The Maratha Age and Shivaji MCQs for UPPSC (UP) Exam

Shivaji's Capital: Raigad

Shivaji Bhonsle, popularly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was a Maratha warrior and the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India during the 17th century. He played a significant role in establishing an independent Maratha kingdom and resisting the Mughal Empire's expansion in the region.

Coronation of Shivaji:
In 1674, Shivaji was coronated as the Chhatrapati, or ruler, at a grand ceremony held at Raigad. This event marked the formal establishment of his reign and the beginning of his rule as an independent king.

Location of Raigad:
Raigad is a hill fort located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. Situated approximately 1,370 meters above sea level, it offers a strategic vantage point with panoramic views of the surrounding regions. The fort is known for its architectural brilliance and historical significance, making it an ideal choice as Shivaji's capital.

Reasons for Choosing Raigad:
Several factors influenced Shivaji's decision to choose Raigad as his capital:

1. Strategic Location: Raigad's hilltop position made it a naturally fortified site, providing a strong defensive advantage against potential attacks.

2. Accessibility: The fort's location was easily accessible from various parts of Maharashtra, facilitating easier administration and communication.

3. Symbolic Significance: Shivaji wanted a capital that symbolized his power and authority. Raigad's imposing fortifications and scenic beauty helped create an aura of grandeur and majesty, befitting a ruler of his stature.

4. Resource Availability: Raigad had ample water sources and fertile land, ensuring the availability of essential resources for sustenance and economic development.

5. Administrative Efficiency: The fort's layout and design allowed for efficient governance and administration, with separate areas designated for various functions such as residential quarters, administrative offices, and military installations.

Legacy of Raigad:
Raigad remained the capital of the Maratha Empire until Shivaji's death in 1680. The fort and its surroundings are now a popular tourist attraction, showcasing the rich history and architectural brilliance of the Maratha era. Visiting Raigad provides a glimpse into Shivaji's reign and the glorious past of the Maratha Empire.

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.

Shahu

(Correct Answer:-C)

Afzal Khan was a medieval Indian commander who served the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, and fought against Shivaji. He was killed at a meeting with Shivaji and his army was defeated in the Battle of Pratapgad 1656.

The correct answer is option 'B' - Muqurrab Khan, and Sambhaji was captured in Sangameshvar.

Explanation:
Muqurrab Khan, a Mughal noble, was responsible for capturing Sambhaji, the son of Shivaji, in 1689. Sambhaji was a Maratha ruler and the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire. After the death of his father, Shivaji, Sambhaji ascended to the throne in 1680.

Capture of Sambhaji:
Muqurrab Khan, along with his Mughal forces, captured Sambhaji near Sangameshvar, which is located in present-day Maharashtra, India. The exact details of the capture are not widely documented, but it is known that Sambhaji was betrayed by his own people and handed over to the Mughals.

Role of Aurangzeb:
Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor at that time, ordered the capture and execution of Sambhaji. Aurangzeb had a strained relationship with Sambhaji's father, Shivaji, and viewed the Maratha Empire as a threat to Mughal power in the region. Aurangzeb saw Sambhaji as a rebel and sought to eliminate him.

Execution of Sambhaji:
After his capture, Sambhaji was subjected to a brutal torture and execution. Aurangzeb wanted to make an example out of Sambhaji to deter any future rebellions against Mughal rule. Sambhaji was brutally tortured for several days, and on March 11, 1689, he was executed by being brutally killed with various methods, including being dismembered.

Impact of Sambhaji's Execution:
The execution of Sambhaji had a significant impact on the Maratha Empire. It led to a period of instability and conflict between the Marathas and the Mughals. Sambhaji's younger brother, Rajaram, succeeded him as the ruler of the Maratha Empire and continued the resistance against the Mughals.

In conclusion, Muqurrab Khan was the Mughal noble responsible for capturing Sambhaji, and he was captured in Sangameshvar. Sambhaji's capture and subsequent execution by Aurangzeb had a profound impact on the Maratha Empire and led to ongoing conflict between the Marathas and the Mughals.

Clever Shivaji was waiting for this opportunity. It was 17th August 1666, that Shivaji and his son Sambhaji escaped the guesthouse hiding in these baskets.

Conquest of Javli in 1656 by Shivaji:

Background:
- Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire, was expanding his territories in the Deccan region during the 17th century.
- He was facing resistance from various princely states and needed a strategic conquest to strengthen his position.

Importance of Javli:
- The conquest of Javli in 1656 was crucial for Shivaji as it provided him with a gateway to the South.
- Javli was strategically located in the Western Ghats, making it a key stronghold for controlling trade routes and communication lines.
- By capturing Javli, Shivaji gained access to the lucrative trade networks in the southern regions of the Deccan.

Strengthening Shivaji:
- The conquest of Javli boosted Shivaji's military reputation and expanded his influence in the region.
- It provided him with a secure base from which he could further expand his territories and consolidate his power.
- The control over Javli also enhanced Shivaji's economic resources, enabling him to finance his military campaigns and administrative policies.

Open Door to the South:
- With the capture of Javli, Shivaji established a direct route to the southern territories, allowing him to extend his control over key regions.
- This conquest paved the way for Shivaji to launch further military expeditions into the South, leading to the eventual expansion of the Maratha Empire.

In conclusion, the conquest of Javli in 1656 was a significant milestone for Shivaji as it not only strengthened his position but also provided him with a strategic gateway to the southern regions, ultimately contributing to the growth and expansion of the Maratha Empire.

Shahji Bhonsle was a Maratha general and father of the famous Maratha king, Shivaji. He received Poona as a jagir from the Nizam Shahi dynasty.

Details:

- Shahji Bhonsle was appointed as a jagirdar (landlord) by the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur.
- After the collapse of the Adil Shahi dynasty, the Nizam Shahi dynasty came to power in Ahmednagar.
- Shahji Bhonsle switched his allegiance to the new rulers and became a jagirdar under them.
- As a jagirdar, he was granted the revenue rights of Poona, Supa, and Indapur regions in present-day Maharashtra.
- Shahji Bhonsle established his base in Poona and developed it as a center of Maratha power.
- He also participated in various military campaigns and expanded his territory.
- After his death, his son Shivaji continued his legacy and became the founder of the Maratha Empire.

In conclusion, Shahji Bhonsle received Poona as a jagir from the Nizam Shahi dynasty. This played a crucial role in the rise of Maratha power in the region.

Explanation:
Shivaji's coronation took place in 1674, and we need to determine which of the given options was not alive at that time. Let's analyze each option:

a) Ganga Bhat:
Ganga Bhat was a poet and historian who lived during the reign of Shivaji. He was a contemporary of Shivaji and wrote extensively about his life and achievements. Therefore, Ganga Bhat was alive at the time of Shivaji's coronation.

b) Tukaram:
Tukaram was a prominent poet-saint and philosopher who lived during the 17th century. He was a devotee of Lord Vitthal and composed numerous devotional songs in Marathi. Tukaram was also a contemporary of Shivaji and passed away in 1649, which is before Shivaji's coronation in 1674. Therefore, Tukaram was not alive at the time of Shivaji's coronation.

c) Dadaji Kondadeo:
Dadaji Kondadeo, also known as Dadaji Konddev, was a trusted advisor and close associate of Shivaji. He played a crucial role in Shivaji's administration and military campaigns. Dadaji Kondadeo was alive during Shivaji's reign and was present at the time of Shivaji's coronation. However, this option is incorrect as we are looking for the option that was not alive at the time of Shivaji's coronation.

d) Ram Das:
Ram Das was a spiritual leader and the guru of Shivaji. He was known for his teachings on spirituality and righteousness. Ram Das was alive during Shivaji's reign and was present at the time of Shivaji's coronation. Therefore, Ram Das was alive at the time of Shivaji's coronation.

Conclusion:
Among the given options, Tukaram was not alive at the time of Shivaji's coronation in 1674.

Introduction:
After the death of Sambhaji, the Marathas continued their national war against the Mughals. Under the leadership of various leaders, they fought to expand their territory and assert their dominance over the Mughal Empire. One prominent leader who played a crucial role in leading the Marathas during this period was Sahu.

Role of Sahu:
Sahu, also known as Shahu or Shambhu Raje, was the grandson of Shivaji and the son of Sambhaji. He ascended to the throne in 1707 after the death of his father and became the Chhatrapati, the titular head of the Maratha Empire. Despite being a young ruler, Sahu showed remarkable leadership skills and played a pivotal role in continuing the Maratha resistance against the Mughals.

Extending Maratha Influence:
Under the leadership of Sahu, the Marathas launched several military campaigns to extend their influence and challenge the Mughal authority. Sahu formed alliances with various regional powers and skillfully utilized guerrilla warfare tactics to keep the Mughals on their toes. He sought to expand the boundaries of the Maratha Empire and establish a strong presence in the Deccan region.

Alliance with the Rajputs:
One of the key strategies employed by Sahu was forming alliances with other regional powers, particularly the Rajputs. He recognized the common threat posed by the Mughals and sought the support of Rajput rulers to strengthen the Maratha resistance. This alliance helped the Marathas in their military campaigns and provided them with a broader base of support.

Continued Resistance:
Sahu's leadership ensured that the Marathas did not back down in their fight against the Mughals. Despite facing several challenges, including the death of key leaders and internal conflicts, Sahu remained committed to the cause. He inspired his troops and rallied the Maratha forces to continue their national war against the Mughal Empire.

Role in Diplomacy:
Apart from military campaigns, Sahu also played a crucial role in diplomatic negotiations with the Mughals. He engaged in talks with Mughal officials and sought favorable terms for the Marathas. While the negotiations were often complex and challenging, Sahu's diplomatic efforts helped in maintaining a balance of power and securing certain concessions for the Marathas.

Conclusion:
Sahu's leadership was instrumental in the continuation of the Maratha national war against the Mughals. Through military campaigns, alliances with regional powers, and diplomatic negotiations, he ensured that the Marathas remained firmly committed to their cause. Sahu's efforts played a significant role in shaping the course of Maratha history and asserting their dominance over the Mughal Empire. Thus, it is evident that Sahu, not Tara Bai or Raja Ram, led the Marathas in their war against the Mughals after Sambhaji's death.

Incorrect statement about Treaty of Purandar (1665)

The Treaty of Purandar (1665) was signed between the Maratha king Shivaji and the Mughal general Raja Jai Singh of Amber. The Treaty ended the ongoing conflict between the Marathas and Mughals. The incorrect statement about the Treaty is:

C) Territory worth 12 lakhs of huns in a year in the Bijapuri Konkan was given to Shivaji.

Explanation:

The correct statement about the Treaty of Purandar are:

A) Shivaji surrendered 23 forts and retained 12 forts.
B) A mansab of 5000 was granted to Shivaji's son, Sambhaji.
D) Shivaji promised to join personally in any Mughal campaign in the Deccan.

The Treaty of Purandar was signed on June 11, 1665, after Shivaji was defeated by the Mughal forces. As per the Treaty, Shivaji surrendered 23 forts to the Mughals, but he was allowed to retain 12 forts, including Raigad, which became the capital of Maratha Empire. Shivaji's son, Sambhaji was granted a mansab of 5000, which allowed him to maintain a cavalry of 5000. Shivaji also promised to join personally in any Mughal campaign in the Deccan.

However, the incorrect statement is that territory worth 12 lakhs of huns in a year in the Bijapuri Konkan was given to Shivaji. This statement is incorrect, as no such territory was given to Shivaji as per the Treaty of Purandar.