Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 15

Correct Answer: C. C. Battle of Salher (1672)

The Battle of Salher (1672) was the first large-scale open-field battle in which Marathas decisively defeated the Mughals. This victory shattered the myth that Marathas could only fight in guerrilla style. The victory at Salher significantly boosted Maratha confidence and demonstrated strategic military capability beyond hit-and-run tactics.

Correct Answer: A. A. Arthashastra

Shivaji Maharaj's administrative and military principles were closely aligned with Kautilya's Arthashastra, the ancient Indian treatise on statecraft. The Arthashastra's principles of espionage, intelligence networks, revenue administration, and the role of the king were reflected in Shivaji's governance. This continuity with ancient Indian political tradition was part of his cultural revival.

Correct Answer: B. B. Baji Rao I

Baji Rao I (Peshwa 1720-1740) was the primary architect of Maratha expansion into Malwa, Gujarat, Rajputana, and the northern territories. His rapid cavalry campaigns covered vast distances and outmanoeuvred slower Mughal forces. Baji Rao is considered one of the greatest military commanders in Indian history, winning all 41 battles he fought.

Correct Answer: B. B. They should be freed and not enslaved

Shivaji had a strict policy against enslaving people during military campaigns. He ordered that women, children, and civilians should not be harmed and that enslaved people should be freed. This was a notably humanitarian approach for the era and enhanced his reputation as a just ruler across all communities.

Correct Answer: B. B. Sanskrit/Devanagari script

Shivaji's gold Hon coins carried inscriptions in Sanskrit/Devanagari script rather than the Persian script used on Mughal coins. This was a deliberate cultural and political assertion of Maratha and Hindu identity. The coins also carried symbols of his sovereignty, replacing Islamic phrases with Sanskrit ones.

Correct Answer: D. D. Infantry soldiers generally

Maratha infantry soldiers generally carried a sword (talwar) and a shield (dhal) along with other weapons appropriate to their role. The Silahdar was Shivaji's personal arms-bearer who maintained his weapons. The ordinary infantry soldier's weapons were simple but effective in the hilly terrain where the Marathas excelled.

Correct Answer: B. B. Bombay

Gerald Aungier served as the English East India Company's President at Surat and later as the first Governor of Bombay (1669-1677), during which period he had extensive interactions with Shivaji Maharaj. He is credited with developing Bombay as a major commercial centre. Aungier had to carefully manage the delicate political situation with the powerful Maratha ruler.

Correct Answer: A. A. Ekoji I (Vyankoji)

Ekoji I (Vyankoji), Shivaji's half-brother and founder of the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom, established a dynasty that became one of the greatest patrons of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam in south India. The Thanjavur Maratha court attracted some of the finest musicians and dancers of the era. This kingdom's cultural legacy continues to influence south Indian classical arts.

Correct Answer: B. B. 52

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was approximately 52 years old when he died on April 3, 1680, having been born on February 19, 1630. Despite his relatively short life, he accomplished extraordinary military, administrative, and cultural achievements. His death at 52 left the Maratha Empire at a critical juncture requiring strong leadership.

Correct Answer: A. A. Harakaras (Harkaras)

Shivaji maintained an extensive network of Harkaras (intelligence agents) and spies who gathered information about enemy movements, fort strengths, and political developments. This intelligence system gave Shivaji a significant strategic advantage in his campaigns. The system was supplemented by agents like Bahirji Naik who conducted deep intelligence operations behind enemy lines.