him to establish his power and influence in the region, laying the foundation for the future Maratha Empire.
The Nizam Shahis:
The Nizam Shahis were a Shia Muslim dynasty that ruled over the Ahmednagar Sultanate from 1490 to 1636. They were known for their military strength and territorial expansion. However, their rule was often plagued by internal conflicts and external threats, which eventually led to their downfall.
Conclusion:
Shahji Bhosale received Poona as a jagir from the Nizam Shahis, which played a crucial role in his rise to power and the eventual establishment of the Maratha Empire. This jagir provided him with stability, income, and control over a strategically important territory.

The correct option is A.
Shahaji Bhosale (1602–1664) was a military leader of 17th century India, who served the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, the Bijapur Sultanate, and the Mughal Empire at various points in his career.

Shahji's Service to the Sultan:
- Shahji served the sultan for approximately 30 years, starting from 1636.
- His service was notable and lasted until around 1666.
Identification of the Sultan:
- The options provided are A, B, C, and D.
- We need to determine which sultan Shahji served during this period.
Option Analysis:
A: Bijapur
- Bijapur was a prominent sultanate in South India during the 17th century.
- It is a possible option as Shahji could have served the sultan of Bijapur.
B: Ahmadnagar
- Ahmadnagar was another sultanate in South India.
- It is a potential option, and Shahji might have served the sultan of Ahmadnagar.
C: Calicut
- Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, was a powerful trading port in Kerala.
- It is less likely that Shahji served the sultan of Calicut, as it wasn't a sultanate.
D: Golcunda
- Golcunda, or Golconda, was a significant sultanate in the Deccan region.
- It is a possible option, and Shahji could have served the sultan of Golcunda.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, the correct answer is A: Bijapur. Shahji served the sultan of Bijapur during the given period.

Shivaji Maharaj, son of Shahaji Raje Bhonsle & Jijabai, was born on Fort Shivneri. This fort is located in Junnar taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra. The generally accepted date of birth of Shivaji Maharaj is February 19, 1630; although some historians do put the year as 1627.

A is the correct option.After consolidating his control over Pune, Shivaji crossed the Western Ghats, and entered the Konkan region on the western coast of India.The Mavalis of the Western Ghats helped Shivaji in organising predatory expeditions.

Torna Fort, also known as Prachandagad, is a large fort located in Pune district, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is historically significant because it was the first fort captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1646, at the age of 16, forming the nucleus of the Maratha empire.

Maratha principality's conquest in 1656 that strengthened Shivaji and gave him an open door to the South:
The correct answer is D: Javli.
Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Background:
- Shivaji was a prominent Maratha warrior and the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India during the 17th century.
- He aimed to establish an independent Maratha kingdom and challenged the rule of the Mughal Empire.
2. Conquests and Expansion:
- Shivaji initiated a series of conquests to expand his territory and strengthen his position.
- One of his crucial conquests was the capture of Javli in 1656.
3. Importance of the Conquest:
- The conquest of Javli was significant as it provided Shivaji with a strategic stronghold in the southern region of his empire.
- It gave him control over the important trade routes and allowed him to expand his influence further southwards.
4. Geographical Advantage:
- Javli was located in the southern part of the Western Ghats, giving Shivaji access to the Deccan Plateau and the rich territories of southern India.
- This conquest opened up opportunities for Shivaji to establish alliances, conduct raids, and expand his kingdom into the Deccan region.
5. Strengthening Shivaji:
- The capture of Javli not only expanded Shivaji's territory but also enhanced his reputation as a formidable warrior and leader.
- It boosted the morale of his troops and attracted more followers to his cause.
6. Consolidation of Power:
- The conquest of Javli was a stepping stone for Shivaji's subsequent conquests, including the capture of strategic forts like Raigarh and Purandhar.
- These conquests further solidified Shivaji's power and laid the foundation for the establishment of the Maratha Empire.
In conclusion, the conquest of Javli in 1656 strengthened Shivaji by providing him with a crucial stronghold in the southern region, opening up opportunities for expansion and establishing his influence in the Deccan plateau.

Explanation:
The adoption of Persian language, dress, manners, and etiquette by the courtiers, the employment of Muslims in the army, and the deference shown by Shivaji to Muslims reveal several things:
1. Nothing anti-Muslim in the religious climate as fostered by Eknath, Tukaram, and Ramdas:
- The fact that Shivaji's courtiers adopted Persian language, dress, manners, and etiquette suggests that there was no inherent anti-Muslim sentiment in the religious climate fostered by Eknath, Tukaram, and Ramdas.
- This indicates that the teachings and beliefs of these religious figures did not promote hostility towards Muslims.
2. Establishing an independent kingdom was an after-thought of Shivaji:
- The adoption of Persian elements by Shivaji's courtiers, including language and dress, indicates a desire to establish a distinct identity and court culture.
- This suggests that Shivaji's intention to establish an independent kingdom was not initially planned but rather developed over time.
3. The awe inspired by the Mughal empire:
- The adoption of Persian elements and the deference shown by Shivaji to Muslims can also be seen as a reflection of the influence and power of the Mughal empire.
- The Mughal empire was known for its grandeur and influence, and Shivaji's adoption of Persian elements may have been a way to emulate or align with the Mughal court culture.
4. All of the above:
- Considering the points mentioned above, it can be concluded that all of the options A, B, and C are valid explanations for the adoption of Persian language, dress, manners, and etiquette by Shivaji's courtiers, employment of Muslims in the army, and the deference shown by Shivaji to Muslims.
In summary, the adoption of Persian elements and the treatment of Muslims by Shivaji and his courtiers suggest a lack of inherent anti-Muslim sentiment in the religious climate of the time, an evolving desire to establish an independent kingdom, and an awe-inspired by the Mughal empire.

Afzal Khan was the most powerful General or Sardar in the court of the Bijapur Sultanate who fought against Shivaji. In 1659, he led an army of about 10,000 elite troops and pursued Shivaji persistently. He was killed at a meeting with Shivaji by Shivaji's lieutenant Sambhaji Kavji.

According to James Grant Duff, a captain in the British India Regiment, Surat was attacked by Shivaji on 5 January 1664. Surat was a wealthy port city in Mughal empire for the sea trade of the era.

Incorrect Statement:
The incorrect statement about the Treaty of Purandar (1665) is:
C: Territory worth 12 lakhs of huns in a year in the Bijapuri Konkan was given to Shivaji.
Explanation:
The Treaty of Purandar was signed between Shivaji, the Maratha king, and Raja Jai Singh of Amber, a Mughal general. The treaty aimed to establish peace between the Marathas and the Mughals. Here are the correct statements about the treaty:
A: Shivaji surrendered 23 forts and retained 12 forts.
- Shivaji agreed to surrender 23 of his forts to the Mughals, including strategically important ones like Purandar and Sinhagad.
- He was allowed to retain control over 12 forts, which included Raigad, his capital.
B: A mansab of 5000 was granted to Shivaji's son, Sambhaji.
- A mansab, or a rank and position in the Mughal administration, with a contingent of 5000 soldiers was granted to Shivaji's son, Sambhaji.
D: Shivaji promised to join personally in any Mughal campaign in the Deccan.
- Shivaji agreed to personally join any Mughal campaign in the Deccan region, thereby accepting the Mughal authority in the area.
However, statement C is incorrect because no specific territory worth 12 lakhs of huns in a year in the Bijapuri Konkan was given to Shivaji under the Treaty of Purandar.
Overall, the Treaty of Purandar resulted in Shivaji accepting the Mughal suzerainty and establishing a temporary peace between the Marathas and the Mughals.

A is the correct option.Raja Jai Singh considered the Alliance with Shivaji as a starting point of the conquest of Birajpur and the entire Deccan. And once this has been done, shivaji would have no other choice but to remain as an Ally to the Mughals and aice Jai Singh wrote this to Aurangzeb “We shall hem Shivaji in like the centre of a circle”

Shivaji reached Agra on June 11, 1666, accompanied by his son and a small force. When he reached the Mughal durbar, Aurangzeb ignored him. He was made to stand in courtiers' row and this angered Shivaji and when he made his move he realised he was under house arrest.

Factors that helped Shivaji in his raids:
1. The gradual decline of the Portuguese power on the western coast:
- The Portuguese had been a dominant force on the western coast, but their power was gradually declining during Shivaji's time.
- This decline weakened their ability to resist Shivaji's raids and allowed him to exploit their weak defenses.
2. The able assistance of Bijapur and Golcunda:
- Shivaji received support from the Sultanates of Bijapur and Golcunda in his raids.
- These Sultanates were rivals of the Mughals and saw Shivaji as a valuable ally against the Mughal Empire.
- Their assistance provided Shivaji with additional resources and manpower, increasing his chances of success in his raids.
3. Mughal preoccupation with the Afghan uprising in the northwest:
- The Mughal Empire was facing a significant challenge in the form of an Afghan uprising in the northwest region.
- This preoccupation with internal conflicts diverted their attention and resources away from dealing with Shivaji's raids.
- Shivaji took advantage of this situation and launched his attacks on the Mughal provinces of Berar, Baglana, and Khandesh.
4. None of these:
- This option is incorrect as there were clear factors that helped Shivaji in his raids, as mentioned above.
In conclusion, the factors that helped Shivaji in his raids include the decline of Portuguese power, assistance from Bijapur and Golcunda, and the Mughal Empire's preoccupation with the Afghan uprising. These factors created favorable conditions for Shivaji to successfully carry out his raids.

In 1674, Shivaji crowned himself formally at Raigarh. It placed him on a pedestal much higher than any of the Maratha chiefs, some of whom had continued to look upon him as an upstart.