Shivaji I: The Founder of Maratha Empire

Questions and Answers

What is the date commemorated as Shivaji Jayanti by the Government of Maharashtra?

1 January

25 March

10 November

19 February (correct)

Which fort was given to Shivaji's family for residence around 1590?

Fort Kalyan

Fort Rajgad

Fort Shivneri (correct)

Fort Purandar

Who was Shivaji's father and what was his role?

Maloji Bhonsle, a tax collector for the Mughals

Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general serving the Deccan Sultanates (correct)

Adilshah, the ruler of Bijapur

Lakhuji Jadhavrao, a Mughal-aligned sardar

What role did Shahaji Bhonsle have in relation to the Bijapur Sultanate?

He served as a chieftain in the Maratha uplands. Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Shivaji take at Torna Fort in 1646?

He captured the fort and seized a large treasure. Signup and view all the answers

Which crucial areas did Shivaji bring under his control after capturing several forts?

Baramati and Indapur Signup and view all the answers

What prompted Shahaji to shift his loyalty among the different Sultanates?

Desire to expand his family's territory Signup and view all the answers

What was Shahaji's attitude toward the Mughal Empire?

He was in open rebellion against it. Signup and view all the answers

What significant title was given to Maloji, Shivaji's grandfather?

Raja Signup and view all the answers

How did Shivaji first challenge the Bijapuri government?

By capturing fortresses and claiming territories Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in 1674 regarding Shivaji?

He was formally crowned the Chhatrapati. Signup and view all the answers

Which empires and powers did Shivaji engage with during his rule?

Mughal Empire and Sultanate of Bijapur Signup and view all the answers

What did Shivaji promote in his administration as part of reviving ancient political traditions?

Marathi and Sanskrit languages Signup and view all the answers

What was Shivaji's role after the Battle of Purandar?

He entered into vassalage with the Mughal empire. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of administration did Shivaji establish in his kingdom?

Progressive civil administration with structured institutions Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Shivaji's character was particularly praised?

His chivalrous treatment of women Signup and view all the answers

What legacy did Shivaji leave that gained importance nearly two centuries after his death?

He was viewed as a proto-nationalist and hero of the Hindus. Signup and view all the answers

Where was Shivaji born?

In the hill-fort of Shivneri Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Early Life and Background

Shivaji I, born c. 19 February 1630, in Shivneri Fort, Pune district, belonged to the Bhonsle dynasty.
His father, Shahaji Bhonsle, was a Maratha general serving the Deccan Sultanates; his mother, Jijabai, was from a Mughal-aligned family.
Shahaji maintained a fluctuating loyalty between the Nizamshahi of Ahmadnagar, the Adilshah of Bijapur, and the Mughal Empire while retaining his jagir in Pune.
Shivaji's grand ancestry included Maloji, his grandfather, a general of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, noted for his military contributions and territorial rights.

Establishment of Kingdom

Shivaji founded an independent kingdom from the Sultanate of Bijapur, laying the foundation for the Maratha Confederacy.
He was crowned Chhatrapati in 1674 at Raigad Fort, symbolizing the formal establishment of his rule.
Engaged in complex relationships with the Mughal Empire, Bijapur, Golconda, and European powers, he navigated both alliances and conflicts.

Military and Administrative Achievements

Shivaji expanded the Maratha influence through capturing and fortifying key strategic locations, leading to the establishment of a Maratha navy.
He initiated military expeditions for the Mughal Empire post-Battle of Purandar, although his allegiance was temporary.
Established a progressive civil administration featuring structured governance, promoting Marathi and Sanskrit in place of Persian.

Recognized for his equitable treatment of women and inclusivity in his administration, Shivaji employed individuals from diverse castes and religions, including Muslims.
He revived ancient Hindu traditions and promoted cultural practices, influencing the political landscape of the region.
His legacy grew significantly after his death, particularly during the Indian independence movement, where he was viewed as a proto-nationalist and a hero of the Hindu cause.

Conflicts and Territorial Expansion

In the early years, Shivaji leveraged periods of instability, capturing significant forts such as Torna, Purandar, and Kondhana, among others.
After seizing wealth from forts like Torna, he established new defensive constructions like Rajgad, which became a center of governance.
Shivaji's early aggression against the Bijapur Sultanate was marked by strategic military campaigns that challenged official rule, laying the groundwork for his later authority.

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Description

Explore the life and legacy of Shivaji I, the founder of the Maratha Empire. Learn about his battles, alliances, and the establishment of an independent kingdom from the Sultanate of Bijapur. This quiz delves into the historical significance of his reign and contributions to Indian history.