The Treaty of Purandar was signed on June 11, 1665, between Jai Singh I, the Mughal Empire's leader, and Shivaji. After Jai Singh stormed Purandar fort, Shivaji was obliged to sign the pact. When Shivaji saw that fighting the Mughals would only harm his empire while also putting his warriors in danger, he preferred to enter the treaty rather than risk losing his men to the Mughals. In this article, we will discuss the Treaty of Purandar which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Treaty of Purandar - Background

• Aurangzeb, the Mughal Badshah, feared just one thing: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's ascension to the throne of the Maratha Hindu armies in the Deccan.
• At Pratapgarh in 1657, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj sacked Afzalkhan, a powerful military general throughout Bharat.
• Chhatrapati staged the renowned military invasion at Lal Mahal on Shaista Khan in 1663.
• Shaista's nephew, Aurangzeb, named him Dakkhan Ke Subehdar, the governor of the South.
• To compensate for the damages suffered by Swarajya because of Shaista Khan, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conducted a raid on his business capital Surat. This resulted in the Emperor's face being defaced.
• To put an end to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and destroy the backbone of Hindavi Swarajya, Aurangzeb dispatched an experienced leader, Mirza Raja Jai Singh, King of Amer, with a 44000 army against him.
• Mirza Raja's massive army began wreaking havoc over Swarajya.
• After the Mughals took the Fort of Purandar under Diler Khan and Jai Singh defeated Murarbaji Deshpande, the governor of Purandar Fort, Maharaj's forces were severely reduced.
• The Mughals continued to plunder the fields, villages, and women.
• Finally, in order to defend his people first, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj agreed to Mughal demands and signed a treaty.

Terms of the Purandar Treaty

• Shivaji was granted the right to hold twelve forts in the name of the Marathas, as well as a net income area of up to 1 lakh Huns.
• The contract bound Shivaji that the Marathas would always help the Mughals.
• Sivaji's son, Sambhaji, has been obliged to fight for the Mughal Empire with 5000 armed forces, as a Mansabdar.
• In the treaty, Shivaji agreed that if the Marathas ever sought to claim the Konkan region, which was then under Bijapur's dominion, they would have to pay 40 lakh Huns in compensation.
• Shivaji has been forced to give up most of his captured forts that involved places like Ankola, Songadh, and Mangad.
• Aside from that, the contract obligated Shivaji to travel to Agra for a political meeting with Aurangzeb.

Post Treaty Conditions

• Shivaji was no longer regarded by the Mughals after his tearful condition.
• Shivaji sought to be excused from speaking to the nobility, and the Mughal emperor agreed to compensate him with jagir.
• For justification, Shivaji promised his son 5000 horses as a contingent.
• He stated that if a land yields 4 lakh Huns in the lowlands and 5 lakhs in the uplands and is awarded to him through the use of an official Farman, the possession of the lands will be confirmed with Shivaji following the victory of Bijapur.
• In the above-mentioned situation, the downsides of Jai Singh have been foreseen because the policy will result in the Mughal Empire gaining three times.
• To begin, the Mughal emperor will be valued at 40 lakhs hun, or over 2 crore rupees.
• Second, Shivaji will be completely cut off from the Sultan of Bijapur, as the invasion of Bijapur could be successful due to him.
• The third and most essential reason is that, as Shivaji himself demonstrated during the conquest of the Sultan of Bijapur, the duty of the imperial Mughal army can be continually decreased in jungles and obstacles.
• Shivaji promised to provide 2000 cavalry and 7000 experienced infantry on behalf of the Mughals, led by his son Sambhaji Mansab, to seize Bijapur.

Conclusion

The Treaty of Purandar was a watershed moment for the Marthas as they neared the conclusion of their rule in India. The Mughals benefited from it but couldn't comprehend the British Empire's foresight in seizing India. Because Shivaji was not a self-centred and brutal king, the Marathas lost more than half of their possessions as a result of the deal. With their savagery, the Mughals intervened in the situation and wreaked havoc on the empire.

FAQs

Q1: What was the Treaty of Purandar?

Q2: What were the key terms of the Treaty of Purandar?

Q3: Why was the Treaty of Purandar significant in Indian history?

Q4: How did the Treaty of Purandar affect Shivaji's relationship with the Mughal Empire?

Q5: What was the outcome of the Treaty of Purandar for the Maratha Empire?

MCQs

1. What year was the Treaty of Purandar signed?

A) 1665

B) 1667

C) 1670

D) 1675

2. Which Maratha leader was involved in the Treaty of Purandar?

A) Balaji Vishwanath

B) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

C) Madhav Rao I

D) Shahu Maharaj

3. How many forts did Shivaji agree to surrender under the Treaty of Purandar?

A) 10

B) 15

C) 23

D) 30

4. What was one of the benefits Shivaji received from the Treaty of Purandar?

A) Complete independence

B) Military support from the Mughals

C) A jagir and financial compensation

D) New territories

5. Who was the Mughal Emperor during the signing of the Treaty of Purandar?

A) Akbar

B) Jahangir

C) Shah Jahan

D) Aurangzeb

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1. Analyze the implications of the Treaty of Purandar for the Mughal Empire and the Maratha state.

Answer: The Treaty of Purandar, signed in 1665, had significant implications for both the Mughal Empire and the Maratha state. For the Mughals, the treaty represented a tactical advantage, temporarily curbing the expansionist activities of Shivaji Maharaj and securing key territories. It allowed Aurangzeb to focus on consolidating power in other regions of India without the immediate threat posed by the Marathas.
For Shivaji and the Marathas, the treaty was a double-edged sword. While it mandated the surrender of 23 forts, it also provided an opportunity for Shivaji to stabilize his rule and gather resources. The financial compensation and jagir received enabled him to strengthen his administration and military. Although the treaty was a setback in terms of territorial loss, it did not hinder Shivaji’s ambitions. Instead, it led to a period of regrouping, ultimately contributing to the Maratha resurgence against the Mughals.

Q2. Discuss how the Treaty of Purandar reflected the changing dynamics of power in medieval India.

Answer: The Treaty of Purandar is a pivotal example of the shifting power dynamics in medieval India, particularly between the Mughal Empire and the rising Maratha state. The treaty illustrated the Mughals' attempts to maintain control over their territories in the face of regional powers. It highlighted the necessity for negotiation and compromise, reflecting a period where diplomacy became increasingly important as a strategy for both empires.
For Shivaji, the treaty was a tactical maneuver that showcased his political acumen. By accepting Mughal overlordship, he aimed to consolidate his power while simultaneously planning for future resistance. This strategic pause allowed Shivaji to strengthen his position and prepare for a resurgence. Thus, the Treaty of Purandar marked a significant moment in the transformation of political authority in India, setting the stage for the eventual decline of Mughal dominance and the rise of the Maratha Empire.

Q3. Evaluate the role of Shivaji Maharaj in the context of the Treaty of Purandar and his subsequent military campaigns.

Answer: Shivaji Maharaj's role in the context of the Treaty of Purandar is critical in understanding his strategic approach to governance and military affairs. By signing the treaty, Shivaji displayed his capacity for negotiation, recognizing the need for a temporary cessation of hostilities with the Mughal Empire. This decision was not just about conceding to the Mughals but rather a calculated move that allowed him to stabilize his rule and gather resources for future endeavors.
Following the treaty, Shivaji engaged in several military campaigns to regain lost territories and strengthen his position. His adept use of guerilla warfare and understanding of local terrain facilitated successful operations against Mughal forces. The treaty ultimately became a stepping stone for Shivaji, allowing him to regroup and emerge stronger in subsequent battles. His legacy as a formidable leader was solidified as he continued to challenge Mughal authority and expand the Maratha Empire, demonstrating that the treaty was a temporary tactical pause rather than a surrender of ambition.

Previous Year Questions on  Treaty of Purandar

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Question. Assess the significance of the Treaty of Purandar in the context of the Mughal-Maratha relations. 

Answer: The Treaty of Purandar, signed in 1665, holds significant importance in the historical context of Mughal-Maratha relations. It marked a critical juncture where the Maratha leader, Shivaji Maharaj, was compelled to negotiate with the Mughal Empire, showcasing the changing dynamics of power in the region. The treaty stipulated that Shivaji surrender 23 forts while recognizing Mughal overlordship, reflecting the Mughals' attempts to maintain control over their territories amidst growing regional powers.
This treaty was significant as it demonstrated Shivaji’s strategic acumen in navigating the complex political landscape of medieval India. While it provided the Mughals a temporary respite from Maratha expansion, it also allowed Shivaji the opportunity to consolidate power and resources for future resistance. The treaty did not signify a permanent subjugation; instead, it laid the groundwork for continued conflict between the two powers. Ultimately, it highlights the intricate interplay of diplomacy and military strategy in the history of Indian empires, setting the stage for the eventual rise of the Maratha Empire against Mughal authority.

2. UPSC CSE 2021

Question. Analyze the outcomes of the Treaty of Purandar for the Maratha Empire and its leader, Shivaji. 

Answer: The Treaty of Purandar resulted in mixed outcomes for the Maratha Empire and its leader, Shivaji Maharaj. Signed in 1665, the treaty required Shivaji to surrender 23 forts to the Mughal Empire, a significant territorial loss. However, this concession was part of a broader strategy employed by Shivaji to secure a temporary peace with the Mughals, allowing him to focus on consolidating his power and governance within his remaining territories.
In return for the forts, Shivaji received a jagir and financial compensation, enabling him to stabilize his administration and strengthen his military capabilities. The treaty's immediate outcome allowed Shivaji to regroup and plan his next military campaigns, which ultimately led to the recovery of lost territories and further expansion of the Maratha Empire. The treaty is thus viewed not as a defeat but as a strategic pause that allowed Shivaji to reaffirm his authority and lay the groundwork for the Maratha resurgence against Mughal dominance in the following decades. The legacy of this period solidified Shivaji's reputation as a visionary leader capable of navigating the complexities of power dynamics in medieval India.