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“This is the time when we can drive out the foreigners (Mughals) from our country and earn immortal glory. If we strike at the trunk of this old, drying tree, its branches will fall on their own.” – Who said this?
The highly ambitious and defining statement, "If we strike at the trunk of this old, drying tree, its branches will fall on their own," was uttered by Peshwa Bajirao I to Chhatrapati Shahu I in 1720. The "old, drying tree" referred to the crumbling Later Mughal Empire. Bajirao's vision was one of agRead more
The highly ambitious and defining statement, “If we strike at the trunk of this old, drying tree, its branches will fall on their own,” was uttered by Peshwa Bajirao I to Chhatrapati Shahu I in 1720. The “old, drying tree” referred to the crumbling Later Mughal Empire. Bajirao’s vision was one of aggressive, pan-Indian expansion, arguing that attacking the Mughal capital (the trunk) would lead to the automatic collapse of the provincial governors (the branches). This philosophy guided his successful military campaigns that transformed the Maratha state into an empire.
See lessWho was the last Chhatrapati who enjoyed full powers, after whom the Maratha Chhatrapatis became kings only in name and all the power gradually shifted to the Peshwas?
Chhatrapati Shahu I was the last Maratha ruler who held ultimate and full sovereign power; all authority rested with him, even though he chose to delegate it. His deep trust in the capabilities of his Peshwas, beginning with Balaji Vishwanath, led him to gradually shift the executive capital and powRead more
Chhatrapati Shahu I was the last Maratha ruler who held ultimate and full sovereign power; all authority rested with him, even though he chose to delegate it. His deep trust in the capabilities of his Peshwas, beginning with Balaji Vishwanath, led him to gradually shift the executive capital and power base to Pune. After his death in 1749, the Sangola Agreement (1750) formalized this transfer, making the Peshwa the undisputed de facto ruler and confining the subsequent Chhatrapatis to a ceremonial role in Satara.
See lessDuring whose reign was the Maratha chief Sambhaji assassinated?
Chhatrapati Sambhaji was captured by Mughal forces in 1689 AD and executed on the orders of Emperor Aurangzeb. Sambhaji was brought before Aurangzeb and reportedly offered his life if he converted to Islam, which he vehemently refused. His defiant martyrdom became a powerful symbol. Instead of extinRead more
Chhatrapati Sambhaji was captured by Mughal forces in 1689 AD and executed on the orders of Emperor Aurangzeb. Sambhaji was brought before Aurangzeb and reportedly offered his life if he converted to Islam, which he vehemently refused. His defiant martyrdom became a powerful symbol. Instead of extinguishing the Maratha state, his death fueled the Maratha War of Independence (1689–1707), compelling the Mughals into a disastrous 27-year campaign in the Deccan.
See lessWhere was the capital of Shivaji’s empire? (A) Karwar (B) Purandar (C) Pune (D) Raigad
The capital of Shivaji's independent Maratha state was the imposing hill fort of Raigad. Chosen for its naturally defensible location high in the Sahyadri mountains, Raigad was transformed by Shivaji into a sophisticated administrative and political hub. Its deep treasury, extensive granaries and stRead more
The capital of Shivaji’s independent Maratha state was the imposing hill fort of Raigad. Chosen for its naturally defensible location high in the Sahyadri mountains, Raigad was transformed by Shivaji into a sophisticated administrative and political hub. Its deep treasury, extensive granaries and strong fortifications made it the ideal centre from which the Chhatrapati could govern the kingdom, demonstrating the Maratha reliance on strong, fortified positions for their political base.
See lessWho was Shivaji most influenced by? (A) Mirabai (B) Jijabai (C) Hazrat Mahal (D) Chand Bibi
Jijabai, Shivaji's mother, was his most significant and profound influence. She was instrumental in shaping his character and political ideology. She taught him the Hindu epic stories and instilled in him a deep sense of justice and the importance of Swaraj (self-rule). Along with his guardian, DadaRead more
Jijabai, Shivaji’s mother, was his most significant and profound influence. She was instrumental in shaping his character and political ideology. She taught him the Hindu epic stories and instilled in him a deep sense of justice and the importance of Swaraj (self-rule). Along with his guardian, Dadaji Kondadev (who trained him in administration), Jijabai provided the moral and religious conviction that underpinned Shivaji’s lifelong mission to liberate the Maratha homeland from foreign rule.
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