Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 5
Maharashtra GK · मराठा साम्राज्य और शिवाजी · Questions 41–50 of 200
The Maratha navy was primarily built to counter the naval power of which group along the Konkan coast?
Correct Answer: C. C. Janjira Siddis
The Janjira Siddis (Abyssinian commanders based at Janjira island) were a constant threat to the Konkan coast and a major obstacle to Shivaji's maritime expansion. Shivaji built his navy primarily to challenge Siddi naval supremacy. Despite several attempts, Janjira Fort was never captured by the Marathas during Shivaji's lifetime.
Vijaydurg Fort, one of the strongest sea forts of the Maratha navy, is located in which district?
Correct Answer: B. B. Sindhudurg
Vijaydurg Fort (also called the 'Gibraltar of the East') is located in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. It is one of the oldest and strongest sea forts on the Konkan coast and served as a major Maratha naval base. The fort was later a stronghold of the famous Maratha admiral Kanhoji Angre.
The Battle of Salher (1672), the first major open-field Maratha victory over the Mughals, was led by which commanders?
Correct Answer: B. B. Prataprao Gujar and Moropant Pingle
Maratha commanders Prataprao Gujar (Senapati) and Moropant Pingle led the Maratha army to a decisive victory at Salher Fort in Nashik district in 1672. A large number of Mughal soldiers were killed and much booty was captured. This was a landmark victory showing Marathas could defeat Mughals in open-field battles.
Aurangzeb personally came to the Deccan to subdue the Marathas in which year?
Correct Answer: C. C. 1681
Aurangzeb personally came to the Deccan in 1681 following Shivaji's death and the growing Maratha resistance under Sambhaji. He remained in the Deccan for the rest of his life (until 1707), yet could not fully subdue the Marathas. The protracted Deccan campaign exhausted Mughal resources and is a major factor in the decline of the Mughal Empire.
Which Mughal emperor was Shivaji's primary adversary throughout most of his career?
Correct Answer: B. B. Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb, who became Mughal Emperor in 1658, was Shivaji's primary adversary and remained a lifelong opponent of the Marathas. Their conflict shaped the political destiny of the Deccan and ultimately of all of India. Aurangzeb's obsession with subduing the Marathas contributed significantly to the weakening of Mughal imperial power.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj passed away in which year?
Correct Answer: B. B. 1680
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj passed away on April 3, 1680, at Raigad Fort, reportedly due to illness. He was just 52 years old at the time of his death. His death was followed by a succession dispute between his sons Sambhaji and Rajaram.
Who succeeded Shivaji Maharaj as the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire?
Correct Answer: B. B. Sambhaji
Sambhaji, Shivaji's eldest son from his first wife Saibai, succeeded him as Chhatrapati. Sambhaji was a brave and capable warrior but faced opposition from his step-mother Soyarabai who tried to place her son Rajaram on the throne. Sambhaji confirmed his claim and became the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was captured and executed by Aurangzeb in which year?
Correct Answer: B. B. 1689
Sambhaji Maharaj was captured by Mughal forces in 1689 and was brutally tortured and executed by Aurangzeb on March 11, 1689. Despite severe torture, Sambhaji refused to convert to Islam or reveal Maratha military secrets. He is venerated as a martyr in Maharashtra, and his death rallied the Marathas to continue resistance.
After Sambhaji's execution, who became the next Chhatrapati and continued Maratha resistance?
Correct Answer: B. B. Rajaram
After Sambhaji's execution in 1689, his brother Rajaram was declared Chhatrapati by the Maratha nobles. Rajaram continued resistance against Aurangzeb's forces, using Jinji Fort in Tamil Nadu as his base. After Rajaram's death in 1700, his wife Tarabai continued resistance in the name of their son Shivaji II.
Tarabai, regent queen who led Maratha resistance after 1700, was the widow of which Chhatrapati?
Correct Answer: C. C. Rajaram Maharaj
Tarabai was the wife of Chhatrapati Rajaram and became regent queen after his death in 1700. She ruled in the name of her son Shivaji II and vigorously continued the Maratha-Mughal war. Tarabai was a formidable military and political leader who kept Maratha resistance alive during a very difficult period.