Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 12
Maharashtra GK · मराठा साम्राज्य और शिवाजी · Questions 111–120 of 200
On which date is Shivaji Jayanti (birth anniversary) officially celebrated in Maharashtra?
Correct Answer: A. A. February 19
Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated on February 19 each year, commemorating Shivaji Maharaj's birth on February 19, 1630. It is a public holiday in Maharashtra and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the state and by Maharashtrians worldwide. Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the public celebration of Shivaji Jayanti in 1895.
The year 1680 is significant in Maratha history primarily because of which event?
Correct Answer: C. C. Shivaji Maharaj's death and Sambhaji's succession
The year 1680 marks the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on April 3, followed by the succession struggle and eventual ascension of Sambhaji as the second Chhatrapati. Shivaji's death left a power vacuum initially filled with uncertainty and internal conflict. Despite this, the Maratha state survived and grew stronger under subsequent rulers.
The Tulja Bhavani temple, Shivaji's kuldaivat (family deity) shrine, is in which district of Maharashtra?
Correct Answer: B. B. Osmanabad (Dharashiv)
The Tulja Bhavani temple is located at Tuljapur in Osmanabad (now Dharashiv) district of Maharashtra. It is one of the three and a half Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra and a revered pilgrimage site. Shivaji Maharaj was a devoted worshipper of Tulja Bhavani and it is said she gave him the Bhavani Talwar.
What is the meaning of 'Chhatrapati', the title adopted by Shivaji in 1674?
Correct Answer: B. B. Lord of the Umbrella / Sovereign Emperor
'Chhatrapati' means 'Lord of the Umbrella' (Chhattra = umbrella, Pati = lord), which in Indian tradition signifies sovereign imperial status. The royal umbrella was a classical symbol of supreme authority. By adopting this title, Shivaji claimed full sovereignty equal to any emperor in Indian history.
Shivaji's policy of issuing his own Marathi-inscribed currency (Hon gold coins) signified what?
Correct Answer: B. B. Independent political sovereignty
Issuing one's own currency was a classical assertion of independent sovereignty in medieval Indian political tradition. Shivaji's Hon gold coins with Sanskrit/Marathi inscriptions (instead of Persian) directly challenged Mughal monetary authority. The coinage was both a practical medium of exchange and a potent political statement.
Shivaji Maharaj gave strict instructions about which Islamic text to be treated with respect?
Correct Answer: B. B. Holy Quran
Shivaji Maharaj gave strict orders that the Holy Quran should be treated with respect in all his military campaigns and that no mosque should be damaged. He personally ensured that captured Qurans were returned respectfully to Muslim clergy. This policy of religious tolerance was genuinely practised, not just nominal.
Bhor Ghat near Pune was strategically important for the Marathas primarily because it was what?
Correct Answer: B. B. The main mountain pass connecting Pune to the Konkan coast
Bhor Ghat (Borghat) is one of the most important mountain passes in the Western Ghats near Pune and was the primary route connecting the Deccan plateau to the Konkan coast. Control of the ghats was crucial for moving armies and goods. Shivaji's forts at key ghat entrances controlled these vital military and commercial routes.
Shivaji Maharaj was influenced by the Warkari Bhakti saints. Who among these was a direct contemporary of Shivaji?
Correct Answer: B. B. Sant Tukaram
Sant Tukaram was a direct contemporary of Shivaji Maharaj and both were active in 17th-century Maharashtra. Shivaji attended Tukaram's kirtans (devotional discourses) and held him in great reverence. Tukaram's teachings on equality, devotion, and justice deeply influenced Shivaji's personal values.
Which commander of the Maratha navy later became famous as the 'Terror of the Seas' challenging European powers?
Correct Answer: B. B. Kanhoji Angre
Kanhoji Angre (also spelled Angria) was the most famous Maratha admiral who commanded the navy after Shivaji's death. He effectively challenged Portuguese, English, and Dutch naval power along the western coast of India. His naval operations continued the legacy of Shivaji's naval vision and earned him the title 'Terror of the Seas' from Europeans.
The Maratha system of 'Saranjam' referred to what practice?
Correct Answer: A. A. Revenue grants to military commanders instead of cash salaries
Saranjam was the Maratha system of granting revenue assignments (similar to jagirs) to military commanders as payment for their services. Unlike Shivaji's preferred direct revenue system, Saranjam became more common later as a way to pay large numbers of commanders. The system eventually contributed to the feudalisation of the Maratha military.