Understanding Shivaji and the Maratha Administration

This question asks us to evaluate the correctness of several statements regarding Shivaji's rule, the Maratha administration, and key events following his death.

Analyzing Each Statement

Let's examine each statement carefully:

• Statement (a): Within his own kingdom (Swarajya) Shivaji attempted to build regular administration on the model of Deccan Sultanates. The taxation within it was very light.

Shivaji did adopt some administrative features from the Deccan Sultanates, particularly in revenue collection and military organization. However, claiming taxation was "very light" within his core territory (Swarajya) is debatable and often considered historically inaccurate. While he aimed for efficient collection and discouraged exploitation, the demands could still be significant, especially considering the need to fund a growing military and administration. His revenue system, based on survey and assessment, aimed for a fixed share of the produce, which was typically around two-fifths or half, not necessarily "very light" compared to some other systems.

• Statement (b): Shivaji’s death saw a momentary eclipse of the polity he had founded, as his son Shambhaji was captured and executed by Aurangzeb.

This statement is historically accurate. After Shivaji's death in 1680, his son Shambhaji succeeded him. However, Shambhaji was captured by Mughal forces under Aurangzeb in 1689 and subsequently executed. This event was a severe blow to the nascent Maratha state and led to a period of intense struggle against the Mughals, often referred to as the Maratha War of Independence. While the state did not disappear entirely, Shambhaji's capture and execution by Aurangzeb certainly represented a significant crisis and a "momentary eclipse" in terms of leadership and stability.

• Statement (c): Maratha sardars enlarged their resources by a rigorous collection of Chauth, failing which they subjected the recalcitrant territory to plunder.

This statement correctly describes a key method used by Maratha sardars (chiefs) to collect revenue and expand their influence outside the core Swarajya territory. Chauth was a tribute, usually one-fourth of the revenue, claimed from territories not directly under Maratha rule but subject to their influence or threat. Sardars rigorously collected Chauth, and failure to pay often resulted in raids and plunder (known as 'mulkgiri') of the non-compliant regions. This practice was crucial for financing the expanding Maratha military and the power of individual sardars.

• Statement (d): Tarabai, the widow of Shivaji’s son, accepted the Mughal suzerainty.

This statement is incorrect. Tarabai was the widow of Rajaram, Shivaji's younger son who succeeded Shambhaji. After Rajaram's death, Tarabai courageously led the Maratha resistance against Aurangzeb on behalf of her young son, Shivaji II. She is renowned for her fierce opposition to the Mughals and her role in continuing the fight for Maratha independence. Accepting Mughal suzerainty would have been contrary to her efforts and historical actions.

Identifying the Correct Statements

• Statement (a) is likely incorrect due to the claim of "very light" taxation.
• Statement (b) is correct as Shambhaji's capture and execution by Aurangzeb caused a crisis.
• Statement (c) is correct, describing the Maratha practice of collecting Chauth and plundering.
• Statement (d) is incorrect as Tarabai resisted Mughal suzerainty.

Revision Table: Shivaji and Maratha History

Additional Information on Maratha Administration and Revenue

Shivaji's administration in Swarajya was quite organized, involving departments led by Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight Ministers). He introduced reforms in land revenue collection, replacing intermediaries with direct collection where possible, based on measurement of land. While aimed at efficiency and fairness compared to the practices of the time, it still involved collecting a significant portion of the produce.

Outside Swarajya, the Marathas primarily sought two types of revenue/tribute:

• Chauth: As mentioned, one-fourth of the revenue of a territory. This was often seen as a payment for not being raided or for protection (though the latter was less consistent).
• Sardeshmukhi: An additional levy of ten percent claimed by the Marathas as hereditary Sardeshmukh (chief headman) of the Deccan.

These collections, especially Chauth enforced through military raids, were crucial for the expansion and sustenance of the Maratha power beyond Shivaji's original kingdom, empowering the Maratha sardars.