Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 17

Correct Answer: B. B. He threatened Portuguese territory but never fully captured Goa

Shivaji threatened and captured parts of Portuguese territory including Bassein and some Konkan ports, but he never fully captured Goa itself. The Portuguese Goa remained a separate colonial enclave. Shivaji's interactions with the Portuguese were complex, involving both conflict and pragmatic commercial relations.

Correct Answer: B. B. Pune

While the Chhatrapati resided at Satara, the real political centre of the Maratha Confederacy under the Peshwas was Pune. The Peshwa's palace at Shaniwar Wada in Pune became the effective seat of Maratha political power. Pune was also the cultural and commercial hub of the Maratha world.

Correct Answer: B. B. Hilly terrain, mountain passes, and forest cover

Ganimi Kava (guerrilla warfare) relied primarily on the advantage of hilly terrain, narrow mountain passes, dense forests, and the intimate local knowledge of the Sahyadri mountains. These features allowed small Maratha forces to ambush and defeat much larger enemy armies. The terrain made it virtually impossible for the numerically superior Mughal army to use its full strength.

Correct Answer: B. B. From Attock (northwest) to Bengal (east) and Tamil Nadu (south)

At the height of Maratha power under the Peshwas in the 1750s, the Maratha Empire's influence extended from Attock in present-day Pakistan to Bengal in the east, and from Punjab in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south. This enormous extent made the Marathas the dominant power in the Indian subcontinent. This expansion was catastrophically halted by the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.

Correct Answer: B. B. The Pride of Maharashtra

Raigad Fort is often called the 'Pride of Maharashtra' due to its historical significance as the capital of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort contains Shivaji's samadhi (memorial), palace ruins, and numerous historic structures. It is a major pilgrimage and heritage site for Maharashtrians.

Correct Answer: B. B. Satara

The Bhosale Chhatrapati's kingdom continued with its seat at Satara after Shivaji's death. Satara remained the nominal capital of the Chhatrapati's kingdom even when real power shifted to the Peshwas at Pune. The Satara kingdom remained until British annexation under the Doctrine of Lapse in 1848.

Correct Answer: B. B. Aurangzeb

The Maratha-Mughal conflict began in earnest under Aurangzeb, who became Mughal Emperor in 1658 when Shivaji's power was already growing. Aurangzeb sent multiple generals against Shivaji including Shaista Khan and Raja Jai Singh, and later came personally to the Deccan. The conflict lasted until Aurangzeb's death in 1707 without the Mughals fully subduing the Marathas.

Correct Answer: C. C. 23 forts

Under the Treaty of Purandar (1665), Shivaji was required to surrender 23 forts to the Mughal Empire. He was allowed to keep 12 forts. Shivaji also agreed to provide military service to the Mughal Emperor and to pay a war indemnity. He later recovered most of these forts in his 1670 military campaign.

Correct Answer: B. B. Welfare of all subjects regardless of caste or religion

Shivaji is often called 'Janata Raja' (People's King) because his administration was noted for its concern for the welfare of ordinary farmers, soldiers, and common people across all communities. His policies of protecting civilians during war, reducing exploitative intermediaries in revenue collection, and including merit-based recruitment reflected this people-centric approach. This earned him extraordinary loyalty from his subjects.

Correct Answer: B. B. Superior speed and mobility for long-distance rapid raids

The Maratha cavalry's superior speed and mobility allowed it to conduct rapid raids over vast distances, strike before the enemy could respond, and retreat quickly into defensive terrain. This strategic mobility was a decisive advantage against the slower, heavier, and more cumbersome Mughal army with its large baggage trains and elephant corps. Baji Rao I later perfected this cavalry-based strategic doctrine.