Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 11

Correct Answer: B. B. Natural defensive barriers and guerrilla warfare terrain

The Sahyadri mountains were the strategic backbone of Shivaji's military power, providing natural defensive barriers, numerous defensible hilltop forts, and ideal terrain for guerrilla warfare. Shivaji's Mavali soldiers knew every pass, valley, and path in the Sahyadri intimately. The mountains gave the Marathas a decisive home advantage against external aggressors.

Correct Answer: B. B. Access to sea trade, naval bases, and port revenues

The Konkan coast was strategically vital for Shivaji as it provided access to sea trade routes, naval bases, fishing communities, and significant port revenues. Control of the Konkan coast meant Shivaji could threaten European maritime trade. The construction of sea forts like Sindhudurg was aimed at controlling this important coastline.

Correct Answer: B. B. Bases, refuges, supply depots, and territorial control points

Forts were central to Shivaji's entire military and administrative strategy. They served as military bases for campaigns, secure refuges during reverses, storage for supplies and treasure, and control points for surrounding territories. Each fort was stocked with years' worth of food and ammunition, making the Maratha state virtually impossible to permanently subdue.

Correct Answer: B. B. 1677

Shivaji captured Jinji Fort in Tamil Nadu in 1677 during his southern campaign. Jinji later served as the refuge of Chhatrapati Rajaram when Aurangzeb's forces captured most of Maharashtra. The Mughal general Zulfikar Khan besieged Jinji for years but could not capture Rajaram, who eventually escaped.

Correct Answer: C. C. 8

Shivaji Maharaj had eight wives (consorts), which was common for rulers of that era. His most famous wife was Saibai Nimbalkar, mother of Sambhaji. Other wives included Soyarabai (mother of Rajaram), Putalabai, Kasibai, Sakvarbai, Laxmibai, Gunwantabai, and Tukabai. Royal marriages were often political alliances.

Correct Answer: B. B. Armies and trade moving between the Konkan and Deccan

The Sahyadri mountain passes (ghats) were the only practical routes for armies, merchants, and goods moving between the Konkan coastal region and the Deccan plateau. Maratha forts positioned at the tops and entries of ghats gave Shivaji's forces control over all movement through these vital corridors. This geographic advantage was central to Maratha military strategy.

Correct Answer: B. B. State-run workshops and manufacturing units

Karkhanas were state-run workshops and manufacturing units that produced military equipment, weapons, textiles, and other goods needed by the Maratha state. Shivaji established several Karkhanas to reduce dependence on outside suppliers. This was part of his effort to build a self-sufficient state economy.

Correct Answer: C. C. Prataprao Gujar

Prataprao Gujar was the Senapati (commander-in-chief) who died heroically at the Battle of Nesari (1674) while fighting Bahlol Khan. He had released Bahlol Khan on his word of honour, but Bahlol Khan returned with a larger force, and Prataprao charged with only six companions in a futile but heroic last stand. Shivaji was deeply saddened by his death.

Correct Answer: B. B. 1664–1667

Sindhudurg Fort was constructed between 1664 and 1667, taking about three years to build. It was constructed on a rocky island off the coast of Malvan with lead-melted foundations for stability against sea erosion. Sindhudurg became the headquarters of the Maratha navy and one of the most formidable sea forts in India.

Correct Answer: C. C. Topkhana

The Topkhana (from Turkish/Persian 'top' = cannon) was the artillery corps of the Maratha army. Shivaji maintained an artillery force with cannons for siege operations and fort defence. He procured cannons from Portuguese, English, and local foundries, though the Maratha army was generally less reliant on artillery than the Mughals.