Q. The reign of Shahu (1708–1749 CE) is politically significant for:
1.The Treaty of Warna (1731 CE), which formally recognized the separate Maratha kingdom of Kolhapur under Sambhaji II.
2.The final end of the Mughal-Maratha conflict, as Shahu was fully accepted as the rightful ruler of the Maratha state by the Mughal Emperor.
3.The rise of the Chitpavan Brahmin lineage of Peshwas, who transformed the office from a ministerial role into the de facto executive head of the Maratha Confederacy.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. The Treaty of Warna formally divided the Maratha state into two separate kingdoms: Satara (under Shahu) and Kolhapur (under Sambhaji II).
- Statement 2: Incorrect. While Shahu achieved recognition and Mughal grants of Chauth and Sardeshmukhi in the Deccan, the conflict with the Mughals did not end. The grants formalized Maratha rights but ensured continued friction over collection and territory.
- Statement 3: Correct. Shahu appointed Balaji Vishwanath (the first Peshwa) and his successors, who were Chitpavan Brahmins, allowing them to centralize power and dominate the Maratha politics, initiating the age of the Peshwas.
