Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 14
Maharashtra GK · मराठा साम्राज्य और शिवाजी · Questions 131–140 of 200
Shivaji Maharaj's concept of Hindavi Swarajya is celebrated for including which feature?
Correct Answer: B. B. Native self-rule including soldiers of all faiths
Shivaji's Hindavi Swarajya was a concept of native self-rule that in practice included soldiers, commanders, and officials of all faiths including Muslims. By including Muslims in his army and administration, Shivaji demonstrated that his Swarajya was about freedom from external domination, not religious exclusivity. This inclusive approach strengthened the Maratha state significantly.
The equestrian statue of Shivaji Maharaj at Pratapgad Fort was unveiled by which Prime Minister?
Correct Answer: A. A. Jawaharlal Nehru
The equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Pratapgad Fort was unveiled by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on November 10, 1957, coinciding with the anniversary of the Battle of Pratapgad (1659). The unveiling was a major national event recognising Shivaji as a hero of all India. This gesture reflected the new Indian government's embrace of Shivaji as a national icon.
Shivaji Maharaj is described as the 'Father of Indian Navy' for what achievement?
Correct Answer: B. B. He built India's first organised indigenous naval force
Shivaji Maharaj is called the 'Father of Indian Navy' because he built and organised India's first significant indigenous naval force to defend the Konkan coastline. Before Shivaji, there was no systematic Indian naval power to challenge the dominant European and Siddi navies. His vision of naval power was centuries ahead of his time and is celebrated by the Indian Navy today.
Shivaji Maharaj's revenue system aimed to benefit which section of society most directly?
Correct Answer: B. B. Farmers and peasants
Shivaji's revenue system was designed to be relatively farmer-friendly by reducing corrupt intermediaries, fixing revenue at reasonable rates based on actual cultivation, and providing relief during droughts. By eliminating exploitative Watandars (local chieftains) from revenue collection, more revenue stayed with farmers. His policies helped win the loyalty of the rural peasantry.
What was the term 'Havaldar' used for in Shivaji's fort administration?
Correct Answer: B. B. Fort military commander
Havaldar in Shivaji's administrative system was the military commander of a fort, responsible for its defence and garrison. He was one of three co-equal officers in each fort (alongside the Sabnis/accountant and Karkhanis/store-keeper) to prevent any single person from having total control. This system of collective responsibility was a unique feature of Maratha fort administration.
Shivaji Maharaj's mother Jijabai passed away in which year, shortly after his coronation?
Correct Answer: C. C. 1674
Jijabai passed away on June 17, 1674, just twelve days after Shivaji's historic coronation at Raigad on June 6, 1674. She is said to have lived long enough to see her son become the independent Chhatrapati she had always prayed for. Her death shortly after the coronation was a moment of deep mixed emotion for Shivaji and all Marathas.
The Maratha naval warship 'Gurab' was used primarily for what purpose?
Correct Answer: B. B. Heavy armed warship for naval combat
The Gurab was a large, heavily armed warship in the Maratha navy used primarily for offensive naval combat. It typically had multiple cannons and a large crew of oarsmen. The Galbat was a smaller, faster vessel used for patrol and support. Together they formed the backbone of Shivaji's naval power.
The Maratha territories at the time of Shivaji's death (1680) broadly covered which regions?
Correct Answer: B. B. Much of the Deccan, Konkan, parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
At the time of Shivaji's death in 1680, the Maratha Empire covered much of the Deccan plateau, the Konkan coastal region, parts of Karnataka, and forts as far south as Tamil Nadu. This formed the foundation on which his successors built the larger Maratha Confederacy. The empire was compact but strategically well-placed for further expansion.
Shivaji is sometimes called 'Pahari Chuha' (Mountain Rat) by the Mughals. What does this reflect?
Correct Answer: B. B. His mastery of guerrilla warfare in hilly terrain
The Mughals used this derogatory term out of frustration with Shivaji's guerrilla tactics in the hilly Deccan terrain. Shivaji's forces would strike quickly and retreat into mountain strongholds before Mughal forces could retaliate effectively. This 'mountain rat' strategy was actually a highly effective military doctrine that repeatedly frustrated the Mughal army.
The Bhakti saint Sant Tukaram was a contemporary of Shivaji Maharaj who lived in which region?
Correct Answer: B. B. Dehu, near Pune
Sant Tukaram lived in Dehu village near Pune in the 17th century, making him a direct contemporary of Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji is said to have attended Tukaram's kirtans and sought his blessings. Tukaram's teachings on devotion, social equality, and righteous living influenced Shivaji's personal values deeply.