'Sardeshmukhi' was an additional levy, constituting 10% of the land revenue, collected by Shivaji and his successors. This levy was based on the assertion that the Maratha ruler was the hereditary Sardeshmukh of the entire Deccan. Unlike Chauth, which was military protection money, Sardeshmukhi wasRead more
‘Sardeshmukhi’ was an additional levy, constituting 10% of the land revenue, collected by Shivaji and his successors. This levy was based on the assertion that the Maratha ruler was the hereditary Sardeshmukh of the entire Deccan. Unlike Chauth, which was military protection money, Sardeshmukhi was a claim of sovereign or proprietary right over the land. Its collection was a bold and direct challenge to the territorial sovereignty of the Mughal Emperor.
During the Maratha period, the cavalry was organized into two main groups. The Paga (or Bargir) constituted the permanent state cavalry. These troopers received their horses, arms and maintenance directly from the state and were paid a regular salary. The Silahdar constituted the temporary cavalry.Read more
During the Maratha period, the cavalry was organized into two main groups. The Paga (or Bargir) constituted the permanent state cavalry. These troopers received their horses, arms and maintenance directly from the state and were paid a regular salary. The Silahdar constituted the temporary cavalry. These soldiers owned their own horses and equipment and were typically attached to the army during campaigns, reflecting a more feudal or semi-feudal arrangement.
In the Maratha cavalry, the lowest commissioned officer, the Havaldar, was in command of a unit of 25 cavalrymen. This decimal organization was a hallmark of Shivaji’s military reforms. Above the Havaldar were the Jumledar (commanding five Havaldars), the Hazari (commanding ten Jumledars) and so on.Read more
In the Maratha cavalry, the lowest commissioned officer, the Havaldar, was in command of a unit of 25 cavalrymen. This decimal organization was a hallmark of Shivaji’s military reforms. Above the Havaldar were the Jumledar (commanding five Havaldars), the Hazari (commanding ten Jumledars) and so on. . This standardized, structured hierarchy ensured excellent discipline and rapid maneuverability, contributing significantly to their military success.
Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was a skilled player of the Veena (or Vina), a classical Indian string instrument. This fact stands in sharp contrast to his public policy: Aurangzeb, adhering to orthodox Islamic views, abolished singing and instrumental music at the imperial court. He even ordered the buriRead more
Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was a skilled player of the Veena (or Vina), a classical Indian string instrument. This fact stands in sharp contrast to his public policy: Aurangzeb, adhering to orthodox Islamic views, abolished singing and instrumental music at the imperial court. He even ordered the burial of the musical instruments, stating that music should be buried deep. His personal proficiency with the Veena, however, demonstrates the persistence of cultural interests within the royal family.
The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is the first Mughal building entirely constructed from white marble and the earliest to feature the intricate Pietra Dura inlay on a significant scale. Built by Empress Nur Jahan for her father (Mirza Ghiyas Beg) during the reign of Jahangir, it is sometimes referred to aRead more
The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is the first Mughal building entirely constructed from white marble and the earliest to feature the intricate Pietra Dura inlay on a significant scale. Built by Empress Nur Jahan for her father (Mirza Ghiyas Beg) during the reign of Jahangir, it is sometimes referred to as the “Jewel Box” or “Baby Taj.” Its construction and style foreshadowed the grand marble structures and sophisticated decorative techniques that would define Shah Jahan’s architecture.
Shivaji collected ‘Sardeshmukhi’ on the basis that he was the hereditary ‘Sardeshmukh’ (chief headman) of Maharashtra. What percentage of the revenue did ‘Sardeshmukhi’ constitute?
'Sardeshmukhi' was an additional levy, constituting 10% of the land revenue, collected by Shivaji and his successors. This levy was based on the assertion that the Maratha ruler was the hereditary Sardeshmukh of the entire Deccan. Unlike Chauth, which was military protection money, Sardeshmukhi wasRead more
‘Sardeshmukhi’ was an additional levy, constituting 10% of the land revenue, collected by Shivaji and his successors. This levy was based on the assertion that the Maratha ruler was the hereditary Sardeshmukh of the entire Deccan. Unlike Chauth, which was military protection money, Sardeshmukhi was a claim of sovereign or proprietary right over the land. Its collection was a bold and direct challenge to the territorial sovereignty of the Mughal Emperor.
See lessWhat were the permanent cavalry and temporary cavalry called during the Maratha period?
During the Maratha period, the cavalry was organized into two main groups. The Paga (or Bargir) constituted the permanent state cavalry. These troopers received their horses, arms and maintenance directly from the state and were paid a regular salary. The Silahdar constituted the temporary cavalry.Read more
During the Maratha period, the cavalry was organized into two main groups. The Paga (or Bargir) constituted the permanent state cavalry. These troopers received their horses, arms and maintenance directly from the state and were paid a regular salary. The Silahdar constituted the temporary cavalry. These soldiers owned their own horses and equipment and were typically attached to the army during campaigns, reflecting a more feudal or semi-feudal arrangement.
See lessHow many cavalrymen were under a ‘Havaldar’ in the Maratha cavalry? (A) 5 (B) 20 (C) 15 (D) 25
In the Maratha cavalry, the lowest commissioned officer, the Havaldar, was in command of a unit of 25 cavalrymen. This decimal organization was a hallmark of Shivaji’s military reforms. Above the Havaldar were the Jumledar (commanding five Havaldars), the Hazari (commanding ten Jumledars) and so on.Read more
In the Maratha cavalry, the lowest commissioned officer, the Havaldar, was in command of a unit of 25 cavalrymen. This decimal organization was a hallmark of Shivaji’s military reforms. Above the Havaldar were the Jumledar (commanding five Havaldars), the Hazari (commanding ten Jumledars) and so on. . This standardized, structured hierarchy ensured excellent discipline and rapid maneuverability, contributing significantly to their military success.
See lessWhich musical instrument did the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb play?
Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was a skilled player of the Veena (or Vina), a classical Indian string instrument. This fact stands in sharp contrast to his public policy: Aurangzeb, adhering to orthodox Islamic views, abolished singing and instrumental music at the imperial court. He even ordered the buriRead more
Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was a skilled player of the Veena (or Vina), a classical Indian string instrument. This fact stands in sharp contrast to his public policy: Aurangzeb, adhering to orthodox Islamic views, abolished singing and instrumental music at the imperial court. He even ordered the burial of the musical instruments, stating that music should be buried deep. His personal proficiency with the Veena, however, demonstrates the persistence of cultural interests within the royal family.
See lessWhich is the first building that was constructed entirely of marble and in which Pietra Dura was used?
The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is the first Mughal building entirely constructed from white marble and the earliest to feature the intricate Pietra Dura inlay on a significant scale. Built by Empress Nur Jahan for her father (Mirza Ghiyas Beg) during the reign of Jahangir, it is sometimes referred to aRead more
The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is the first Mughal building entirely constructed from white marble and the earliest to feature the intricate Pietra Dura inlay on a significant scale. Built by Empress Nur Jahan for her father (Mirza Ghiyas Beg) during the reign of Jahangir, it is sometimes referred to as the “Jewel Box” or “Baby Taj.” Its construction and style foreshadowed the grand marble structures and sophisticated decorative techniques that would define Shah Jahan’s architecture.
See less