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Which of the following events during the period 1674-1720 is considered the most significant turning point leading to the rise of the Peshwas as the de facto rulers of the Maratha Empire?
The most critical event was the appointment of Balaji Vishwanath as Peshwa by Shahu in 1713. Balaji, a highly capable administrator, was instrumental in politically unifying the Maratha factions supporting Shahu. He consolidated the Maratha state by achieving the 1719 Mughal-Maratha Treaty, which leRead more
The most critical event was the appointment of Balaji Vishwanath as Peshwa by Shahu in 1713. Balaji, a highly capable administrator, was instrumental in politically unifying the Maratha factions supporting Shahu. He consolidated the Maratha state by achieving the 1719 Mughal-Maratha Treaty, which legalized Chauth and Sardeshmukhi collection. By the end of his term, he had centralized all administrative and military power in the office of the Peshwa, making the Chhatrapati a figurehead and launching the era of the Peshwas.
See lessWhat was ‘Chauth’?
Chauth was a compulsory levy, representing one-fourth (25%) of the annual revenue, collected by the Marathas from territories outside their direct control, primarily the Mughal provinces and the Deccan Sultanates. The payment was considered a price for protection, guaranteeing that the Maratha armyRead more
Chauth was a compulsory levy, representing one-fourth (25%) of the annual revenue, collected by the Marathas from territories outside their direct control, primarily the Mughal provinces and the Deccan Sultanates. The payment was considered a price for protection, guaranteeing that the Maratha army would not raid or plunder the paying territory. Although framed as a feudal right, it was, in practice, a clear assertion of Maratha military supremacy and financial claim over the region, challenging Mughal sovereignty.
See lessWhat was the ‘Peshwa’ in Shivaji’s administration?
The Peshwa in Shivaji's Ashtapradhan was the Mukhya Pradhan or Prime Minister. As the most important officer, the Peshwa was the head of both the general administration and the civil authority. He was tasked with looking after the welfare of the kingdom and reporting directly to the Chhatrapati. AltRead more
The Peshwa in Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan was the Mukhya Pradhan or Prime Minister. As the most important officer, the Peshwa was the head of both the general administration and the civil authority. He was tasked with looking after the welfare of the kingdom and reporting directly to the Chhatrapati. Although Shivaji’s system intended for the eight ministers to check each other’s power, the Peshwa’s strategic and administrative responsibilities laid the groundwork for the later usurpation of power by the hereditary Peshwas in the 18th century.
See lessWho is called the ‘Second Founder of the Maratha State’? (A) Rajaram (B) Bajirao I (C) Balaji Vishwanath (D) Balaji Bajirao
Balaji Vishwanath earned the title of Second Founder of the Maratha State due to his crucial role in rebuilding the Maratha Empire after Aurangzeb’s death. The state was weakened by long wars and internal divisions, but he restored unity and authority. As Peshwa, he negotiated the Lonavala settlemenRead more
Balaji Vishwanath earned the title of Second Founder of the Maratha State due to his crucial role in rebuilding the Maratha Empire after Aurangzeb’s death. The state was weakened by long wars and internal divisions, but he restored unity and authority. As Peshwa, he negotiated the Lonavala settlement, securing Chauth and Sardeshmukhi from the Mughals. He reorganized revenue, strengthened the military, improved diplomacy with regional powers and brought stability to the administration. His leadership transformed the Peshwa office into the real center of power. The strong foundation he created enabled later Maratha expansion under Bajirao I and others.
See lessWhich of the following European powers provided cannons to Shivaji?
The Portuguese, who controlled coastal bases like Goa and Diu, were the European power that often supplied cannons and artillery to Shivaji, albeit cautiously and sometimes indirectly. Although the Portuguese frequently conflicted with Shivaji over territory and naval dominance, they viewed the MaraRead more
The Portuguese, who controlled coastal bases like Goa and Diu, were the European power that often supplied cannons and artillery to Shivaji, albeit cautiously and sometimes indirectly. Although the Portuguese frequently conflicted with Shivaji over territory and naval dominance, they viewed the Marathas as a crucial counterbalance to the Mughal and Bijapur armies. This strategic necessity meant the Portuguese were a valuable, if intermittent, source for the Marathas’ needs, especially concerning gunpowder and advanced weaponry unavailable in the Deccan interior.
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