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  1. Kashiraj Pandit was the historian who witnessed the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. Serving as an agent for Shuja-ud-Daulah, who was allied with the Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali, Pandit was present on the battlefield. His Persian account, known as Ahwal-i Jang-i Bhau wa Ahmad Shah Durrani (AcRead more

    Kashiraj Pandit was the historian who witnessed the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. Serving as an agent for Shuja-ud-Daulah, who was allied with the Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali, Pandit was present on the battlefield. His Persian account, known as Ahwal-i Jang-i Bhau wa Ahmad Shah Durrani (Account of the War between Bhau and Ahmad Shah Durrani), is highly valued by historians for its detailed, eyewitness description of the military formations, the course of the battle and the devastating consequences for the Marathas.

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  2. Shivaji appeared at the Mughal court in Agra on the Emperor Aurangzeb's 50th birthday in May 1666 AD. He was persuaded to visit by Raja Jai Singh I following the Treaty of Purandar. At the court, Shivaji was insulted when he was placed among the Mansabdars of the third rank, leading to his furious pRead more

    Shivaji appeared at the Mughal court in Agra on the Emperor Aurangzeb’s 50th birthday in May 1666 AD. He was persuaded to visit by Raja Jai Singh I following the Treaty of Purandar. At the court, Shivaji was insulted when he was placed among the Mansabdars of the third rank, leading to his furious protest and subsequent confinement in the Jaipur Bhavan. His daring escape a few months later transformed the situation from political surrender into a psychological victory over the Emperor.

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  3. Shivaji was born in the hill fort of Shivneri near the town of Junnar in 1630 AD. This strategic fort, located within the Jagir controlled by his father Shahaji Bhonsle, provided the security necessary for his early life. The rugged, mountainous terrain surrounding Shivneri played a critical role inRead more

    Shivaji was born in the hill fort of Shivneri near the town of Junnar in 1630 AD. This strategic fort, located within the Jagir controlled by his father Shahaji Bhonsle, provided the security necessary for his early life. The rugged, mountainous terrain surrounding Shivneri played a critical role in shaping his military strategies and his deep connection to the Maratha homeland, establishing his lifelong preference for mountain strongholds over open cities.

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  4. The individual who truly simplified and stabilized the Maratha administration after the chaotic reign of Sambhaji and the subsequent Maratha War of Independence was Balaji Vishwanath. Upon his appointment as Peshwa by Shahu in 1713, he systematized the collection of Chauth and Sardeshmukhi revenuesRead more

    The individual who truly simplified and stabilized the Maratha administration after the chaotic reign of Sambhaji and the subsequent Maratha War of Independence was Balaji Vishwanath. Upon his appointment as Peshwa by Shahu in 1713, he systematized the collection of Chauth and Sardeshmukhi revenues by dividing them among the central government and the Sardars. . By achieving the Mughal recognition of Maratha rights in 1719, he brought legal legitimacy and order to the fractured state, focusing on practical administration over complex legalistic structures.

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  5. The minister responsible for foreign affairs in Shivaji's Ashtapradhan was the Sumant (or Dabir). His primary role was to serve as the Foreign Secretary, advising the Chhatrapati on matters of war and peace, receiving ambassadors and maintaining diplomatic relations with all the surrounding kingdomsRead more

    The minister responsible for foreign affairs in Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan was the Sumant (or Dabir). His primary role was to serve as the Foreign Secretary, advising the Chhatrapati on matters of war and peace, receiving ambassadors and maintaining diplomatic relations with all the surrounding kingdoms and the Mughals. The Sumant‘s duties were crucial for a nascent state like the Maratha kingdom, which required shrewd diplomacy to navigate the constant pressures from major powers like the Mughal Empire and the Portuguese.

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