Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 13

Correct Answer: B. B. Holkar, Scindia, Bhonsle (Nagpur), Gaekwad, and Peshwa

The Maratha Confederacy that developed under the Peshwas comprised five major powers: the Peshwa at Pune, the Holkars at Indore, the Scindias at Gwalior, the Bhonsles at Nagpur, and the Gaekwads at Baroda. Together these five houses controlled vast territories across India. The Confederacy's coordination ultimately broke down at Panipat in 1761.

Correct Answer: A. A. Raghuji Bhosale I

Raghuji Bhosale I was the most prominent ruler of the Nagpur Bhosale kingdom and expanded Maratha power into Bengal, Odisha, and the eastern Deccan through extensive military campaigns. He extracted Chauth from Bengal, making Maratha power felt across eastern India. Raghuji Bhosale I became one of the major figures in the Maratha Confederacy.

Correct Answer: A. A. Rajaram Chhatrapati

The Kolhapur kingdom was established by the descendants of Chhatrapati Rajaram (Shivaji's second son). After Rajaram's death, Tarabai ruled as regent, and the family continued to rule Kolhapur as a separate kingdom from the Satara line. Kolhapur remains an important Maratha cultural centre today.

Correct Answer: B. B. Doctrine of Lapse

The Satara kingdom was annexed by the British under Lord Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse in 1848. This doctrine held that if a ruler died without a natural heir, the territory lapsed to the British East India Company. The last ruler Shahu II had adopted an heir on his deathbed but the British did not recognise the adoption.

Correct Answer: B. B. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule wrote extensively about Shivaji Maharaj, particularly celebrating him as a king who was the protector of all people including the lower castes. Phule's biography 'Chatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle Yancha Powada' portrayed Shivaji as a champion of the oppressed. Phule's perspective influenced later social reform movements in Maharashtra.

Correct Answer: B. B. Kesari

Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded the Marathi newspaper 'Kesari' (Lion) in 1881 to spread nationalist ideas. Tilak extensively wrote about Shivaji Maharaj's legacy and used it as a tool for inspiring the freedom movement. He also started public Shivaji Jayanti celebrations to build mass political consciousness.

Correct Answer: B. B. Being relatively impartial and fair to all communities

The Nyayadhish (chief judge) in Shivaji's Ashtapradhan ensured relatively fair administration of justice. Shivaji's legal system was known for being relatively impartial and fair across communities. His reputation for justice was one of the factors that won him wide popular support.

Correct Answer: B. B. Basalt stone

Maratha forts were primarily built using locally available basalt stone, which is abundant in the Deccan Trap geological region. Fort walls, bastions, and gates were adapted to the natural contours of the hilltop. Maratha fort architecture prioritised military utility, water storage, and defensive strength over decorative grandeur.

Correct Answer: B. B. Hiroji Farzan

Hiroji Farzan (also called Hiroji Farzand) was Shivaji's trusted aide who played a key role in the escape from Agra in 1666. He created a diversion by acting as Shivaji's double while Shivaji hid in the sweet baskets and escaped. His courage and loyalty made the legendary escape possible.

Correct Answer: A. A. Victoria Terminus (VT)

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai was previously known as Victoria Terminus (VT), named after Queen Victoria. It was renamed in honour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after India's independence. The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mumbai's most iconic structures.