Q. The greatness of Shivaji was that he
(a) was the father of Maratha nation
(b) defeated the Mughal forces
(c) was a benevolent ruler
(d) checked the Mughal expansion in south
Ans: (d) checked the Mughal expansion in south
Explanation: The greatness of Shivaji lies in several aspects, but the option that best captures his significance is (d) checked the Mughal expansion in the south.
Shivaji, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was a prominent Maratha warrior and the founder of the Maratha Empire in the 17th century. He played a crucial role in resisting and challenging the Mughal Empire’s expansion in the Deccan region of South India. Shivaji implemented innovative military strategies, guerrilla warfare tactics, and fortification systems to defend his territories against the Mughals.
By establishing a strong and resilient Maratha state, Shivaji effectively checked the Mughal expansion in the south. His military campaigns, administrative reforms, and skilled diplomacy not only ensured the survival of the Maratha Kingdom but also provided a significant setback to the Mughal forces in the region. Shivaji’s resistance to Mughal dominance laid the foundation for the Maratha Empire’s future growth and influence in India.
