About the Topic: Chhatrapati Shahu was an important Maratha ruler under whose reign the office of the Peshwa gained significant power. Practice Shahu MCQ Questions with answers and explanations for UPSC and State PCS exams.
Consider the following statements regarding Shahu Bhonsle I:
1. He was the son of Sambhaji, Shivaji's eldest son and successor.
2. He was taken prisoner along with his mother in 1689 by Zulfikar Khan Nusrat Jang.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(C) Both 1 and 2
Shahu Bhonsle I was the fifth Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire created by his grandfather, Shivaji Maharaj. He was the son of Sambhaji, Shivaji's eldest son and successor. Shahu, as a child, was taken prisoner along with his mother in 1689 by Mughal Sardar, Zulfikar Khan Nusrat Jang after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, leading Mughal countries released Shahu with a force of 50 men, thinking that a friendly Maratha leader be a useful ally.
Ques: 2
When was Shahuji released from captivity of the Mughals?
Correct Answer:
(D)
1707 AD
Shahu (Shahuji), who was the grandson of Shivaji, was released from Mughal captivity in 1707 AD. He was released by Prince Azam, a son of the late Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Ques: 3
Consider the following statements regarding Shivaji Sambhaji Raje Bhonsale (Shahu I):
Under his reign, Maratha power and influence extended to much of central and western India.
After his death, his ministers and generals, administered their sections of the confederacy under a loose coalition under the orders of the Chhatrapati.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(C) Both 1 and 2
Under the reign of Shahu, Maratha power and influence extended to much of central and western India, which had then created a strong Maratha Kingdom. After his death, his ministers and generals such as the Peshwa Bhats and their lieutenants of the Shinde and Holkar house, Senasahibsubha Bhonsles of Nagpur, and Senakhaskhel Gaikwad of Baroda administered their sections of the confederacy under a loose coalition under the orders of the Chhatrapati.
Ques: 4
Consider the following statements:
Even in Mughal captivity, Shahu's mother, Queen Yesubai, continued to rule her private territories as a Deshmukh.
Aurangzeb regarded Shahu with the title of ‘Raja Shahu’.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(C) Both 1 and 2
In 1689, at the age of seven, Shahu was taken prisoner along with his mother by the Mughals after the Battle of Raigarh. Aurangzeb was fighting the decentralised Marathas and hoped to use the crown heir Shahu as a pawn in his battle. Therefore, he treated Shahu and his mother well. Even in Mughal captivity, Shahu's mother, Queen Yesubai, continued to rule her private territories as a Deshmukh. Aurangzeb regarded Shahu, whose real name was Shivaji as 'Sav or Sadhu Shivaji' in contrast to his grandfather Shivaji I, resulting in his popular title 'Raja Shahu' meaning Honest or Saint King.
Ques: 5
Consider the following statements:
Shahu shifted his throne from the citadel to the city's Rangmahal Palace in 1721.
He supplied the new city with good drinking water brought in pipes from the Mahadara and Yavteshvar hills.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(C) Both 1 and 2
Satara (Sapta Tara) was the name of the citadel, while the capital city below the fort was actually named Shahunagar. Shahu shifted his throne from the citadel to the city's Rangmahal Palace in 1721. He supplied the new city with good drinking water brought in pipes from the Mahadara and Yavteshvar hills. There was also a mint established in the city.