Context:
A recent claim by an actor regarding the historic escape of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from Agra has ignited widespread debate.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:
- Name – Shivaji Bhonsle
- Born in – 1630
- Birthplace – Shivneri Fort, Pune
- Parents – Shahaji Bhonsle (Father) and Jijabai (Mother)
- Known as – Founder of Maratha Empire
- Took on the titles of Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak.
- Reign – 1674–1680
- Seat of Power – Raigad Fort, Maharashtra
- Successor – Sambhaji Bhonsle
- Asht Pradhan – Established a council of eight ministers (Asht Pradhan) to advise him.
- Peshwa, also known as the mukhya pradhan, originally headed the advisory council of the raja Shivaji.
- Established a strong naval force, known as the “Father of the Indian Navy“
- Revenue Administration – Known for tax reforms like Chauth and Sardeshmukhi
- Arrest of Shivaji –
- When Shivaji went to meet the Mughal emperor at Agra in 1666, the Maratha warrior felt he was insulted by Aurangzeb and stormed out of the court.
- He was arrested and kept prisoner; The clever escape of Shivaji and his son from imprisonment in disguise out of Agra is legendary today.
- Key battles –
- Battle of Pratapgarh – Between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, commander of Bijapur Sultanate
- Battle of Kolhapur – Between Shivaji and Bijapur Sultanate
- Treaty of Purander (1665) – Signed between Raja Jai Singh (under Aurangzeb) and Shivaji.
- Died in 1680.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Ahmad Shah
(b) Mahmud Begarha
(c) Bahadur Shah
(d) Muhammad Shah
Answer: (c)