Question

Chhatrapati Shivaji established the Maratha Empire in the Deccan during the _______ century AD.
1. 17th
2. 16th
3. 18th
4. 15th

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : 17th

The correct answer is 17th.

• The Maratha Empire dominated a large part of the Indian subcontinent in the 17th century.
• The Maratha empire formally existed from 1674 to 1818.
• It was founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji.
• It ended in 1818 with the defeat of Peshwa Bajirao II.        
• Shivaji defeated the Mughal forces at the Battle of Salher in 1672.
• He was crowned in 1674 at Raigarh and assumed the title of Haindava Dharmoddharak (Protector of Hinduism) and Chatrapati.
• His capital was Raigarh.
• He divided the territory into three provinces. Provinces were divided into Prants which were subdivided into Parganas or Tarafs.
• Shivaji had well organized Army & Navy. The regular army was called Paga, while the loose auxiliaries called silahdars & were supervised by havildars.
• He was assisted by a council of ministers called “Ashtapradhan” Mandal. Each minister was directly responsible to Shivaji. 
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was succeeded by his eldest son Sambhaji (also known as Shambhu Raje) in 1681.