Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 18
Maharashtra GK · मराठा साम्राज्य और शिवाजी · Questions 171–180 of 200
The English East India Company's representative who wrote accounts of Shivaji's 1674 coronation was named what?
Correct Answer: B. B. Henry Oxenden
Henry Oxenden, the English East India Company's chief factor at Surat, attended Shivaji's coronation at Raigad in 1674 and wrote detailed accounts of the ceremony. His records provide valuable contemporary European documentation of this historic event. The presence of European representatives at the coronation demonstrated the international recognition of Shivaji's power.
Which Maratha fort is considered the best example of Shivaji's naval strategy on the Konkan coast?
Correct Answer: B. B. Sindhudurg Fort
Sindhudurg Fort, built entirely on a rocky island off the Malvan coast, is considered the best example of Shivaji's naval strategy. It served as the headquarters of the Maratha navy and provided a secure base from which to patrol and control the Konkan coast. The fort also contains a temple to Shivaji Maharaj, one of very few temples built during his own lifetime.
What was the primary reason for Shivaji's conflict with the Portuguese on the Konkan coast?
Correct Answer: B. B. Competition for control of coastal ports and trade revenues
Shivaji's conflict with the Portuguese on the Konkan coast was primarily driven by competition for control of strategically important coastal ports and their lucrative trade revenues. Portuguese control of several Konkan ports limited Maratha access to sea trade and naval expansion. Shivaji captured several Portuguese-held ports to establish Maratha maritime supremacy.
The Maratha Confederacy's defeat at the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was primarily against which force?
Correct Answer: C. C. Ahmad Shah Durrani's Afghan forces
The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was fought between the Maratha Confederacy and Ahmad Shah Durrani (Abdali) of Afghanistan. The Marathas suffered a catastrophic defeat losing tens of thousands of soldiers including the Peshwa's son Vishwasrao and general Bhausaheb Peshwa. This defeat is considered the greatest catastrophe in Maratha history and halted their pan-Indian expansion.
What was the role of the 'Nyayadhish' in Shivaji's Ashtapradhan?
Correct Answer: B. B. Chief Justice and administrator of the legal system
The Nyayadhish in Shivaji's Ashtapradhan was the chief judge responsible for the administration of justice and legal matters. He presided over the judicial system and ensured laws were applied fairly across the empire. Shivaji's administration of justice was known for being relatively impartial, contributing to his popularity.
Shivaji Maharaj's expansion into Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in 1677-78 demonstrated what about his strategic vision?
Correct Answer: B. B. He had an all-India strategic vision extending Swarajya to the whole subcontinent
Shivaji's southern campaigns of 1677-78 demonstrated a strategic vision extending far beyond Maharashtra. By capturing forts in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu including the strategically vital Jinji, he was laying the groundwork for a pan-Indian Swarajya. These southern gains also served as a fallback base against Mughal pressure from the north.
Shivaji Maharaj's fort network was designed so that each fort had how many years of provisions stored?
Correct Answer: C. C. 3-5 years
Shivaji's strategic planning required each fort to maintain several years (typically estimated at 3-5 years) of food, water, and ammunition supplies. This meant that even if an enemy captured the surrounding territory, the forts could hold out for extended periods. This pre-positioning of resources was a key element of Maratha military resilience.
The famous poem 'Powada' in Marathi tradition was used to celebrate what?
Correct Answer: B. B. Military heroes and battles
'Powada' is a traditional Marathi martial ballad form used to celebrate military heroes, brave deeds, and famous battles. Many Powadas were composed about Shivaji Maharaj, Tanaji Malusare, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, and other Maratha heroes. Jyotirao Phule's famous Powada about Shivaji helped spread his legacy among common people.
The Maratha Empire's currency system used 'Hon' (gold) and 'Shivrai' (copper). The Shivrai was named after whom?
Correct Answer: B. B. Shivaji Maharaj himself
The Shivrai copper coin was named after Shivaji Maharaj himself, asserting his identity and sovereignty even in the everyday economic transactions of his empire. Having both gold (Hon) and copper (Shivrai) coins demonstrated a complete monetary system for the Maratha state. The coinage was a visible daily reminder of Maratha independence from Mughal authority.
What is the significance of Shivaji Maharaj's administrative reforms in the context of later Indian history?
Correct Answer: B. B. They provided a model of indigenous governance that inspired later nationalist leaders
Shivaji's administrative reforms — centralised authority, merit-based recruitment, fair revenue collection, military intelligence networks, and inclusive governance — provided a model of effective indigenous governance. Later nationalist leaders like Tilak and Shivaji's Swarajya concept influenced the Indian independence movement directly. His legacy demonstrates that India had capable governance traditions of its own.