Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 19
Maharashtra GK · मराठा साम्राज्य और शिवाजी · Questions 181–190 of 200
After the Treaty of Purandar (1665), Shivaji visited Aurangzeb's court in Agra. Who else among Maratha nobles accompanied him?
Correct Answer: B. B. His son Sambhaji and other nobles
Shivaji visited Agra in 1666 accompanied by his young son Sambhaji and a retinue of about 200 Maratha nobles and servants. Aurangzeb's humiliating treatment of Shivaji in court shocked all the Maratha representatives present. Both Shivaji and Sambhaji subsequently escaped from Mughal captivity in the famous escape episode.
The Maratha military unit called 'Paga' in Shivaji's army referred to what?
Correct Answer: A. A. Cavalry regiment
The Paga in Shivaji's military referred to a cavalry regiment or unit. The Maratha cavalry was organised into various units with different equipment and roles. The cavalry was the most important arm of the Maratha military, responsible for the rapid raids and strategic mobility that made the Marathas so formidable.
The Maratha festivals of Diwali and Gudi Padwa have special significance because Gudi Padwa marks what?
Correct Answer: B. B. Marathi New Year celebrated with special Maratha pride
Gudi Padwa marks the Marathi New Year and is celebrated with great pride as a cultural Maratha festival. A 'Gudi' (traditional flag) is hoisted outside homes symbolising victory and prosperity. The festival has become closely associated with Maratha cultural identity and pride, often celebrated alongside Shivaji Jayanti events.
The Portuguese city of Goa, despite Shivaji's attempts, was never fully captured by the Marathas. It remained a Portuguese colony until which year?
Correct Answer: B. B. 1961
The Portuguese colony of Goa was liberated and merged with India in 1961 through 'Operation Vijay' under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Despite the Marathas' long struggle to control the Konkan coast, Goa remained Portuguese for about 450 years. The liberation of Goa in 1961 finally ended Portuguese colonial presence in India.
Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated on the Indian Navy's official crest. What does his seal on the crest represent?
Correct Answer: B. B. That he is the founding father of India's naval tradition
Shivaji Maharaj's royal seal appears on the Indian Navy's crest as a tribute to his role as the founding father of India's organised naval tradition. The Indian Navy honours him with the title 'Father of the Indian Navy'. His vision of building a navy to defend India's western coast is considered far ahead of his time.
Which Maratha figure served as regent of Kolhapur and was known for remarkable political longevity?
Correct Answer: B. B. Tarabai
Tarabai Bhosale was one of the most politically long-lived figures in Maratha history, serving as regent and remaining politically active from the 1690s until her death in 1761. She fought against both Aurangzeb's Mughals and later against Shahu Maharaj's faction. Her political career spanning over six decades is remarkable in Indian history.
Shivaji Maharaj's administrative genius is often compared to that of which ancient Indian ruler?
Correct Answer: D. D. Both Chandragupta Maurya and Akbar
Shivaji's administrative genius is often compared to both Chandragupta Maurya (for the similarity of his governance principles with Kautilya's Arthashastra) and Akbar (for religious tolerance and administrative efficiency). These comparisons highlight the sophistication of Shivaji's state-building achievements. His legacy is considered on par with the greatest rulers in Indian history.
Which of Shivaji's commanders was known as a 'Naik' (leader) of his intelligence network?
Correct Answer: A. A. Bahirji Naik
Bahirji Naik is celebrated in Maratha tradition as the chief of Shivaji's intelligence network. His activities included gathering information deep within enemy territory, often in disguise. The intelligence he provided reportedly gave Shivaji crucial advance knowledge for operations like the planning for the Afzal Khan encounter at Pratapgad.
The Maratha forces' ability to hold out in hill forts against Mughal sieges was primarily due to what preparedness?
Correct Answer: B. B. Years of pre-stored provisions and superior defensive positions
Maratha forts were prepared for extended sieges with years of pre-stored food, water cisterns, and ammunition. The elevated positions of hill forts made direct assault extremely costly and time-consuming for attacking armies. Mughal siege operations against well-provisioned Maratha hill forts could take years, exhausting the besieging army's resources.
Shivaji Maharaj's coronation in 1674 represented a break from which tradition of Maratha nobles?
Correct Answer: B. B. Serving as feudatories under Deccan Sultanates or Mughals
Before Shivaji's coronation, Maratha nobles (including Shahaji Bhosale) served as generals and feudatories under the Deccan Sultanates or the Mughals. Shivaji's coronation broke this tradition by asserting complete independence as a sovereign king. This was a revolutionary political act that established the Marathas as an independent power in their own right.