Swarajya to Empire (Maratha Period)
Short Questions
1. Who is known as the Father of the Indian Navy?
Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is known as the Father of the Indian Navy.
2. What was the first capital of Swarajya established by Shivaji Maharaj?
Answer: Rajgad was the first capital of Swarajya.
3. Which saint wrote Dasbodh and Manache Shlok?
Answer: Samarth Ramdas wrote Dasbodh and Manache Shlok.
4. Who was the chief of Shivaji Maharaj’s intelligence network?
Answer: Bahirji Naik was the chief of Shivaji Maharaj’s intelligence network.
5. Which treaty did Shivaji Maharaj sign with the Mughals in 1665?
Answer: Shivaji Maharaj signed the Treaty of Purandar in 1665.
6. Who led the Maratha resistance after Rajaram Maharaj’s death?
Answer: Maharani Tarabai led the Maratha resistance after Rajaram Maharaj’s death.
7. What was the basic unit of administration in Swarajya?
Answer: The village was the basic unit of administration in Swarajya.
8. Who was appointed as Peshwa after Balaji Vishwanath?
Answer: Bajirao I was appointed as Peshwa after Balaji Vishwanath.
9. Which battle significantly lowered Maratha morale in 1761?
Answer: The Third Battle of Panipat lowered Maratha morale in 1761.
10. Who composed the powada on the slaying of Afzalkhan?
Answer: Adnyandas composed the powada on the slaying of Afzalkhan.
11. What material was primarily used for the ground floor of Maratha wadas?
Answer: Stone was primarily used for the ground floor of Maratha wadas.
12. Which port was known for exporting silk, opium, and indigo?
Answer: Chaul was known for exporting silk, opium, and indigo.
13. Who wrote the Sanskrit text Budhabhushan?
Answer: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj wrote the Sanskrit text Budhabhushan.
14. What was the name of the Maratha navy expert during Shivaji Maharaj’s time?
Answer: Kanhoji Angre was a Maratha navy expert during Shivaji Maharaj’s time.
15. Which Peshwa re-established Maratha power after the Panipat defeat?
Answer: Madhavrao Peshwa re-established Maratha power after the Panipat defeat.
Long Questions
1. How did the sants contribute to social awakening in Maharashtra during the Maratha period?
Answer: The sants, such as Sant Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, and women sants like Janabai, promoted equality, humanity, and community harmony through their teachings. Their devotional songs provided moral support, fostering self-esteem and cultural pride among the masses. By countering superstition and fatalism, they created a sense of unity and resilience against adversities like invasions and droughts.
2. Why is Shahajiraje considered the visionary of Swarajya?
Answer: Shahajiraje envisioned an independent Maratha state, free from foreign rule, while serving as a sardar in Nizamshahi and Adilshahi courts. He entrusted his Jahagirs and the dream of Swarajya to his son Shivaji Maharaj and wife Veermata Jijabai in Pune. His strategic foresight and administrative experience laid the foundation for Shivaji Maharaj to establish Swarajya.
3. What was the significance of Shivaji Maharaj’s naval force in establishing Swarajya?
Answer: Shivaji Maharaj’s naval force, comprising 400 ships by 1675, was crucial for controlling coastal trade and protecting Swarajya from Portuguese and Siddi threats. He collaborated with Portuguese shipbuilders to create a formidable navy, earning the title “Father of the Indian Navy.” This maritime strength bolstered Swarajya’s economic and strategic dominance along the Konkan coast.
4. How did Maharani Tarabai contribute to the Maratha War of Independence?
Answer: Maharani Tarabai led the Maratha resistance against Aurangzeb after Rajaram Maharaj’s death, managing Swarajya under challenging conditions for 25 years. She encouraged Maratha expansion beyond Swarajya’s boundaries, shifting from defensive to offensive strategies. Her leadership, supported by sardars like Santaji Ghorpade, ensured the survival and growth of Maratha power.
5. What were the key features of the administrative system established by Shivaji Maharaj?
Answer: Shivaji Maharaj’s administration included the Ashtapradhan Mandal, a council of eight ministers, and a robust intelligence network led by Bahirji Naik. Swarajya was divided into provinces managed by Sarsubhedars, with villages as the basic unit supported by balutedars. His revenue system, based on the “Kathi” unit and yield-based assessments, ensured efficient governance and economic stability.
6. How did the Maratha defeat at Panipat impact their power, and who revived it?
Answer: The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was a significant setback, lowering Maratha morale and weakening their political influence. Madhavrao Peshwa played a crucial role in reviving Maratha power by re-establishing their dominance in North India. Supported by leaders like Mahadji Shinde and Nana Phadnavis, he restored Maratha prestige and stability.
7. What role did Ahilyabai Holkar play in the Maratha empire?
Answer: Ahilyabai Holkar efficiently administered the Holkar State in Indore after her husband’s death, establishing Maheshwar as her seat. She built temples, ghats, and dharamshalas across pilgrim centers, showcasing her capability as an astute administrator. Her contributions strengthened Maratha influence and cultural development in the region.
8. How did Maratha miniature paintings reflect the cultural richness of the period?
Answer: Maratha miniature paintings, found on pothis and patrikas, illustrated texts like Bhagvat Gita and Dnyaneshwari with themes like Dashavatara and ragamalas. Using vibrant colors, they adorned manuscripts and wooden stands, depicting deities and royal processions. These artworks, along with murals in wadas and temples, highlighted the period’s artistic and cultural vibrancy.
9. What were the main characteristics of Maratha temple architecture?
Answer: Maratha temples, built in three styles, included large star-shaped designs, stone structures resembling Malwa/Rajasthan temples, and independent styles with arches and stucco sculptures. Examples like Kalaram in Nashik and Jejuri’s temples featured intricate shikharas, sabhamandapas, and deepmalas. Constructed with stone and brick, they reflected the architectural grandeur of the Peshwa period.
10. How did trade and industries flourish during the Maratha period?
Answer: Shivaji Maharaj fostered trade by establishing Peths and protecting local industries, such as imposing duties on Portuguese salt to boost Konkan’s salt trade. Ports like Chaul, Dabhol, and Rajapur exported goods like silk, pepper, and indigo, driving economic growth. The self-sufficient village economy, supported by balutedars and industries like textiles and metallurgy, ensured stability despite political changes.
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