[Solved] Treaty of Purandar (1665): Shivaji and Jai Singh

Treaty of Purandar (1665) was signed with which Mughal General?

[UPPCS Mains 2009]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The Treaty of Purandar was a diplomatic settlement that temporarily halted the conflict between the rising Maratha power and the Mughal Empire. It followed a successful siege by the Mughals, forcing Shivaji into a corner.

Authentic Source Evidence

In 1665, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb sent Raja Jai Singh I of Amber with a massive army to curb Shivaji's influence. Under the terms of the treaty signed with Jai Singh, Shivaji had to surrender 23 out of his 35 forts to the Mughals and pay a compensation of 400,000 gold huns.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Raja Jai Singh was a master diplomat and military tactician who realized that Shivaji could not be defeated solely by force; hence, he negotiated a vassal status for the Maratha leader.

Logic 2: While Diler Khan was a subordinate general in the same campaign, and Shaista Khan had been previously humiliated by Shivaji, it was Jai Singh who held the supreme command and signed the treaty.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why did Shivaji agree to surrender 23 forts?"

The Mughal siege of Purandar was so effective that Shivaji realized his remaining forts and family were at risk, making the treaty a strategic survival move.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Treaty of Purandar was a rare moment where a Rajput general acted as the primary bridge between the Mughal throne and the Maratha state."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Aurangzeb 7Deccan Campaigns 2

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