Question

The image below shows Shivaji’s royal seal. There is a connection between this seal and Shivaji’s objective of establishing Swaraj. Can you identify and name it? Write in brief about his idea of Swaraj.

Answer 1

Explanation:

• Shivaji aimed to implement Swaraj.
• Swaraj meant the freedom of the Maratha and the other Indian territories from foreigners.
• He began laying the foundation of Swaraj in the Maval region. This region had challenging terrain comprising hilly areas and valleys, yet he traversed through the region by utilising its physical features effectively and took the first step towards Swaraj.
• Shivaji’s campaign garnered support from the common people. A group of trusted companions joined him soon.

The royal seal and its significance:

• The expression of his objective of achieving Swaraj was expressed on his royal seal. It in fact covers the entire concept of Swaraj.
• The meaning of the words written on the seal is important from many perspectives.
• Through this inscription,

1. Shivaji expressed his gratefulness to his father.
2. Belief that Swaraj will continually progress and spread far and wide.
3. The certainty that he would be ruling over his lands in an independent manner.

Solution:

• The royal seal in fact covers the entire concept of Shivaji’s idea of Swaraj. Among many other things, through this seal, Shivaji expressed his gratefulness to his father and his belief that Swaraj will continually progress and spread far and wide.
• Swaraj for Shivaji meant the freedom of the Maratha and the other Indian territories from foreigners. He began laying the foundation of Swaraj in the Maval region which had a challenging terrain comprising hilly areas and valleys.
• Shivaji’s campaign garnered support from the common people.