Question

When Shivaji Maharaj passed away?
a. 3rd April 1683
b. 3rd April 1682
c. 3rd April 1680
d. 3rd April 1681

Answer 1

Hint: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is the founder of the Maratha empire. He is celebrated in Maharashtra and the whole country for his valour and conquests. He was born on 19th February 1630 in the hill-fort of Shivneri.

Complete answer: Shivaji was coronated as the king and was declared as the Chhatrapati of Raigad in 1674. He is known for the alliances as well as wars with Mughal empire, Sultanate of Bijapur, Sultanate of Golkonda and even the Europeans.
Shivaji was known for his administration skills as he set up an Ashta Pradhan Mandal which was an advisory and an administrative council. The council advised the king regarding political and administrative issues on a regular basis.
Let us look at the given options now.
Option a- Shivaji Maharaj was a king who lived his life with courage and determination. However, he did pass away early but not on 3rd April 1683. This is the wrong answer.
Option b- Chhatrapati Shivaji did die on 3rd April but not in the year 1682. He died a few years before. So, this is an incorrect answer.
Option c- Though it had taken lots of effort for Shivaji to become Chhatrapati, he could not enjoy the fruits of his labour for a very long period of time. He fell ill with dysentery and fever in 1680 and eventually passed away on April 3 at the age of 52. Thus, this is the right option.
Option d- Shivaji Maharaj had died a year before 3rd April 1681 in the Raigad hill fort situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Hence, it is an incorrect answer.
Therefore, the correct option is ‘c’.

Note: Shivaji Maharaj had revived ancient Hindu political traditions and many court conventions. He also promoted the use of Marathi and Sanskrit languages for his court as well as administrative matters. Though his legacy differed from time to time, during the freedom struggle, his valour gave strength to the public for fighting against the British. He was regarded as a proto-nationalist and hero of the Hindus.