Question

There was a blend of------in Shivaji Maharaj’s personality.
A. Character and Strength
B. Nobility
C. Valour
D. All of the above.

Answer 1

Hint: Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the Maratha Kingdom, was a brave and powerful Maratha king of his time. Shivaji faced oppression by the Mughals in the North, the Muslim Sultan of Bijapur and Golconda in the South. He was a military trained and experienced warrior.

Complete answer:
Shivaji skillfully killed Afzal Khan with an army of 20000 troops sent by Sultan of Bijapur to defeat him. Aurangzeb also sent his viceroy to march against him. But Shivaji intelligently carried out a raid in which the viceroy got injured and killed his son. The viceroy withdrew his forces. He was crowned in the year 1674. When Aurangzeb sent his force of 100000 under his general, Mirza Raja Jai Singh, Shivaji felt pressurized and compelled for peace. He and his son was put under house arrest and lived under the threat of execution. However, later on, he and his son escaped successfully from the arrest of Aurangzeb. He then not only took his territories back but also extended his kingdom.
So, the correct answer is Option D.

Note: Shivaji also did some reforms for the welfare of his subjects. He was the first Indian ruler of his time to use his sea power for trade as well as for defense. He worked as the protector of Hindus. However, many Muslims were in his service. Hence, he practiced religious tolerance. He died in April 1680 in Rajgarh ( his Capital).