Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 16
Maharashtra GK · मराठा साम्राज्य और शिवाजी · Questions 151–160 of 200
Which Mughal Viceroy was humiliated by Shivaji's night raid in 1663, losing his fingers?
Correct Answer: B. B. Shaista Khan
Shaista Khan, the Mughal Viceroy of the Deccan and Aurangzeb's uncle, was the target of Shivaji's audacious night raid at Lal Mahal in Pune in April 1663. Shaista Khan escaped but lost the fingers of his right hand in the attack. The humiliation caused Aurangzeb to transfer Shaista Khan to Bengal and send Raja Jai Singh against Shivaji.
The 'Rajyavyavahar Kosh' compiled during Shivaji's reign replaced which language's terminology in Maratha administration?
Correct Answer: B. B. Persian
The Rajyavyavahar Kosh was compiled specifically to replace Persian administrative terminology with Marathi equivalents. Persian had been the dominant administrative language across the Deccan sultanates and Mughal territories. Replacing Persian with Marathi was a powerful cultural and political statement of Maratha identity and independence.
The Indian Navy celebrates 'Navy Day' with reference to Shivaji Maharaj. Why is Shivaji significant to the Indian Navy?
Correct Answer: B. B. He built India's first organised indigenous navy
The Indian Navy venerates Shivaji Maharaj as the 'Father of Indian Navy' because he built and organised India's first significant indigenous naval force in the 17th century. The Indian Navy's crest bears Shivaji's seal as a tribute to his pioneering role in Indian naval history. His foresight in building a navy to defend India's western coastline is considered far ahead of his time.
Lohagad Fort, one of Shivaji's important forts used to store treasury, is near which hill station?
Correct Answer: C. C. Lonavala
Lohagad Fort is located near Lonavala hill station in Pune district, at an elevation of about 1,033 metres. It was one of Shivaji's important forts and was used to store treasury at various points. The Bhaja Caves Buddhist monastery is located nearby, making it an important historical and archaeological area.
Which major Marathi social figure wrote a biography portraying Shivaji as a champion of the lower castes?
Correct Answer: B. B. Jyotirao Phule
Mahatma Jyotirao Phule wrote the 'Chatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle Yancha Powada' portraying Shivaji as a ruler who genuinely served and protected all people including the lower castes. Phule challenged the upper-caste appropriation of Shivaji's legacy and presented him as a champion of social justice. His interpretation influenced Dalit and OBC political movements in Maharashtra.
After Chhatrapati Rajaram's death in 1700, who led the Maratha resistance against Aurangzeb?
Correct Answer: B. B. Tarabai (Rajaram's widow)
After Rajaram's death in 1700, his wife Tarabai became regent and led the Maratha resistance against Aurangzeb in the name of her son Shivaji II. She was a formidable military strategist who kept Maratha resistance alive during one of its most difficult periods. Even after Shahu Maharaj's return in 1707, Tarabai remained a major political force for decades.
The Battle of Pratapgad (1659) was fought near which fort?
Correct Answer: B. B. Pratapgad Fort
The Battle of Pratapgad (1659) was fought on the slopes of Pratapgad Fort in Satara district. Shivaji had built Pratapgad Fort just before this battle as a strategic stronghold in the Maval region. The fort and its associated battle are among the most celebrated episodes in Maratha history.
Shivaji's campaigns showed his ability to deal diplomatically with which of the following?
Correct Answer: B. B. Multiple powers including Mughals, Deccan Sultanates, and European traders
Shivaji demonstrated remarkable diplomatic flexibility, dealing simultaneously with the Mughals, Bijapur, Golconda, Portuguese, English, Dutch, and Arab traders as circumstances required. He could negotiate, form alliances, and break them as strategic interests demanded. This diplomatic sophistication complemented his military genius and made him one of the most formidable rulers of his era.
The Maratha tradition of the Bhosale clan traced their origin to which Rajput lineage?
Correct Answer: C. C. Mewar/Sisodia lineage (claimed)
The Bhosale clan claimed descent from the Sisodia Rajput lineage of Mewar (Udaipur), though this claim is debated by some historians. The claim of Rajput descent was important for legitimising Shivaji's coronation as a Kshatriya king with full Vedic rites. Gaga Bhatt of Varanasi accepted this claim when performing the coronation ceremony.
The Maratha state under Shivaji was distinct from previous kingdoms in the region because of its emphasis on what?
Correct Answer: B. B. Centralised authority, direct revenue collection, and inclusive merit-based recruitment
Shivaji's Maratha state was distinctive for its emphasis on centralised authority (reducing feudal intermediaries), direct revenue collection, merit-based recruitment into the army and administration regardless of caste, and a systematic intelligence network. These features made the Maratha state more efficient and resilient than traditional feudal kingdoms. His administrative innovations were studied by later Indian rulers.