When Aurangzeb died in 1707, the Maratha resistance was led by Maharani Tarabai, the widow of Rajaram. She ruled as regent for her young son, Shivaji II. Despite the loss of several forts and the capture of Shahu, Tarabai’s energetic leadership and guerrilla tactics kept the Maratha spirit alive and successfully exhausted the aging Mughal Emperor’s resources. ANSWER: (D) Tarabai