Solution-Class 7-History-Chapter 8-An Ideal Ruler -Maharashtra Board

Occasions like the meeting with Afzalkhan, the attack on Shaistakhan, the siege of Panhalagad, the escape to Vishalgad, conquering of Sinhagad and the escape from Agra involved a great amount of risk to the life of Shivaji Maharaj.

Hiroji Farjand and Madari Mehetar risked their lives at the time of Maharaj’s escape from Agra.

Shivaji Maharaj constantly struggled against his enemies in his mission of establishing the Swaraj. During these times, Maharaj took the utmost care to protect his ryot (people). During Shaistakhan’s campaign,

• Shivaji Maharaj issued warning to the Deshmukh of the Rohida valley not to fail in his duty towards the ryot.
• He was also asked to visit every village and shift people to a safe place down the ghats without any delay.
• Maharaj further warned him that if does not take care of the ryot, then the Mughals would take the people as prisoners. Then it would be seen as the Deshmukh’s doing.

The future generations can draw inspiration from the work of founding Swaraj and turning it into Surajya, a kingdom that sought the welfare of all by Shivaji Maharaj, as an ideal.

• Shivaji Maharaj gave warning to his soldiers not to fail in duty to the ryot.
• During the times of foreign invasion, to shift people to safe place down the ghats.
• The failure to take care of the ryot and in the event the enemy took the people as prisoners, would be seen as their doing.
• He ordered soldiers not to cause anv harm to the ryot in any way.

The following things indicate that Shivaji Maharaj followed a tolerant religious policy :

• He continued the facilities that were given to the Muslim places of worship
• in the territories conquered by him.
• He had strictly instructed the soldiers not to harm mosque.
• If they came in possession of a copy of the Holy Quran, they should hand over the same to a Muslim.
• He had loyal Muslims like Siddi Ibrahim. Siddi Hilal and Daulatkhan in service.

• Shivaji Maharaj maintained a strict discipline in his army.
• He had instructed his soldiers not to cause harm to the ryots and the Mosques.
• He paid salary in cash and on time to his soldiers.
• The army was ordered to deposit any valuables collected, during a campaign in the enemy territory, with the government.
• He honoured the soldiers for their bravery and looked after their families who died in the battle.
• He treated the enemy soldiers who had either surrendered or were captured well.

Daulatkhan was an important officer in the navy of Swaraj

Subramanyam Bharati composed a poem on Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrasal was created an independent kingdom in Bundelkhand

Mahatma Jotirao Phule composed a Powada on the greatness of Shivaji Maharaj