8. An Ideal Ruler
Complete solutions to the Exercise. Maharashtra State Board (Balbharati), Grade Seven History and Civics.
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Exercise
(1) Grave dangers in the life of Shivaji Maharaj.
Events like the meeting with Afzalkhan, the siege of Panhala, the attack on Shaistakhan, and the escape from Agra were all grave dangers in the life of Shivaji Maharaj.
(2) They risked their life at the time of Maharaj's escape from Agra.
Hiroji Farjand and Madari Meheter risked their lives during the escape of Maharaj from Agra.
(3) What warning did Shivaji Maharaj issue to the Deshmukh of Rohida Valley?
He warned the Deshmukh to visit every village and shift people to a safe place down the ghats without delaying even for a moment. He further warned that if he failed to take care of the ryot, the Mughal army would take the people prisoner, and it would be seen as the Deshmukh's doing.
(4) What inspiration can future generations draw from the life of Shivaji Maharaj?
Future generations will continue to look upon the work of Shivaji Maharaj of founding the Swaraj and turning it into Surajya (a kingdom seeking the welfare of all) as a source of inspiration and an ideal.
(1) What warning did Shivaji Maharaj issue to his soldiers to avoid any loss to the ryot?
Shivaji Maharaj warned his soldiers not to harass or trouble the subjects by robbing them of their grains, fodder, grass, or vegetables. He pointed out that if they did so, the subjects would migrate elsewhere and starve to death, making the soldiers appear more atrocious than the Mughals and causing a great uproar.
(2) How do we know that the religious policy of Shivaji Maharaj was that of tolerance?
We know this because he considered the Muslims in Swaraj as his own subjects, employing trusted people like Siddi Ibrahim, Siddi Hilal, and Daulatkhan in his army and navy. In conquered enemy territories, he continued the facilities given to Muslim places of worship. Furthermore, he framed strict rules for his soldiers not to harm mosques and instructed them to hand over any copy of the Holy Quran they found with reverence to a Muslim.
(3) Explain Shivaji Maharaj's policy regarding the army.
Maharaj maintained a strict discipline in the army and set aside the practice of paying soldiers through jagirs, instead making arrangements to pay their salaries in cash and on time. He issued strict orders that any valuables collected during campaigns in enemy territories had to be deposited with the Government. He also honoured soldiers for their bravery, took care of the wounded, looked after the maintenance of the families of martyred soldiers, and treated surrendered or captured enemy soldiers well.
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- (1) An important officer in the navy of Swaraj — Daulatkhan
- (2) A Tamil poet who composed a poem on Shivaji Maharaj — Subramanyam Bharati
- (3) He created an independent kingdom in Bundelkhand — Chhatrasal
- (4) He composed a Powada on the greatness of Shivaji Maharaj — Mahatma Jotirao Phule
The Activities (telling how you help your friend in his need, and listing the places named after famous personalities) are practical discussion and listing exercises. Students should share their personal experiences with their classmates and prepare a list based on local places.