Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 20

Correct Answer: B. B. Krishna-Bhima river system of the Deccan

The Krishna-Bhima river system of the Deccan was most closely associated with the heartland of Shivaji's Swarajya. The Western Ghats, which fed these rivers, formed the backbone of Maratha military power. The Deccan plateau watered by these rivers formed the agricultural and strategic core of the Maratha Empire.

Correct Answer: B. B. Establishing just governance where native people are free and protected

Shivaji's Swarajya was not merely military conquest but a vision of establishing just and protective governance where native people (of all faiths) could live freely without foreign domination. His laws protecting civilians, fair revenue policies, and inclusive recruitment reflected this broader vision. Swarajya was about the dignity and freedom of all subjects, not just military glory.

Correct Answer: B. B. They shifted power from the Chhatrapati to the Brahmin Peshwa family

The Peshwas, beginning with Balaji Vishwanath and especially under Baji Rao I, gradually shifted effective political and military power from the Chhatrapati to the Brahmin Peshwa family at Pune. While the Chhatrapati remained the nominal sovereign at Satara, the Peshwa became the de facto ruler. This transformation changed the character of the Maratha state significantly from Shivaji's original design.

Correct Answer: B. B. Pratapgad

Pratapgad Fort in Satara district is forever associated with the famous episode where Shivaji killed Afzal Khan using the Wagh Nakh in 1659. The fort, built by Shivaji in 1656, overlooks the Maval region and is surrounded by thick forests. It remains a major pilgrimage and tourist site in Maharashtra, especially on November 10 each year.

Correct Answer: B. B. A grand palace (Jagdishwar temple, throne room, market, and palace complex)

Raigad Fort featured a grand palace complex including the Jagdishwar temple, a large throne room (Sinhasan), royal residences, a large market (bazaar) with 27 shops, water storage tanks, and granaries. The architecture was indigenous and functional, reflecting Maratha priorities of utility and strength over decorative grandeur. Ruins of these structures can still be seen at Raigad today.

Correct Answer: B. B. Pargana

Below the Suba (province) in Shivaji's administrative hierarchy was the Pargana, a subdivision responsible for collecting revenue from a group of villages. The Pargana was administered by a Havaldar (military officer) and Sabnis (accountant). Below the Pargana were individual villages each with their Patel (headman) and Kulkarni (accountant).

Correct Answer: B. B. Pragmatic indigenous nationalism combining military power, fair governance, and cultural identity

Shivaji's political philosophy was a pragmatic form of indigenous nationalism that combined exceptional military capability, relatively fair and efficient governance, and assertion of Maratha/Indian cultural identity. He was neither a pure theocrat (given his tolerance of Muslims) nor a Western-style liberal, but a highly effective indigenous ruler who built lasting institutions. His legacy continues to inspire Indian political and cultural thought.

Correct Answer: B. B. Chandrakant Mande

Chandrakant Mande and other Marathi actors became famous for depicting Shivaji Maharaj in Marathi films and stage dramas in the 20th century. Marathi cinema has a rich tradition of Shivaji-themed films that have kept his legacy alive for generations. These cultural productions have been central to maintaining Shivaji's iconic status in Maharashtra.

Correct Answer: A. A. Mahabharata's lac palace episode

Shivaji's clever escape from Agra using disguise and deception is sometimes compared to the crafty strategies described in ancient Indian literature including the Mahabharata. The use of baskets, decoys, and careful planning to outwit a powerful emperor resonated with traditional Indian narrative themes of intelligence overcoming brute force. The escape became a foundational story of Maratha identity.

Correct Answer: B. B. A national hero who demonstrated that India could have effective indigenous governance and resist foreign domination

Shivaji Maharaj's lasting legacy for India extends far beyond Maharashtra — he demonstrated through practice that India could have effective, just, and independent indigenous governance resisting foreign domination. His concept of Swarajya inspired the Indian independence movement, his administrative innovations remain studied, and his military genius is taught at military academies. He is recognised as one of the greatest rulers in Indian history.