Maratha Empire & Shivaji — Set 9
Maharashtra GK · मराठा साम्राज्य और शिवाजी · Questions 81–90 of 200
In which year did Shivaji recapture most of the forts surrendered under the Treaty of Purandar?
Correct Answer: C. C. 1670
In 1670, Shivaji launched a major campaign to recapture the forts surrendered under the Treaty of Purandar (1665). Within about four months he had recovered almost all 23 forts. This remarkable achievement was accompanied by the second sack of Surat, which provided funds for the campaigns.
The Treaty of Purandar (1665) was signed after which Mughal action?
Correct Answer: B. B. Mughals besieged and captured Purandar Fort
The Treaty of Purandar (1665) resulted from Raja Jai Singh I's successful Mughal siege of Purandar Fort, after which Shivaji was forced to negotiate. Under the treaty, Shivaji ceded 23 forts to the Mughals and agreed to pay a war indemnity. This was one of the few strategic setbacks Shivaji faced in his career.
Kondana (later renamed Sinhagad) was defended by which Mughal commander against Tanaji Malusare in 1670?
Correct Answer: C. C. Udaybhan Rathore
Udaybhan Rathore, a Rajput commander in Mughal service, was defending Kondana when Tanaji Malusare attacked it in 1670. Udaybhan Rathore was killed in the battle along with Tanaji. The fort was renamed Sinhagad (Lion's Fort) by Shivaji in honour of Tanaji's lion-like bravery.
Which Bijapur fort was captured by Shivaji in 1659 before the Battle of Pratapgad?
Correct Answer: B. B. Panhala
Shivaji captured Panhala Fort from the Bijapur Sultanate in 1659, which was a significant strategic gain near Kolhapur. Panhala is one of the largest hill forts in the Deccan. It later became one of the most contested forts in the Maratha-Bijapur and Maratha-Mughal conflicts.
Shivaji Maharaj belonged to which Maratha clan?
Correct Answer: B. B. Bhosale (Bhonsle)
Shivaji Maharaj belonged to the Bhosale (also spelled Bhonsle) Maratha clan. The Bhosale family traced their lineage to a Rajput clan. The Bhosale dynasty established by Shivaji ruled the Maratha Empire, with various branches continuing to rule at Satara, Kolhapur, Nagpur, and Thanjavur.
What is Shivaji Maharaj's ideology of native self-rule best translated as?
Correct Answer: B. B. Hindavi Swarajya – Indian self-rule
'Hindavi Swarajya' literally translates as 'Indian self-rule' or 'native rule', signifying freedom from foreign domination. While it has cultural connotations relating to the land of the Hindus, Shivaji's vision was broadly about native people ruling themselves. This concept transcended religion as Shivaji included Muslim soldiers and commanders in his army.
What was Shivaji's personal bodyguard unit called?
Correct Answer: A. A. Huzrat
Shivaji's personal bodyguard corps was called the 'Huzrat', which consisted of specially selected, trusted soldiers who protected the king at all times. The Huzrat was one of the elite units of the Maratha army. In addition to the Huzrat, Shivaji had other specialised units including the Silahdar (personal arms bearer).
Shivaji held which Mughal rank briefly after the Treaty of Purandar before asserting full independence?
Correct Answer: B. B. Mansab of 5000
After the Treaty of Purandar (1665), Shivaji briefly held a Mughal mansab (rank) of 5000 and visited Aurangzeb's court. This Mughal recognition was short-lived as Shivaji rejected subordination and escaped from Agra in 1666. His coronation in 1674 permanently asserted his full independence from the Mughal system.
Bahirji Naik is celebrated in Maratha tradition as Shivaji's chief in which role?
Correct Answer: B. B. Intelligence/spy network chief
Bahirji Naik is traditionally credited as Shivaji Maharaj's chief intelligence officer and master spy. He gathered crucial information about enemy movements, fort defences, and political developments. The intelligence provided by Bahirji Naik reportedly played a crucial role in many of Shivaji's successful military operations.
Shivaji Maharaj maintained strict military discipline, particularly regarding which conduct?
Correct Answer: B. B. Prohibition of harming civilians, women, and places of worship
Shivaji maintained strict military discipline and prohibited his soldiers from harming civilians, women, children, and places of worship during campaigns. Violators were severely punished. This humane policy won him popular support in conquered areas and distinguished his rule from many contemporaries.