Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 3

Correct Answer: C. C. 1666

Shivaji visited Aurangzeb's court in Agra in 1666 following the Treaty of Purandar, where he was publicly humiliated and placed under house arrest. Aurangzeb felt threatened by Shivaji's growing reputation and popularity. The Agra visit and subsequent escape became one of the most celebrated episodes in Maratha history.

Correct Answer: B. B. Hidden in large sweet/fruit baskets

Shivaji engineered a daring escape by hiding himself in large baskets that were supposedly carrying sweets and fruits as offerings to holy men. His trusted aide Hiroji Farzan assisted in the plan, and Shivaji escaped to safety while a decoy plan misdirected the Mughals. The escape demonstrated Shivaji's resourcefulness and intelligence.

Correct Answer: C. C. His son Sambhaji

Shivaji's young son Sambhaji also escaped along with him from Agra in 1666. Sambhaji was later sent back discreetly to avoid suspicion during their journey back to Maharashtra. The successful escape greatly enhanced Shivaji's legendary status across India.

Correct Answer: C. C. 1674

Shivaji Maharaj was formally crowned as Chhatrapati (Emperor) at Raigad Fort on June 6, 1674, in a grand ceremony. This coronation gave him the status of an independent sovereign king, breaking the tradition of Marathas serving as feudatories. The event was a watershed moment in Maratha and Indian history.

Correct Answer: C. C. Gaga Bhatt

Gaga Bhatt, a renowned Brahmin scholar from Varanasi, was specially invited to perform the coronation ceremony (Rajyabhishek) of Shivaji Maharaj. His participation gave the coronation Vedic legitimacy and pan-India recognition. The ceremony was conducted with great pomp as per Kshatriya traditions.

Correct Answer: C. C. Raigad

Raigad Fort is located in Raigad district of Maharashtra, situated at an elevation of about 820 metres above sea level. Shivaji Maharaj made it his capital in 1674 after his coronation and carried out extensive construction there. The district itself is named after the fort.

Correct Answer: B. B. Chhatrapati

Shivaji adopted the title of 'Chhatrapati', meaning 'Lord of the Umbrella' or sovereign emperor, at his coronation in 1674. The umbrella (Chhattra) was a traditional symbol of royal sovereignty in India. This title placed him on par with the great emperors of India and asserted Maratha independence.

Correct Answer: B. B. Death of Jijabai shortly after the first ceremony

A second Tantric coronation was performed for Shivaji shortly after the first Vedic one because Jijabai passed away just twelve days after the first ceremony. A second ceremony was performed to spiritually purify the coronation after the inauspicious event of the Queen Mother's passing. Both ceremonies together consolidated Shivaji's royal status.

Correct Answer: B. B. Ashtapradhan

Shivaji Maharaj established the Ashtapradhan, a council of eight ministers, to assist him in administration. Each minister had a specific portfolio and responsibility in running the empire. The Ashtapradhan was a unique administrative innovation that made Maratha governance more systematic and efficient.

Correct Answer: C. C. Moropant Trimbak Pingle

Moropant Trimbak Pingle served as the first Peshwa (Mukhya Pradhan/chief minister) in Shivaji's Ashtapradhan. He was one of Shivaji's most trusted administrators. Later, the Peshwa title grew enormously in power, and Peshwas eventually became the de facto rulers of the Maratha Empire.