The question asks about the parties involved in the signing of the Treaty of Purandhar. This is a significant treaty in the history of the Maratha Empire and its relations with the Mughal Empire.

Understanding the Treaty of Purandhar

The Treaty of Purandhar was signed in the year 1665. This treaty was a result of the Mughal forces, led by Jai Singh I, laying siege to the Maratha fort of Purandhar. The Maratha leader, Shivaji Maharaj, faced significant pressure from the Mughal army during this campaign.

Analyzing the Options for the Treaty of Purandhar

Let's examine the given options to determine who signed the Treaty of Purandhar:

1. Afghans and Portuguese: The Treaty of Purandhar did not involve the Afghans or the Portuguese. These powers were involved in different historical contexts and conflicts.
2. Nawab of Bengal and Rajputs: This option is incorrect. The Nawab of Bengal and Rajput rulers were involved in various conflicts and alliances, but the Treaty of Purandhar specifically relates to the conflict between the rising Maratha power and the dominant Mughal Empire.
3. Eastern Gangas and Cholas: This option refers to ancient Indian dynasties that existed much earlier than the period of the Treaty of Purandhar (1665). The Treaty of Purandhar is a medieval Indian history event.
4. Mughals and Marathas: This option correctly identifies the two main parties involved in the Treaty of Purandhar. The treaty was signed between the Mughal Emperor's representative, Jai Singh I, and the Maratha leader, Shivaji Maharaj.

Key Aspects of the Treaty of Purandhar (1665)

The Treaty of Purandhar had several important clauses:

• Shivaji Maharaj ceded 23 of his forts to the Mughals, retaining only 12.
• Shivaji Maharaj agreed to pay a tribute to the Mughals.
• Shivaji Maharaj's son, Sambhaji, was granted a mansab (military rank) in the Mughal service.
• Shivaji Maharaj agreed to assist the Mughals in their campaigns, particularly against the Sultanate of Bijapur.

This treaty was a temporary setback for Shivaji Maharaj but allowed him to consolidate his position and plan for future endeavors. The treaty clearly shows that the key players were the Mughals and the Marathas.

Summary of Options and Validity

Based on historical facts, the Treaty of Purandhar was indeed signed between the Mughals and the Marathas, represented by Jai Singh I and Shivaji Maharaj, respectively, in 1665.

Revision Table: Key Treaties

Additional Information on Mughal-Maratha Relations

The relationship between the Mughal Empire and the Marathas was marked by both conflict and periods of uneasy truce or alliance. The Mughals, under emperors like Aurangzeb, sought to expand their control into the Deccan region, which brought them into direct conflict with the rising power of the Marathas led by Shivaji Maharaj.

• The conflict intensified after Shivaji's rise, leading to major military campaigns by the Mughals.
• Treaties like the Treaty of Purandhar (1665) were attempts to resolve the conflict, though often temporary.
• After Shivaji's death, the conflict continued under his successors and later the Peshwas, eventually contributing to the decline of the Mughal Empire.
• The Marathas became a formidable power challenging Mughal supremacy in the 18th century.

Understanding the dynamics between the Mughals and Marathas is crucial for studying this period of Indian history.