Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Where was the capital of Shivaji?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: A
Concept
A capital in the 17th-century Deccan had to be more than a administrative center; it had to be a military stronghold capable of withstanding long imperial sieges.Explanation
Raigarh (Raigad) was chosen as the capital by Shivaji in 1674, the year of his formal coronation. Known as the 'Gibraltar of the East,' the fort was virtually impregnable due to its high, steep cliffs and limited access points.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Its flat top provided enough space for the royal court, markets, and residential quarters, allowing the state to function even during a siege.
Logic 2: While Satara became a capital later and Purandar was a key military fort, Raigarh was the specific site of Shivaji’s crowning and the heart of his *Swarajya*.