Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Shivaji sent an ambassador to Bombay to negotiate an agreement with the English. 2. His chief motive was to secure English aid against the Siddis of Danda - Rajpuri. 3. He wanted a supply of grenades, mortars and other ammunition.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1, 2 and 3
Understanding Shivaji's Negotiations with the English in Bombay
The question asks us to evaluate three statements concerning Shivaji Maharaj's diplomatic interactions with the English factors stationed in Bombay during his time.
Let's examine each statement carefully:
Statement 1: Shivaji sent an ambassador to Bombay to negotiate an agreement with the English.
This statement is historically correct. Shivaji Maharaj indeed sent envoys, notably Narayan Shenvi, to Bombay to engage in negotiations with the English East India Company representatives. These negotiations were aimed at establishing a form of agreement or treaty, primarily concerning trade and military support.
Statement 2: His chief motive was to secure English aid against the Siddis of Danda - Rajpuri.
This statement is also correct. One of the significant threats faced by Shivaji Maharaj on the Konkan coast was the naval power of the Siddis of Janjira, whose stronghold was at Danda-Rajpuri. The English in Bombay possessed naval resources and artillery. Shivaji Maharaj was keen on obtaining their assistance, particularly naval support, to counter the Siddis' power. This was a primary driver behind his diplomatic efforts with the English.
Statement 3: He wanted a supply of grenades, mortars and other ammunition.
This statement is correct as well. Apart from seeking naval or military aid against rivals, Shivaji Maharaj was constantly looking to modernise and equip his army. The English were a source for advanced military supplies like artillery, muskets, gunpowder, grenades, and mortars, which were superior to traditional Indian weaponry of the time. Obtaining these supplies was a crucial part of the negotiations with the English, as access to such ammunition would significantly enhance his military capabilities.
Based on historical accounts, all three statements accurately reflect the circumstances and objectives surrounding Shivaji Maharaj's dispatch of an ambassador to Bombay to negotiate with the English.
Analysis of Statements:
- Statement 1 confirms the diplomatic mission to Bombay.
- Statement 2 identifies a key strategic motive: countering the Siddis.
- Statement 3 details the desired military resources, indicating a focus on military technology and supply.
Each statement is supported by historical evidence regarding Shivaji's interactions and motivations concerning the English at Bombay.
Therefore, all three statements are correct.
Revision Table: Key Points on Shivaji's English Negotiations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of Negotiation | Bombay (Modern Mumbai) |
| English Representatives | Factors of the English East India Company |
| Shivaji's Envoy | Narayan Shenvi (among others) |
| Primary Motive (Military) | Securing aid against the Siddis of Janjira (Danda-Rajpuri) |
| Desired Supplies | Military equipment (artillery, grenades, mortars, ammunition, etc.) |
| Outcome | Negotiations occurred, leading to treaties involving trade and sometimes limited military concessions/support, though often complex and not always fully satisfactory to both sides. |
Additional Information: Shivaji, English, and Siddis
Shivaji Maharaj's relationship with European powers like the English, Dutch, and French was complex. While he traded with them, he was also wary of their growing influence and military strength, especially their naval power. The English presence in Bombay, geographically close to Shivaji's territories, made interaction necessary.
- Siddis of Janjira: The Siddis were a powerful naval force on the Konkan coast, serving the Bijapur Sultanate and later aligned with the Mughals. Their control over the fort of Janjira posed a continuous threat to Shivaji's coastal territories and his nascent navy. Seeking English aid, particularly naval or artillery support, was a strategic move to counter this threat.
- English East India Company in Bombay: Bombay became a significant English possession. The English were primarily interested in trade but also sought to protect their commercial interests and gradually expanded their political influence. They were cautious about fully committing military support to Indian rulers, preferring to maintain a neutral stance or leverage alliances for their own benefit, especially trade concessions.
- Military Supplies: European powers had access to more advanced firearms and artillery technology compared to what was commonly produced in India at the time. Acquiring these supplies was crucial for Indian rulers like Shivaji Maharaj to upgrade their military forces and compete effectively.
The negotiations between Shivaji and the English in Bombay reflect the intricate political and military landscape of 17th-century India, where indigenous powers interacted with emerging European trading companies, seeking alliances, trade, and military technology while also protecting their sovereignty.
Similar Questions
Statement I: Non-cooperation began in Punjab with the student movement inspired by Lala Lajpat Rai in January 1921.
Statement II: The Sikh dominated central Punjab countryside was stirred by the powerful Akali upsurge.
- Which of the following is/are the correct components of the "Lion Capital" at Sarnath?
1. The shaft (stambha-yashti) or the tall tapering column
2. An elliptical top part – the abacus, devoid of any carvings
3. Overflowing inverted petals below the abacus
Select the answer using the code given below : Who was the editor of the journal Indian Social Reformer that was started in 1890?
Statement I: The United Provinces during Non-Cooperation became one of the strongest bases of Congress.
Statement II: The literary outcrop of Non-Cooperation in Bengal was quite meager compared to the days of the Swadeshi agitation.
Which member of the Servants of India Society founded the Seva Samiti at Allahabad in 1914?
Who was the author of the book, Plagues and Peoples?
In 1921, during which one of the following tours, Gandhiji shaved his head and began wearing loincloth in order to identify with the poor?
Which politician in British India had opposed to a Pakistan that would mean “Muslim Raj here and Hindu Raj elsewhere”?
Which one of the following British officials was elevated to the position of Governor General after the Regulating Act of 1773 ?
Which of the following ideas was preached by the Kherwar or Sapha Har movement of the 1870s ?
Important Questions from Modern India (National Movement )
Match the following (Leaders of Chhattisgarh imprisoned during Quit India Movement of 1942 and places)
List - I
(Leaders)
List - II
(Places)
A. Tretanath Tiwari 1. Malkapur B. Raghunandan Pd. Singhrol 2. Raipur C. Amar Singh Sahgal 3. Bilaspur D. Pt. Ravishankar Shukla 4. Durg Which of the following personalities of this state was pioneer in the field of emancipation of untouchables ?
Tipu Sultan and British East India Company signed the Treaty of Mangalore in the year _______.
When was the Battle of Waterloo fought ?
Who among the following is also known as the 'Birdman of India'?
