Maratha Confederacy MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Maratha Confederacy - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Prachandagad.

Key Points

• It is also known as Torana fort and is situated in the Pune district.
• It is regarded as the first pillar of the Maratha Empire.
• This fort was taken over by Shivaji from his uncle Shambaji Mohite. 
• Maratha Empire
  • ​Last King - Pratap Singh
  • Time Period - 1674-1818
  • Founder - Shivaji
  • Capital - Pune

Important Points

1. Sindhudurg
   • Sindhudurg fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj on the shore of Malvan town of Sindhudurg district in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.
   • Situated on Kurt island, it served as the Naval Headquarters of the Marathas.
2. Rajgad
   • ​​It is a fort situated in the Pune district of Maharastra.
   • It was also known as Murumdev.
   • It served as the capital of the Maratha Empire under the rule of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
3. Panhala
   • ​​Panhala fort is also known as Panhalgad and Panhalla.
   • It is situated in Panhala, 20 kilometers northwest of Kolhapur in Maharashtra.

The correct answer is Amatya.

Key Points

• Ashta Pradhan was a system of ministerial delegation for better administration in the Maratha empire.
• The advisory council was set up by the Maratha emperor Shivaji Maharaj. 
• It was formed in the year 1674.
• The advisory council contributed to his successful military attacks on the Muslim Mughal Empire.
• In the Ashta Pradhans of Shivaji's Cabinet Finance Minister was called Amatya.
  • Amatya was responsible for managing the accounts of the Empire.
  • It was previously called Mazumdar.

Additional Information

• In the Ashta Pradhans of Chhatrapati Shivaji's Cabinet Prime Minister was called Peshwa.
  • Peshwa was responsible for the general administration of the Empire.
• The names of 8 advisory councils in Shivaji's Ashta Pradhans are:
  1. Pantpradhan or Peshwa - Prime Minister.
  2. Amatya or Mazumdar - Finance Minister.
  3. Shurunavis/Sacheev - Secretary.
  4. Waqia-Navis - Interior Minister.
  5. Sar-i-Naubat or Senapati - Commander-in-Chief.
  6. Sumant / Dabir - Foreign Minister.
  7. Nyayadhish - Chief Justice.
  8. Panditrao - High Priest.

The correct answer is - Sindhudurg

Key Points

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Maratha empire in western India in 1664, was well known for his forts.
• Many, like Panhala Fort and Rajgad, existed before him
• Sindhudurg and Pratapgad were built by Chhatrapati Shivaji.
• Sindhudurg is one of the oldest forts built by Shivaji Maharaj and is an imposing fortification on the Malvan coast.
• It is situated 500m off the shore of Malvan Beach.
• It is also the only place that has a temple dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj, built by his some Rajaram.   

Additional Information

• Janjira Jal-durg is one of the most frequented forts of Maharashtra and is located in the small town of Murud built in the 17th century.
• The Panhala Fort is a well-known hill fort.
• It was built during the 12th century.
• The Fort of Panhala has served as a place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj spent many days of his life.
• Shivneri Fort is a 17th-century military fortification located near Junnar in the Pune district in Maharashtra.   
• It is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire.
• Shivneri fort was built by Shahaji Raje,

Key Points

• Shivaji’s coronation ceremony was a significant event in Indian history, marking his formal ascension as the Chhatrapati (King) of the Maratha Empire.
• The ceremony took place on 6th June 1674 at Raigad Fort, Maharashtra.
• The ceremony was conducted by Vishweshwar, a noted pandit from Benaras, as local Brahmins initially refused to conduct the rituals.
• Shivaji underwent a second coronation ceremony on the advice of tantric priest Nishchal Puri Goswami to accommodate the tantric elements and appease different religious groups.

Additional Information

• Option 1: The coronation ceremony was indeed conducted by Vishweshwar, a Brahmin from Benaras, as the local Brahmins were hesitant to conduct the rituals due to caste issues. Vishweshwar’s participation was pivotal in legitimizing Shivaji’s claim to the Kshatriya status.
• Option 2: Balaji Avji Chitnis, also known as Balaji Bhatta, was Shivaji’s family priest and played an important role in organizing the coronation ceremony.
• Option 3: This statement is incorrect as there is no historical evidence of Shivaji remarrying his surviving wives during the coronation ceremony. The coronation focused on Shivaji’s ascension as a sovereign ruler and did not involve any such marital rituals.
• Option 4: After his first coronation, Shivaji underwent a second coronation ceremony upon the suggestion of Nishchal Puri Goswami, a tantric priest. This was done to integrate tantric elements and address certain sectarian concerns.

The correct answer is - The Raja of Rajpipla

Key Points

• Pilaji Rao Gaikwad's alliance with the Raja of Rajpipla
  • Pilaji Rao Gaikwad, the founder of the Gaikwad dynasty, sought strategic alliances to establish a stronghold in Gujarat.
  • He established contact with the Raja of Rajpipla, a local ruler in Gujarat, to acquire safe bases for his operations.
  • This alliance was significant as it provided Pilaji Rao with access to secure locations to launch his campaigns and expand Maratha influence in the region.
• Importance of Rajpipla
  • Rajpipla was a strategically important region in Gujarat, known for its geographical position and natural defenses.
  • The support of the Raja of Rajpipla allowed Pilaji Rao to navigate the complex political landscape of Gujarat during the Maratha expansion.

Additional Information

• Pilaji Rao Gaikwad
  • Pilaji Rao Gaikwad was a Maratha general and the founder of the Gaikwad dynasty, which later ruled the princely state of Baroda (modern-day Vadodara) in Gujarat.
  • He played a crucial role in expanding Maratha power into Gujarat during the early 18th century.
• Maratha Expansion in Gujarat
  • The Marathas, under leaders like Pilaji Rao Gaikwad, aimed to extend their influence into Gujarat to secure revenue sources and strategic territories.
  • Alliances with local rulers, such as the Raja of Rajpipla, were instrumental in achieving these objectives.
  • This expansion was part of the broader Maratha strategy of asserting dominance over northern and western India.
• Gaikwad Dynasty
  • The Gaikwad dynasty was one of the prominent Maratha families that rose to power during the 18th century.
  • Under the leadership of Pilaji Rao and his successors, the dynasty established its rule over Baroda, which became a significant center of Maratha power.

The correct answer is Amatya.

Key Points

• Ashta Pradhan was a system of ministerial delegation for better administration in the Maratha empire.
• The advisory council was set up by the Maratha emperor Shivaji Maharaj. 
• It was formed in the year 1674.
• The advisory council contributed to his successful military attacks on the Muslim Mughal Empire.
• In the Ashta Pradhans of Shivaji's Cabinet Finance Minister was called Amatya.
  • Amatya was responsible for managing the accounts of the Empire.
  • It was previously called Mazumdar.

Additional Information

• In the Ashta Pradhans of Chhatrapati Shivaji's Cabinet Prime Minister was called Peshwa.
  • Peshwa was responsible for the general administration of the Empire.
• The names of 8 advisory councils in Shivaji's Ashta Pradhans are:
  1. Pantpradhan or Peshwa - Prime Minister.
  2. Amatya or Mazumdar - Finance Minister.
  3. Shurunavis/Sacheev - Secretary.
  4. Waqia-Navis - Interior Minister.
  5. Sar-i-Naubat or Senapati - Commander-in-Chief.
  6. Sumant / Dabir - Foreign Minister.
  7. Nyayadhish - Chief Justice.
  8. Panditrao - High Priest.

The correct answer is Chauth.

Key Points

• Chauth was a regular tax or tribute imposed by the Maratha Empire in the Indian subcontinent.
• Chauth was imposed from the early 18th century.
• Chauth was an annual tax nominally levied at 25 percent on revenue or produce.
• Chauth was levied on the lands which were under the nominal Mughal rule.

Additional Information

• The "Sardeshmukhi" was an additional 10 percent levy on top of the Chauth.
• It was started by Koli Maharaja Som Shah of Ramnagar and It is a tribute to the king.
• Chauth's Sanskrit meaning was one-fourth.

The correct answer is Baji Rao II.

Key Points

• The last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire was Baji Rao II.
• Baji Rao II, the son of the former Peshwa Raghunathpur, was the last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire and ruled from 1795 to 1818.
• Nana Sahib, also known as Dhondup Pant, was the adopted son of the last Peshwa Baji Rao II.
• Indian Peshwa of the Maratha empire, Nana Sahib led the rebellion in Kanpur by motivating the rebels against British rule.

The correct answer is 1761.

Key Points 

• The Third Battle of Panipat took place on 14 January 1761, at Panipat, about 60 miles (95.5 km) north of Delhi.
• This was fought between a northern expeditionary force of the Maratha Empire and a coalition of the King of Afghanistan, Ahmad Shah Durrani with two Indian Muslim allies, the Rohilla Afghans of the Doab, and Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Oudh.
• The battle pitted the French-supplied artillery and cavalry of the Marathas against the heavy cavalry and mounted artillery (zamburak and jizail) of the Afghans and Rohillas led by Ahmad Shah Durrani and Najib-ud-Daulah, both ethnic Pashtuns (the former is also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali).
• The battle is considered one of the largest fought in the 18th century and has perhaps the largest number of fatalities in a single day reported in a classic formation battle between two armies.

Additional Information 

• The first battle of Panipat, on 21 April 1526, was fought between rival armies of Babur and the Lodi dynasty. It originated in North India and marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire and the end of the Delhi Sultanate. It was one of the most elementary battles in the Indian subcontinent, starting with gunpowder firearms and wing artillery, which was launched by the Mughals in this battle.
• The second battle of Panipat was fought on 5 November 1556 between the armies of Hemu and the Mughal emperor Akbar, the Hindu emperor of North India. Hemu announced a few weeks ago over the kingdoms of Delhi and Agra by defeating the Mughals led by Tardi Beg Khan in the Battle of Delhi and anointing King Vikramaditya to the Purana Fort in Delhi. Akbar and his patron Bairam Khan, who, after learning about the loss of Agra and Delhi, marched Panipat to reclaim the lost territories. Not far from the site of the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, the two armies clashed at Panipat. 

The correct answer is 1665 A.D.

Key Points

• The Treaty of Purandar, 1665 was signed between the Jai Singh I and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
  • This treaty was signed on 11th June 1665.
  • Raja Jai Singh has signed on behalf of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
  • Shivaji agreed to surrender 23 forts to the Emperor while the Emperor recognized Shivaji’s authority over 12 forts including Rajgarh and its revenue.
  • Shivaji promised to supply for imperial service 5000 soldiers under his son Shambhaji and the Emperor agreed to assign a suitable jagir for their maintenance.

Additional Information

• Jai Singh,  became the King of Amber and Head of the Kachwaha Rajput at the age of 10.
  • Raja Jai Singh is the descendant of Raja Man Singh, and he is one of the famous nav-ratnas of Emperor Akbar. 
  • The fort of Amer (or Amber) near Jaipur, Rajasthan is used to be their capital.
• Shivaji is the founder of the Maratha Kingdom in India.
  • In 1674, he was formally crowned as the Chhatrapati (Monarch) of his realm at Raigad.

The correct answer is Ahmad Shah Abdali and Maratha.

Key Points

• The Third Battle of Panipat:
  • It took place in 1761 between the Maratha Empire and the invading Afghan Army (Ahmad Shah Abdali).
  • The result was Marathas lost suzerainty over Punjab above the north of Sutlej river to the Abdali.
  • The Rohillas under the command of Najib-ud-daulah, Afghans of the Doab region, the Amb, Suba Khan and the Awadh, Shuja-ud-Daula.
  • The Maratha army was led by Sadashivrao Bhau who was third in authority after the Chhatrapati (Maratha King) and the Peshwa (Maratha Prime Minister).
  • The main Maratha army was stationed in Deccan with the Peshwa.
  • At last, the battle was won by the Afghan Army which was led by Ahmad Shah Abdali. This war was the result of declining of The Maratha Empire. ​

Important Points

• The First Battle of Panipat 1526 was fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi and laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire.
• The Second Battle of Panipat 1556 was fought between Mughal king Akbar and Hindu King Hemu and Hemu lost it.
• The Battle of Haldighati was fought on 18 June 1576 between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal emperor Akbar.

The correct answer is 1674.

Key Points 

• On June 6, 1674, Shivaji Maharaj was crowned at the Raigad Fort, which served as the Maratha Empire's capital.
•  Raigad Fort is located in the neighbouring Raigad district, around 170 kilometres from Mumbai.
• Shivaji Bhonsale I, commonly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji, was an Indian monarch and a member of the Maratha Bhonsle clan.
• The Maratha Empire was founded when Shivaji carved out an enclave from the fading Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur.
• At Raigad in 1674, he was formally crowned Chhatrapati (emperor) of his domain. 

 Important Points

• On June 6, 1674, Shivaji was crowned king of Maratha Swaraj at a spectacular ceremony at Raigad Fort.
• It happened on the 13th day (trayodashi) of the first fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha in the year 1596, according to the Hindu calendar.
  • A fierce warrior, the unifier of the Hindus, and the Mughals' worst enemy, Chhatrapati Shivaji was a valiant king and a secular ruler who respected all religions equally.
  • The founder of the Maratha empire was formally crowned as Chhatrapati of Raigad on June 6, in the year 1674.

 Additional Information

• A look at his life and legacy:
  • An Indian warrior king and a member of the Bhonsle Maratha clan, Shivaji was formally crowned as the Chhatrapati (Monarch) of his realm at Raigad in 1674.
  • Shivaji was taken to Bangalore at the age of 12 by his father, Shahaji Raje Bhosale, who was then the governor of Bangalore.
  • In Bangalore, Shivaji received further formal training in military tactics, statecraft, and Hindu religion and philosophy.
  • He also met and married his first wife, Saibai Nimbalkar.
  • He helped people who wanted to convert to Hinduism
  • With the help of a disciplined military and well-structured administrative organizations, Shivaji established a competent and progressive civil rule.
  • He included many Muslims within his military ranks: Ibrahim Khan and Daulat Khan were prominent in the navy, while Siddi Ibrahim was his chief of artillery
  • Shivaji expanded his army from 2,000 soldiers to 100,000 and established a navy to protect the Goa and Konkan coastline.
  • He was the first to realize its importance amongst the Indian kings; naval forts were built in Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Jaigad, while docks for the repair of naval vessels were set up in Ratnagiri
    A devout Hindu, Shivaji wanted to unify his co-religionists, and promote Sanskrit and Hindu political traditions; Persian was replaced by Marathi in his court.
  • He was dismissed as a 'bandit' by British historians and his legacy as a great Hindu king was rewritten during the independence movement
  • Until 1657, Shivaji maintained peaceful relations with the Mughal Empire.
  • He offered his assistance to Aurangzeb in conquering Bijapur, as long as the Bijapur forts and villages were under his possession.
  • The confrontations between the two sides that began in March 1657 resulted in several inconclusive battles.
  • Shivaji felt the need for finance to maintain an army and decided to loot the Mughal city of Surat
  • The brave warrior died in 1680 but is still known for his courage and intelligence.
  • He laid the foundation of a Hindu empire which lasted for over two centuries.
  • Also, Shivaji will always be known as a source of inspiration and pride for generations for his courage and military acumen.

The correct answer is Third battle of Panipat.

•  Ahmad Shah Abdali defeated the Marathas in the third battle of Panipat.

Additional InformationThere is three battle of Panipat.

Key Points

Maratha Empire(1674-1818): 

• Chhatrapati Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire.
• Satara was the capital of the Maratha Kingdom spread over 14 lacks square kilometer. 
• This land has a rich heritage.
• Several great warriors, kings, saints, and great personalities create their historical evidence in the history of Maharashtra.
• The first Musalman Invasion of the Deccan took place in 1296.
• Muslims ruled over Satara till 1607.
• In 1636 the Nijam Shahi Dynasty came to an end.
• The Third Battle of Panipat took place on 14 January 1761, at Panipat.​

Important Points

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned as the Chhatrapati (coronation) of the Maratha Kingdom in 1674.
• He was the second son of Shahaji,.
• He was the creator of the Maratha nation.
• He united the Maratha Chiefs from Malwa, Konkan, and Desh regions to carve out a small kingdom.
• He took control of the hereditary Jagir after the death of his guardian Konadev in 1647.
• He was born in the hill fort of Shivner in 1630.
• He began his military career at a young age.
• He captured the fort of Toran in 1646.
• In 1674, Shivaji made Raigrah his capital and celebrated his coronation and assumed the title of 'Chatrapati'.
• He died in 1680 at the age of 53.​

​Thus, Shivaji was the founder of the "Maratha Empire".

Additional Information

Maharana Pratap:​

• Maharana Pratap belonged to the Sisodia clan of the Rajputs of Mewar.
• He was born on May 9, 1540, to King Udai Singh II and Queen Jaiwanta Bai.
• He became the King of Mewar in 1572, after the death of Udai Singh.
• He died at the age of 57 in Chavand, Mewar on January 19, 1597.

Tegh Bahadur

• The emperor Aurangzeb had forbidden anyone from removing the decapitated head and body of the ninth Sikh guru, Tegh Bahadur. 

Tantia Tope: 

• Tantia Tope's original name was Ramchandra Panduranga.
• He was the leader of the revolt of 1857 from Kanpur along with Nana Sahib/Dhondu Pant and Azimullah Khan.
• He was hanged to death on April 18, 1859.

The correct answer is Holkar.

Key Points

• Holkar dynasty rulers were the Maratha rulers of Indore in India with Dhangar origin, who were ruled Indore.
• The Holkars were generals under Peshwa Bajirao I, who later established their own dynasty.
• Malhar Rao Holkar rose from the peasants' origins by his own ability and founded the Holkar dynasty.
• Malhar Rao Holkar led Maratha armies in the Malwa region before founding his own dynasty.

Additional Information

Scindia dynasty

• The Scindia dynasty was established by Ranoji Shinde, who was a Maratha Sardar of Peshwa Bajirao.
• The Scindia dynasty (popularly as Shinde in Maharashtra), is a Hindu Maratha dynasty that governed the preceding State of Gwalior. 
• The Gwalior state was a part of the Maratha Confederacy in the 18th -19th centuries, and a princely state of the colonial British government during the later centuries. 
• After India's sovereignty in 1947, some members of the Sindia family went on to join Indian politics.