Question

Auragnzeb sent Muqarrab Khan against ____________.
A. Shaji Bhonsle
B. Shivaji
C. Sambhaji
D. Shahu

Answer 1

Hint: Mughal in the first half of 1681, were trying to expand their control towards Maratha forts in present day Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. Aurangzeb was one of them who began his journey to Deccan to conquer the relatively young Maratha Empire.

Complete answer: During the first half of 1681’s Mughals started conquering the Maratha Empire and one of the most powerful rulers was Aurangzeb. He began his journey towards Deccan with his forces and laid siege to fort Ramsaj. Maratha retaliated and attacked them for which Mughal took 7 years to take the fort. Samabaji attacked Janjira but failed and after getting the information of Hussain Ali Khan which was sent by Aurangzeb, he went towards him and attacked. After making alliance with Portuguese, Aurangzeb tried to control Deccan. This news angered the Samabaji and he attacked portuguese. Ganoji Shirke who was the brother in- law of Sambaji turned traitor and helped Muqarrab Khan which was sent by Aurangzeb to attack on Sambhaji. Muqarrab Khan captured Sambaji Maharaj and was brutally tortured to death.

Looking at the options given:
Option A. Shaji Bhonsle was a military leader and a member of the Bhoinsle clan. It is an incorrect option.
Option B. Shivaji Was the founder of Mughal Empire and two of his officers raided the mughal territory near ahmednagar. It is an incorrect option.
Option C. Sambhaji fought many times and even captured mughal lands which they were trying to siege but when Muqarrab khan came, he failed and was brutally tortured. This is the correct answer.
Option D. Shahu was the fifth ruler of the Maratha Empire. It is an incorrect option.

Hence, The correct answer is Option is C.

Note: The death of Sambhaji ignited the idea of Hindavi Swarajya in the Marathas. He was one of the powerful maratha emperors who fought various battles to protect his empire.