If you could time-travel and meet Shivaji, what three questions would you ask him and why?
Students may ask questions about Shivaji's vision of Swarājya, his military strategies including guerrilla warfare, his establishment of the navy, his administrative reforms, his escape from Agra, his values regarding treatment of subjects, or his views on religious tolerance.
The questions should reflect understanding of his achievements: founding the Maratha kingdom, creating a navy when other Indian powers did not prioritise maritime defence, using guerrilla tactics against larger armies, establishing an efficient administration with the aṣhṭa pradhāna manḍala, and demonstrating care for soldiers' families through pensions.
Questions might also explore his vision for the future of his kingdom or his approach to dealing with powerful enemies like the Mughals and Bijapur Sultanate.
Explanation
The chapter presents this as a reflective discussion question. Students are expected to formulate thoughtful questions based on their understanding of Shivaji's life and achievements as described in the chapter, including his military campaigns, administrative innovations, and personal values.
Solution Steps
Questions about Shivaji's vision of Swarājya
Questions about military strategies including guerrilla warfare
Questions about establishment of the navy
Questions about administrative reforms and the aṣhṭa pradhāna manḍala
Questions about his escape from Agra
Questions about values regarding treatment of subjects
Questions about views on religious tolerance
Questions about vision for the future of his kingdom
Questions about approach to dealing with enemies like the Mughals and Bijapur Sultanate