The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb consistently referred to Shivaji using derogatory terms like ‘mountain rat’ (pahari chuha) and a ‘daring bandit’. These terms reflected the Mughal court’s frustration with Shivaji’s successful guerrilla tactics and his ability to repeatedly evade capture, undermine imperial authority and challenge their conventional military superiority. Answer is (A) Aurangzeb
Who called Shivaji a ‘mountain rat’ and a ‘daring bandit’? (A) Aurangzeb (B) Jai Singh (C) Afzal Khan (D) None of these
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The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb frequently and contemptuously referred to Shivaji as a ‘mountain rat’ (pahari chuha) or a ‘daring bandit’. These names were an expression of Aurangzeb’s profound frustration. Shivaji’s mastery of Bargigiri allowed him to launch lightning raids and ambushes from his mountain forts, neutralizing the massive Mughal army’s strengths. The persistent use of such terms in Mughal court records underscores the Mughal inability to deal effectively with the innovative Maratha guerrilla warfare.