Question

Who became the ruler of the Marathas after Shivaji.
A. Rajaram
B. Tarabai
C.Sambhaji
D. Sahu

Answer 1

Hint: The Maratha rulers belonged to the Bhonsale dynasty. They ruled from the 17th to 18th century in the Indian subcontinent.

Complete answer: Shivaji had two sons Shambhaji and Rajaram.Sambhaji became the ruler after Shivaji and assumed the title of Chhatrapati. He was born on 14th may 1657. However he could only rule for nine years and was captured by the Mughals and executed. Rajaram was the half brother of Sambhaji. Sambhaji fought Rajaram and ascended the throne. He also carried on with his father’s expansionist policies. Sambhaji’s first wife was Saibai.Sambhaji was imprisoned by his father because of his luxuries and sensual pleasures. In the Panhala fort.Sambhaji had escaped from the surveillance with his wife and went to win the trust of the Mughals in 1678. After he became aware that a plot was being built in order to kill him, he came back to his home. Once again he was put inside surveillance in Panhala fort. When Shivaji died, Sambhaji was still held captive in the fort of Panhala. Influential ministers like Annaji Datto plotted against Sambhaji to prevent him from ascending the throne.This was supported by Soyarabai who was the mother of Rajaram and stepmother of Sambhaji.
Looking at the options:
Option A: Rajaram was the third ruler after Shivaji. Therefore this is not the correct answer.
Option B: Tarabai was the queen of Rajaram. Therefore this is incorrect.
Option C: Sambhaji was made the ruler after Shivaji but he could only rule for nine years. Therefore this is the right answer.
Option D: Sahu was the fifth ruler of the Marathas. Therefore this is incorrect.

Hence, Option C is the right answer.

Note: Sambhaji was fearless like his father. After the death of Sambhaji, his half brother Rajaram became the ruler. Sambhaji was well versed in many languages. He also wrote several books. The most famous one is Budhbhushanam. This book consists of poetry about politics.