Q. Consider the following statements regarding the reign of Chhatrapati Sambhaji (1680–1689 CE):
1.Sambhaji provided political refuge and support to Prince Akbar, the rebellious son of Aurangzeb, which was a major factor that drew Aurangzeb to the Deccan.
2.Sambhaji continued the policy of the Ashta Pradhan and rigorously followed his father’s centralized administrative practices throughout his reign.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. Prince Akbar rebelled against Aurangzeb in 1681 CE and fled to the Maratha court, where Sambhaji offered him protection. This act was the immediate trigger for Aurangzeb’s permanent move to the Deccan in 1682 CE, marking a turning point in Mughal-Maratha relations.
- Statement 2: Incorrect. Sambhaji was generally distrustful of his father’s ministers and effectively ended the functioning of the Ashta Pradhan by relying heavily on his own favorite, the Brahmin poet Kavi Kalash, thereby increasing centralization but also internal opposition.
