Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 7

Correct Answer: B. B. Protection of all faiths including mosques and churches

Shivaji Maharaj was remarkably tolerant and respected all religions. He had Muslim soldiers and commanders in his own army and gave strict orders that mosques, churches, and places of worship must be protected during military campaigns. He respected the Quran and treated Muslim civilians with dignity.

Correct Answer: C. C. Daulat Khan

Daulat Khan was a notable Muslim officer who served in Shivaji Maharaj's navy as one of his early naval commanders. Several other Muslims also served in Shivaji's army and administrative positions. This inclusion demonstrated Shivaji's secular approach to governance and his emphasis on merit over religion.

Correct Answer: B. B. Kavi Bhushan

Kavi Bhushan, a Hindi poet from Kanpur (modern UP), composed the famous 'Shiv Bavani', 52 quatrains in praise of Shivaji Maharaj's valour and achievements. His compositions played a key role in spreading Shivaji's fame across northern India. His works describe Shivaji as a champion of Hinduism.

Correct Answer: B. B. The Indian independence movement

Shivaji's concept of 'Swaraj' (self-rule) became an important ideological foundation for later Indian nationalism. Bal Gangadhar Tilak revived Shivaji's memory and used his legacy as a tool for inspiring the independence movement. Tilak started public Shivaji Jayanti celebrations to galvanise Maharashtrian society against British rule.

Correct Answer: A. A. Ganesh Chaturthi festival

Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in 1893 and revived Shivaji Jayanti celebrations as part of his nationalist agenda. These public gatherings, invoking Shivaji's legacy, were used to build political awareness and unity against British rule. Shivaji's memory became a powerful symbol of Maratha nationalism.

Correct Answer: B. B. Bhavani Talwar

Shivaji's famous sword was called the 'Bhavani Talwar' (Sword of Goddess Bhavani). According to tradition, the sword was given to Shivaji by Goddess Bhavani of Tuljapur as a divine gift. There have been demands for the return of the original sword, reportedly held in a foreign museum, to India.

Correct Answer: B. B. Raigad Fort

Shivaji Maharaj's samadhi (memorial tomb) is located at Raigad Fort, where he died on April 3, 1680. The samadhi was constructed by his son Sambhaji and is a sacred pilgrimage site for Maharashtrians. Thousands of people visit Raigad on Shivaji Jayanti and the anniversary of his death.

Correct Answer: C. C. 7 days

Shivaji's coronation ceremony at Raigad in 1674 was a grand event that lasted about seven days. Thousands of guests including ambassadors, nobles, and religious leaders attended the celebrations. The English East India Company's representative Henry Oxenden was also present and wrote detailed accounts of the ceremony.

Correct Answer: B. B. A provincial administrative division

The correct answer is 'B. A provincial administrative division'. Shivaji divided his empire into provinces called 'Subas' (also called Prant), each governed by a Subedar or Prant Sachiv. The Suba system was borrowed from Mughal administration but adapted to suit Maratha conditions. Below the Suba were Parganas and then villages.

Correct Answer: B. B. A Marathi glossary replacing Persian administrative terms

The Rajyavyavahar Kosh was a Marathi administrative glossary compiled during Shivaji's reign to replace Persian administrative terminology with Marathi equivalents. It was compiled by Raghunath Pandit Hanumante on Shivaji's instructions. This was part of Shivaji's broader policy of promoting Marathi language and culture in administration.