Understanding the Treaty of Purandar (1665)

The Treaty of Purandar was a significant agreement signed between the Maratha leader Shivaji Maharaj and the Mughal commander Jai Singh I on June 11, 1665. This treaty came about after Jai Singh I besieged the fort of Purandar, forcing Shivaji to negotiate. The terms of this treaty were crucial in defining the relationship between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire at that time.

Key Clauses of the Treaty of Purandar

Let's look at the major provisions that were part of the Treaty of Purandar:

• Surrender of Forts: Shivaji agreed to surrender 23 of his 35 forts to the Mughals. The remaining 12 forts, along with surrounding territory yielding revenue of 1 lakh Huns per year, were retained by Shivaji.
• Mughal Service and Campaigns: Shivaji agreed to serve the Mughal Empire and participate in their military campaigns whenever required, particularly against the Sultanate of Bijapur.
• Territory in Konkan: Certain territories in the Bijapur Konkan, yielding revenue of 4 lakh Huns per year, were granted or confirmed to Shivaji, contingent upon his loyalty and service to the Mughals.
• Shivaji's Son Shambhaji's Mansab: It was agreed that Shivaji's son, Shambhaji, would be granted a Mansab of 5000 horse in the Mughal service. Shivaji himself was not immediately granted a Mansab as part of the treaty terms, though Jai Singh promised to secure one for him.

Analyzing the Options Against the Treaty Terms

Now, let's examine each option provided in the question to determine which one was NOT a clause of the Treaty of Purandar:

1. Out of 35 forts, 23 were surrendered to the Mughals: This is a well-documented and primary clause of the Treaty of Purandar. Shivaji indeed surrendered 23 forts.
2. Territory in Bijapur Konkan was granted to Shivaji: This was also a provision of the treaty, related to territories in the Bijapur Konkan region.
3. Shivaji agreed to join in any Mughal campaign in Deccan: This was a crucial military obligation Shivaji accepted as part of the treaty, particularly regarding campaigns against Bijapur.
4. Shivaji was granted a Mansab of 5000: While Shivaji's son, Shambhaji, was granted a Mansab of 5000 as per the treaty, Shivaji himself was not granted a Mansab of 5000 as a direct clause of the treaty. Jai Singh promised to recommend him for one, but the Mansab for 5000 was specifically for Shambhaji. Therefore, stating that Shivaji himself was granted a Mansab of 5000 was NOT a direct term of the treaty.

Based on the historical terms of the Treaty of Purandar, the clause stating that Shivaji was granted a Mansab of 5000 was not part of the treaty itself; it was Shambhaji who received this Mansab. Shivaji was promised a recommendation for one later.

Revision Table: Treaty of Purandar Clauses

Additional Information: Context of the Treaty of Purandar

The Treaty of Purandar was a turning point in the early career of Shivaji Maharaj. Faced with a powerful Mughal force led by Jai Singh I, a Rajput general known for his diplomatic and military skills, Shivaji chose negotiation over prolonged conflict that might have resulted in significant losses. The treaty temporarily brought Shivaji into the Mughal fold, allowing him time to consolidate his position and plan for the future. His subsequent visit to Agra and the events that followed were directly linked to the terms and implications of this treaty. The treaty demonstrates the complex political landscape of the Deccan in the 17th century, involving the Mughals, the Marathas, and the Deccan Sultanates like Bijapur.