Q. With reference to the establishment of the Gaikwads of Baroda, consider the following statements:
1.The Gaikwad dynasty was founded by Pilaji Rao Gaikwad as a military commander (Sardar) under the first Peshwa, Balaji Vishwanath.
2.The Gaikwads established their authority in Gujarat by successfully defeating the Bhonsles of Nagpur in the western region of the province.
3.The city of Baroda became the administrative capital of the Gaikwad state only after the formal signing of a Subsidiary Alliance Treaty with the British.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. The Gaikwads rose as Maratha military leaders under the Peshwas, with Pilaji Rao Gaikwad establishing the dynasty’s power base in Gujarat during Baji Rao I’s reign.
- Statement 2: Incorrect. The Gaikwads contended with the Mughal governors and other local chieftains in Gujarat. The Bhonsles were dominant in the Eastern regions (Berar/Nagpur), not Gujarat.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. Baroda was captured and made the capital earlier, after the decline of the Mughal authority in the region and before the Gaikwads entered into a full Subsidiary Alliance with the British.
