Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 1
Maharashtra GK · मराठा साम्राज्य और शिवाजी · Questions 1–10 of 200
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630, at which fort?
Correct Answer: B. B. Shivneri Fort
Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort near Junnar in present-day Pune district. His mother Jijabai named him Shivaji after the local goddess Shivai. Shivneri Fort is now a protected monument and a major pilgrimage site for Maharashtrians.
Who was the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?
Correct Answer: C. C. Jijabai
Jijabai, daughter of Lakhuji Jadhavrao, was the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. She was a deeply religious and strong-willed woman who instilled values of justice, bravery, and devotion in young Shivaji. Jijabai is revered as Rajmata (Royal Mother) throughout Maharashtra.
Who was the father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?
Correct Answer: B. B. Shahaji Bhosale
Shahaji Bhosale was the father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shahaji served as a general under the Bijapur Sultanate and held a jagir in Pune. He gave young Shivaji the Pune jagir to manage, which became the base for Shivaji's early military campaigns.
Who was the guardian and administrator of young Shivaji who trained him in statecraft and governance?
Correct Answer: B. B. Dadoji Konddeo
Dadoji Konddeo served as the guardian and administrator of young Shivaji under Shahaji's instructions. He trained Shivaji in administration, military tactics, and governance of the Pune jagir. Dadoji Konddeo played a crucial role in shaping Shivaji's early leadership qualities.
Which spiritual saint is regarded as a major spiritual influence on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?
Correct Answer: C. C. Samarth Ramdas Swami
Samarth Ramdas Swami is traditionally regarded as a major spiritual influence and guru of Shivaji Maharaj. Ramdas Swami's philosophy of self-reliance, devotion, and service to the nation deeply inspired Shivaji. The relationship between Shivaji and Ramdas Swami symbolises the bond between political power and spiritual guidance.
Which was the first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1645 at the age of fifteen?
Correct Answer: C. C. Torna Fort
Shivaji Maharaj captured Torna Fort (also called Prachandagad) in 1645 at the age of about fifteen, marking the beginning of his independent military career. Torna was held by the Bijapur Sultanate and its capture signalled the start of Maratha power. Shivaji used the treasure found at Torna to build the new Rajgad Fort.
What does the name 'Rajgad', the first capital of Shivaji's empire, literally mean?
Correct Answer: B. B. Royal Fort
Rajgad means 'Royal Fort' or 'King's Fort' in Marathi (Raj = king, Gad = fort). Shivaji converted an older hill fortress into Rajgad and used it as his capital for nearly 26 years. After the construction of Raigad, the capital was shifted there in 1674 during the coronation.
The Battle of Sinhagad (1670) is immortalised by the sacrifice of which Maratha hero?
Correct Answer: B. B. Tanaji Malusare
Tanaji Malusare, a close associate and commander of Shivaji Maharaj, led a daring night attack to recapture Sinhagad from the Mughal commander Udaybhan Rathore in 1670. Tanaji died in the fierce battle while securing the fort. On hearing of Tanaji's death, Shivaji reportedly said 'Gad aala pan Sinha gela' (the fort is won but the lion is lost).
The Treaty of Purandar (1665) was signed between Shivaji and which Mughal general?
Correct Answer: C. C. Jai Singh I
The Treaty of Purandar was signed in 1665 between Shivaji Maharaj and Raja Jai Singh I (Mirza Raja Jai Singh), a Rajput general in Mughal service. Under this treaty, Shivaji surrendered 23 forts to the Mughals and agreed to serve the Mughal emperor. Shivaji later recovered most of the lost territory.
Which territory did Shivaji seize from Chandrarao More in 1656, opening access to the Konkan?
Correct Answer: A. A. Jawali
Shivaji captured Jawali and the Chandrarao More territory in 1656, eliminating a potential rival and significantly expanding his domain. The Jawali region was strategically important as it provided access to the Konkan and the ghats. This expansion boosted Maratha military resources considerably.