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Dated 25.4.2016 has given approval to prescribe this textbook in its meeting held on 3.3.2017
HISTORY
AND
CIVICS
STANDARD SEVEN
S.O.I. Note : The following foot notes are applicable : (1) © Government of India, Copyright : 2017. (2) The responsibility for the
correctness of internal details rests with the publisher. (3) The territorial waters of India extend into the sea to a distance of twelve
nautical miles measured from the appropriate base line. (4) The administrative headquarters of Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab are
at Chandigarh. (5) The interstate boundaries amongst Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya shown on this map are as interpreted
from the “North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act. 1971,” but have yet to be verified. (6) The external boundaries and coastlines of
India agree with the Record/Master Copy certified by Survey of India. (7) The state boundaries between Uttarakhand & Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar & Jharkhand and Chattisgarh & Madhya Pradesh have not been verified by the Governments concerned. (8) The spellings of
names in this map, have been taken from various sources.
Competency
CompetencyStatements
Statements
Serial Chapter Competency
No.
1. Soures of - Identify the sources of Medieval History of India.
History - Classify the sources of history.
- Tell the importance of the sources in writing history.
- Make attempts to preserve the sources of history.
2. India before - Tell the impact of different rulers on the social life of Maharashtra
the times of in the period before Shivaji Maharaj.
Shivaji - Analyse the effects of the events in the Mughal period on
Maharaj Maharashtra.
3. Maharashtra - Elucidate social life during the period before Shivaji Maharaj.
before the - Explain the different historical events in the Adilshahi and Nizamshahi
times of period.
Shivaji - Analyse the social, political and economic conditions in the period
Maharaj before Shivaji Maharaj.
4. The - Identify the similarity between the teachings of Sants.
Foundation of - Analyse the situation that led to the foundation of the Swaraj.
the Swaraj - Visit forts/historical monuments and collect information.
- Get information about forts with the help of the internet.
- Make efforts for conserving the historical heritage.
- Recognise the importance of the historical win at Javali.
- Become aware that the associates of Shivaji Maharaj were ready to
offer their lives for him.
5. Conflict with - Study the war tactics of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
the Mughals - Study the conflict between the Marathas and the Mughals critically.
- Analyse and describe the decision making ability and courage of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in times of difficulty.
6. Coronation of - Give reasons behind the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Shivaji - Explain the expansion of Swaraj after the campaign of the South,
Maharaj with the help of a map.
1
Rashtrakuta, Chola and Yadav kings have
been found. An inscription is considered
to be a very important and reliable source
of history. It helps us to understand
features like the language, script, social
life of a period. Inscriptions carved on
sheets of copper are known as ‘copper
plates’. Royal edicts, verdicts, etc. are
inscribed on copper plates.
Written Sources
2
During this period, travellers from Folk songs
other countries came to India. They have Myths Gatha
written travelogues or accounts of their
Oral
travels. Some of them are Al Biruni, Ibn Legends Shlokas
Sources
Batuta, Niccolao Manucci. Babur’s
biography, ‘Shrishivbharat’ or the Sanskrit Abhangas
Proverbs
biography of Shivaji Maharaj composed
Powadas
by the poet Paramanand as well as
various other biographies of different generation. Some examples are - owis,
rulers and their correspondence help us to folk songs, powadas, folk tales, legends,
understand the policies and administrative and myths. Such type of sources are
systems of the rulers and their diplomatic called ‘oral sources’ of history.
relations with others. History is written with the help of the
Tavarikh or Tarikh means the three types of sources mentioned above.
sequence of events. Tavarikhs written by Even after it has been written down,
Al Biruni, Ziauddin Barani, Maulana research on it goes on continuously. New
Ahmed, Yahya Bin Ahmed, Mirza Hyder, sources and information come to light
Bhimsen Saxena, etc. are available. through this research. Then history has to
Bakhar is a type of chronicle that be rewritten accordingly. We can see that
originated in Maharashtra. Chronicles our history books and those of our parents
help in understanding aspects like the and grandparents, differ to a certain
contemporary political happenings, extent.
linguistic transactions, cultural life, social
conditions, etc. Many of the chronicles in Do you know ?
Marathi were written many years after
the events had occurred. As a result, they The Powada of Tanaji : Given below is
are seen to rely on hearsays. Some of an extract from a powada composed by
these chronicles are Mahikavatichi Bakhar, Tulashidas Shahir. He portrays the Kondhana
Sabhasad Bakhar, Chitnisachi Bakhar, campaign in it. The powada contains
beautiful character sketches of Tanaji,
Bhausahebachi Bakhar, etc. The works of
Shelarmama, Shivaji Maharaj, Veermata
contemporary western historians like
Jijabai, etc.
Robert Arm, M.C.Sprengel and Grant
Duff are also important. मामा बोलाया तो लागला । ऐंशी वर्षीचा म्हातारा ।।
‘‘ लगिन राहिले रायबाचे तो मजला सांगावी ।।
माझ्या तानाजी सुभेदारा । जे गेले सिंहगडाला ।।
Do this. त्याचे पाठिरे पाहिले । नाही पुढारे पाहिले ।।
ज्याने आंबारे खाईला । बाठा बुजरा लाविला ।।
Make a collection of powadas, tribal त्याचे झाड होउनि आंबे बांधले ।
songs. किल्ला हाती नाही आला ।।
Present them in the cultural सिंहगड किल्ल्याची वार्ता ।
programmes arranged in your school. काढू नको तानाजी सुभेदारा ।।
Oral sources : We understand various जे गेले सिंहगडाला । ते मरूनशानी गेले ।।
aspects of folk life through folk literature तुमचा सपाटा होईल । असे बोलू नको रे मामा ।।
traditionally passed on from generation to आम्ही सूरमर्द क्षत्री । नाही भिणार मरणाला ।। ’’
3
in which they live and the political
Say your say ! pressures on them. It is also important to
see whether they rely on hearsay or give
Suggest measures for preserving an eyewitness account. We need to
sources of history. consider the exaggerations, metaphors
and other literary devices they use. Their
Evaluating the sources of history :
information has to be verified with the
It is necessary to take certain precautions
help of other contemporary sources. The
before using these sources of history. We
information may be one sided,
have to examine their authenticity and
contradictory or exaggerated. It has to be
see which are genuine and which are
seen in a proper perspective. The sources
fake. Their quality can be determined
have to be subjected to a critical analysis.
with the help of internal standards. We
The author’s impartiality and neutrality
also have to study the integrity of the
are very important in writing history.
writers, their personal interests, the period
Exercise
4
2. India before the Times of Shivaji Maharaj
We shall learn about the various The last prosperous power before the
ruling powers in India before the times period of Shivaji Maharaj was that of the
of Shivaji Maharaj in this lesson. Various Yadavas. The capital of Bhillam V of the
ruling powers existed in India during that Yadava dynasty was at Deogiri near
period. Aurangabad. He extended his rule beyond
‘Pal’ in the eighth century was a the river Krishna.
famous dynasty in Bengal. In Central The Yadava period is considered to
India, the Gurjar-Pratihar power spread be the golden period of Marathi language
up to Andhra, Kalinga, Vidarbha, West and literature. It was in this period that
Kathewad, Kanauj and Gujarat. the Mahanubhav Panth and the Varkari
Among the Rajput dynasties in North movement emerged.
India, the Gahadwal and the Parmar Invasions from the North-West
dynasties were the important ones. Among Local dynasties like the Yadava and
Rajputs, Prithviraj Chauhan belonging to Rashtrakuta ruled in Maharashtra. But
the Chauhan dynasty was a valiant King. invaders from the north-west conquered
In the first war at Tarai, Prithviraj the local dynasties there and established
Chauhan had defeated Muhammad Ghuri. their own rule.
But Muhammad Ghuri defeated Prithviraj
In the meanwhile, the Arab power
Chauhan in the second war at Tarai.
had emerged in the Middle-east. Arab
Rajaraj I and Rajendra I belonging rulers turned towards India to expand
to the Chola dynasty in Tamil Nadu were their empire. The Arab General
eminent rulers. The Cholas conquered the Muhammad-bin-Qasim, attacked the Sindh
Maldive Islands and Sri Lanka using their province in the eighth century.
naval strength. King Vishnuvardhan Notwithstanding the resistance of King
belonging to the Hoysal dynasty in Dahir, he conquered the province of
Karnataka had conquered the whole of Sindh. Due to this campaign, the Arabs
Karnataka. came into political contact with India for
During the reign of Govind III of the the first time. In the period that followed,
Rashtrakuta dynasty in Maharashtra, the Turks, Afghans and Mughals from Central
Rashtrakut power spread from Kanauj up Asia came to India and established their
to Rameshwar. Later, Krishna III power here.
conquered the region up to Allahabad.
In the eleventh century ce the Turks
Three dynasties of the Shilahars began to invade India. Expanding their
emerged in Western Maharashtra. One territories they reached the north western
dynasty ruled over Thane and Raigad in frontier of India. Sultan Mahmud of
North Konkan, the second in South Ghazni invaded India many times. He
Konkan, while the third dynasty ruled plundered the rich temples at Mathura,
over some parts of the present day Vrindavan, Kanauj and Somnath and
Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli and Belgaum carried away enormous wealth with him.
districts.
5
Sultanate in the North Harihar was succeeded by his brother
In 1175 ce and 1178 ce, Sultan Bukka. Bukka brought the region up to
Muhammad Ghuri of Ghur from Rameshwar under his control.
Afghanistan invaded India. He appointed Krishnadevaraya : Krishnadevaraya
Qutubuddin Aibak to look after the ascended the throne of Vijaynagar in
governance of the conquered territories in 1509 ce. He conquered
India. Later, after the death of Muhammad Vijaywada and
Ghuri in 1206 ce, Aibak began to rule the Rajmahendri and
Indian territories under his rule, annexed the regions
independently. Aibak, who was initially a to his kingdom. He
slave, became the ruler of Delhi. He died defeated the combined
in 1210 ce. forces of the armies
of the Sultans who
Do you know ? had united under the
leadership of the
After Qutubuddin Aibak, Krishnadevaraya Bahamani Sultan
Iltutmish, Razia, Bulban, Alauddin Mahmud Shah. During Krishnadevaraya’s
Khalji, Muhammad-bin-Tughluque, reign, the kingdom of Vijaynagar extended
Firuz Tughluque, Ibrahim Lodi and from Cuttak in the east up to Goa in the
other Sultans ruled over India. west and from the Raichur Doab in the
Ibrahim Lodi was the last Sultan. He north up to the Indian Ocean in the south.
made many enemies because of his peculiar He died in 1530 ce.
temperament. Daulatkhan Lodi, Governor Krishnadevraya was a scholar. He
of Punjab, invited Babur, the ruler of wrote ‘Amuktamalyada’, a Telugu
Kabul to fight against Ibrahim Lodi. Babur compendium on polity. The Hazar Ram
defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the battle and temple and Vitthal temple were built in
thus the Sultanate came to an end. Vijaynagar during his reign.
The Kingdom of Vijaynagar
The decline of the Vijaynagar kingdom
During the reign of Sultan Muhammad-
began with the death of Krishnadevaraya.
bin-Tughluque of Delhi, there were many
In 1565 ce, at Talikot in the present State
revolts in the South against the central
of Karnataka, there was a battle between
power of Delhi. From these revolts arose
Adilshahi, Nizamshahi, Qutubshahi,
the formidable Vijaynagar and Bahamani
Baridshahi on one side and Vijaynagar
kingdoms.
on the other side. Vijaynagar was defeated.
The brothers Harihar and Bukka, Thereafter, the dominance of Vijaynagar
from South India were Sardars in the came to an end.
service of the Delhi Sultanate. Taking
advantage of the instability in the South The Bahamani Kingdom
during the reign of Muhammad-bin- While Muhammad-bin-Tughluque was
Tughluque, they founded the kingdom of still reigning, some of his Sardars in the
Vijaynagar in the South in 1336 ce. Deccan rose in rebellion against him.
Hampi in today’s Karnataka was the The leader of these Sardars, Hasan
capital of this kingdom. Harihar was the Gangu, defeated the army of the Sultan
first king of Vijaynagar. of Delhi. A new kingdom, known as the
6
Bahamani kingdom, came into existence invaded India. To repel Babur’s invasion,
in 1347 ce. Hasan Gangu became the first Ibrahim Lodi started with his army. There
Sultan of the Bahamani kingdom. He was a battle between Ibrahim Lodi and
made the city of Gulburga in Karnataka Babur on 21 April 1526 at Panipat. In this
his capital. battle, Babur made use of an artillery
Mahmud Gawan : Mahmud Gawan effectively for the first time in India. He
was the Chief Wazir of the Bahamani defeated Ibrahim Lodi’s army. This is
kingdom. He was a good administrator. known as the First Battle of Panipat.
He strengthened the Bahamani kingdom. After the battle of Panipat, Rana Sanga
He started paying the soldiers their of Mewad brought all Rajput kings together.
salaries in cash instead of through land There was a battle between Babur and
grants. He brought discipline in the army. Rana Sanga at Khanua. Babur’s artillery
He introduced many reforms in the land and reserved force played a key role in this
revenue system. He opened a madarsa at battle and Rana Sanga’s army was defeated.
Bidar for Arabic and Persian studies. Babur died in 1530 ce.
After the death of Mahmud Gawan,
factionism increased among the Bahamani Do you know ?
Sardars. The conflict with the Vijaynagar
After Babur, Humayun (1530 ce
kingdom had an adverse effect on the
to 1539 ce and from 1555 ce to
Bahamani kingdom. The provincial
1556 ce) ascended the throne. He was
Governors began to act more independently.
defeated by Shershah. Shershah
This led to the disintegration of the
established the Sur dynasty on the
Bahamani kingdom into five small powers-
throne of Delhi. After Humayun,
Imadshahi of Varhad, Baridshahi of Bidar,
Akbar (1556 ce to 1605 ce) ascended
Adilshahi of Bijapur, Nizamshahi of
the throne. There was a battle between
Ahmadnagar and Qutubshahi of Golconda.
Akbar and Hemu at Panipat in
Mughal Power 1556 ce. This is the Second Battle of
In 1526 ce, the Sultanate of Delhi Panipat. Akbar’s ambition was to
came to an end. Mughal power was bring the whole of India under his
established there. one central authority. After Akbar,
Babur : Babur was the founder of Jahangir (1605 ce to 1628 ce) became
Mughal power. He was the king of the Emperor. During his reign, his
Farghana in Central Asia in today’s wife Nurjahan played an active role
Uzbekistan. He had heard of the wealth in the administration. Jahangir was
in India. So he planned an invasion of followed by Shahajahan (1628 ce to
India. 1658 ce) as the Emperor. The next
Emperor after Shahajahan, Aurangzeb
The reigning Sultan of Delhi at that
(1658 ce to 1707 ce) reigned for a
time was Ibrahim Lodi. Daulatkhan Lodi
very long time. After his death, the
was the Governor of Punjab under the
Mughal Empire became weak.
Sultanate. The relationship between Ibrahim
Lodi and Daulatkhan Lodi was strained. Akbar was the most powerful King
Daulatkhan Lodi invited Babur to march of the Mughal dynasty. When he tried to
on India. Taking this opportunity, Babur bring India under his central authority, he
7
had to face opposition. Maharana Pratap, western part of today’s Chhattisgarh,
Chandbibi, Rani Durgavati struggled northern part of Andhra Pradesh and the
against him. Their struggle is noteworthy. western part of Odisha.
Maharana Pratap : After the death of Durgavati, born in the dynasty
Udaysingh, Maharana Pratap ascended the Chandel Rajput became the queen of
throne of Mewad. He continued the struggle Gondvana when she was married. She
for Mewad’s existence. Till the very end, was an excellent administrator. The
he struggled with struggle of Gondvana queen Durgavati
Akbar to maintain against the Mughals is important in
his indepedence. He medieval history. After her husband’s
has become death, Durgavati laid down her life while
immortal in history fighting against Akbar, but she did not
due to his qualities surrender.
of valour, courage, Aurangzeb : Aurangzeb became the
self-respect, Emperor in 1658 ce. At this time, the
sacrifice, etc. Mughal empire
Maharana Pratap extended from
Chandbibi :
The Mughals attacked Ahmadnagar, Kashmir in the north
the capital of Nizamshah’s kingdom, in up to Ahmadnagar
1595 ce. The Mughal in the south and from
army put the fort of Kabul in the west up
Ahmadnagar under to Bengal in the east.
siege. Chandbibi, the To this Aurangzeb
capable daughter of added Assam in the
Husain Nizamshah of Aurangzeb east, and the regions
Ahmadnagar, bravely of Adilshahi of Bijapur in the south and
defended the fort. At Qutubshahi of Golconda after he ended
this time, there was these kingdoms.
Chandbibi an internal strife Conflict with the Ahoms : In the
among the factions of the Sardars in thirteenth century CE, the people of the
Nizamshahi’s kingdom. This resulted in Shaan community settled down in the
the murder of Chandbibi. Later, the valley of river Brahmaputra. They
Mughals captured the fort of Ahmadnagar. established their Kingdom there. They
But, the Mughals could not bring the were locally known as Ahom people.
entire kingdom of While Aurangzeb ruled, the Ahoms
Nizamshahi under had a prolonged struggle with the Mughals.
their control. The Mughals attacked the Ahoms’ region.
Rani Durgavati : The Ahoms united under the leadership
Gondvana can of Gadadharsinha. Commander Lachit
broadly be said to Borphukan gave an intense battle against
comprise the eastern the Mughals. The Ahoms used the guerilla
part of Vidarbha, part technique in the conflict against the
of Madhya Pradesh Mughals. It became impossible for
to its north, the Rani Durgavati Mughals to create a strong base in Assam.
8
Conflict with the Sikhs : The ninth Aurangzeb could not obtain the cooperation
Guru of the Sikhs ,
Guru Teghbahaddar, of Rajputs. After the death of Rana
protested strongly against Aurangzeb’s Jaswantsingh of Marwad, Aurangzeb
policy of religious intolerance. Aurangzeb annexed his kingdom to the Mughal
imprisoned him and beheaded him in empire. Durgadas Rathod crowned
1675 ce. After him, Guru Gobindsingh Jaswantsingh’s minor son Ajitsingh as the
became the Guru of the Sikhs. King of Marwad. Durgadas Rathod fought
Guru Gobindsingh organised his hard against the Mughals. Aurangzeb sent
followers and encouraged their martial Prince Akbar to Marwad to crush the
spirit. He organised resistance of Durgadas. Prince Akbar
the Sikh youths joined hands with Rajputs and rose in
into a fighting revolt against Aurangzeb. An effort was
force called the made to seek help from the Marathas in
‘Khalsa Dal’. Their Maharashtra. In this revolt. Durgadas
headquarters were Rathod continued this struggle against the
at Anandpur. Mughals for the existence of Marwad.
Aurangzeb sent his Conflict with the Marathas : In
army to fight the Maharashtra, Swaraj was established
Guru Gobindsingh Sikhs. His army under the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj.
attacked Anandpur. Although the Sikhs In his efforts to establish Swaraj, Shivaji
fought fiercely, they did not succeed. Maharaj had to fight the Mughals too
After that, Guru Gobindsingh came to the along with the other enemies. Aurangzeb
Deccan in 1708 ce. There was an attempt came down to the Deccan after the death
on his life when he was at Nanded. Soon of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with the
after, the Guru succumbed to his wounds. intention of conquering the whole of
Conflict with the Rajputs : Akbar South India. But the Marathas offered
had secured the cooperation of the Rajputs stiff resistance to Aurangzeb and defended
with his policy of amicable relations. their independence. We shall study this
struggle later on.
Exercise
9
4. Write about them briefly in your own (2) Rana Sang’s army was defeated.
words. (3) Rana Pratap has become immortal in
(1) Krishnadevaraya (2) Chandbibi history.
(3) Rani Durgavati (4) Aurangzeb imprisoned Guru
5. Give reasons. Teghbahaddar.
(1) The Bahamani Kingdom disintegrated (5) The Rajputs fought against the
into five fragments. Mughals.
6. Complete the timeline.
1336 ce ……. ce 1509 ce ……… ce
Fort Deogiri
10
3. Religious Synthesis
Exercise
13
4. Maharashtra before the Times of Shivaji Maharaj
At the beginning of the seventeenth Patil. He used to try to bring maximum
century CE, most of the territory in land under cultivation. When there was
Maharashtra was under the control of any dispute in the village, the Patil resolved
Nizamshah of Ahmadnagar and Adilshah it and made peace. A Kulkarni helped the
of Bijapur. The Mughals had entered Patil in his work. The Kulkarni kept the
Khandesh. Their objective was to expand record of the revenue that was collected.
their power in the south. There were There were various artisans in the village.
settlements of Siddi people, who had come They had hereditary rights regarding their
from Africa, along the coastline of Konkan. occupation. The peasants gave a share of
The competition and conflict amongst the their agricultural produce to the artisans
Portuguese, the British, the French and the for the services they rendered to the village
Dutch, who had come from Europe, was community. This share was known as
getting intense during this period. There baluta.
was stiff competition amongst them to Kasba : A kasba was like a big village.
capture the markets for trade. The Portuguese It was usually the headquarters of a
had already established their rule in Goa pargana, e.g., Indapur kasba of Indapur
and Vasai on the western coastline. The pargana, Wai kasba of Wai pargana were
British, the Dutch and the French had found the headquarters of those parganas.
an entry through the medium of trading Agriculture was the main occupation. There
companies by setting up factories. All these were skilled artisans like carpenters,
powers assessed the strength of other blacksmiths, etc. in a kasba. There was
powers, kept themselves safe and tried to usually a market (peth) adjacent to a kasba.
dominate as much as possible. This conflict The Shete and Mahajan were the watandars
had created instability and insecurity in of the peth. Every village did not necessarily
Maharashtra. These different people from have a peth. The setting up of a peth was
Europe were called ‘Topkar’ on the basis the job of the Shetes and the Mahajans. For
of their customary headgear. that, they received some land from the
It is necessary to get acquainted with government and some rights from the
the village (mauja), Kasba and pargana to villagers. The Mahajan maintained the
understand the nature of settlements in that accounts of the peth.
period as also of the officers that formed a
link between the rulers and their subjects,
Do you know ?
and also the markets and the craftsmen.
Pargana was made up of many villages. As per the order of Veermata Jajabai,
Generally, the headquarters of a pargana a peth was established in Pashan near
was called ‘Kasba’. A village smaller than Pune. It was called Jijapur. Malpura,
a Kasba was called ‘Mauja’. Let us get Khelpura, Paraspura, Vithapura, in
acquainted in brief with Village, Kasba and Aurangabad are also new peths established
Pargana respectively. in the name of Maloji, Kheloji, Parasoji
Village (Mauja) : Most of the people and Vithoji respectively. ‘Shivapur’
lived in villages. A village was also called adjacent to ‘Khed’ was a peth established
mauja. The chief of the village was the in the name of Shivaji Maharaj.
14
If it did not rain, crops would fail. The
Let’s learn.
prices of foodgrains rose. It became
The words ‘Budruk’ and ‘Khurd’ difficult for the people to get foodgrains
are used to show that the two villages and other things. There was no fodder for
are different. The original town is the cattle. Water became scarce. It became
‘Budruk’ and the new one is ‘Khurd’. difficult for people to live in the village.
For example, Vadgaon Budruk and They were forced to leave the village. A
Vadgaon Khurd. famine was a great calamity for the
people.
Pargana : Many villages together
made a pargana. But the number of A great famine occurred in
villages was not the same in all parganas. Maharashtra in 1630 ce. People were
For example, the Pune pargana was a big greatly distressed due to this famine. It
pargana. It consisted of 290 villages. has been described in these words –
There were 64 villages in the Chakan ‘People were ready to sell themselves for
pargana. The Shirwal pargana was small. a piece of bhakri, but there was nobody
It had only 40 villages. The Deshmukh to buy them’. There was a severe scarcity
and the Deshpande were the watandar of foodgrains. Entire families were
officers of the pargana. The Deshmukh destroyed. Cattle and farm animals died.
was the chief of patils in a pargana. The Agriculture was devastated. The famine
Deshmukh did at the pargana level, what put an end to industries. All financial
the Patil did at the village level. The transactions came to a standstill. People
Deshpande was the chief of all Kulkarnis had to wander to faraway regions in
in the pargana. The Deshpande did at the search of a livelihood. It was a great
pargana level, the work that Kulkarnis challenge to bring back to normalcy, the
did at the village level. These watandar devastated life of the people.
officers were the link between the people The work of the Varkari movement :
and the government. Society was greatly influenced by blind
In case of enemy invasion or drought, beliefs and rituals. People had become
these watandars represented the grievances fatalistic and inert. They had lost all
of the people to the government. initiative. The condition of the common
Sometimes, these officers misused their people was miserable. In such
powers. They collected more money from circumstances, the Sants in Maharashtra
the people than was due or did not remit endeavoured to inspire the masses.
the money so collected to the government
in time. On such occasions, the people In Maharashtra, the tradition of Sants
suffered harassment. which began with Sant Dnyaneshwar and
Sant Namdeo was carried on by Sants
coming from various strata of the society.
Do you know ? People from all strata of society were
Vatan is an Arabic word. In part of the Sant tradition. For example,
Maharashtra, it is used is refer to Sant Chokhamela, Sant Goroba, Sant
hereditary land for which the holder Sena, Sant Sawata, Sant Narhari, Sant
does not have to pay revenue. Shaikh Muhammad, etc. Sant Chokhoba’s
The calamity of a famine : wife Sant Soyrabai, and sister Sant
Agriculture was dependent on rainwater. Nirmalabai, Sant Muktabai, Sant Janabai,
15
Sant Kanhopatra, Sant Bahinabai Siurkar way of worship and conduct which the
and other women were also among them. common people could follow easily. He
Pandharpur was at the centre of the Sant gave the prestige of a religion to the
movement. Vitthal was the object of their Varkari movement. Though his life was
worship. On the banks of the river spent in extremely adverse circumstances,
Chandrabhaga at Pandharpur, the Sants he never lost the calm of his mind and
and pilgrims (varkari) used to rejoice in never harboured bitterness. His
their devotion (bhakti). There, equality ‘Pasayadaan’ in Dnyaneshwari uplifts the
was propagated through bhajans, keertans, mind. The poetic compositions of his
and unity meals (kala). brothers Sant Nivruttinath and Sant
Sant Namdeo : He was a great Sant Sopandev and sister Muktabai are well-
of the Varkari movement. He was a skilled known.
organiser. He performed excellent keertans Sant Eknath : He was a great Sant of
as well. He awakened the Bhakti movement
the sense of equality in in Maharashtra. His
men and women compositions are
belonging to all castes
many and diverse.
through the medium of
They include abhanga,
keertans. His pledge
gavalana, bharud, etc.
was ‘नाचू कीर्तनाचे रंगी । He has stated Bhagvat
ज्ञानदीप लावू जगी ।।’ His Dharma in detail and
abhanga compositions in a simple manner.
Sant Namdeo
are well-known. Many He has portrayed
Sants as well as common people were Sant Eknath people’s life in
influenced by his teachings. He went up to Bhavarth Ramayana through the story of
the Punjab, propagating his thoughts. His Ram. He explained in Marathi, the Bhakti
compositions are included in the ‘Guru part of the Sanskrit work ‘Bhagwat’. His
Granth Sahib’ of Sikhs. He propagated the abhangas show the warmth of devotion. He
message of Bhagwat religion in all quarters.
demonstrated through his own conduct that
He built a memorial to Sant Chokhamela
there is no need to renounce worldly matters
at Pandharpur. His work is unforgettable.
for attaining the highest truth, Paramarth.
Sant Dnyaneshwar : He was a great He was a teacher of the people in the true
Sant in the Varkari movement. He wrote sense of the term. He believed that our
the ‘Bhavartha-deepika’ or ‘Dnyaneshwari’ Marathi language was inferior to no other
which elucidates the meaning of the language. He asked the Sanskrit Scholars
Sanskrit ‘Bhagavad forcefully. ‘संस्कृत वाणी देवे केली । तरी प्राकृत काय
Geeta’. He also चोरापासुनि झाली ?’ He heavily criticised those
composed the who hated other religions.
‘Amrutanubhav’.
He preached the Sant Tukaram : He belonged to
importance of the Dehu near Pune. His compositions or
path of devotion abhangas are very pleasing and lucid,
through his works reaching the greatest poetic heights. His
and compositions. ‘Gatha’ is a precious treasure of the
Sant Dnyaneshwar He showed a simple Marathi language. He asks us to find
16
God by showing love to the unhappy and of Maharashtra.
the tormented in the following lines : ‘जे There was a deterioration of ethics
का रंजले गांजले । त्यांसी म्हणे जो आपुले । तोचि and religion in the society. At such a
साधु ओळखावा । देव तेथेचि जाणावा ।।’ With time, the Sants came forward to protect
this viewpoint, he threw in the river the society. They taught the true meaning
Indrayani, the documents of the loans of religion. They showed the path of
that people had borrowed from him and devotion by living amongst people and
freed many poor sharing their joys and sorrows. Some
families from the orthodox and dogmatic people opposed
bonds of loan. He them. But the Sants believed that facing
criticized the this opposition was a part of their duty.
hypocrisy and Sant Tukaram has explained the mark of
superstition in the a true Sant in these words – ‘तुका म्हणे
society in very strong तोचि संत । सोशी जगाचे आघात ।।’
terms. He stressed The Sants elucidated the complex
that devotion (Bhakti) dharma of the scholars (Shastris and
Sant Tukaram should be coupled Pandits) in the language of the people.
with morality. His teachings can be They prayed to God using simple,
summed up as ‘जोडोनिया धन उत्तम व्यवहारे । everyday terms. They took the view that
उदास विचारे वेच करी ।।’ Some dogmatic all are equal before God. They taught
people opposed the social awakening that society to do away with the pride arising
he had undertaken, and sank his abhangas out of caste and varna and see everyone
in the Indrayani. Sant Tukaram faced the as God’s children. A characteristic of the
opposition with noble courage. Sants was that they did not forget their
Sant Tukaram’s disciples and duties on the path of devotion. They
associates were of different castes and found God in their work. Sant Sawata
creeds. They include Navji Mali, said, ‘कांदा मुळा भाजी । अवघी विठाई माझी ।।’
Gavnarshet Wani, Santaji Jagnade, Shivba This statement refers to farm work but
Kasar, Bahinabai Siurkar and applies to work in all walks of life. The
Mahadajipant Kulkarni. An important Sants carried on with their duties even as
task completed by Gangarampant Maval they were engaged in devotion, teaching
and Santaji Jagnade was writing down and composing verses. They developed
the abhangas of Sant Tukaram. the moral sensibilities of the society.
Work of Sants : Sants gave the
message of equality to people. They Let’s discuss.
taught humanity. They preached that
Collect more information about the
people should live together in harmony,
Pandharpur vari and discuss the
unity and love. Their work resulted in following topics.
social awakening. They taught how to
• In which month do the Varkaris go on
live in the face of foreign invasions,
the vari ?
drought-like situations or any other natural
calamities. Their teachings proved to be • How is the Vari planned ?
a big support for people. Their work Ramdas Swami : He was from Jamb
created self-confidence among the people in Marathwada. He explained the
17
importance of physical He propagated the worship of Ram and
fitness to the people, Hanuman. He travelled far and wide to
‘मराठा तितुका मेळवावा । propagate his thoughts.
महाराष्ट्र धर्म वाढवावा ।’ Inspiration for independence during
This message of foreign rule : Such was the political,
Ramdas Swami is social, cultural, situation, etc. in
famous. He gave Maharashtra before the times of Shivaji
practical education Ramdas Swami Maharaj. In that period, Maharashtra was
and lessons in good conduct through his under the control of Adilshahi and other
works like Dasbodh, Karunashtaka, powers. It was not independent. Even so,
Manache Shlok. He stated the importance some personalities and streams of thought
of people’s movement and organisation were dreaming of freedom. Among them,
and founded the Samarth Sampradaya. Shahaji Maharaj, who is considered to be
Chaphal was the centre of this Sampradaya. a visionary of Swaraj was on the forefront.
Exercise
18
5. The Foundation of the Swaraj
In the first half of the seventeenth and the neighbouring areas in Karnataka
century, an epoch making personality to Shahajiraje.
emerged in Maharashtra - Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj. He established Swaraj Do you know ?
by challenging the unjust ruling powers
here. Shivaji Maharaj was born at the Jahagir or jagir means the right
Shivneri fort near Junnar in Pune district to enjoy the revenue of a region. The
on the day of Phalgun Vadya Tritiya in Sardars in the service of rulers used
the Shaka year 1551, that is on 19 to get the revenue of the region as
February 1630. In this chapter, we will income instead of getting salaries
study how he founded Swaraj. directly. The region was chosen in
such a way that the revenue would be
Shahajiraje : Shahajiraje, the father
equal to the salary.
of Shivaji Maharaj was a pre-eminent
Sardar in the Deccan. The Mughals had Shahajiraje was valiant, courageous,
launched a campaign to conquer the intelligent and a great political expert. He
Nizamshahi Kingdom. The Adilshah of was an excellent archer. He was also an
Bijapur allied with the Mughals in this expert in using the sword, patta and
campaign. Shahaji Maharaj did not wish spear. He loved his subjects. He had won
the Mughals to many regions in Maharashtra, Karnataka
get an entry into and Tamil Nadu. South India was in awe
the South. So he of him. While Shivaji and Jijabai were
tried to save at Bengaluru, he had arranged for
Nizamshahi by providing excellent education to Shivaji
offering stiff so as to enable him to become a king.
resistance to the He himself aspired to establish Swaraj by
Mughals. But he ousting the powers of foreign people. That
could not is why, he is known as Swaraj visionary.
withstand the He sent Shivaji and Jijabai from Bengaluru
combined might to Pune with loyal and competent
Shahajiraje of the Mughals associates.
and the Adilshah. The Nizamshahi was Veermata Jijabai : Jijabai was the
defeated and came to an end in daughter of the great Sardar Lakhujiraje
1636 ce. Jadhav of Sindkhedraja in Buldhana
After the Nizamshahi was wiped out, district. At a young age, she had received
Shahajiraje became a Sardar of the military training as well as education in
Adilshah of Bijapur. The region comprising various subjects. She helped and
Pune, Supe, Indapur and Chakan parganas encouraged Shahaji Maharaj to realise his
located between the Bheema and Neera dream of establishing Swaraj. She was a
rivers was vested in Shahajiraje as a competent and visionary political expert.
jagir. This was continued by the Adilshah, She constantly guided Shivaji in the
and he also granted the jagir of Bengaluru mission of establishing Swaraj. At times,
19
she undertook the Bapuji Mudgal, Narhekar Deshpande
task of giving brothers, Kavji Kondhalkar, Jiva Mahala,
verdicts for resolving Tanaji Malusare, Kanhoji Jedhe,
the problems of Bajiprabhu Deshpande and Dadaji
people. She was Narasprabhu Deshpande. On the strength
very particular about of these associates, Shivaji Maharaj
giving excellent undertook the cause of the Swaraj.
education to Shivaji.
She instilled in him
Do this.
values like modesty,
Veermata Jijabai
truthfulness, oratory, Find more information about these
vigilance, courage and fearlessness. She associates of Shivaji Maharaj : Jiva
saw that he was trained in the usage of Mahala, Tanaji Malusare and
weapons and inspired in him, the will to Bajiprabhu Deshpande.
win and the dream of Swaraj.
Shivaji’s Companions and
Associates : Shivaji Maharaj started the
work of founding the Swaraj in the Maval
region. The Maval terrain is full of hills
and valleys and is not easily accessible.
Shivajiraje made use of these geographical
features of Maval very skilfully for the
purpose of the foundation of the Swaraj.
He created a feeling of trust and affection
in the minds of the people. Many
companions and associates joined him in
his work of founding the Swaraj. Among Royal seal (Rajmudra)
them were Yesaji Kank, Baji Pasalkar, Royal seal (Rajmudra) : The objective
of Shivaji Maharaj of establishing Swaraj
is clearly expressed in his royal seal. The
Always remember - following Sanskrit lines are inscribed on
this royal seal (Rajmudra).
Bara Maval : (1) Pavan Maval प्रतिपच्चंद्रलेखेव वर्धिष्णुर्विश्ववंदिता ।।
(2) Hirdas Maval (3) Gunjan Maval
(4) Paud Valley (5) Muthe Valley शाहसूनोः शिवस्यैषा मुद्रा भद्राय राजते ।।
(6) Mose Valley (7) Kanand Valley Meaning : ‘This seal will grow in
(8) Welwand Valley (9) Rohid splendour like the new moon. This seal
Valley (10) Andar Maval (11) Nane of Shivaji, the son of Shahaji, receiving
Maval (12) Korbarse Maval homage from the whole world denotes the
welfare of the people.’
Maval valley in the Sahyadris
was a region in the Pune jagir of The meaning of this inscription on the
Shivaji Maharaj. It is also known as seal is important from many angles.
‘Bara Maval’. Through this inscription, Maharaj has
expressed his gratitude towards his father,
20
his confidence that Swaraj would expand There were the Mores of Javali, the
continuously, his own experience of the Ghorpades of Mudhol, the Sawants of
respect that the Seal, that is, Swaraj Sawantwadi, and other Sardars in the
commanded from all, his commitment to Adilshahi. They were opposed to the
the welfare of his subjects, and the cause of the founding of Swaraj. It was
certainty of ruling over his land necessary to bring them and other
independently. This short inscription likeminded Sardars under control for the
covers the entire concept of Swaraj. purpose of founding the Swaraj.
The capture of Javali : Chandrarao
Let’s learn. More of Javali in Satara district was a
powerful Sardar in the Adilshahi. He
Observe the official seal of our opposed the founding of the Swaraj.
country. Shivaji Maharaj attacked Javali and
What features do you observe ? captured that region in 1656 ce. He
In which places is the official seal established his post there. Then he also
used ? captured Raigad. He attained a huge
amount of wealth from Javali. After this
Towards the establishment of
victory, his activities in Konkan increased.
Swaraj : The forts situated within the
He built the Pratapgad fort in the Javali
jagir of Shivaji Maharaj were not under
valley. In this way, the conquest of Javali
his control, but were under the control of
increased his strength in all respects. After
Adilshah. In those days, forts were of
this, Shivaji Maharaj captured Kalyan
special significance. With a firm hold
and Bhiwandi on the Konkan Coast.
over a fort, it was possible to control the
There he came into contact with the Siddi,
surrounding area. If one had forts, one
Portuguese and British powers on the
ruled the land. Therefore, Shivaji Maharaj
Western Coast. Shivaji Maharaj realised
decided to acquire the forts that were
that in order to fight these powers, it was
within his own jagir. Such an attempt to
necessary to have a strong naval force.
capture the forts amounted to challenging
Therefore, he concentrated on building a
the Adilshahi power. He captured the
navy.
forts of Torana, Murumbdev, Kondhana
and Purandar, and laid the foundation of Defeat of Afzalkhan : Shivaji
Swaraj. He repaired the fort Murumbdev Maharaj had started capturing the forts in
and renamed it Rajgad. Rajgad was the his jagir and the surrounding area in the
first capital of the Swaraj. Adilshahi territory. He had crushed the
opposition of the Mores of Javali. The
work of founding the Swaraj had gathered
momentum on the Konkan coast. All
these matters were a challenge to the
Adilshahi. At that time, the Badi Sahiba
was looking after the administration of
the Adilshahi. She sent Afzalkhan, a
powerful and experienced Adilshahi
General, to curb Shivaji Maharaj.
Fort Rajgad - Pali Gate
21
Afzalkhan came from Bijapur to Wai. On this occasion Shiva Kashid, a
He knew the Wai region well. A meeting brave youth came forward. He resembled
of Shivaji Maharaj and Afzalkhan took Shivaji Maharaj in looks. He dressed up
place on 10 November 1659 at the foot like Shivaji Maharaj and sat in a
of Pratapgad near Wai. At the meeting, palanquin. The palanquin left by the ‘Raj-
Afzalkhan attempted treachery. In dindi’ gate. It was captured by the Siddi’s
retaliation, Shivaji Maharaj killed army. It was a difficult situation. Shiva
Afzalkhan. He routed the Adilshahi army. Kashid sacrificed himself on this occasion
Shivaji Maharaj paid compensation for Swaraj. In the meanwhile, Shivaji
to the soldiers who were wounded in the Maharaj left the fort using another
battle. He rewarded those who had fought difficult route. He was accompanied by
well. Those soldiers and officers of Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Bandal Deshmukh
Afzalkhan’s army who fell into the hands and some chosen soldiers. The Siddi came
of Shivaji Maharaj’s army were given a to know that Shivaji Maharaj has escaped
good treatment. the siege round Panhalgad and proceeded
The expedition of Siddi Jauhar : to Vishalgad. His army pursued Shivaji
After the annihilation of Afzalkhan, Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj entrusted the
Shivaji Maharaj captured the Adilshahi responsibility of stopping Siddhi’s army
forts of Panhala, Vasantgad and Khelna. at the foot of Vishalgad to Bajiprabhu
He renamed Khelna as ‘Vishalgad’. Deshpande. Bajiprabhu Deshpande
checked Siddi’s army at the Ghod pass
Shivaji Maharaj had posed a big
near Gajapur. He fought with the greatest
challenge before the Adilshahi. Therefore,
valour. Bajiprabhu died a hero’s death in
the Adilshah sent Siddi Jauhar, the Sardar
this battle. Because Bajiprabhu’s army
of the Karnul region, against Shivaji
held Siddi’s army at bay, Shivaji Maharaj
Maharaj in 1660 ce. The Adilshah gave
could proceed to Vishalgad. While going
Siddi the title ‘Salabatkhan’. Rustum-e-
to Vishalgad, Maharaj also crushed the
Jaman, Baji Ghorpade and Afzalkhan’s
opposition of the Adilshahi Sardars Dalvi
son Fazalkhan were also there to help
of Palwan and Surve of Shringarpur.
Siddi Jauhar. In these circumstances,
Maharaj reached Vishalgad safely.
Shivaji Maharaj took shelter in the
Panhala fort. Siddi’s soldiers laid siege to While Shivaji Maharaj was trapped
the fort for about five months. Shivaji at Panhala, Aurangzeb, who had ascended
Maharaj found himself trapped inside the the throne of Delhi, had sent Shaistakhan,
fort. Netoji Palkar tried to raise the siege a Mughal Sardar to the Deccan. He had
by attacking Siddi’s army from outside, invaded the Pune province. The conflict
but he couldn’t succeed in it as his forces with Adilshahi continued even as the
were meagre. Siddi showed no signs of Mughal army invaded the Swaraj. Maharaj
relenting. So, Shivaji Maharaj opened realised that it would not be prudent to
talks with him. This led to slackness in fight two enemies at one and the same
the siege round Panhalgad. time. Therefore, after reaching Vishalgad
safely, he entered into a treaty with the
Shivaji Maharaj took advantage of
Adilshah. As per the treaty, he returned
this situation.
the fort of Panhala to the Adilshah.
22
Exercise
23
6. Conflict with the Mughals
24
Janjira, Jaisingh suggested that they few of his trusted people who were ready
should start a naval campaign against to risk their lives for him.
Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj reached Agra.
Jaisingh drew up a plan of capturing Aurangzeb did not treat him with due
the forts in possession of Maharaj. Mughal honour at his court. Maharaj gave vent
forces were sent to various parts of the to his rage. The Emperor then put him
Swaraj. They ravaged the territories of the under house arrest. Undeterred by this
Swaraj. Maharaj endeavoured to resist the action of the Emperor, Maharaj devised
Mughals. Jaisingh and Dilerkhan laid a plan of escaping from this house arrest.
siege to the fort of Purandar. When the He adroitly escaped from Agra and
Mughals put the fort of Purandar under reached Maharashtra safely after a few
siege, Murarbaji Deshpande fought with days. He reached Rajgad. While returning
the greatest of courage. He died a hero’s from Agra, he had left Sambhaji Raje at
death. Considering the seriousness of the Mathura. Later, Prince Sambhaji was
situation, Maharaj began talks for a treaty brought safely to Rajgad. While Maharaj
with Jaisingh. He met Jaisingh personally. was away from Swaraj, Veermata Jijabai
A treaty between Jaisingh and Maharaj and the associates of Shivaji Maharaj
was signed in June 1665. It is known as looked after the administration of Swaraj.
the ‘Treaty of Purandar’. In accordance
On the offensive against Mughals :
with the terms of the treaty, Maharaj gave
Immediately after returning from Agra,
to the Mughals, twenty-three of his forts
Maharaj did not want any conflict with
and the adjoining territories yielding an
the Mughals. However, he wanted to
annual revenue of four lakh hons. He also
assured the Mughals of help against the recapture the forts and territories given to
Adilshahi. The Treaty was ratified by the Mughals as per the Purandar treaty.
Aurangzeb. For this, he prepared a comprehensive
and bold plan. It was his strategy to
capture the forts by sending a well-
Gather information.
equipped army on the one hand, and on
Find out how Shivaji Maharaj the other hand, to keep the Mughals
escaped from his house arrest at Agra. unstable by invading the territories of the
Deccan under their control. Maharaj
Agra visit and escape : After the attacked the Mughal territories of
Treaty of Purandar, Jaisingh launched a Ahmadnagar and Junnar. Then, he
campaign against the Adilshahi. Maharaj recaptured several forts such as Sinhgad,
helped Jaisingh but this campaign of Purandar, Lohagad, Mahuli, Karnala, and
Jaisingh was not successful. Jaisingh and Rohida, one after the other. Then Maharaj
Aurangzeb felt that Shivaji Maharaj ought attacked Surat for a second time. While
to be kept away, at least for some time, returning from Surat, he fought a great
from the Deccan politics. Jaisingh proposed battle with the Mughals at Vani-Dindori
to Shivaji Maharaj that he should visit in Nashik district. Maharaj defeated the
Agra and meet the Emperor. He guaranteed
Mughal Sardar Daudkhan in the great
the safety of Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji
battle. After that, Moropant Pingale
Maharaj set out for Agra. He was
captured Triambakgad near Nashik.
accompanied by Prince Sambhaji and a
25
Thus Shivaji Maharaj was successful Maharaj ascended the throne of
in the offensive that he had launched Swaraj. He now became the Chhatrapati
against the Mughals. Sardars such as of the Swaraj. As a symbol of sovereignty,
Tanaji Malusare, Moropant Pingale, the Rajyabhisheka shaka (the coronation
Prataprao Gujar etc. made a valuable era) was started. Maharaj became the
contribution in these offensives. Krishnaji founder of a new era. On the occasion
Anant Sabhasad, a contemporary of the coronation, special coins were
chronicler, thus describes this campaign : minted – a gold coin called Hon and a
‘(He) took as many as twenty-seven forts copper coin called Shivrai with the legend
in four months and earned a great ‘Shri Raja Shivachhatrapati’ inscribed on
reputation for himself ’. them. Thereafter, all royal correspondence
Do you know ?
Exercise
28
7. The Administration of the Swaraj
Shivaji Maharaj founded Swaraj. He his position. The ministers were answerable
had himself crowned. After the coronation, to Maharaj for the administration of their
Maharaj accomplished ‘Dakshin Digvijay’, respective departments.
the conquest of the South. The Swaraj Shivaji Maharaj selected the Council
expanded comprising large areas of Nashik, on the basis of their merit and
Pune, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, achievements. He did not give them
Ratnagiri, Raigad and Thane districts of jagirs, vatans or gifts or fiefs. They were
Maharashtra. It also included parts Andhra paid handsome salaries instead.
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu States. To ensure The policy regarding agriculture :
the smooth management of the affairs of Agriculture was the main occupation in
the Swaraj and to ensure people’s welfare, villages. Maharaj knew the importance of
Shivaji Maharaj set up an efficient agriculture. That was why he paid attention
administration. We shall get some to the welfare of farmers. He entrusted the
information about it in this chapter. responsibility of organizing the land
Ashtapradhan Mandal (Council of revenue system to his capable and
Eight Ministers) : At the time of his experienced office bearer Annaji Datto. He
coronation, Shivaji Maharaj appointed a warned the officers that they should not
council of eight ministers. The collect more revenue than the amount that
administration was divided into eight was fixed. He encouraged peasants to
departments. A Head was appointed for bring uncultivated land under cultivation.
each department. These eight Heads of If the crop was lost due to excessive rains
department constituted the Ashtapradhan or drought, or if an enemy army had
Mandal. Maharaj alone had the power to devasted the area of the village, remissions
appoint a minister or to remove him from were granted in land revenue and other
Ashtapradhan Mandal of Shivaji Maharaj
Name of the Minister Designation Work
Running the administration and making
1. Moro Trimbak Pingle Pradhan
arrangements for the conquered territories
Ramchandra Nilkanth
2. Amatya Keeping the accounts of the State
Muzumdar
3. Annaji Datto Sachiv Preparing royal edicts
4. Dattaji Trimbak Waknis Mantri Correspondence
Organisation of the Army and
5. Hambirrao Mohite Senapati
protection of the kingdom
Ramchandra Trimbak
6. Sumant Foreign relations
Dabir
7. Niraji Rawaji Nyayadhish Dispensing justice
8. Moreshwar Panditrao Panditrao Looking after religious matters
29
taxes. Maharaj had instructed his officers was the highest officer in the infantry.
to provide peasants with bullocks, ploughs In the cavalry, there were two types
and good seeds for sowing. of cavalrymen, namely Shiledars and
Village economy of that period : Bargirs. The Shiledar had his own horse
Agriculture was the backbone of the rural and weapons. The bargir was provided
economy. In villages, many occupations with a horse and weapons by the State.
developed to supplement agriculture. In the cavalry, bargirs were more in
Artisans in the village produced goods number. The ranks of the cavalry officers
and fulfilled the needs of the local people. were similar to those of the infantry
In this sense, a village was a officers. The highest officer in the cavalry
self-sufficient unit. Farmers gave a definite was the Sarnobat. Netoji Palkar, Prataprao
share from their produce to artisans. This Gujar, Hambirrao Mohite were some of
share was called ‘Baluta’. the famous Sarnobats of the cavalry.
Trade and business : Maharaj knew
that a kingdom does not prosper without Let’s learn.
an increase in trade. Merchants bring
Obtain information about the
novel goods as also certain necessities
Armed Forces of India.
into a kingdom. Goods become available
State the names of the three Armed
in plenty. Trade prospers adding to wealth.
Forces.
The view that Maharaj took of merchants
What is the designation of the head
is seen in the Ajnyapatra where merchants
of each Force ?
are described as follows: ‘Merchants are
Who is the Head of all the three
the ornaments of the kingdom and the
Forces ?
glory of the king.’
It was the policy of Maharaj to protect Intelligence Department : It was
industries. An excellent example of this is necessary to protect the Swaraj from its
the salt industry. He protected the salt enemies. For this, it was necessary to get
industry in Konkan. At that time, traders precise and timely information about the
imported salt from the Portuguese territory movements of the enemy. It was the job
and sold in Swaraj. That affected the local of the intelligence department to obtain
trade in Konkon areas. So, Maharaj information about the movements of the
charged heavy duty on the salt imported enemies and submit it to Maharaj. The
into Swaraj from the Portuguese territory. intelligence service of Maharaj was very
The intention was that the salt imported efficient. Bahirji Naik was the Head of
from the Portuguese territory would then the intelligence department. He was
cost more and as a result, its import would extremely skilled in his job. He collected
decrease and the sale of the local salt accurate and detailed information about
would increase. Surat before the raid on Surat.
The Military Organisation : There Forts : Forts were of great importance
were two main divisions of the army of in the medieval age. Possession of a fort
Shivaji Maharaj : infantry and cavalry. made it possible to keep an eye on the
In the infantry there were officers such surrounding area. In case of foreign
as the Havaldar, Jumledar, etc. The chief invasion it was possible to protect the
of the infantry was called Sarnobat. He people taking shelter in the fort. It was
30
possible to stock the fort with foodgrains,
war materials, ammunition and military
garrison. The importance of forts in the
foundation of Swaraj is well stated in
the Ajnyapatra : ‘This kingdom was
created by the late revered and exalted
Majesty forts alone.’
Do you know ?
Exercise
Fort Sindhudurg
32
8. An Ideal Ruler
33
He was particular about paying the
salaries of the army in time. He made to death. It would be as if you are
arrangements to pay the salaries of more atrocious than the Mughals.
soldiers in cash. In various kingdoms in There would be great uproar.”
Medieval India and elsewhere, there was A policy of tolerance : Maharaj had
a system of making payments to soldiers to struggle against his enemies - the
in the form of jagirs. Maharaj set this Adilshah, the Mughals and the Siddis.
practice aside. There was a strict order They were Islamic powers. While Maharaj
to the army that any valuables collected struggled against them, he considered the
during the campaigns in enemy territories Muslims in the Swaraj as his own
were to be deposited with the Government. subjects. At the time of the meeting with
Soldiers were honoured for their bravery Afzalkhan, Siddi Ibrahim was a trusted
in a campaign. He looked after the servant in his army. Siddi Hilal was a
maintenance of the families of soldiers Sardar in the army of Maharaj. Daulatkhan
who died in battle. He took care of the was an important officer in the navy of
wounded soldiers, he treated well the the Swaraj.
enemy soldiers who had surrendered
themselves or who had been captured. Maharaj followed a tolerant religious
policy. In the enemy territories that he
conquered, he continued the facilities that
Do you know ? had been given to the Muslim places of
worship. His contemporary historian
If war broke out during the period Khafikhan writes about the tolerant
of sowing-growing-reaping of crops, religious policy of Maharaj; ‘Shivaji had
there would be no limit to the loss framed strict rules for his soldiers that
of farmers. Not only would the during the campaigns, they should not
movements of army interfere with the harm a mosque. If they came in possession
work of sowing, but the soldiers of a copy of the Holy Quran, they should
would cut off and take away standing hand over the same, with reverence, to a
crops or would destroy them. They Muslim.’
would rob the houses of farmers.
The inspiration for freedom : The
Shivaji Maharaj had ordered the
efforts that Maharaj made to establish the
officers to prohibit his soliders from
Swaraj have a special value. It is the
such actions. The letter written by
value of freedom. He aimed at establishing
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in
and maintaining an independent and
1674 ce to his military officers is
sovereign existence that did not accept
very important in this regard. It shows
the dominance of any other power. While
how minutely Shivaji Maharaj thought
struggling against the foreign powers,
about the discipline in the army.
Maharaj inspired others too, for freedom.
“If you harass and trouble the When Chhatrasal, who was in the service
subjects belonging to different castes of the Mughals, came to see Maharaj,
by robbing them of their grains, fodder, Maharaj inspired him to create an
grass, vegetables, etc., those subjects independent kingdom in Bundelkhand.
would leave their houses and migrate
Greatness of Maharaj’s work :
elsewhere. Many of them would starve
Maharaj established Swaraj while fighting
34
against many enemies. This action itself a different religious perspective. All these
proves that he was a pioneer of a new actions show his revolutionary aspects in
era. But besides this action, many other the field of religion.
noble qualities are found in his personality. When there were threats to Swaraj,
Maharaj was very intelligent. He he would face them with or without his
had mastered many arts. He was associates. Due to this, even his associates
conversant with many languages and were ready to sacrifice their lives for
scripts. The teachings of his parents Swaraj. Of course, his greatness was not
towards the establishment of Swaraj confined to the quality of facing calamities
and ethics were deeply instilled in his bravely and fearlessly. He wanted to have
mind. There was a blend of character an ethical, qualitative base to the Swaraj.
and strength, nobility and valour in his That is why he would give orders, even
personality. He had innumerable qualities regarding minor issues along with the
like leadership, management, foresight, important ones. The order that prohibited
political diplomacy, effective policy soldiers from taking vegetables from the
about regional and military fields of the peasants by force, is
administration, commitment to truth and exemplary from this point of view. The
justice, attitude of equality, visualisation restrictions on the cutting of trees enforced
of future activities, the skill of seeing his by him are also noteworthy.
planned ventures through, rising over the
calamities without giving up, alertness,
vigilance and so on. Think about it.
He used to punish those severely who
would misbehave with women. He used Why is it necessary to grow trees ?
to take care of all sections of the society
like farmers, craftsmen, soldiers, traders, He had ordered that the garbage on
merchants, etc. He used to harbour the the fort should be burnt in an allotted
same respect for people of other religions space without dumping it elsewhere, and
that he had for people of his own religion, vegetables should be grown on its ash. It
without any discrimination. He even becomes clear from this fact that he
established family bonds with them. He would pay close attention to the minutest
brought back into swadharma, their details while establishing Swaraj. He was
original religion, persons who had not just a warrior, but also a sculptor
converted to another religion though there who created a new, independent, ethical
was an opposition to such a reconversion and cultured society. His greatness is
at that time. At that time, there was comprehensive.
opposition on religious grounds to crossing
the seas. Yet he built sea forts like Can you tell ?
Singhudurg and created a navy. This
means that he had made preparation for How is the waste in your area
countering foreign invasions that came managed ?
from the sea. He became the ruler of State the name of the machinery
Swaraj officially through his coronation, that looks after waste management.
he later, had a second Coronation from
35
In our national movement, Maharaj book about the greatness of Maharaj. The
was a great source of inspiration. In his great Tamil poet Subramanyam Bharati
struggle for equality, Mahatma Jotirao has written a poem about an imaginary
Phule described in his powadas the incident in which Shivaji Maharaj talks to
greatness of Shivaji Maharaj. Lokmanya his associates. Vishwakavi Rabindranath
Tilak brought about national awakening Tagore has written a long poem on
through the medium of Shivajayanti Maharaj. Tagore sees his efforts to found
celebrations. Lala Lajpatrai has written a Swaraj as efforts for realizing a noble
cause. Sir Jadunaath Sarkar has praised
Do you know ? his achievements in his book ‘Shivaji and
His Times’. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru has
Mahatma Jotirao Phule composed said that Maharaj did not belong to
a Powada in 1869 ce on Shivaji Maharashtra alone, he belonged to the
Maharaj. A part of it is given here. whole Indian nation. ... he was a symbol
।। शिवाचा गजर जयनामाचा झेंडा रोविला ।। of many virtues, more especially of love
of country.
।। क्षेत्र्याचा मेळा मावळ्याचा शिकार खेळला ।।
All Indian languages have works that
माते पायीं ठेवी डोई गर्व नाहीं काडीचा ।
talk about him as an ideal ruler and a
आशिर्वाद घेई आईचा ।। source of inspiration.
आलाबला घेई आवडता होतो जिजीचा । Future generations too, will continue
पवाडा गातो शिवाजीचा ।। to look upon this work of Shivaji Maharaj
कुळवाडी - भूषण पवाडा गातो भोसल्याचा । of founding the Swaraj and turning it into
छत्रपती शिवाजीचा ।।३।। Surajya as a source of inspiration, as an
ideal. Shivaji Maharaj was a great
national hero.
Exercise
38
Maharaj’s era. He severely punished the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was born
landlords who harassed common people on 24 February 1670 on Raigad. He became
and who rebelled against the Swaraj. He Chhatrapati after the death of Sambhaji
gave administrative powers to Maharani Maharaj. Now Aurangzeb thought that his
Yesubai. He gave her, her own stamp. He dream of winning
continued the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj’s the Maratha
welfare policies. kingdom would
Sambhaji Maharaj knew Sanskrit and be realised. He
many other languages well. He studied sent Zulfikarkhan
many ancient books on polity and wrote to put Raigad
their gist in a book called under siege. That
‘Budhbhushanam’. time Rajaram
Maharaj and his
Do you know ? wife Maharani
Tarabai and
Sambhaji Maharaj composed Chhatrapati
Rajaram Maharaj Sambhaji
‘Budhbhushanam’ in the Sanskrit Maharaj’s wife
language. The second chapter of this Maharani Yesubai and his son Shahu were
book discusses polity. It includes on Raigad. It was risky for all members of
information about the virtues of a king, the royal family to stay at one place.
prime minister, princes and their Maharani Yesubai tackled this
education and functions, the advisers to unprecedented calamity very bravely.
the king, forts and the goods and Resolving that, she would not surrender to
materials needed on a fort, the army, the the Mughals under any conditions, she took
duties of a king, espionage, etc. many important political decisions on
Raigad. It was decided that Rajaram
Death of Sambhaji Maharaj :
Maharaj should escape from Raigad and if
Aurangzeb was trying very hard to defeat
necessary, go to a far off place like Jinji.
Sambhaji Maharaj. He had placed
It was decided that the fight to defend
Mukarrabkhan in charge of the Kolhapur
Raigad would continue under the leadership
province. Mukarrabkhan learnt that
of Maharani Yesubai. Maharani Yesubai
Sambhaji Maharaj was at Sangameshwar
chose to make Rajaram Maharaj and not
in Konkan. He raided the place and
her own son the Chhatrapati. Her decision
captured Sambhaji Maharaj. When
is a shining example of her love for Swaraj
Sambhaji Maharaj was taken to the
and her extreme selflessness. She kept the
Emperor, he faced him fearlessly. By the
Maratha Chhatrapati secure without regard
Emperor’s orders, he was brutally put to
for her own life or that of her son.
death on 11 March 1689. This Maratha
Chhatrapati did not compromise his self
respect and faced his death nobly and Let’s find out.
bravely. The Marathas took inspiration Find Jinji on a map of India.
from his sacrifice and intensified their Rajaram Maharaj leaves for Jinji :
fight against the Mughals. On 5 April 1689 Rajaram Maharaj
Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj : escaped from the besieged Raigad with a
Rajaram Maharaj was the second son of few of his associates. He decided to go
39
south to Jinji. The Jinji fort was invincible. Do you know ?
It was not an easy task for the Mughals
to capture this fort. Rajaram Maharaj The Mughal soldiers were so
took his faithful Sardars like Pralhad scared of Dhanaji that when their
Niraji, Khando Ballal, Rupaji Bhosale horse baulked while drinking water,
and managed to reach Jinji. they would say: “Why, do you see
The Movements of the Marathas : Dhanaji in the water ?”
It was difficult to defend the Raigad
fort against the might of the Mughals. Marathas defended the fort bravely for
The Mughals captured Raigad in nearly eight years. The Mughal forces
November 1689 and arrested Maharani engaged in the siege were fiercely
Yesubai and Shahu. While going to attacked from outside by Santaji and
Jinji, Rajaram Maharaj had assigned Dhanaji. Rajaram Maharaj escaped
the duty to fight against the Mughals through the siege, and returned to
to Ramchandrapant Amatya, Shankaraji Maharashtra. Later Zulfikarkhan captured
Narayan Sachiv, Santaji Ghorpade and the fort of Jinji.
Dhanaji Jadhav. The return of Rajaram Maharaj to
From the Maratha point of view, the Maharashtra gave a boost to the Maratha
situation was critical. Aurangzeb had activity. The Marathas attacked the
enticed many Maratha Sardars to his Mughal territories of Khandesh, Varhad
side by giving them watans and jagirs. and Baglan. Rajaram Maharaj inspired
Rajaram Maharaj also used the same hundreds of brave Maratha warriors like
tactics to thwart the Mughal plans. It Santaji and Dhanaji with his understanding
was promised that if a Maratha Sardar nature and statesmanship. He motivated
captured Mughal territory it would be them to protect the Swaraj and thus
given to him as a jagir. Due to this performed a very valuable task. But even
promise, many capable Maratha Sardars as all this was taking place, Rajaram
came forward. They started invading the Maharaj died on 2 March 1700 on
Mughal territory with vigour and defeated Sinhgad after a short period of illness.
Mughal Generals. Santaji and Dhanaji Rajaram Maharaj was thoughtful and
were at the forefont in these actions. kind-hearted. He brought together all the
Against their surprise attacks and capable people in the Maratha empire.
guerrilla tactics, the enormous amount of He united them created a new enthusiasm
war material and heavy artillery of the amongst them. After the death of Sambhaji
Mughals were of little use. The Mughal Maharaj, he fought against Aurangzeb for
forces were at their wits’ end. On one 11 years with great courage and tenacity.
occasion, Santaji Ghorpade and Vithoji Rajaram Maharaj’s greatest achievement
Chavan even cut and carried away the is that he protected Swaraj in those
golden pinnacle of the Emperor’s own extremely difficult times. While describing
tent in a surprise attack. Rajaram Maharaj, noted historian
Siege of Jinji : Once Raigad was Riyasatkar G. S. Sardesai has used the
captured. the Emperor sent Zulfikarkhan adjective ‘Sthirbuddhi’ (Level Headed).
to the South on the campaign of Jinji. He cannot be described in better words
He laid siege to the fort of Jinji. The than these.
40
Swaraj struggle bravely with the help of
Do this. her Sardars. Aurangzeb captured Satara
and Panhala from the Maratha territory,
Interview the women in your but at the same time the Marathas dashed
neighbourhood who have made great up to the Mughal areas of Madhya Pradesh
achievements in various fields. and Gujarat. Tarabai expanded the war
areas further. Sardars like Krishnaji
Maharani Tarabai : After the death
Sawant, Khanderao Dabhade, Dhanaji
of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj,
Jadhav and Nemaji Shinde opened battles
Aurangzeb thought that he had won the
against Mughals on various fronts outside
war against the Marathas. But it was not
Maharashtra. This was a sign of change
so. Aurangzeb was winning battle after
in the outcome of the war.
battle, but he could not win the war.
Maharani Tarabai, the capable wife of Maharani Tarabai fought for seven
Rajaram Maharaj, came forward to lead years. She kept the Maratha kingdom
the Swaraj movement in the extremely strong. She took charge of the
unfavourable circumstances. administration singlehandedly and
encouraged the Sardars to participate in
the mission of Swaraj. Maratha Sardars
fought against the Mughals up to Sironje,
Mandsaur and Malwa. Khafikhan has
recorded that Rajaram’s wife Tarabai
achieved great things and displayed the
Do you know ?
Malojiraje
Shahajiraje
(1594 ce to 1664 ce)
42
Exercise
1. Choose the correct option. (3) To whom did Rajaram Maharaj entrust
(1) Aurangzeb was frustrated by his bravery. the responsibility of protecting the Swaraj
(a) Shahajada Akbar when he went to Jinji.
(b) Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (4) Devdatta has described Maharani
(c) Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Tarabai’s valour in these words.
(2) They cut the golden pinnacles the
Emperor’s tent. 3. Give reasons.
(a) Santaji and Dhanaji (1) Aurangzeb turned his attention towards
(b) Santaji Ghorpade and Vithoji Chavan Adilshahi and Qutubshahi kingdoms.
(c) Khando Ballal and Rupaji Bhosale (2) After the death of Sambhaji Maharaj,
(3) He fought bravely in the Goa battle. the Marathas intensified their war with
(a) Yesaji Kank the Mughals.
(b) Nemaji Shinde (3) It was decided that the Raigad fort
(c) Pralhad Niraji should be fought under the leadership of
Maharani Yesubai.
2. Find in the text in the lesson and write
answers. Activity
(1) Why did Sambhaji Maharaj return Show Goa, Bijapur, Golconda, Jinji,
halfway from the Janjira Campaign ? Ahmadabad and Ahmednagar on a map
(2) Why did Sambhaji Maharaj decide to of India.
teach a lesson to the Portuguese ?
Fort Jinji
43
10. The Expansion of the Maratha Power
At the beginning of the Maratha war won the battle. He captured Satara. He got
of independence, the Mughals were on himself crowned. Satara became the capital
the offensive whereas the Marathas were of the Maratha kingdom.
on the defensive. This situation however For a while, the mutual opposition
was reversed at the end of the war of between Maharani Tarabai and Shahu
independence. The Mughals were thrown Maharaj continued. Maharani Tarabai
on the defensive against the Marathas. In proclaimed her minor son Shivaji II as the
the latter half of the eighteenth century, Chhatrapati at Pahnala in 1710 ce. This
the Marathas subdued the Mughals and gave rise to an indendepent Maratha
extended the Maratha power to cover Kingdom at Kolhapur besides the one at
practically the whole of India. We shall Satara.
study this in the present chapter. The early part of Shahu Maharaj’s life
Release of Shahu Maharaj : After was spent in Mughal camps. So, he had
the death of Emperor Aurangzeb, there seen Mughal politics from close quarters.
ensued a struggle among his sons for the He knew the finer points of Mughal and
throne of Delhi. Prince Azamshah was in especially North Indian politics.
the South. At once, he marched towards He knew the strengths and weaknesses
Delhi to seize the imperial throne. Prince of the Mughal empire very well. Also, he
Shahu was in his captivity. Azamshah was acquainted with the influential people
believed that if Shahu Maharaj was in the Mughal Court. All these factors
released, there would arise a conflict helped him deciding the new direction of
between him and Maharani Tarabai for Maratha politics in the changing
the gadi of the Maratha Chhatrapati. circumstances.
Azamshah felt that this would sap the Aurangzeb’s successors had given up
Maratha strength and therefore, released his policy of destroying the Maratha power.
Shahu Maharaj. So the Marathas adopted a new policy.
Coronation of Shahu Maharaj : Instead of fighting with the Mughal power,
Immediately after his release, Shahu they decided to protect it and expand their
Maharaj marched towards Maharashtra. own empire in that role. They believed that
He was joined by some Maratha Sardars, restoring an old temple is as good as
but Maharani building a new one.
Tarabai did not The Mughal power faced the threat of
accept his claim to the Irani and Afghani invaders from the
the throne. The north-west and also of the local Pathan,
armies of Shahu local Rajput, Jat and Rohilas rulers. The
Maharaj and internal competition and tussle in the court
Maharani Tarabai had also weakened the Mughal power. Due
fought a battle at to all these the Delhi Court needed the help
Khed on the bank of the Marathas.
of the Bheema.
Balaji Vishwanath : After Shahu
Shahu Maharaj
Shahu Maharaj Maharaj was released by the Mughals, he
44
made Balaji Vishwanath, a Peshwa. Balaji Nizam’s defeat at Palkhed : The
hailed from Shrivardhan, in Konkan. He Mughal emperor Farukhsear appointed
was competent and experienced. He Nizam – ul – Mulk the Subhedar of Deccan.
convinced many Sardars that Shahu In 1713 ce Nizam tried to establish his
Maharaj was the real heir of the Maratha separate existence at Hyderabad. The
empire and made them join hands with Emperor had given the Marathas the rights
him. to recover Chauthai-Sardeshmukhi from
Kanhoji Angre was the chief of the Mughal areas. Nizam was against it.
Maratha Navy. He chose to side with He captured some part of the Pune
Maharani Tarabai and attacked the Pargana. Bajirao decided to checkmate the
territories of Shahu Maharaj. This gave Nizam. He defeated the Nizam at Palkhed
rise to a difficult situation. Under these near Aurangabad. The Nizam accepted the
circumstances, Shahu Maharaj sent Balaji Maratha right to collect Chauthai-
to fight against Kanhoji Angre. Balaji Sardeshmukhi.
avoided the war and won Kanhoji over to As the Mughal power had become
Shahu Maharaj’s side. weak, Bajirao knew that there was more
Chauthai and Sardeshmukhi rights : scope to expand the empire towards
After strengthening the position of Shahu northern side. Shahu Maharaj supported
Maharaj in Maharashtra, Balaji turned his his policy.
attention to the politics in the North. The Malwa : Malwa in todays Madhya
Delhi court, after the death of Emperor Pradesh was part of the Mughal empire.
Aurangzeb, was marked by bickering and Bajirao sent Malharrao Holkar, Ranoji
confusion. The Sayyid brothers, Abdulla Shinde and Udaji Pawar under the
(Hasan) and Hussein Ali had become very leadership of his brother Chimajiappa to
influential. With their help, in 1719 ce Malwa. There, they strengthened the posts.
Balaji obtained from the Mughal Emperor, Bundelkhand: Bundelkhand means
the grants or sanads to collect chauthai some part of today’s Madhya Pradesh and
and sardeshmukhi from the Mughal territory Uttar Pradesh - areas around Jhansi,
in the Deccan. These sanads gave the Panna and Sagar.
Marathas the rights to collect one fourth King Chhatrasal had established his
part (chauthai) and one tenth part own kingdom in Bundelkhand. The Mughal
(sardeshmukhi) of the revenue from the Subhedar Mohmmad Khan Bangush of
Mughal territory in the Deccan. Allahabad attacked Bundelkhand and had
Bajirao I : defeated Chhatrasal. Chhatrasal appealed
After the death of to Bajirao for help.
Balaji Vishwanath, Bajirao took a large army and went
Shahu Maharaj to Bundelkhand. He defeated Bangush.
appointed Balaji’s Chhatrasal honoured Bajirao. This is how
son, Bajirao I the Marathas established their supremacy in
Peshwa in 1720 ce. Malwa and Bundelkhand.
He expanded the
Bajirao demanded from the Emperor
Maratha Empire
the office of the Subhedar of Malwa. As
during his term of
the Emperor declined this demand, Bajirao
Bajirao I 20 years.
45
marched on Delhi in 1737 ce. The Mughals Portuguese. Chimaji conquered Thane and
were taken by surprise. the adjacent areas. In 1739 ce, he laid
siege to the Vasai fort. The fort was very
strong. The Portuguese had a powerful
Do you know ? artillery. In spite of all this, Chimaji
Chhatrasal wrote a letter to Bajirao. continued the siege with perseverance and
In that he wrote, जो गत आह गजेंद्र की forced the Portuguese to surrender. The
वह गत आई है आज. बाजी जान बुंदेल की, fort of Vasai and large parts of the
बाजी राखो लाज. (My situation is like Portuguese territory passed into the hands
the elephant whose leg is caught by of the Marathas.
the crocodile. You are the only one Death of Bajirao : Nadirshah, the
who can save me.) Emperor of Iran, invaded India. Following
the order of Shahu Maharaj, Bajirao set
The battle of Bhopal : The Emperor out for the North with a big army to
felt uneasy on account of Bajirao’s Delhi defend the Mughal power. By the time he
expedition. He invited the Nizam to reached Burhanpur, Nadirshah had
protect Delhi. Nijam marched against returned to Iran with an enormous booty
Bajirao with his huge army. Bajirao looted from Delhi. In April 1740, Bajirao
defeated him at Bhopal. Nizam agreed to breathed his last at Raverkhedi on the
secure the sanad of Malwa subhedari for banks of the Narmada.
the Marathas from the Badshah. Bajirao was a great General. With
The defeat of Portuguese : The his valour, he established the Maratha
territories of Vasai and Thane on the supremacy in the North. He won status
Konkan coast were in the possession of for the Maratha power as a formidable
the Portuguese. The Portuguese rulers power in the whole of India.
oppressed their subjects. Bajirao sent his In his time, the Shinde, Holkar,
brother Chimajiappa to subdue the Pawar, Gaikwad families attained
prominence.
Exercise
46
11. Marathas – The Protectors of the Nation
After Bajirao I, Shahu Maharaj Afghans. In return, the Marathas were to
appointed his son Balaji Bajirao alias get cash money, the right to collect
Nanasaheb the Peshwa. Following the chauthai in the territories of the Punjab,
invasion of Nadirshah, there was instability Multan, Rajputana, Sindh and Rohilkhand
in Delhi. In these circumstances, and the Subhedari of Ajmer and Agra
Nanasaheb tried to stabilize the Maratha provinces.
rule in the North. Ahmadshah Abdali As per the treaty, the Peshwa sent the
posed a challenge to the Marathas at Shinde-Holkar armies for the protection of
Panipat. We shall learn about these Delhi on behalf of the Chhatrapati. When
developments in this chapter. Abdali learnt that the Marathas were
Situation in the North : The region marching to Delhi, he went back to his
to the north-west of Ayodhya province at country. Because the threat of Abdali was
the foothills of the Himalayas was called thus thwarted due to the Marathas, the
Rohilkhand in the 18th century. The Emperor gave them Chauthai rights to the
Pathans who had migrated from Mughal subhas. These subhas included
Afghanistan had settled in this region. Kabul, Kandahar and Peshawar. Though
They were known as Rohillas. The the subhas were previously a past of the
Rohillas had wrought havoc in the Doab Mughal empire, now they were part of
region of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Abdali’s Afghanistan. As per the treaty, it
The Nawab of Ayodhya invited the was a duty of the Marathas to win the
Marathas to subdue the Rohillas. The subhas back from Abdali and annexe them
Marathas chastised the Rohillas. to the Mughal Empire. Abdali however,
Conflict with the Afghans : wanted to bring under Afghan control, the
Ahmadshah Abdali, the ruler of region up to the Punjab. So a conflict
Afghanistan, was attracted by the riches between the Marathas and Abdali was
of India. He marched on the Punjab in imminent and inevitable.
1751 ce. There was anarchy in the Mughal Raghunathrao, brother of the Peshwa
territory. The Mughals were facing the Nanasaheb, accompanied by Jayappa
threat of Abdali’s invasion. In these Shinde and Malharrao
circumstances, the Mughals found it Holkar, undertook the
necessary for their own protection, to seek campaign of North
the help of the Marathas. The Emperor India to combat
was sure of the Maratha strength and Abdali.
integrity. There was no other power strong The local rulers
enough to protect Delhi. Therefore, the in the north saw the
Emperor entered into a treaty with the Marathas from the
Marathas in April 1752. According to this South as their
treaty, the Marathas agreed to protect the competitors. They did
Mughal power from enemies like the Peshwa Nanasaheb not take into account
Rohillas, the Jats, the Rajputs and the the broad vision of the Marathas and
47
remained neutral, offering no help to the to come to his help. On receiving the
Marathas. They did not like the Maratha message from Najibkhan, Abdali invaded
supremacy and interventions in the Delhi India again. Dattaji and Abdali confronted
court. Surajmal Jat and Rani Kishori were each other at Buradi Ghat on the banks
the only ones who helped the Marathas of the Yamuna. A fierce fight ensued.
wounded in the battle of Panipat. Dattaji showed tremendous valour. He
Also, some of the orthodox sects in met with a heroic death in this battle.
the North saw Marathas as people
belonging to other religions. They, too,
Do you know ?
left aside the broad vision of the Marathas.
They persuaded Abdali to invade India Dattaji fought very bravely. At
with a view to reducing the Maratha
last, he was severely wounded and
might. They expected that Abdali would
collapsed on the battleground. Najib
defeat the Marathas and drive them away
back to the South, beyond the river Khan Rohilla’s adviser Qutub Shah
Narmada. stepped down from his elephant and
The Maratha standard on Attock : came towards Dattaji. He asked
Najibkhan was a Rohilla chief. He found Dattaji, ‘क्यों पटेलजी, हमारे साथ तुम और
it hard to tolerate the Maratha supremacy भी लढेंगे?’ Dattaji was in a wounded
in the North. At the behest of Najibkhan, state. But after hearing these words
Abdali invaded India again. This was the of Qutub Shah, he replied with pride,
fifth time he had invaded India. He ‘हाँ, बचेंगे तो और भी लढेंग े ।’
captured Delhi. He returned to Afghanistan
with a huge booty. Raghunathrao and
Malharrao Holkar marched to the North Sadashivraobhau : Nanasaheb sent
again. They captured Delhi. Then, driving his cousin Sadashivraobhau and eldest
out Abdali’s officers, they captured the son Vishwasrao to the North to crush
Punjab. The Marathas pursued Abdali’s Abdali. Sadashivraobhau was
soldiers right up to Attock in 1758 ce.
Chimajiappa’s son. He had with him, a
The Maratha standard was raised at huge army and a
Attock. Attock is in present day Pakistan. powerful artillery.
From Attock, the Marathas pushed the Ibrahimkhan
campaign up to Peshawar. However, they Gardi was the
did not make proper arrangements to look chief of the
after this newly conquered territory. artillery. He had
Dattaji’s valour : To get a firm hold defeated the
over the Punjab and to crush Najibkhan, Nizam in the
the Peshwa sent Dattaji Shinde and battle of Udgir in
Janakoji Shinde to the North. Dattaji went 1760 ce, on the
to the North. Keeping Dattaji engaged in strength of this
negotiations, Najibkhan established Sadashivraobhau artillery.
contacts with Abdali. He requested Abdali
48
The Battle of Panipat : In his their leader had disappeared, the Maratha
campaign of the North, Sadashivraobhau soldiers lost courage. At that very moment,
captured Delhi. The armies of the the reserve contingents of Abdali launched
Marathas and Abdali confronted each an attack on the Marathas with a fresh
other at Panipat. On 14 January 1761, the vigour. The Marathas were defeated. A
Marathas opened the battle by attacking whole generation of young men in
Abdali’s army. This was the Third Battle Maharashtra was killed. Many brave
of Panipat. Vishwasrao fell a victim to Sardars fell on the battlefield. The
an enemy bullet in the battle. When Marathas believed that an outsider like
Sadashivraobhau learnt this, he fiercely Abdali had no moral right to rule here.
attacked the enemy in a frenzy. He The Marathas fought at Panipat with the
disappeared in the battle fray. Seeing that broad perspective that India is for Indians.
49
at Rakshasbhuvan near Paithan.
Do you know ?
Hyder Ali was the Sultan of Mysore.
Approximately 1,50,000 people were Taking advantage of the Maratha defeat
killed in the battle of Panipat. One at Panipat, Hyder Ali attacked their
letter describes this in a poetic way. territory in Karnataka. The Marathas
defeated Hyder in a battle at Moti Talav
‘‘दोन मोत्ये गळाली. सत्तावीस मोहोरा near Srirangapattan. He then agreed to
हरवल्या ! आणि रूपये, खुर्दा किती गेल्या याची cede the region north of the river
गणतीच नाही.’’ Tungabhadra to the Marathas.
Sadashivraobhau had explained the Peshwa Madhavrao died in 1772 ce.
broad, all-inclusive viewpoint of the In the history of the Marathas, he is
Marathas in his correspondence with the described as an honest, hard-working,
rulers in the North, saying that they were determined administrator who was keen
all native to the land and Abdali was an on public welfare. The death of this
enemy from a foreign country. But the capable Peshwa was an irreparable loss
rulers in the North did not respond to the Maratha State.
favourably to him and took a neutral
attitude. Naturally, the Marathas had to Do you know ?
shoulder the responsibility of protecting
India. We can say that the Marathas Peshwa Madhavrao provided
were the first in our history to realise that special attention towards the welfare
India was one country and it was of farmers. He dug many wells in
necessary for all to lend support to the Pune and increased the water supply
king irrespective of his religion. to the city. Administrators like Nana
Peshwa Madhavrao : After the Phadnavis and judges like
death of Peshwa Nanasaheb, his son Ramshastri Prabhune emerged under
his rule. He reformed the judiciary
Madhavrao succeeded him to the office
for better justice to the common
of the Peshwa. Madhavrao kept the
people. He started artillery and
Nizam and Hyder Ali at bay. He
ammunition factories. He also
established the
established a mint to make coins.
supremacy of the
Marathas in the
North again. The two Peshwas who succeeded
After the defeat Peshwa Madhavrao, namely Narayanrao
of the Marathas at and Sawai Madhavrao, did not live long.
Panipat, the Nizam During their term, Peshwa was in the grip
once again resumed of family feuds. Raghunathrao, who had
his anti-Maratha once raised the Maratha standard at
activities. He Attock, sought shelter with the British to
invaded the Maratha satisfy his greed for power. This led to a
territory. Madhavrao war between the Marathas and the British.
defeated the Nizam Peshwa Madhavrao
50
Hyder Ali died in 1782 ce. After him Delhi under their own protection. The
his son Tipu became the Sultan of Maratha power was revived in the North.
Mysore. He was a skilled warrior, a The Marathas suffered a heavy loss
scholar and a poet. He used his competence in the battle of Panipat. Abdali’s army
to increase the might of his Kingdom. He also suffered losses. He did not benefit
established contact with French and shook financially in the battle. In fact, Abdali
the foundation of British supremacy. He or his descendants did not muster enough
died in 1799 ce in a battle against the courage to invade India again. They
British. realised that only the Marathas had the
The Maratha Supremacy Rises strength and capacity to control the
Once Again : The Maratha prestige in anarchy in the North. They expressed
the North had suffered a severe setback their wish that the Marathas should
because of the debacle at Panipat. protect the Empire. They sent a messenger
Madhavrao dispatched Mahadji Shinde, to Pune to establish cordial relations. It
Tukoji Holkar, Ramchandra Kanade and is important to note that the Marathas
Visajipant Biniwale to re-establish the overcame the great defeat at Panipat and
Maratha rule in the North. The Maratha successfully revived their supremacy in
army defeated the Jats, the Rohillas and the politics of the North. Malharrao
the Rajputs. The Marathas restored the Holkar, Ahilyabai Holkar and Mahadji
Emperor Shah Alam to the throne of Shinde had a lion’s share in all this.
Balaji Vishwanatha
Bajirao I Chimajiappa
Nanasaheb (adopted)
Sawai Madhavrao
(Peshwa)
51
Exercise
52
12. Progression of the Empire
Till now we have learnt about the of the Indore administration. She was a
rise of the Maratha power and its capable, astute and excellent administrator.
expansion. We studied the developments She made new laws for agricultural cess,
from the foundation of the Swaraj till its revenue collection etc. and put the affairs
expansion into an empire. In this chapter, of the State in order. She strove to bring
we take a brief review of the Sardar more land under cultivation, digging wells
families, who gave their valuable for farmers, promoting trade and industry,
contribution for expanding the Maratha building lakes and tanks.
kingdom in the northern parts of India. She built temples, Ghats, Maths,
The Holkars of Indore : Malharrao Dharamshalas, drinking water facilities at
was the founder of the Holkar rule at all important places of pilgrimage in the
Indore. He served the Maratha state for a four quarters of India. This effort of hers
long time. He was was important for the cultural integration
well-versed in of the country. She looked into judicial
guerrilla warfare. matters personally and dispensed justice.
He proved his She was very generous. She had great
valour in the love of books. She ruled ably for twenty-
northern campaigns eight years and enhanced the Maratha
of the Marathas at prestige in the North. She brought peace
the time of Bajirao and order to her Kingdom and made her
I and Nanasaheb people happy. Yashwantrao Holkar tried
Peshwa. He was to save the Maratha Kingdom when it
instrumental in was on the decline.
Malharrao Holkar establishing the The Bhosales of Nagpur : Parasoji
Maratha supremacy in Malwa and was given the jagir of Varhad and
Rajputana. He proved to be of great help Gondawan during
to Peshwa Madhavrao in reviving the the reign of Shahu
Maratha prestige in the North after the Maharaj. Among
defeat at Panipat. Punyashloka Ahilyabai the Bhosales of
Holkar was the Nagpur, Raghuji
wife of Khanderao, was the bravest
who was and the most
Malharrao’s son. capable. He brought
Khanderao died in the area surrounding
the battle of Raghuji Bhosale Tirucherapalli and
Kumbheri. After a Arcot in the South under Maratha
few days, dominance. Shahu Maharaj had assigned
Malharrao also to him the chauthai rights of Bengal,
passed away. After Bihar and Odisha. He brought these
him, Ahilyabai territories under the Maratha dominance.
assumed the reins Ahilyabai Holkar In 1751 ce the Bhosales of Nagpur won
53
the Odisha territory from Ali Vardi politics at Delhi, when they felt that the
Khan. Till 1803 ce Marathas dominated Marathas might have become weak after
Odisha. the battle of Panipat. They managed to get
Diwani rights of Bengal province and
wanted to capture the Emperor of Delhi. In
Do you know ? these adverse circumstances, Mahadji
The Maratha ditch – The British Shinde defeated the British and reinstated
at Kolkata used to fear the Bhosales the Emperor on the throne. The emperor
from Nagpur. So, to protect the city was pleased with his bravery and conferred
of Kolkata from a possible Maratha the title of ‘Vakil – i – Mutlak (Chief agent
attack, they dug a ditch around the of the emperor) upon him, which meant
city. That ditch came to be known that he had the authority of civil and
as the Maratha ditch. military rights. He accepted that position
on behalf of the minor Peshwa Savai
Madhavrao. Due to this, the Marathas
The Shindes of Gwalior : Bajirao I gained full control of the Empire. It was
had rightly judged very difficult to save the tottering empire.
the capabilities of Mahadji managed the difficult affairs with
Ranoji Shinde and strong determination and looked after the
made him a Sardar Delhi affairs during 1784 ce to 1794 ce.
in the North. After The heirs of Najib Khan, responsible
Ranoji’s death, his for the Panipat battle, were still plotting
sons Jayappa, against the Marathas in Rohilkhand.
Dattaji and Najib’s grandson Ghulam Kadir captured
Mahadji, too, the Red Fort and tortured the Emperor and
proved their valour his begums for their wealth. He gouged
Mahadaji Shinde and strengthened out the Emperor’s eyes and took hold of
the Maratha rule in North India. the royal treasure. In these circumstances,
Peshwa Madhavrao conferred the Mahadji defeated Kadir. He confiscated
family title on Mahadji. Mahadji was a the wealth from him and returned it to the
brave General and an astute statesman. emperor. He reinstated the Emperor on the
Mahadji was instrumental in throne of Delhi. Thus, Mahadji recovered
re-establishing the Maratha supremacy the Maratha prestige which was lost after
and prestige in North India after the the battle of Panipat. He controlled the
Maratha defeat at Panipat. He realised politics of India by putting the Emperor
that the guerilla tactics of the Marathas under Maratha control.
would not be suitable for the warfare in Due to the family feuds amongst the
the plains of the North. He trained his Peshwas, Raghunathrao opted to go to the
army and modernised his artillery under British camp. He wanted to become a
the guidance of a French military expert Peshwa with the help of the British. It was
de Boigne. With the help of this trained not acceptable to the Maratha Statesmen.
army, he subdued the Rohillas, the Jats, This led to an inevitable conflict between
the Rajputs and the Bundellas. the Marathas and the British. The conflict
The British began to take interest in the between the two great powers. The
54
Marathas and the British would finally Khanderao Dabhade and his son
decide who the ruler of India would be. Trimbakrao laid the foundation of Maratha
From Mumbai, the British marched on power in Gujarat. After the death of
the Marathas via Borghat. The Maratha Khanderao, his wife Umabai routed the
army gathered under the leadership of Mughal Sardar of Ahmadabad. She
Mahadaji Shinde. The Marathas blocked conquered the fort there.
the supply of foodgrains to the British, Later, the Gaikwads made Vadodara
using guerrilla tactics. Both the armies in Gujarat a seat of their power. The
met at Wadgaon (on today’s Pune-Mumbai Pawars of Dhar and Dewas in Madhya
Road). The British were defeated in this Pradesh rendered valuable assistance to
battle and were forced to surrender the the Shindes and the Holkars in expanding
custody of Raghunathrao to the Marathas. the Maratha power in the North.
Delhi was under Maratha control till The Maratha State was in disarray
1803 ce. When we note that the British after the death of Peshwa Madhavrao.
conquered India after battling with the Nana Phadanvis, the famous administrator
Marathas, we understand the importance of the Peshwas and a Maratha statesman,
of Mahadaji’s achievements. After setting set right the
in order, the affairs of Delhi, Mahadaji affairs of the
came to Pune. He died at Wanawadi near State with the
Pune where a memorial is built to him. help of
Like the Shindes, the Holkars and the Mahadaji. While
Bhosales, some other prominent Maratha Mahadaji was
Sardars also rendered noteworthy service busy restoring
to the Maratha Raj. the Maratha
supremacy in the
North, Nana
managed the
affairs of the
Nana Phadnavis South. In this,
he was helped by the Patwardhans,
Haripant Phadke, the Rastes and other
Sardars. As a result of this, Maratha
supremacy was established in the South.
The Holkars of Indore, Bhosales of
Nagpur, Shindes of Gwalior, Gaikwads of
Vadodara brought glory to the Maratha
Shinde Chhatri, Wanawadi, Pune power on the basis of their valour,
The navy raised by Shivaji Maharaj leadership qualities and capability. They
was strengthened by Kanhoji Angre and were the pillars of the Maratha power in
his son Tulaji. With this strong navy, they its last phase.
contained the naval powers of the The Maratha Sardars were successful
Portuguese, the British and the Siddhis. in establishing the influence of the
They defended the coastline of the Maratha power both in North and South
Maratha State. India. After the death of Mahadaji Shinde
55
and Nana Phadanavis, the Maratha power In 1818 ce the British defeated Marathas
began to wane. in the battle of Ashti in Solapur district
At that time, Bajirao II, the son of and finally the Maratha power came to
Raghunathrao was the Peshwa. He did not an end. This event marks a major change
have leadership qualities and had many in the History of India. After this, the
vices. He was unable to unite the Maratha British managed to gain control over a
Sardars. The internal strife between the major part of India. India came into
Sardars weakened their power. contact with the Western world. That led
During the reign of Bajirao II, the to many changes in India’s social system.
Maratha influence in the North and South Many old things became redundant or
waned further. The British replaced the were pushed aside. This was a major
Marathas. transformation. A major change took
place. The medieval period of Indian
The British captured Pune in 1817 ce
history came to an end. The Modern
and hoisted their flag ‘Union Jack’ there.
period began.
Exercise
Shaniwarwada, Pune
56
13. Life of the People in Maharashtra
The Hindawi Swaraj formed by Customs and traditions : Child
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a State marriages were prevalent. It was
for the people, founded with the noble acceptable to have many wives. There
intention of the welfare of common are a few examples of widow marriages
people, removal of oppression and the in this period. To perform the last rites,
protection of Maharashtra Dharma. In the burning, burial and immersion methods
period after Shivaji Maharaj, Maratha were used as per tradition. Muhurta, or
power spread to all parts of India. It auspicious occasions were sought for
lasted for about 150 years. every little thing, and also to open battles.
We gathered information about the People believed in dreams and omens.
Maratha administration in the last few ‘Anushthans’ were performed to avoid the
chapters. In this chapter, we shall study wrath of gods and planets. Charitable
the social conditions and life of the deeds were also done for the same
people in that period. purpose. People believed in astrology.
Social conditions : Agriculture and There was a general lack of a scientific
occupations based on agriculture were the attitude and offerings to god (navas) were
major sources of production at the village considered more important than medical
level. The Patil was responsible for the treatment.
protection of the village and the Kulkarni Standard of living : A majority of
handled the revenue. The Patil received people lived in villages. The villages were
land as inam for his work as a Patil. He mostly self-sufficient. Only salt had to be
also received a part of the village revenue. imported from other places. The needs of
The balutedars were paid in kind (in the farmers were limited. They grew jowar,
form of objects, foodgrains, etc.) for the bajra, wheat, ragi (nachani), maize, rice
work they did for the village people. The and other grains in their fields. The daily
village occupations were divided into kali diet consisted of bhakari, onion, chutney
and pandhari. Peasants worked in their and an accompaniment. Barter system was
fields in the kali (land, earth or soil) and used for everyday transactions. Village
others, in pandhari - within the village houses were simple mud and brick
precincts. It was considered important to constructions. Wadas with one or two
conduct the affairs of the village with storeys were seen in cities. Rice, dal,
mutual understanding. Joint family system chapatis, vegetables, salads, milk and dahi
was prevalent. products were mainly included in the rich
people’s diet. Men wore a dhoti, kurta,
angarakha and mundase. Women wore
Do you know ? nine-yard sarees and blouses.
Festivals : People celebrated Gudhi
There were twelve balutedars Padwa, Nagpanchmi, Bail-pola, Dasara,
such as the blacksmith, carpenter, Diwali, Makarsankrant, Holi, Eid and
potter, goldsmith, etc. in a village. other festivals. In the Peshwa period,
They worked for the village people. Ganeshotsava was celebrated in many
homes. The Peshwa himself being a
57
devotee of Ganesha, these celebrations
acquired importance. Every year these
celebrations lasted from Bhadrapad
Chaturthi up to Anant Chaturdashi.
Dasara being considered as one of the
three and a half most auspicious occasions,
many new things were started on this day.
Weapons were offered puja, and it was
customary to cross the boundaries
ceremoniously (seemollanghana) and
distribute ‘apta’ leaves on Dasara. The
Marathas launched their campaigns after
Dasara. During Diwali, Balipratipada and
Bhau-beej celebrations had special
importance. In most of the villages, fairs Mallakhamb
were held. Wrestling bouts were a common Sports : Various sports were popular
feature of the fairs, (jatras). Gudhis were in this period. They were a means of
raised to celebrate Gudhi Padwa. entertainment. Wrestling and martial arts
Celebrations included entertainment were very popular. Mallakhamb, dand,
programmes like songs and dances. Tamasha lathi, dandpatta, bothati were practised.
was a popular form of entertainment. Hututu, kho-kho, atyapatya were the
popular outdoor games and chess, ganjifa,
dice were popular indoor games.
Religion and conduct : The two
major religions seen in this period were
Hindu and Muslim. Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj had a liberal religious policy.
The general understanding was that
everyone should follow their own religion
and should not impose it on others. The
government gave grants to pathshalas,
Bailpola temples, madarasas and mosques.
Education : Pathshalas and Followers of both religions took part in
madarasas were the institutes that imparted the celebration of each other’s festivals.
education. Reading, writing and arithmetic Varkari, Mahanubhav, Datta, Nath and
was taught at home. The modi script was Ramdasi panths were prevalent.
used in most transactions. Women’s life : Women’s life in those
Travels and communication : days was full of hardships. Their world
Transport was carried out by roads, was confined to the house of first their
through ghats and across bridges on father, and then their husband. Their
rivers. Cloth, foodgrains, groceries were education was neglected. Only a few
transported by loading them on the backs exceptional women had achieved any
of bullocks. Small boats were used in progress in literacy, administration and
rivers. Messengers and camel riders battle skills. They include Veermata Jijabai,
carried letters to and fro. Maharani Yesubai, Maharani Tarabai,
58
Umabai Dabhade, Gopikabai, Punyashlok Yadav period. The shikhar of the Ambabai
Ahilyabai. Customs like child marriage, temple at Kolhapur, the temples on the
unequal marriage, widowhood, keshwapan, Jotiba hill, Shambhu Mahadev temple at
sati, polygamy had imposed harsh Shikhar-Shinganapur, Ghrishneshwar
restrictions on the way women lived. temple at Verul are excellent specimens of
The period from 1630 ce to 1810 ce sculpture. The Bhavanidevi temple on
is broadly defined as Maratheshahi. Let Pratapgad and the Saptkoteshwar temple
us review the art and architecture of this at Goa were built by Shivaji Maharaj.
period in brief. Other temples of the Peshwa period are
Sculpture : We find references to
restoration of Kasba Ganapati Mandir,
building of the Lal Mahal, construction
on Rajgad and Raigad, building of sea
forts, etc. that are related to architecture.
Hiroji Indulkar was a famous architect of
that period.
While setting up a village, the usual
pattern was : roads cutting one another
at right angles, stone construction along
the sides and extensive ghats (steps) along
the river bank. During the Peshwa period,
Ghrishneshwar Temple
a drinking water supply system was built
like the one at Ahmadnagar and Bijapur. the Kalaram temple at Nashik, the Shiva
The Peshwas built underground pipes, temple at Trimbakeshwar, the Shiva
small dams, gardens and courts, tanks, temples at Kaygaon and Toke on the
fountains, etc. The Mastani Talav at confluence of the Godavari and Pravara,
Diveghat, Hadapsar near Pune city is and the Mohiniraj temple at Newase.
worth a mention in this regard. Ghat : Stone ghats built on a river or
Shaniwarwada and Vishrambagwada at the confluence of rivers are characteristic
in Pune, Sarkarwada in Nashik, of Maratheshahi. The most remarkable
Raghunathrao Peshwa’s wada at specimen of a ghat is the one at Toke,
Kopargaon, the wadas of the Satara Pravara Sangam on the confluence of the
Chhatrapati, as also the old wadas at Wai, Godavari and Pravara. In a flight of steps,
Menvali, Toke, Shrigonde, Pandharpur are there would be one wide step at regular
symbols of the medieval wada culture. intervals. This would lend beauty to the
Baked as well as unbaked bricks entire ghat construction. Strong bastions
were used to build the wadas. Wooden were built at regular intervals so as to
columns, rafts, boards, dressed stones, prevent damage due to water currents.
arches, finely prepared lime, round tiles Painting : The paintings on the walls
for the roof, mud and bamboo were all of Shaniwarwada are the important ones
used in the construction. The wadas were of the Peshwa period. Ragho, Tanaji,
decorated with sketches, paintings, wooden Anuprao, Shivram, Mankoji are some of
sculptures and mirrors. the important painters of this period. The
Temples : The temples of this period painter Gangaram Tambat was famous at
are build in the Hemadpanti style of the the time of Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa.
59
The Peshwas encouraged painting. Wadas temple in Pune, the memorial to Punyashlok
in the Pune, Satara, Menvali, Nashik, Ahilyabai in Madhya Pradesh, the
Chandwad and Nipani regions during the sculptures at the Mohiniraj temple at
Peshwa period had paintings on their Newase.
walls. Temples at Pandeshwar, Morgaon, Metal idols : The Peshwas had
Pal, Benwadi, Pashan near Pune have specially commissioned the metal idols of
paintings on the walls. The themes of Parvati and Ganapati in the Parvati temple
those paintings were Dashavatara, for the purpose of Puja. Wooden sculptures
Ganapati, Shankar, Rampanchayatana, were also seen.
mythological stories, Ramayana, Literature : Important forms of
Mahabharata, festivals and so on. At literature include the compositions of the
Jamod in Vidarbha, Jin Charitra paintings Sants, mythological narratives, ‘teeka’
adorned the Jain temple. Illustrations in the literature, owi, abhanga, treatises, narrative
pothis, minatures, portraits, scenes, etc. poems, biographies, aaratis of deities,
were also painted. powadas, bakhars, historical letters, etc.
Sculpture : Important specimens Drama : At Tanjavur in the South,
include the sculpture of the meeting Marathi plays has emerged near the end of
between Mallamma Desai and Shivaji the seventeenth century. Sarfoji Raje
Maharaj at the time of his Karnataka encouraged this art. Songs, music and
campaign, the sculpture at Bhuleshwar dance were prominent parts of these plays.
temple including sculptures of individuals
So far we reviewed the medieval
and animals (e.g., elephant, peacock,
period of history and the rise and
monkey), the sculptures on the Toke temple
expansion of the Maratha power. Next
and the idols within, the Trishund Ganapati
year, we shall study the modern period.
Exercise
Sr. Point At the time Today
1. Complete the chart. No. of Shivaji
Maharaj
1. Transactions ................ ...............
2. Houses ................ Permanent, well
One who works One who holds - constructed
in the fields Write the vatan cement-concrete
the multi-storeyed
One who manages name houses
One who protects
the revenue of
the town 3. Transportation ................ Bus, railway,
the town
aeroplanes
4. Entertainment ................ ...............
5. Script ................ ...............
2. Which undesirable customs are prevalent
in today’s society ? Suggest measures for Activity
their eradication. Gather information about the capable
women of our country and read it aloud
3. Make a detailed note about the festivals
in your class, e.g. information on P.V.
celebrated in your area.
Sindhu, Sakshi Malik.
4. Use the following points to compare life
in the era of Shivaji Maharaj and today’s
life.
60
CIVICS
- Contents -
Our Constitution
61
Competency Statements
S.No. Unit Competencies
1. Introduction - Understand that divergent views were considered in the working
to Our of the Constituent Assembly.
Constitution - Understand the importance of the contribution of Dr Babasaheb
Ambedkar in the making of the Constitution.
- Realise that the goal of the Constitution is to bring about a
new society based on the values of Justice, Liberty, Equality
and Fraternity.
- Follow democratic values in his/her behaviour.
2. Preamble - Understand that the values expressed in the Preamble are
to the Indian humanistic.
Constitution - Understand the concept of Sovereignty.
- Get acquainted with the idea that in a democracy, political
power rests with the people.
- Understand that in a democracy, decisions are taken collectively,
through debate and discussion.
3. Salient Features - Be able to narrate the salient features of the Constitution.
of the - Tell the characteristics of a democratic form of Government.
Constitution - Become familiar with the idea that the Government works on
two levels in a federal system.
4. Fundamental - Understand that the Fundamental Rights listed in the Constitution
Rights have a special judicial protection.
- Be able to tell how the Fundamental Rights are binding upon
the governmental institutions at all levels.
- Realise that all individuals are equal in the eyes of the law.
- Develop the attitude of respecting the religious plurality/ diversity
in India.
- Know that all minorities can preserve their language, script and
literature.
- Learn that no individual can be arrested illegally and detained
without reason.
5. Directive - Be able to make a list of laws based on the Directive Principles
Principles of of State Policy.
State Policy and - Understand that even though the Directive Principles of State
Fundamental Policy do not have judicial protection, the State is morally
Duties bound by them.
- Develop respect for national symbols.
- Take initiative for environmental protection.
- Nurture the attitude of respecting the dignity of women.
- Develop scientific temper by removing superstitions.
- Develop an understanding of Indianness.
62
1. Introduction to our Constitution
Let’s revise a few things ! elected by the people. It is bound to carry
In the Civics textbooks of the previous out the administration of the country as
classes, we saw many reasons why rules per the provisions of the Constitution. The
are necessary in our lives. We follow rules and provisions in the Constitution
norms and rules in order that the activities are the basic or fundamental law of the
in the family, our school, our village or land. While making laws, the government
city are carried out smoothly. There are is bound to follow the Constitution. If it
no rules in a family. However, there are does not do so, then the Judiciary can
norms about the behavior of members in declare those laws null and void or
a family. There are rules in a school unconstitutional.
regarding admission, uniform and studies. Provisions in the Constitution
Different competitions also have their The provisions in the Constitution are
own rules. The administration of our about different things, e.g., citizenship,
village or city is also carried out in the rights of citizens, the relationship
accordance with rules. Similarly, the between citizens and the State, subjects
administration of our country is carried of the laws to be made by the governments,
out through a system of rules. The rules elections, restrictions on government,
regarding family, school, village or city jurisdiction of the State, etc.
are limited in nature. But the rules or Almost all countries have accepted
provisions about the administration of a the principle of governance according to
country are much wider in scope. a Constitution. Yet the nature of the
Constitutions of different countries is
Do you wish to ask the questions different. There are differences of history,
that puzzled Sameer and Vandana ? social structures, culture, traditions, etc.
- Where can we find all the rules between the countries. Similarly, their
according to which the needs and objectives also might be
administration of the country is different. Each country tries to create a
carried out ? Constitution that is not only suited to its
- Who makes those rules ? needs and objectives, but also is in tune
- Is it binding on us to follow them ? with its distinct nature.
See whether you find the answers to
these questions in the following text. Let’s find out.
The Meaning of Constitution
Find out some information about the
The book in which all the provisions Constitution of any one country of your
regarding the administration of a the choice with the help of the following
country are mentioned together in a points :
systematic way is called a Constitution.
• Name of the country.
This makes the Constitution a written
document of the provisions related to the • Year of the making of the
administration of the country. Government Constitution.
is established by the representatives • Two features of the Constitution.
63
participating in the activities of the
Do you know ? government. Democracy is strengthened
The administration of countries like due to the increased participation of
America (USA) and England (UK) is the people.
carried out as per their respective • Constitution presents some political
Constitutions. But these two Constitutions ideals before the country. The nation
are different. is also bound to act in that direction.
The American Constitution came It creates an atmosphere conducive to
into force in 1789. It is a written attain world peace and security and
Constitution and has only 7 articles. preservation of human rights.
Even after 225 years, the American • Since the constitution also includes the
government follows the same list of citizens’ duties, it fixes the
Constitution. responsibility of the citizens as well.
England has a long history of several What is administration ?
centuries. The rules of running the country
here are found in the form of conventions, What is included in the administration
norms and traditions. Yet they are of a country ?
followed meticulously. The Magna Carta Government has to make laws relating
of 1215 marks the beginning of the to several subjects, such as defending the
development of the English Constitution. boundaries, protecting the people from
Even though there are certain written external aggression, eradication of poverty,
rules, the English Constitution is creating employment, education and health
considered to be primarily unwritten. services, encouragement to commerce and
industries, protection of the weaker
Necessity of a Constitution : There sections, making policies for the progress
are several advantages of governing a of women, children and the tribal people,
country with the help of rules or provisions etc. Government has to bring about
included in a Constitution. desirable changes in the society by
• Government has to function within a implementing laws. In short, governments
set of rules. This reduces the possibility in modern times have to take decisions
of the misuse of the power and related to different issues right from space
authority they have been given. research to public cleanliness. This is
• A Constitution includes the rights and governance or administration.
freedoms of the citizens. Government Having understood the meaning of
cannot take away these rights. Constitution and governance, we shall
Therefore, people’s rights and freedoms now see how the Indian Constitution was
are safeguarded. made.
• Running a country as per the provisions Background to the making of the
of the Constitution is the same as Constitution : The process of the making
establishing the rule of law. Then there of the Indian Constitution started in 1946.
is no scope for the misuse of power, The leaders of the freedom movement
or high-handed administration. insisted that Independent India will be
• If a country is run as per the governed not by the laws made by the
Constitution, the faith that the common British, but by laws made by Indians
people have in the government themselves. A Committee was established
increases. They then become keen on to prepare the Constitution of Independent
64
India. It came to be known as the It was discussed Article by Article. Many
Constituent Assembly. amendments were suggested by different
Constituent Assembly : India became members. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar
independent on August 15, 1947. Before handled the task of presenting the draft,
that, the British ruled over India. They answering the various questions raised on
had divided India into provinces like it, making changes in the draft as per the
Bombay, Bengal and Madras for the suggestions of the Constituent Assembly
convenience of administration. The and making every provision of the
administration in these provinces was Constitution flawless. Due to his
carried out by peoples’ representatives. contribution towards the making of the
Similarly, the local princes were carrying Constitution, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar is
out the administration in some areas. called the ‘Architect of the Indian
Such areas were Constitution.’
known as princely
states and their We are proud of it : Decisions
chiefs were known in the Constituent Assembly were
as princes. The made on the basis of debate and
representatives of
discussion. A respect for opposing
the provinces and
viewpoints and acceptance of
the princely states
appropriate suggestions was a
were included in
characteristic of the working of
Dr Rajendra Prasad the Constituent
the Constituent Assembly.
Assembly.
It took 2 years, 11 months and 17
There were a total of 299 members
days to complete the writing of the
in the Constituent Assembly. Dr Rajendra
Constitution.
Prasad was the President of the Constituent
Assembly. There were 22 parts, 395 articles
and 8 schedules in the original
The contribution of Dr Babasaheb
Constitution.
Ambedkar :
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was the
Chairman of the Drafting Committee. He Do you know ?
had studied in
depth, the Some of the well-known members
Constitutions of of the Constituent Assembly were
different countries
Dr Rajendra Prasad, Pandit
of the world. He
Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr Babasaheb
studied and
Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,
contemplated day
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sarojini
and night to draft
Naidu, J. B. Kripalani, Rajkumari
our Constitution.
Amrit Kaur, Durgabai Deshmukh,
The draft Hansaben Mehta, and others. The
Constitution noted legal expert, B. N. Rau was
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar
prepared by him appointed as the Constitutional
was presented to the Constituent Assembly.
Adviser on legal matters.
65
The Constituent Assembly enacted the according to the provisions of the
Constitution and adopted it on 26th Constitution from 26th January 1950. The
November 1949. Therefore, 26th November Indian Republic came into existence from
is observed as ‘Constitution Day.’ this day. Therefore, 26th January is
The country began to be governed celebrated as ‘Republic Day.’
66
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar presenting the draft of the Indian Constitution to
Dr Rajendra Prasad, President of the Constituent Assembly
Exercise
67
2. Preamble to the Constitution
India into a ‘Sovereign, Socialist, Secular,
We learnt this in the previous chapter:
Democratic Republic’. We shall now
The Constitution is an important understand the meaning of each of these
document clarifying the rules of terms.
administration.
(1) Sovereign State : India was ruled
The Constituent Assembly made by Britain for a long period. The British
the Constitution of India. rule ended on 15th August 1947. Our
Our representatives have to carry country became independent. India became
out the administration as per the sovereign. We are now free to take
law laid down by the Constitution. decisions as we think fit in our own
country. The word sovereign means that
Our Constitution is the fundamental a State is not under the control of a
and the highest law of the land. There foreign power.
are definite aims or purposes in making The most important goal of our
any law. Basic provisions in the law are freedom struggle was to acquire
made after clarifying these objectives. A sovereignty. Sovereignty means the
systematic arrangement of all the aims ultimate authority to govern yourself. In
and objectives of a law is the Preface to a democracy, sovereignty rests with the
the law. The Preface to the Indian people. The people elect their
Constitution is called the ‘Preamble’. The representatives and grant them the
Preamble sets out the objectives of our permission to exercise sovereign authority
Constitution. on their behalf. Thus the Constitution
reflects the principle of popular sovereignty
Do this. and the government elected by the people
makes laws on behalf of the people.
Read the Preamble to our (2) Socialist State : A Socialist State
Constitution. Make a list of the is such a State where the gap between
important words in it. Where else do the rich and the poor is minimum. All
you come across these words ? have a right over the wealth of the
country. It is ensured that wealth is not
We all are Indian citizens. The concentrated in the hands of a few people.
Preamble tells us what we all have to (3) Secular State : The Preamble
achieve as a people. The values, thoughts states secularism as one of our goals. In
and ideas in it are noble. The entire a secular State, all religions are considered
Constitution lays down the provisions as equal.
through which these goals are to be No one religion is considered to be
realised. the State religion. The citizens are free to
The Preamble begins with the words, follow their own religion. State cannot
‘We, the people of India’. It talks about discriminate among citizens on the basis
the resolve of the Indians to constitute of religion.
68
Do you know ? Discuss.
We have endeavoured to preserve Read what Deepa has written on
the multi-religious nature of our society. the topic : ‘My Family’.
Democracy does not only imply
We cannot exercise the rights given to
elections. My parents do all household
us by our Constitution, in an unrestrained work together. We also participate in
manner. The same is true of religious it. We ensure that we talk cordially
freedom as well. Whenever we celebrate with each other. Even if we happen to
our festivals, we are required to be fight, we try to listen to each other’s
concerned about public cleanliness, views by stopping the fight as soon as
possible. If any change has to be made,
health and the environment. even the grandparents are consulted.
Anuja wants to take up agricultural
(4) Democratic State : In a research as her career. Her decision
democracy, the sovereign power is in the was appreciated by everybody.
hands of the people. Government makes Do you think that Deepa’s house
decisions and draws up policies in keeping functions in a democratic way ? Which
with the people’s wishes. Government has features of democracy can be found
to take important financial, social and in this passage ?
other decisions to promote common
welfare. All the people are not able to The Preamble has guaranteed the
come together and take such decisions on Indian citizens the three values of Justice,
a day-to-day basis. Therefore, elections Liberty and Equality. It has enjoined upon
are conducted after a fixed period when the Indian citizens to practise these values
voters elect their representatives. These and make laws in keeping with these
representatives sit in the institutions values. Let us understand these values :
created by the Constitution like the
Parliament or Legislature and the (1) Justice : Justice implies removal
Executive. They take decisions for the of injustice and ensuring that everybody
entire population as per the procedure has the opportunity for progress.
laid down by the Constitution. Establishing justice is adopting such
policies that will promote public good.
(5) Republic : Along with being a Three types of justice are talked of in the
democracy, we are a Republic. All public Preamble. They are as follows:
positions in a Republic are elected by the
people. No public position is occupied on (a) Social Justice : There should be
the basis of hereditary succession. no discrimination among individuals on
the basis of caste, creed, race, language,
The positions like the President, the region, place of birth or sex. As human
Prime Minister, the Governor, the Chief beings, all have the right to the same
Minister, the Mayor, the Sarpanch, etc. dignity and respect, the same status.
are public positions. Any Indian citizen
fulfilling the prescribed age criterion can (b) Economic Justice : Poverty leads
get himself/herself elected to any of these to the evils of hunger, hunger-deaths or
positions. In a monarchy, these positions malnourishment. If poverty is to be
may be occupied by members of a single eradicated, everyone should have the right
family following the principle of heredity. to a source of livelihood so as to look
after oneself and one’s family. Our
69
Constitution has given this right to every will get the opportunities for development
citizen without any discrimination. without any discrimination.
(c) Political Justice : We have
adopted universal adult franchise to enable Discuss.
equal participation in the running of the Some statements regarding freedom
country. Accordingly, all citizens have been given below for discussion.
completing 18 years of age have the right Express your views.
to vote in elections.
While publicly celebrating our
(2) Liberty : Liberty implies that festivals, we need to follow some
there should be no coercive, unfair rules. That does not restrict our
restrictions upon us and that there should freedom.
be an atmosphere conducive to the Freedom means behaving in a
development of our inherent capacities. In responsible way, not as per our
a democracy, citizens enjoy libery. In whims and fancies.
fact, democracy becomes mature only if
citizens enjoy freedom.
The Preamble to our Constitution
Freedom of thought and expression is
refers to a unique ideal or principle. It is
the most fundamental freedom for an
the goal of promoting fraternity among
individual. Everyone is free to express
the citizens and to assure the dignity of
their own views and opinions. A give and
the individual.
take of ideas enhances the spirit of
cooperation and unity amongst us. Fraternity : The makers of the
Similarly, it also enables us to understand Constitution believed that merely
the various dimensions of any problem. guaranteeing justice, freedom and equality
would not lead to establishing equality in
The liberty of belief, faith and worship Indian society. No amount of laws would
implies religious freedom. Every Indian help us achieve these goals if fraternity
citizen is free to act as per the teachings is lacking among Indians. Hence the
of their religion or the religion of their promotion of fraternity has been included
choice. It implies the freedom of in the Preamble as a goal. Fraternity
celebrating the festivals and the freedom implies a ‘we-feeling’ towards one another.
of faith and worship. It creates a feeling of empathy. People
(3) Equality : The Preamble become more understanding towards each
guarantees the Indian citizens an equality others’ problems and needs.
of status and of opportunity. Fraternity is closely related to human
It means that all have equal human dignity. Human dignity implies equal
status and there will be no discrimination respect to each individual as a human
based on caste, creed, race, sex, place of being. It does not depend upon the criteria
birth, etc. The guarantee of equal status of caste, creed, race, sex, language, etc.
means not to discriminate between people Just as we would like to be treated with
in terms of high-low, superior-inferior. dignity and respect by others, we should
The Preamble has given great importance also treat others with the same dignity
to equality of opportunity as well. All and respect.
70
When every individual respects will be facilitated. The Preamble to the
another and honours their freedom and Constitution of India guides us to this
rights, dignity of the individual will get very goal.
established. In such an atmosphere,
The Preamble ends with a mention of
fraternity will grow automatically. The
the fact that the people of India have
task of bringing about a new society
given the Constitution to themselves.
based on the values of justice and equality
Exercise
1. Find the following words in the grid. 3. How should we make use of our freedom ?
Write your views about it.
F A Y Q A R O K J I
R G Z E L F K M L L 4. Explain the following concepts.
A E G P S H M Y N D 1. Socialist State
T F P R E A M B L E 2. Equality
3. Sovereign State
E E A Z C H I J I M
4. Equality of opportunity
R D O P U J A B K O
N I M E L K P S Q C 5.
Make a list of the key words in the
Preamble. Look for their meanings in a
I H N Z A R C O T R
dictionary. Prepare a chart in the
T C G F R G H G K A following way:
Y B N Q H I E F J C
Y A A P S L S I F Y Dictionary
Keyword Pronunciation
Meaning
1. A sense of ‘we-feeling’ and empathy
towards fellow citizens
2. A system in which Sovereign power
is in the hands of the people Activities
3. Introduction to the Constitution (1) Visit your Tehsil office with your
4. A system in which all religions are teacher to understand how a vote is
considered equal cast and how the electronic voting
2. Answer the following questions. machine works.
(1) What are the provisions in a secular (2) Make a list of newspapers available
Constitution? in your locality.
(2) What is meant by adult franchise ?
(3) What right does economic justice
ensure ?
(4) How will human dignity be
established in a society?
71
3. Features of the Constitution
In the last two lessons, we studied Government and the State Governments.
how our Constitution was made. We Let us see which Government is entrusted
studied its Preamble and understood terms with what subjects. Our Constitution has
like Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, given three lists of various subjects.
Democratic, Republic. The goals expressed The first list is called Union List. It
in the Preamble are the characteristic contains 97 subjects on which the Union
features of our Constitution as well. Apart Government makes laws. The State List
from these, the Constitution also has other is for the State Governments to legislate
features. We shall try to understand these upon. It contains 66 subjects. Apart from
in the present chapter. these two lists, there is a Concurrent List,
Federalism : One of the important which contains 47 subjects. Both
features of our Constitution is the federal Governments can make laws on subjects
system. In countries with large territories included in this list. If a subject comes
and huge populations, government is run up that is not included in any of the lists,
by a federal system. Ruling a large the Union Government is entitled to make
territory from a single capital city is not laws on it. These powers are termed as
only difficult, but may also lead to the Residuary Powers.
neglect of some far-flung areas. People
residing there cannot participate in the
Do you know ?
affairs of the Government. Therefore,
Governments function at two levels in a The division of powers in the
federation. The Government at the Centre Indian Constitution is unique. It
carries out tasks like defence of the entire enables the Union Government and
country, foreign policy, establishing peace, the State Government to bring about
etc. It is also called ‘Union Government’ the country’s progress by cooperating
or ‘Federal Government’. It carriers out with each other. This also encourages
the administration of the entire country. participation of citizens in the
The Government that oversees the administration of the country.
administration of the region that we live
in is called State Government. It looks Who deals with what subjects -
after the administration of a particular (1) Subjects with the Union
State. For example, Government of Government : Defence, foreign relations,
Maharashtra looks after the administration war and peace, currency, international
of the State of Maharashtra. trade, etc.
The system of running the (2) Subjects with the State
administration of a country cooperatively Government : Agriculture, law and order,
by the Governments at two levels, making local government, health, prison
laws about different subjects is called administration, etc.
federalism. (3) Subjects with both the
Separation of Powers : The Governments : Employment, environment,
Constitution has divided the subjects for economic and social planning, personal
making laws between the Union law, education, etc.
72
Nagar Haveli, Andaman and Nicobar
Do this. Islands and Lakshadweep.
Parliamentary System of
Make a list of the north-eastern Government : The Indian Constitution
Indian States. Name their capital cities. has provided for a parliamentary system
of Government. In such a system, the
Union Territories : In India, there is
Parliament, i.e. the Legislature has the
a Union Government, 29 State
highest decision-making power. Indian
Governments and 7 Union Territories.
Parliament includes the President, Lok
The Union Government controls the Union
Sabha or the House of the People and
Territories. Following are the seven Union
Rajya Sabha or the Council of States.
Territories : New Delhi, Daman and Diu,
The Council of Ministers that runs the
Puducherry, Chandigarh, Dadra and
administration emerges from the Lok
Sabha and is answerable to the Lok
Do you know ?
Currency note
You have surely seen currency notes. ‘Maharashtra State Road Transport
The words ‘Guaranteed by the Central Corporation’.
Government’ are printed on currency This means that in our country,
notes. Government functions at two levels. One
If you have seen the badge on the is the Central Government, and the other
uniform of a policeman, it reads is the State Government e.g., Maharashtra
‘Maharashtra Police.’ State Government, Karnataka State
You must have surely come across the Government, etc.
following : ‘Indian Railways’ and
73
Sabha for all its decisions. In remains more and more independent. For
Parliamentary Democracy, the discussion example, Judges are appointed by the
and debates that take place in the President and not by the Government. It
Parliament have great significance. is not easy to remove the Judges from
Independent Judiciary : The Indian their office.
Constitution has created an independent Single Citizenship : The Indian
Judiciary. The disputes that cannot be Constitution has granted a single
resolved mutually are referred to the citizenship to all Indians. That is ‘Indian
Judiciary. The Court hears both the Citizenship.’
contesting parties, looks into the injustice Process of Amending the
if any, and gives its judgement. This has Constitution : There comes up a need to
to be done impartially. make changes or amendments in the
The Constitution has made several provisions of the Constitution due to
provisions to ensure that the Judiciary changing circumstances. But frequent
74
amendments to the Constitution may lead Can you tell ?
to a situation of instability. The procedure
for amendment is specified in the * Who is the current Chief Election
Constitution itself so as to ensure that an Commissioner ?
amendment is made only after giving it a * What do you understand by ‘Code
careful consideration. The procedure for of Conduct’ for Elections ?
amendment in the Constitution is unique. It * What is a Constituency ?
is neither too difficult, nor too easy. More able to elect a candidate of their choice
scope has been provided for giving more without any fear or pressure. If the
consideration and thought to important government were to conduct elections,
amendments. The procedure is also flexible there might be no guarantee of such free,
to ensure that general amendments can be fair and just atmosphere for the elections.
brought about easily. Hence, the Constitution has entrusted the
responsibility of conducting elections to
Find out . an independent machinery. This machinery
is known as the Election Commission.
How many amendments have been The responsibility of conducting all
made to the Indian Constitution till date? elections in India rests with the Election
Election Commission : You must Commission.
have read about the Election Commission The Indian Constitution has some
in the newspapers. Since India has adopted important characteristic features. In this
a democratic form of government, people chapter, we have studied only some of
have to elect their representatives the important features. Another important
periodically. For this, the elections have feature of our Constitution is the exhaustive
to be conducted in a free and fair provision of fundamental rights. We shall
atmosphere. Only then will the citizens be study these in the next chapter.
Exercise
1. Prepare a table to show the separation (2) What do you understand by Residuary
of powers in a Federal Government. Powers ?
Union List State List Concurrent List (3) Why has the Constitution created an
independent Judiciary for India ?
(1) (1) (1) 4. Hold a group discussion on the merits and
(2) (2) (2) demerits of an independent judicial system.
(3) (3) (3) 5. Find out about the Electronic Voting
2. Find one word for. Machine (EVM) and discuss the advantages
(1) Machinery for the governance of the of conducting elections with the EVM.
entire country - Activity
(2) Machinery for conducting elections - Establish an Election Commission in
(3) The third list of subjects for making your class, decide upon the positions
laws - you would like to fill through elections.
3. Answer the following questions. Then conduct elections under the
(1) Why does the Government function guidance of this Commission.
at two levels in a federation ?
75
4. Fundamental Rights - Part I
76
they are included in the Constitution, they that was prevalent in our country has
have the status of law. It is imperative been abolished by law. The practice of
for everybody to abide by these rights. untouchability in any form is a cognizable
offence. This practice has been abolished
Use your imagination and write. in order to establish equality in Indian
society. The Constitution has also
Do you have pet animals like dogs,
abolished titles that create an artificial
cats, cows, buffaloes or goats? You
hierarchy among people. For example,
surely take good care of them and love
titles like Raja, Maharaja, Raobahadur,
them.
etc. have been abolished.
If these animals could speak, what
rights do you think they would ask
from you ? Do you know ?
78
denying them legitimate compensation, Let’s discuss.
making them do excessive or strenuous
work, starving them or ill-treating them. The Government has made many
Generally women, children, the weaker laws in order to prevent exploitation
sections of society and powerless people and to enable every individual to enjoy
are exploited. This right enables us to their freedom. Some laws have been
stand up against any kind of exploitation. mentioned below. Find out if there are
more such laws and discuss them.
Minumum Wages Act - Provisions
relating to working hours, rest hours,
Let’s discuss. etc. in factories.
The Protection of Women from
Children are not employed here.
Domestic Violence Act : .................
Workers are paid daily here.
You see such boards in shops and In this chapter we studied the rights
hotels. In what way are they related to to liberty and equality and the right
the above rights in the Constitution ? against exploitation. In the next chapter,
we shall study some more fundamental
rights in the Constitution.
Exercise
79
5. Fundamental Rights - Part II
In the last chapter we studied some According to this right, people are
fundamental rights guaranteed by the not only free to preserve their own
Indian Constitution. We studied the rights language, script and literature, but also
of liberty, equality and the right against make efforts towards their promotion.
exploitation. In this chapter, we shall also They can establish institutions for the
learn about the right to freedom of development of their language.
religion, cultural and educational rights
and we shall get acquainted with the Find out and discuss.
judicial protection available for the How many official languages are
fundamental rights. listed in the Constitution ?
Right to Freedom of Religion : Which institutions have been
India, we know, is an important secular established by the Maharashtra State
country in the world. We have studied it Government for the further
in the previous classes. But you must be development of the Marathi language ?
curious to know what the Indian
Constitution says about it, isn’t it ? It is
included in our right to freedom of Let’s discuss.
religion. According to it, each Indian
citizen is free to practise any religion and Do you think that all the work
to establish institutions for religious of the government and the courts
reasons. should be done in Marathi in
In order to broaden the scope of the Maharashtra ? What should be done
right to freedom of religion, two things to do so ?
are not permitted: Right to Constitutional Remedies :
(1) State cannot impose religious In case of encroachment of fundamental
taxes that might be used to encourage a rights, the Indian citizens’ right to get
particular religion. That is, our Constitution judicial remedies is also a fundamental
forbids religious taxes. right. This is called the Right to
(2) Religious education cannot be Constitutional Remedies. This means the
made compulsory in educational Constitution itself has provided for legal
institutions that receive aid from the State. remedies in case people’s rights get
Cultural and Educational Rights : violated. So, it becomes a constitutional
We can see that there is a great diversity duty of the courts to protect the rights of
of festivals, food and ways of life in our the people.
country. You may have noticed the Sometimes the rights that are
differences in the different wedding guaranteed to us by the Constitution may
ceremonies that you attended. All these get encroached upon and we are not able
things are part of the cultures of the to exercise our rights. This is called an
different communities. Our Constitution infringement of our rights. The court
has given the different communities the considers our complaint, investigates it
right to preserve their cultural uniqueness. and in case it is convinced that rights
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have indeed been infringed upon and perform an action that is its duty to
injustice has been done to the aggrieved perform in public interest.
individual, the court gives an appropriate (3) Prohibition : To prevent a
verdict. subordinate court from exceeding its
jurisdiction.
Some instances of infringement of (4) Quo Warranto : To restrain a
rights : person from acting in an office to which
he is not entitled.
Arresting an individual without
reason. (5) Certiorari : To order the removal
Preventing a person from leaving a of a law suit from a subordinate court to
village or a town without giving a a superior court.
valid reason.
Refusing food, water or medicines Is the reaction of this
to jail inmates. Government official right or wrong ?
Writs as Constitutional Remedies : An officer tells a woman who
Courts have powers to issue various kinds presents all the documents for getting
of writs to protect the rights of the the benefits of a scheme for destitutes,
citizens. “You don’t look like a destitute” and
(1) Habeas Corpus : Protection from refuses her the benefits of the scheme.
unlawful arrest and detention. In this instance, do you think the
(2) Mandamus : The order of the woman’s right has been infringed ?
Courts (the Supreme Court or the High Where should she go to get redressal ?
Court) commanding the government to
Inside a court
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Because the fundamental rights are active citizens. While considering
thus protected by the courts, citizens are fundamental rights, we also need to
able to exercise their rights. They can remember our duties. In the next chapter,
fulfil their roles as alert, responsible and we shall study our fundamental duties.
Exercise
1. Write about the following. 3. State the reason why we are free to
(1) The Constitution prevents the practise the following.
imposition of religious taxes. (1) All Indian citizens can celebrate all
(2) What is meant by Right to festivals joyfully, because …..
Constitutional Remedies ? (2) We can make efforts towards the
2. Find one appropriate word - preservation and propagation of our
language, its script and literature,
(1) Protection from illegal arrest and because …..
detention -
(2) To restrain a person from acting 4. Fill in the blanks with appropriate
in an office to which he is not words.
entitled - (1) We can approach the ............ in
(3) The order of the Supreme Court or case of infringement of our rights.
the High Court commanding the (2) ............ education cannot be made
government to perform an action compulsory in educational institutions
that is its duty to perform - that get aid from the State.
(4) The order preventing a subordinate
court from exceeding its Activity
jurisdiction - Organise an interview in your school
of a judge, a lawyer or a police
officer.
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6. Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties
In the last two chapters, we studied The goal of people’s welfare had to be
the fundamental rights guaranteed by our achieved. In short, India had to be
Constitution. We learnt what rights Indian transformed into a developed and
citizens enjoy. We also learnt that our progressive nation. The Constitution has
rights have judicial protection. We specified the subjects to which the Union
understood the importance of fundamental and State Governments should give
rights in our individual and public lives. priority in their policies for people’s
With this background, we shall now welfare through the Directive Principles
understand what the Directive Principles of State Policy. Each Directive contains
of State Policy are. a subject for the State Policy. The makers
Fundamental rights put restrictions on of the Indian Constitution had realised
the power of the government. A few such that it would require a lot of resources if
restrictions upon the State are listed all these policies were to be implemented
below. at the same time. That is the reason why
they did not make the directives binding
• State shall not discriminate between
upon the State like the fundamental rights.
and among citizens on the basis of
They expected that States should
caste, religion, race, language or sex.
implement them slowly and steadily.
• State shall not deny anybody equality
before the law and equal protection of Some important Directive Principles of
the law. State Policy :
• No person shall be deprived of his life. • The State should secure adequate
• State shall not impose any religious means of livelihood to all citizens
taxes. without any gender discrimination.
The Constitution has given express • The State should secure equal pay for
instructions to the State about what equal work for both men and women.
policies it should undertake. This is in the • The State should secure the
nature of giving directives or guidelines improvement of public health.
about how to achieve the goals expressed
• The State shall endeavour to protect
in the Preamble. Hence they are called
and improve the environment and
as Directive Principles of State Policy.
safeguard the forests and wild-life of
Why were the Directives included ? the country.
When India won independence, we • The State shall protect all monuments
faced a great challenge of establishing of historic interest and national
order and carrying out smooth importance.
administration. Eradication of poverty,
• The State shall promote with special
backwardness and illiteracy had to be
care the educational and economic
urgently pursued. The task of nation
interests of the weaker sections of the
building had to be undertaken. For this,
people, especially the Scheduled Castes
new policies had to be drawn up, and
and Tribes.
their implementation had to be undertaken.
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• The State shall offer public assistance we cannot go to the courts if a Directive
to citizens in cases of unemployment, is not implemented by the Government,
old age, sickness, etc. we can put pressure on the Government
• The State shall secure a uniform civil in various ways to make a policy in order
code applicable to the entire country. to meet these goals.
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To cherish and follow the noble ideals To develop the scientific temper,
which inspired our national struggle humanism and spirit of inquiry and
for freedom. reform.
To uphold and protect the sovereignty, To safeguard public property and to
unity and integrity of India. abjure violence.
To defend the country, and to render To strive towards excellence in all
national service when called upon to spheres of individual and collective
do so. activity so that the nation constantly
To promote harmony and the spirit of rises to higher levels of endeavour
common brotherhood transcending and achievement.
diversities; to renounce practices Every citizen of India who is a parent
derogatory to the dignity of women. or guardian should provide
To value and preserve the rich heritage opportunities of education to his or
of our composite culture. her child or ward between the age of
To protect and improve the natural six and fourteen years.
environment, and to have compassion
for living creatures.
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The river in our village That is all right, People just don’t seem
does not look like a but what to do to realise these things
river at all! What an about those while celebrating
amount of plastic waste! deafening sounds? festivals!
Even if anybody tells
me, I will never throw
any waste in the river.
We should
also be insistent It is our duty to protect the
on our resources and public
responsibilities as property of our country.
citizens.
86
At the beginning of the Civics section,
What do you think ?
we got introduced to the goals and
Girls and boys between the ages 6 characteristic features of the Indian
and 14 have got the right to education. Constitution. We also considered the
All the girls and boys in this age group rights of the Indian citizens and the legal
should be in school. Yet many girls and
protection guaranteed to these rights by
boys are not able to go to school
the Constitution. We understood the
because of many reasons. They have to
Directive Principles of State Policy and
work to help their parents earn a living
for the family. Do you think that it is the Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens.
unfair to such children to insist that they Next year, we shall study the
go to school ? administration of our country.
Exercise
1. List the restrictions on the powers of (3) To carve or paint our names on the
the Government. walls of a historic place like a fort.
(4) To give lesser wages to women than
to men for the same work.
(5) To keep public places clean.
5. Write about the following.
2. Say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. (1) The Directive Principles of the
(1) The jobs advertised in the newspaper Constitution enumerated in the
are for men and women both. textbook.
(2) Men and women doing the same (2) The provision of a uniform civil
work in a factory get different code for citizens in the Directive
wages. Principles of the Indian Constitution.
(3) Government implements various (3) Why is it said that the Directive
schemes for the improvement of Principles and Fundamental Rights
public health. are two sides of the same coin ?
(4) The State shall protect all monuments 6.
What are the ways in which citizens
of historic interest and national can conserve the environment ? Write
importance. with examples.
3. Tell why -
(1) The State shall protect all monuments Activities
of historic interest. (1) Education is our right. Form groups
(2) A pension scheme is implemented and discuss our duties in this respect.
for old people. (2) The State shall protect all monuments
(3) Free and compulsory education has of historic interest and national
been made available to children in importance. This is one of the
the age group 6 to 14. Directive Principles. Find out the
efforts made by the State about the
4. Say right or wrong. Correct and write conservation and protection of forts
the wrong ones. and make a chart.
(1) Not to let the National Flag fall (3) Gather information about the schemes
down on the ground. implemented by the Government for
(2) To stand at attention while the children’s health.
National Anthem is playing.
87
Marathas
th defeated
Timeline - From the 8 century to by the
the 19th century British
Maharani The reign of
Review of Major Events Tarabai’s Bajirao II
reign
Read the sequence of events from Swaraj to
Chhatrapati Empire
the bottom upward.
Rajaram
Sawai
Maharaj
Madhavrao
The reign of Peshwa
Adilshahi, Chhatrapati
Nizamshahi, Sambhaji Narayanrao
Qutubshahi, Emperor Maharaj Peshwa
Baridshahi, Akbar’s
Imadshahi conflict with Coronation
Maharana ceremony of Madhavrao
Pratap, Chhatrapati Peshwa
Chandbibi Shivaji
and Rani Maharaj The battle
Establishment Durgavati of Panipat
Warkari of Bahamani
Foundation
88
Panth Dynasty
of Swaraj Nanasaheb
Mahanubhav Peshwa
Muhammad- Panth Reign of
bin-Qasim Establishment
Chhatrapati Marathas
invaded Sindh of Vijaynagar
Khalji Shivaji defeated
Dynasty Beginning of
Rajput - Dynasty Maharaj Portuguese
Mahmud of Muhammad the Mughal
Gahadwal Ghazni Tughluque rule. Great famine Power
Ghuri
and Parmar Dynasty in The reign of in
invaded India invaded The reign of
dynasties Delhi. Babur, Maharashtra
India and Iltutmish,
Gurjar - Turks defeated Sultana Transfer of Humayun.
Mughal-Sikh Peshwa
Pratihar invaded Prithviraj Razia, capital from conflict
India Bajirao I
Kingdom Chauhan. Bulban. Delhi to
Shilahar End of the Qutubuddin Deogiri and Aurangzeb
Pal Dynasty Raja Jaipal The reign of
Dynasty Hoysala Chauhan Aibak then back to
- Sabuktagin Chhatrapati
Rashtrakuta Dynasty Kingdom became the Delhi. End of the Shahajahan
Conflict Shahu
Dynasty Chola Sultan of Timur Sultanate at
Pandya Yadava Delhi. invaded India Delhi Jahangir Maharaj
Dynasty
Dynasty Dynasty
8th Century 9th Century 10th Century 11th Century 12th Century 13th Century 14th Century 15th Century 16th Century 17th Century 18th Century 19th Century