History of Shivaji and British Relations

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Questions and Answers

What title was given to Shivaji during his coronation on 6 June 1674?

Sultan of Bijapur

Maharaja of Janjira

Raja of Khandesh

Shakakarta (correct)

What was the main reason for Shivaji's second coronation on 24 September 1674?

To formally invite English diplomats

To celebrate his victories over the Siddis

To establish ties with the Mughals

To invalidate the first coronation due to inauspicious stars (correct)

What was one major concern of the English regarding Shivaji's conquests?

The expansion of Mughal territory.

The powerful military tactics employed by Shivaji.

The potential loss of their factories due to looting. (correct)

Shivaji's alliances with other kingdoms.

Which factor delayed the coronation of Shivaji nearly a year?

Contentious issues regarding his caste status. Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Shivaji begin his military campaign in South India?

1674 Signup and view all the answers

What title was Shivaji seeking to legitimize his rule?

King. Signup and view all the answers

Which fort was the location of Shivaji's coronation?

Raigad Fort Signup and view all the answers

Who presided over Shivaji's coronation ceremony?

Gaga Bhatt Signup and view all the answers

What led to the failure of negotiations between the English and Shivaji?

Disagreement over the Rajapur indemnity. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Shivaji's motivations for his military campaigns in Southern India?

To promote Deccani nationalism Signup and view all the answers

Who did Shivaji summon to establish his legitimacy as a kshatriya?

A pandit from Varanasi. Signup and view all the answers

What ceremony did Shivaji undergo to cement his status as a kshatriya?

A sacred thread ceremony. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a title given to Shivaji that reflects his role in protecting Hindu faith?

Haindava Dharmodhhaarak Signup and view all the answers

What did the Brahmins argue about Shivaji that affected his coronation?

He had not performed Vedic rituals. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Maratha navy's clash with the Siddis of Janjira in November 1674?

An unsuccessful attempt to dislodge the Siddis Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for the Rajapur factory after the negotiations with Shivaji?

It was closed in 1682. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key aspect of Shivaji's military strategy?

Utilizing a network of forts and naval forces Signup and view all the answers

How did Shivaji respond to Aurangzeb's imposition of the Jizya tax on non-Muslims?

He condemned the tax policy in a letter to Aurangzeb. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable element of Shivaji's army composition?

Constituted mainly of peasants from local castes Signup and view all the answers

What relationship did Shivaji seek with surrounding Muslim nations?

Establishing alliances and maintaining neutrality Signup and view all the answers

Which group from Shivaji's army played a significant role in naval operations?

Pathan units Signup and view all the answers

How did Shivaji demonstrate religious tolerance during his reign?

He allowed Muslims to practice their faith freely and supported their ministries Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Shivaji's personal seal from others used at the time?

It was written in Sanskrit Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Shivaji's military organization survive long-term?

Focused on efficient small standing forces and mobility Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Diplomatic Relations with the English

English worried about Shivaji’s potential benefits from conquests while seeking compensation for his raids on Rajapur factories.
Lieutenant Stephen Ustick was sent to negotiate; talks failed over Rajapur indemnity.
Several envoy exchanges occurred; some arms agreement reached in 1674, but indemnity was never paid by Shivaji.

Coronation of Shivaji Maharaj

Shivaji accumulated wealth and land but lacked a legitimate ruling title as a Mughal zamindar or Bijapuri jagirdar.
A kingly title would solidify his rule and discourage challenges from other Maratha leaders.
Preparations for coronation began in 1673 but faced delays due to Brahmin opposition regarding caste qualifications.
Disputed caste status led to the involvement of pandit Gaga Bhatt, who claimed Shivaji’s Kshatriya lineage.
Sacred thread ceremony was performed, and Shivaji remarried according to Vedic rites.
Shivaji was crowned on June 6, 1674, at Raigad fort, presided over by Gaga Bhatt with 50,000 attendees.
Titles received included Shakakarta ("era founder") and Chhatrapati ("sovereign").
Second coronation held September 24, 1674, due to inauspicious conditions during the first.

Military Campaigns and Conquests

Shivaji's conquests began in 1674, including raids in Khandesh, Bijapuri Ponda, Karwar, and Kolhapur.
Maratha navy attempted to displace Siddis of Janjira but failed.
Advocated for Deccani nationalism, emphasizing protection of Southern India from outsiders.
Established religious tolerance, supporting Muslims' rights and ministries while maintaining Hindu practices.

Relations with Aurangzeb and Religious Policies

Critiqued Aurangzeb's Jizya tax on non-Muslims in a confrontational letter on April 3, 1679.
Promoted religious syncretism and sought to emulate Akbar's policy of tolerance towards Hindu beliefs.
Developed alliances with Muslims and refused to oppose Mughals alongside Hindu factions like the Rajputs.

Seals and Authenticity

Seals were vital for official document verification; Shivaji chose Sanskrit for his seal, unlike his predecessors.
His seal symbolized welfare and respect, distinctively positioned him in the cultural landscape.

Military Organization and Warfare Techniques

Established a robust military structure that remained effective until the Maratha Empire's end.
His strategy incorporated ground and naval forces supported by a network of fortified positions.
Ground forces comprised Maval infantry and Maratha cavalry, with reliance on European artillery supplies.
Maintained a small, capable standing army primarily made up of peasants from Maratha and Kunbi casts, acknowledging the limits of his forces.

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Description

This quiz explores the complex interactions between Shivaji and the English during the 17th century. It covers the negotiations surrounding the Rajapur indemnity and the various envoy exchanges that took place. Test your knowledge on this intriguing period of Indian history and British colonial interests!