Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 4

Correct Answer: A. A. Hambirrao Mohite

Hambirrao Mohite served as the Senapati (Commander-in-Chief) in Shivaji Maharaj's Ashtapradhan. He was also the brother of Shivaji's queen Soyarabai and one of the most capable Maratha generals. Hambirrao Mohite continued to serve under Shivaji's successors and remained a key military leader.

Correct Answer: B. B. Amatya

The Amatya in Shivaji's Ashtapradhan was responsible for finance, revenue, and accounts of the empire. He maintained all financial records and accounts of income and expenditure. The position was crucial for managing the resources needed for Shivaji's extensive military campaigns.

Correct Answer: B. B. Foreign affairs and diplomacy

The Dabir, also called Sumant, was responsible for foreign affairs and diplomatic relations in Shivaji's Ashtapradhan. He managed correspondence with foreign rulers, negotiated treaties, and handled embassies. This position was vital for Shivaji's complex diplomatic manoeuvres with Mughals, Bijapur, and other powers.

Correct Answer: C. C. Eight

Shivaji's Ashtapradhan (Ashta = eight, Pradhan = minister) consisted of eight ministers. The eight were: Peshwa, Amatya, Sachiv, Mantri (Waqianavis), Senapati, Sumant (Dabir), Nyayadhish, and Panditrao. Each had a distinct role in running the Maratha state.

Correct Answer: B. B. One-fourth of revenue from non-Maratha territories

Chauth was a tribute amounting to one-fourth (25%) of the revenue of a territory, collected by the Marathas from neighbouring regions in exchange for protection from raids. It was levied primarily on territories not directly under Maratha control. Chauth became a major source of revenue for the Maratha Empire.

Correct Answer: B. B. Additional 10% levy over Chauth as hereditary right

Sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of 10% collected by the Marathas over and above the Chauth from territories outside direct Maratha control. Shivaji claimed Sardeshmukhi on the basis of being the Sardeshmukh (chief headman) of Maharashtra. Together, Chauth and Sardeshmukhi formed 35% of external territories' revenue.

Correct Answer: B. B. Funding military campaigns and administration

Chauth revenue collected from external territories was primarily used to fund the Maratha military campaigns, maintain forts, and support administration. It was a crucial supplement to the direct land revenue from Maratha-controlled territories. The Peshwas later expanded Chauth collection to territories as far as Bengal and Punjab.

Correct Answer: B. B. Reduce feudal power and centralise state control

Shivaji abolished or curtailed the hereditary rights of local chieftains in his core territories to centralise power and reduce feudal fragmentation. Revenue was collected directly by state-appointed officials rather than through intermediaries. This reform strengthened central authority and increased state revenues.

Correct Answer: C. C. Daulat Khan

Daulat Khan served as one of Shivaji's early and important naval commanders, helping build the Maratha navy along the Konkan coast. Shivaji built a formidable naval force to challenge Portuguese, Siddi, English, and Dutch power. His navy comprised warships (Gurabs and Galbats) and was headquartered at various coastal forts.

Correct Answer: B. B. Sindhudurg Fort

Shivaji Maharaj built Sindhudurg Fort on a rocky island off the coast of Malvan (Sindhudurg district) between 1664 and 1667. It was an entirely sea-based fort and served as a major naval base. Sindhudurg Fort is a marvel of Maratha engineering and remains a popular tourist site today.