Question

After his coronation Shivaji assumed the title of_________
A. Maharaja
B. Peshwa
C. Chhatrapati
D. Samrat

Answer 1

Hint: Shivaji established the Maratha empire in India. He was an Indian warrior from Bhonsle Maratha clan. The kingdom was an epitome of religious toleration and cooperation between Brahmans, marathas and Prabhus.

Complete step by step answer: Shivaji was born in Junnar which now is in Pune. At that point in India, the Mughals ruled in the north and the Muslim Sultans ruled in the south. After his crowning, Shivaji assumed the title of Chhatrapati. The royal title of Chhatrapati was used in the Indian subcontinent. Chhatra means umbrella and pati means leader/lord. This meant the ‘protector of the people’. This title was used by the Marathas. Shivaji’s ancestral property lay in the Deccan region. He grey furious at the Muslim opression towards the Hindus. When Shivaji was 16 he decided to devote himself to the cause of Hindu freedom. It was this belief which he held for the rest of his life.
In 1655, Shivaji gathered a few people who supported him and attacked some of the weaker Bijapur posts. He was able to defeat some people who once upon a time supported him but had then turned towards the Sultans. His bravery and military skill received admiration from the Hindus who were being oppressed. When he was 15 years old Shivaji bribed the governor of Bijapur and acquired the forts of Bijapur. He killed Afzal Khan ,a veteran general of Adilshah. Adilshah had sent Afzal Khan to arrest or kill Shivaji instead Shivaji killed him with a tiger claw and a dagger.
Option ‘C’ is the correct answer

Note: The equivalent titles of Chhatrapati are Raja, Maharaja, Yuvraj, Senapati in Indian context. In the European context it is Duke, Crown Prince, King. Lord. The term Chhatrapati means protector whereas the titles Raja and Maharaja means just king. While writing the answer, remember Shivaji was a Maratha and only Maratha rulers use the title of Chhatrapati.