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Study Guide: The Deccan Wars: Mughal-Maratha Conflict and its Aftermath

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The Deccan Wars: Mughal-Maratha Conflict and its Aftermath Study Guide

Introduction to the Mughal-Maratha Wars (1680-1707)

The Deccan wars primarily involved conflicts between the Maratha Kingdom and the Portuguese Empire for control of the Deccan plateau.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Deccan wars primarily involved conflicts between the Maratha Kingdom and the Mughal Empire, not the Portuguese Empire, for control of the Deccan plateau.

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The Deccan wars concluded with the death of Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1680.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Deccan wars began after the death of Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1680 and concluded with the death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707.

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The Deccan wars lasted approximately 25 years, 5 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Deccan wars took place from September 8, 1681, to March 3, 1707, lasting approximately 25 years, 5 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days.

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The Deccan wars primarily affected the present-day states of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Deccan wars primarily affected the present-day states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, not Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

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What was the primary timeframe of the Mughal-Maratha Wars?

Answer: From the death of Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1680 until the death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707.

Explanation: The Mughal-Maratha Wars spanned from the death of Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1680 until the death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707.

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Which two major powers were the primary belligerents in the Mughal-Maratha Wars?

Answer: The Maratha Kingdom and the Mughal Empire.

Explanation: The primary belligerents in the Mughal-Maratha Wars were the Maratha Kingdom and the Mughal Empire, clashing for control over the Deccan plateau.

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Which present-day Indian states were primarily affected by the Mughal-Maratha Wars?

Answer: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu.

Explanation: The Mughal-Maratha Wars primarily affected the present-day states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.

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What was the historical significance of the Mughal-Maratha Wars?

Answer: They were pivotal in shaping the political landscape of 17th and 18th century India, determining the dominant power.

Explanation: The Mughal-Maratha Wars were pivotal in shaping the political landscape of 17th and 18th century India, determining the dominant power in the region.

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What was the approximate duration of the Mughal-Maratha Wars?

Answer: 25 years

Explanation: The Mughal-Maratha Wars lasted approximately 25 years, from September 8, 1681, to March 3, 1707.

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Early Maratha Leadership and Mughal Intervention (1680-1689)

Shivaji's first-born son, Sambhaji, initially succeeded him after his death in 1680.

Answer: False

Explanation: Upon Shivaji's death in 1680, his second-born son, Rajaram, initially succeeded him, though Sambhaji later secured the throne by force.

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Aurangzeb moved his court and army to the Deccan in 1681 because Sambhaji had attacked the Mughal capital of Delhi.

Answer: False

Explanation: Aurangzeb moved his court and army to the Deccan in 1681 because his son, Muhammad Akbar, formed an alliance with Sambhaji and sought shelter with him, not due to an attack on Delhi.

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The Mughal forces under Aurangzeb in the Deccan numbered approximately 500,000 soldiers.

Answer: True

Explanation: Aurangzeb established his headquarters in Aurangabad with approximately 500,000 soldiers, indicating the massive scale of the Mughal military presence.

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The Marathas successfully defended Fort Ramsej against an overwhelming Mughal onslaught, taking seven years for the Mughals to capture it.

Answer: True

Explanation: In late 1681, despite an overwhelming Mughal onslaught, the Marathas successfully defended Fort Ramsej, and it took the Mughals seven years to finally capture it.

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Sambhaji countered Aurangzeb's attempt to use Goa as a sea supply route by forming an alliance with the Portuguese.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sambhaji countered Aurangzeb's attempt to use Goa as a sea supply route by attacking Portuguese territories, forcing them back to the Goan coast, not by forming an alliance.

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Aurangzeb's 'pincer strategy' in late 1683 was highly successful, leading to the swift encirclement and defeat of Maratha forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: Aurangzeb's 'pincer strategy' in late 1683 failed because one of his divisions was continuously harassed by Maratha forces, suffered ransacked supply chains, and faced starvation.

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After the 1684 monsoon, Maratha commander-in-chief Hambirao Mohite defeated Khan Jehan at Patadi.

Answer: True

Explanation: After the 1684 monsoon, Maratha commander-in-chief Hambirao Mohite defeated Khan Jehan at Patadi, as part of a coordinated defense of Raigad.

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In April 1685, Aurangzeb shifted his strategy to directly engage the Marathas more aggressively, abandoning his focus on Muslim kingdoms.

Answer: False

Explanation: In April 1685, Aurangzeb shifted his strategy from directly engaging the Marathas to attacking the Muslim kingdoms of Golkonda and Bijapur, who were allies of the Marathas.

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Sambhaji was captured due to the betrayal of his own son, Shahu I.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sambhaji was captured due to the betrayal of his brother-in-law, Ganoji Shirke, not his son.

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Sambhaji's execution in March 1689 led to the immediate collapse of Maratha resistance.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sambhaji's execution in March 1689 galvanized the Marathas, uniting them with a newfound zeal against Aurangzeb, rather than leading to an immediate collapse of resistance.

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Sambhaji was known for his diplomatic skills, which he used to avoid military confrontations with the Mughals.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sambhaji was known for his bravery and military skills, conducting several military campaigns and resisting Mughal dominance, rather than avoiding confrontations through diplomacy.

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Sambhaji's death is considered a minor event in Indian history, with little lasting impact on the Maratha kingdom.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sambhaji's death is considered a significant event in Indian history, marking the end of the golden era of the Maratha kingdom and galvanizing Maratha resistance.

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What event prompted Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb to move his court and army to the Deccan in 1681?

Answer: His son, Muhammad Akbar, forming an alliance with Sambhaji and seeking shelter.

Explanation: Aurangzeb moved his court and army to the Deccan in 1681 after his son, Muhammad Akbar, formed an alliance with Sambhaji and sought shelter with him, leading to a direct confrontation.

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What was the outcome of the Mughal siege of Fort Ramsej in late 1681?

Answer: The Marathas successfully defended the fort for seven years before it was finally captured by the Mughals.

Explanation: Despite an overwhelming Mughal onslaught, the Marathas successfully defended Fort Ramsej for seven years before it was finally captured by the Mughals.

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How did Sambhaji counter Aurangzeb's attempt to form a deal with the Portuguese for a sea supply route?

Answer: He attacked Portuguese territories, forcing them back to the Goan coast.

Explanation: Sambhaji countered Aurangzeb's attempt to use Goa as a sea supply route by attacking Portuguese territories, forcing them back to the Goan coast.

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What was the primary reason for the failure of Aurangzeb's 'pincer strategy' in late 1683?

Answer: Shah Alam's division was continuously harassed by Maratha forces, suffered ransacked supply chains, and faced starvation.

Explanation: Aurangzeb's 'pincer strategy' failed in late 1683 because Shah Alam's division was continuously harassed by Maratha forces, leading to ransacked supply chains and starvation.

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What change in strategy did Aurangzeb implement in April 1685?

Answer: He shifted from directly engaging the Marathas to attacking the Muslim kingdoms of Golkonda and Bijapur.

Explanation: In April 1685, Aurangzeb shifted his strategy from directly engaging the Marathas to attacking the Muslim kingdoms of Golkonda and Bijapur, who were allies of the Marathas.

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Who betrayed Sambhaji, leading to his capture in January 1688?

Answer: His brother-in-law, Ganoji Shirke.

Explanation: Sambhaji was captured in January 1688 due to the betrayal of his brother-in-law, Ganoji Shirke.

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What was the immediate effect of Sambhaji's execution in March 1689 on the Marathas?

Answer: It galvanized them, uniting them with a newfound zeal against Aurangzeb.

Explanation: Sambhaji's execution in March 1689 galvanized the Marathas, uniting them with a newfound zeal against Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

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What was Shivaji's role leading up to the Deccan wars?

Answer: He was the Maratha Chhatrapati and a central figure in the Maratha insurgency against the Mughal state.

Explanation: Shivaji was the Maratha Chhatrapati and a central figure in the Maratha insurgency against the Mughal state, setting the stage for the Deccan wars.

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How was the succession handled immediately after Shivaji's death in 1680?

Answer: Rajaram initially succeeded, but Sambhaji quickly secured the throne through force.

Explanation: Immediately after Shivaji's death in 1680, his second-born son, Rajaram, initially succeeded him, but Sambhaji quickly secured the throne through force.

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What was the size of Aurangzeb's forces when he established his headquarters in Aurangabad in the Deccan?

Answer: Approximately 500,000 soldiers.

Explanation: Aurangzeb established his headquarters in Aurangabad with approximately 500,000 soldiers.

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Who was Shivaji's second-born son who initially succeeded him in 1680?

Answer: Rajaram

Explanation: Shivaji's second-born son, Rajaram, initially succeeded him after his death in 1680.

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Maratha Resistance and Mughal Stalemate (1689-1700)

After Sambhaji's death, Aurangzeb correctly assessed the Marathas as 'all but dead' by the end of 1689.

Answer: False

Explanation: After Sambhaji's death, Aurangzeb incorrectly assessed the Marathas as 'all but dead' by the end of 1689, as their resistance intensified.

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Santaji Ghorpade led a daring attack in March 1690 that sacked the tent where Aurangzeb himself slept.

Answer: True

Explanation: In March 1690, Santaji Ghorpade led a highly audacious attack on the Mughal army, sacking the tent where Aurangzeb himself slept, though the Emperor was elsewhere.

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Raigad, the Maratha capital, fell to the Mughals due to a direct assault by Aurangzeb's elite forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: Raigad, the Maratha capital, fell to the Mughals due to the treachery of Suryaji Pisal, not a direct assault by Aurangzeb's elite forces.

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The Maratha capital was moved to Jinji to provide a more secure base after the fall of Vishalgad.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Maratha capital was moved from Vishalgad to Jinji because ministers anticipated a Mughal advance on Vishalgad, seeking a more secure location, not after its fall.

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The Maratha navy played a role in disrupting Mughal supply routes from Surat to the south.

Answer: True

Explanation: Leveraging a strong navy, the Marathas were able to disrupt Mughal supply routes from Surat to the south, providing a crucial logistical advantage.

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Santaji Ghorpade was defeated by Kasim Khan in the Battle of Athani.

Answer: False

Explanation: Santaji Ghorpade defeated Kasim Khan in the Battle of Athani, showcasing Maratha tactical superiority.

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The Fall of Jinji in January 1698 was a decisive Mughal victory that quickly ended Maratha resistance in the south.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Fall of Jinji in January 1698 was a Pyrrhic victory for the Mughals, occupying their forces for seven years and allowing Rajaram to continue resistance, rather than quickly ending it.

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After Pralhad Niraji's death, Santaji Ghorpade was assassinated by Nagoji Mane, one of Dhanaji Jadhav's men, due to an internal rivalry.

Answer: True

Explanation: After Pralhad Niraji's death, an internal rivalry between Dhanaji Jadhav and Santaji Ghorpade escalated, leading to Santaji's assassination by Nagoji Mane, one of Dhanaji's men.

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Maratha generals Ramchandrapant Amatya and Shankaraji Niraji were crucial in maintaining Maratha strongholds in the Sahyadri mountain range.

Answer: True

Explanation: Maratha generals Ramchandrapant Amatya and Shankaraji Niraji were instrumental in maintaining Maratha strongholds in the rugged terrains of the Sahyadri mountain range.

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Who succeeded Sambhaji as Chhatrapati after his death?

Answer: His younger brother, Rajaram.

Explanation: After Sambhaji's death, his younger brother, Rajaram, was given the title of Chhatrapati.

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What audacious attack did Santaji Ghorpade lead against the Mughal army in March 1690?

Answer: He sacked the tent where Aurangzeb himself slept, though Aurangzeb was elsewhere.

Explanation: In March 1690, Santaji Ghorpade led a daring attack that sacked the tent where Aurangzeb himself slept, though the Emperor was elsewhere.

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How did Raigad, the Maratha capital, fall to the Mughals?

Answer: It was betrayed by Suryaji Pisal.

Explanation: Raigad, the Maratha capital, fell to the Mughals due to the treachery of Suryaji Pisal.

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Why was the Maratha capital moved from Vishalgad to Jinji?

Answer: Maratha ministers anticipated a Mughal advance on Vishalgad and sought a more secure location.

Explanation: Maratha ministers insisted that Rajaram relocate from Vishalgad to Jinji, anticipating a Mughal advance and seeking a more secure location for the capital.

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What was the significance of the Fall of Jinji in January 1698 for the Marathas?

Answer: It was a Pyrrhic victory for the Mughals, occupying their forces for seven years and allowing Rajaram to continue resistance.

Explanation: The Fall of Jinji in January 1698 was a Pyrrhic victory for the Mughals, as it occupied their forces for seven years, inflicted heavy losses, and allowed Rajaram to continue resistance.

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What internal conflict arose within the Maratha camp after Pralhad Niraji's death?

Answer: A rivalry between Dhanaji Jadhav and Santaji Ghorpade, leading to Santaji's assassination.

Explanation: After Pralhad Niraji's death, a rivalry between Dhanaji Jadhav and Santaji Ghorpade escalated, leading to Santaji's assassination by one of Dhanaji's men.

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Which Maratha general defeated Kasim Khan in the Battle of Athani?

Answer: Santaji Ghorpade

Explanation: Santaji Ghorpade defeated Kasim Khan in the Battle of Athani through effective cavalry movements.

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What was the Maratha navy's contribution to their strategy during the wars?

Answer: It provided a crucial advantage in disrupting Mughal logistics by checking sea supply routes.

Explanation: The Maratha navy, established by Shivaji, provided a crucial advantage by disrupting Mughal supply routes from Surat to the south.

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Who were the key Maratha generals maintaining strongholds in the Sahyadri mountains?

Answer: Ramchandrapant Amatya and Shankaraji Niraji.

Explanation: Maratha generals Ramchandrapant Amatya and Shankaraji Niraji were instrumental in maintaining strongholds in the rugged Sahyadri mountain range.

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Which Maratha general was assassinated by Nagoji Mane, one of Dhanaji Jadhav's men, due to an internal rivalry?

Answer: Santaji Ghorpade

Explanation: Santaji Ghorpade was assassinated by Nagoji Mane, one of Dhanaji Jadhav's men, due to an internal rivalry that escalated after Pralhad Niraji's death.

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The War's Climax and Mughal Retreat (1700-1707)

Aurangzeb decided to end the war and retreat in late 1701, following the advice of Asad Khan.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Asad Khan advised Aurangzeb to end the war and retreat in late 1701, Aurangzeb stubbornly decided to continue the war despite his army's weakened state.

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By 1704, Aurangzeb had successfully annexed the entire Maratha State through a series of decisive military victories.

Answer: False

Explanation: By 1704, Aurangzeb realized he had not succeeded in annexing the Maratha State after 24 years of warfare, despite conquering some forts by bribery.

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In 1705, Maratha forces under Nemaji Shinde and Khanderao Dabhade successfully crossed the Narmada River and attacked Mughal provinces in the North.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1705, Maratha forces under Nemaji Shinde and Khanderao Dabhade successfully crossed the Narmada River, attacking Mughal provinces in the North, demonstrating their ability to project power.

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The Mughals began retreating from Maratha dominions in 1706, marking a significant shift in the war's momentum.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Mughals began retreating from Maratha dominions in 1706, indicating a significant shift in the war's momentum and their inability to hold conquered territories.

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Aurangzeb's final military campaign was a successful siege of the Maratha capital, which he captured shortly before his death.

Answer: False

Explanation: Aurangzeb's final military campaign was against the small kingdom of Wakinara, allies of the Marathas, not a successful siege of the Maratha capital.

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Emperor Aurangzeb died of old age in Delhi in 1707.

Answer: False

Explanation: Emperor Aurangzeb died of a fever on March 3, 1707, in Burhanpur, after a retreat from the Deccan, not in Delhi.

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Aurangzeb's continuous war in the Deccan for over two decades resulted in the loss of about half of his army.

Answer: False

Explanation: Aurangzeb's continuous war in the Deccan for over two decades resulted in the loss of about a fifth of his army, not half, without achieving a decisive resolution.

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After King Rajaram's death, his son Shahu I immediately took command of the Maratha army.

Answer: False

Explanation: After King Rajaram's death in March 1700, his queen, Tarabai, took command of the Maratha army, not his son Shahu I.

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Aurangzeb personally led the siege of Satara in April 1700, which eventually surrendered after six months of defense by Prayagji Prabhu.

Answer: True

Explanation: Aurangzeb personally led the siege of Satara in April 1700, and the fort, defended by Prayagji Prabhu, eventually surrendered after six months.

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The Maratha counter-offensive after Rajaram's death involved dividing the army into three divisions led by Jadhav, Parshuram Timbak, and Shankar Narayan.

Answer: True

Explanation: After Rajaram's death, the Maratha counter-offensive was initiated by dividing the army into three divisions led by Dhanaji Jadhav, Parshuram Timbak, and Shankar Narayan, who achieved significant victories.

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Aurangzeb managed to conquer forts like Torana and Rajgad by bribing Maratha commanders.

Answer: True

Explanation: By 1704, Aurangzeb managed to conquer forts like Torana and Rajgad primarily by bribing Maratha commanders.

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Despite his army's weakened state, what was Aurangzeb's decision regarding the war?

Answer: He stubbornly decided to continue the war.

Explanation: Despite his army's weakened state and against the advice of his generals, Aurangzeb stubbornly decided to continue the war.

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Who took command of the Maratha army after King Rajaram's death in March 1700?

Answer: His queen, Tarabai.

Explanation: After King Rajaram's death in March 1700, his queen, Tarabai, took command of the Maratha army and continued the fight against the Mughals.

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What was a significant cost of Aurangzeb's continuous war in the Deccan for over two decades?

Answer: He lost about a fifth of his army without achieving a decisive resolution.

Explanation: Aurangzeb's continuous war in the Deccan for over two decades resulted in the loss of about a fifth of his army and immense financial strain without achieving a decisive resolution.

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What advice did Asad Khan give Aurangzeb in late 1701?

Answer: To end the war and retreat, as the expedition had taken an enormous toll.

Explanation: In late 1701, Asad Khan advised Aurangzeb to end the war and retreat, citing the enormous toll the expedition had taken on the Mughal Empire.

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How did Aurangzeb primarily manage to conquer some forts like Torana and Rajgad by 1704?

Answer: By bribing Maratha commanders.

Explanation: By 1704, Aurangzeb primarily managed to conquer forts like Torana and Rajgad by bribing Maratha commanders, rather than through direct military innovation.

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What was the impact of the Maratha offensive in Gujarat and Central India by the end of 1705?

Answer: It left the entire Gujarat coast open to the Marathas and hampered Mughal control and resources.

Explanation: By the end of 1705, the Maratha offensive had left the entire Gujarat coast open to them and successfully penetrated Mughal possessions in Central India, severely hampering Mughal control and resources.

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When did the Mughals begin retreating from Maratha dominions, indicating a shift in the war's momentum?

Answer: 1706

Explanation: The Mughals began retreating from Maratha dominions in 1706, marking a significant shift in the war's momentum.

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What was Aurangzeb's final military campaign before his death?

Answer: An attack on the small kingdom of Wakinara, allies of the Marathas.

Explanation: Aurangzeb's final military campaign before his death was an attack on the small kingdom of Wakinara, whose rulers were allies of the Marathas.

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Where did Emperor Aurangzeb die on March 3, 1707?

Answer: Burhanpur

Explanation: Emperor Aurangzeb died of a fever on March 3, 1707, in Burhanpur.

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What was Aurangzeb's realization by 1704, despite conquering some forts by bribing Maratha commanders?

Answer: He realized he had not succeeded in annexing the Maratha State after 24 years of warfare.

Explanation: By 1704, Aurangzeb realized that despite conquering some forts, he had not succeeded in annexing the Maratha State after 24 years of warfare.

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Which Maratha commander successfully defended Satara for six months against Aurangzeb's personal siege in April 1700?

Answer: Prayagji Prabhu

Explanation: Prayagji Prabhu, a seasoned Maratha commander, successfully defended Satara for six months against Aurangzeb's personal siege in April 1700.

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Long-term Consequences and Maratha Ascendancy

After Aurangzeb's death, the Mughal Empire became more centralized and powerful under a new emperor.

Answer: False

Explanation: After Aurangzeb's death, the Mughal Empire fragmented into regional kingdoms, with various figures asserting their nominal independence, leading to decentralization, not increased centralization.

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The Nizam of Hyderabad encouraged Maratha expansion into Malwa to protect his own strongholds and independence from the Mughal emperor.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Nizam of Hyderabad encouraged Maratha expansion into Malwa and northern Indian territories to divert them from his Deccan strongholds and protect his independence from the Mughal emperor.

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The Mughal-Maratha Wars ultimately strengthened both empires, allowing them to resist European colonial powers more effectively.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mughal-Maratha Wars ultimately weakened both empires, creating an environment that facilitated the establishment of European colonial powers in India.

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By 1757, the Maratha Empire had extended its reach to Delhi, partly due to victories in the Battle of Delhi and the Battle of Bhopal in 1737.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Maratha Empire expanded its territory to include Malwa after the Battle of Delhi and the Battle of Bhopal in 1737, extending its reach to Delhi by 1757.

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What was a long-term impact of the Mughal-Maratha Wars on India's political landscape?

Answer: It weakened both empires, facilitating the establishment of European colonial powers.

Explanation: The Mughal-Maratha Wars weakened both the Mughal and Maratha empires, creating an environment that facilitated the establishment of European colonial powers in India.

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By what year had the Maratha Empire extended its reach to Delhi, following battles like Delhi and Bhopal in 1737?

Answer: 1757

Explanation: By 1757, the Maratha Empire had extended its reach to Delhi, following victories in battles such as Delhi and Bhopal in 1737.

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How did the Nizam of Hyderabad strategically influence Maratha expansion after the war?

Answer: He encouraged the Marathas to invade Malwa and northern Indian territories to divert them from his Deccan strongholds.

Explanation: The Nizam of Hyderabad encouraged the Marathas to invade Malwa and northern Indian territories to divert them from his Deccan strongholds and protect his independence.

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