Question

Chhatrapati Shivaji was born to?
A] Jijabai and Shahaji Bhonsle
B] Mahadevi and Madhava Rao
C] Jhansi Bai and Narayana Rao
D] Jijabai and Madhava Rao

Answer 1

Hint: Chhatrapati Shivaji or Shivaji Bhonsle was a well-reputed warrior king of the Maratha clan. He is still to this day, one of the greatest warriors this country has seen. He was from one of the most influential families of the time. His paternal grandfather, Maloji was an influential general of Ahmednagar Sultanate as The General to the king. He was awarded the title of “Raja" by the king. Shivaji’s family was living in Shivneri Fort near Pune which was given as a gift by the Ahmednagar sultanate.

Complete answer:
Shivaji was born in the family of Bhonsle warriors who was living in the hill-fort of Shivneri, situated in the city of Junnar in modern Pune, Maharashtra. Even though there are debates on his date of birth, 19th February is considered as Shivaji Jayanthi by Maharashtrians. The name ‘Shivaji’ was given to him in respect of a local deity or the goddess named Shivai. His mother was the daughter of a Sardar in alliance with the Mughals, Lakhuji Jadhavrao of Sindhkhed. She was descended from Devagiri’s Yadav royal family.
Even though he had a well-respected family, they were in poverty when Shivaji was born. Soon after Shivaji was born, his father moved away and started a different family. His mother’s will and devotion to her son and her influence have become his power. When his only brother died when he was fifteen the responsibility of his family fell on him, which made him more powerful. He took possession of the small domain around Pune at a young age, which his distant father had assigned to him for administration. But with only that tiny piece of ground, the teenage Shivaji wouldn't be happy. He amassed troops in the surrounding districts and began capturing forts.
So, the correct answer is Option A.

Note: Shivaji was a loyal supporter of women and of their honor. He was opposed to all forms of abuse against women, harassment, and dishonor. Everyone caught violating the rights of women under his law was harshly punished. In fact, women were also released unharmed and with integrity from the captured territories.