Q. With reference to the contributions of Shivaji to the Maratha administration and society, consider the following statements:
1.He promoted the use of Marathi and Sanskrit in official correspondence, replacing Persian, and commissioned the preparation of the Rajya Vyavahar Kosha (a dictionary of administrative terms).
2.He abolished the system of granting Jagirs to his military and civil officials and strictly paid his soldiers and officers in cash.
3.His land revenue system was based on a scientific measurement (Kathi) of land and initially fixed the state demand at 40% of the gross produce.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. Shivaji consciously fostered a distinct Maratha identity and administrative tradition by promoting regional languages in his court.
- Statement 2: Correct. Shivaji opposed the Jagirdari system (which bred local power bases) and insisted on paying his forces in cash (Naqd), although later Marathas reverted to the Jagir system.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. While Shivaji’s system was based on measurement (Kathi) and scientific assessment, the state demand was initially fixed at 33% and later raised to 40% by Anna Ji Datto (not 40% initially).
