Current Affairs Reverse Engineering
Care (20-02-2024)
| News at a Glance
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| Science and Technology: ISRO launches GSLV rocket with INSAT-3DS satellite |
| Economy: MSP Legal Guarantee |
| International– EU launches Red Sea mission — called Aspides |
| Henley Passport Index |
| Art and Culture: Shivaji Jayanti 2024 |
| Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival |
| Sallekhna: A Jain Religious Practice |
ISRO launches GSLV rocket with INSAT-3DS satellite
Source: Indian Express
Context: ISRO launches GSLV with INSAT-3DS satellite from Sriharikota, enhancing Earth’s surface and oceanic observations.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 (Science and Technology)
Why in news
- Recently the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a new-generation meteorological satellite, INSAT-3DS, meant to carry out enhanced monitoring of the Earth’s surface, atmosphere, oceans and environment.
GSLV rocket is nicknamed ‘naughty boy’
- GSLV had flown 15 times before this, and four of these had been unsuccessful, a very high failure rate for any rocket.
- PSLV, the rocket that ISRO has used the maximum number of times, has failed only twice in its 60 launches, including the first time it was tried way back in 1993.
- The LVM3 rocket has flown seven times and never failed.
- GSLV’s most recent failure was in August 2021, when it was attempting to carry an earth observation satellite EOS- 03 into space.
- Five minutes into the flight, it deviated from the scheduled trajectory, lost the power to carry on, and fell somewhere in the Andaman Sea.
- The mission was crucial for the GSLV rocket nicknamed ‘naughty boy’ due to its inconsistent record.
About INSAT-3DS
- The INSAT-3DS satellite is a follow-on mission of the third-generation meteorological satellite from geostationary orbit.
- The satellite Is an exclusive mission designed for enhanced meteorological observations, monitoring of land and
- Ocean surfaces for weather forecasting, and disaster warning. The INSAT-3DS satellite will augment meteorological services along with the presently operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR in-orbit satellites.
The primary objectives of the mission are to:
- Monitor Earth’s surface,
- Carry out oceanic observations and its environment in various spectral channels of meteorological importance,
- Provide the vertical profile of various meteorological parameters of the atmosphere,
- Provide data collection and dissemination capabilities from data collection platforms, and
- Provide satellite-aided search and rescue services.
Problems with the GSLV
- GSLV is a more powerful rocket than PSLV and can carry much heavier satellites. It can carry more than 2,200 kg to geostationary orbits, and over 6,000 kg to the low earth orbits.
- Its problems have mainly been with the cryogenic engine that powers the third and final stage of the flight.
- Cryogenics is the science relating to the behaviour of materials at very low temperatures.
- Cryogenic engines use liquid hydrogen as the main fuel.
- Hydrogen, the most efficient rocket fuel, is very difficult to handle in its natural gaseous form, but manageable in liquid state.
- However, it liquefies only at very low temperatures, nearly 250 degrees Celsius below zero.
- The oxygen that is needed to burn this fuel also needs to be in liquid form. Oxygen is in liquid state at about 90 degrees Celsius below zero.
International Collaboration
- The Russians had won a deal to supply cryogenic engines, and technology, to ISRO in the late 1980s, but that deal had come under pressure from the United States which claimed that it violated provisions of Missile Technology Control Regime, an international legal framework meant to stop the proliferation of missile technology.
- The deal had to be thus called off. Russia did supply a few of those cryogenic engines but could not transfer the technology.
Indigenous cryogenic technology
- In the meanwhile, India has managed to develop its own cryogenic engine as well, a result of decades of research and development.
- This engine has an entirely Indian design, developed within ISRO, and uses a different process to burn the fuel.
- It is closer to the designs of the Arianne rockets that were used by ISRO till a few years ago to launch its heavier satellites.
- This indigenously developed cryogenic engine is deployed in LVM3, ISRO’s most powerful rocket so far, which carried the Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions, among others.
- LVM3 has had seven flights till now, without any trouble. ISRO scientists, not surprisingly, have a much better grip on this home-grown technology.
Way Ahead
- Recent successful launch has put away the question marks on the GSLV rocket for the time being, but a more crucial test awaits it in a few weeks’ time when it gets ready to carry the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite.
- NISAR, a first of its kind collaboration between ISRO and NASA, would be the most prestigious mission for the GSLV so far.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q 1. Consider the following statements regarding Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket:
1. It is a three-stage launch system. 2. Like Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), GSLV also uses cryogenic engine in the third stage. 3. Chandrayaan was launched using GSLV rocket. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1, 2, and 3 D. 1, and 2 only
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Q. With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2018)
1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. 3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 2 D. 3 only Answer: A
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| Ans 1 A
Explanation
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MSP Legal Guarantee and India’s Food Security
Source: Down To Earth
Context: Recent discussions surrounding the absence of a legal guarantee for MSP have sparked concerns over potential exploitation of farmers and threats to India’s food security.
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS – 3 (Agricultural Pricing) GS – 2 – Government Policies & Interventions
Why in news
- The Minimum Support Price (MSP) serves as a crucial safeguard for both farmers and consumers in India, ensuring fair profits for farmers and stable food prices.
Historical Context
- MSP was introduced in 1966-67 to boost domestic food grain production during a time of food deficit.
- It played a pivotal role in the success of the Green Revolution by providing financial support to farmers adopting input-intensive technologies.
Impact on Agriculture
- States like Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh have seen significant agricultural progress due to effective MSP regimes.
- However, crops like oilseeds and pulses suffered due to the absence of MSP support, leading to reduced production.
Exploitation of Farmers
- The absence of a legal guarantee for MSP has allowed farmers to be exploited, with many forced to sell their produce below MSP prices.
- This exploitation, coupled with biased government policies, has perpetuated poverty among farmers.
Call for Legal Guarantee
- Efforts are underway to establish a legal guarantee for MSP, with proposed amendments to agricultural laws aimed at preventing the sale of farm produce below MSP prices.
- Concerns about market boycotts and fiscal implications are countered by the tight supply-demand dynamics of agricultural commodities.
Future Outlook
- Ensuring a legal guarantee for MSP is crucial for India’s food security and the well-being of its farming community.
- With climate change impacting agricultural productivity, MSP serves as a vital mechanism to maintain stable food production and prices.
- In conclusion, the debate surrounding MSP legal guarantee highlights its significance in ensuring food security and the livelihoods of millions of farmers in India.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Consider the following statements:
1. In the case of all cereals, pulses, and oil seeds, the procurement at Minimum Support price (MSP) is unlimited in any State/UT of India. 2. In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any State/UT at a level to which the market price will never rise. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2023)
1. The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia abyssinica) seeds. 2. Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop. 3. Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking. How many of the above statements are correct? A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None Answer: C
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| Answer 2– D
Explanation –
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EU launches Red Sea mission — called Aspides
Source: The Hindu
Context: The European Union aims to have the mission, called Aspides, up and running in a “few weeks” with at least four vessels in Red Sea.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS Paper – 2 (International Relations)
Why in News
- The European Union launched a naval mission to protect Red Sea shipping from Yemen’s Houthi rebels as a U.S.-owned cargo vessel repeatedly came under fire in the region.
Key Highlights
- The EU aims to have the mission — called Aspides, Greek for “shield” — up and running in a “few weeks” with at least four vessels.
- The mission will be run out of Larissa in central Greece — home to the Hellenic Air Force and a NATO headquarters — under the command of Greek Commodore Vasilios Griparis.
- Germany is contributing a frigate to the mission, as is Belgium.
- Within its defensive mandate, the operation will provide maritime situational awareness, accompany vessels, and protect them against possible multi-domain attacks at sea.
- The U.S. is already spearheading its own naval coalition in the area.
- The dozens of Houthi attacks have roiled shipping in the Red Sea.
Iran-backed Houthis
- The Iran-backed Houthis, who control much of war-torn Yemen, have been harassing the vital shipping lane since November in a campaign they say is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war.
- However, the Yemen-based rebels have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperilling shipping in a key route for global trade between Asia and Europe.
- In response, U.S. and British forces have bombed multiple targets used by the Houthis. However, the EU mission will not take part in any military strikes and will only operate at sea.
Latest Missile attack
- In the latest incident, a Greek-flagged, U.S.-owned cargo ship was attacked twice in two hours in the Gulf of Aden, which adjoins the Red Sea.
- The Greek-flagged bulk carrier reported a “missile attack” before another projectile hit the water just metres from the ship.
Location of Red Sea
- The Red Sea, one of the world’s most densely packed shipping channels, lies south of the Suez Canal, the most significant waterway connecting Europe to Asia and east Africa.
- At its southern end is a narrow strait of water – about 20 miles wide – between Djibouti and Yemen: the Bab el-Mandeb strait, the area that the Houthi rebels in Yemen have been targeting.
Impact of attacks
- Red Sea shipping crisis has several impacts, including:
- Supply chains– The Red Sea shipping crisis is disrupting supply chains because 30% of the world’s container trade passes through the Suez Canal.
- Shipping costs– The crisis is increasing shipping costs, with prices on some routes increasing nearly five-fold. For example, the cost of shipping a standard 40-foot container from Asia to northern Europe has increased from less than $1,500 in mid-December to nearly $5,500.
- Inflation– Shipping costs can have a substantial inflationary impact. As freight and oil prices rise, the crisis could potentially lead to inflation.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following statements with regards to Red Sea:
1. The Red Sea, is a shipping channel, that lies north of the Panama Canal. 2. Aspides, is latest US mission in Red Sea to protect US interests in the region. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 |
Q. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC Prelims 2019)
Sea Bordering Country 1. Adriatic Sea : Albania 2. Black Sea : Croatia 3. Caspian Sea : Kazakhstan 4. Mediterranean Sea : Morocco 5.Red Sea : Syria Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? A. 1, 2 and 4 only B. 1, 3 and 4 only C. 2 and 5 only D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Answer B |
| Answer 3 D
Explanation
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Henley Passport Index
Source: The Economic Times
UPSC Syllabus relevance: UPSC Prelims (Report and Index), GS 2 (International Affairs)
Context: The latest Henley Passport Index ranks India at the 85th position
Why in news
- The Henley Passport Index ranks nations based on passport strength, and in 2024, France claimed the top spot, offering visa-free access to 194 countries.
About Henley Passport Index
- It is the original, authoritative ranking of all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
- It started in 2006 as the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index (HVRI).
- The index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the largest, most accurate travel information database, and enhanced by Henley & Partners’ research team. (Henley & Partners is a London-based advisory firm).
- The Index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations.
- The number of countries that a specific passport can access becomes its visa-free ‘score’.
Highlights of Henley Passport Index 2024
- The latest Henley Passport Index ranks India at the 85th position. France gained the top spot, offering visa-free access to 194 countries.
- India experienced a slight dip in ranking, despite an increase in the number of countries providing visa-free access to its citizens.
- Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain are the other countries standing alongside France on the top with visa-free access to 194 nations.
- India slipped to the 85th position, despite the number of countries providing visa-free access to its citizens rose to 62 in 2024 from 60 in 2023.
- Meanwhile, crisis-affected Pakistan maintained its 106th position, granting its citizens visa-free access to 34 countries, while Bangladesh dropped from 101st in 2023 to 102nd this year.
- Indians can travel visa-free to countries including Ethiopia, the Maldives, Thailand, Bhutan and Myanmar.
Purpose of a passport
- A passport is a document that is issued by a country’s government to citizens in order to verify the identity and nationality of an individual for the purpose of international travel.
About International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- IATA is a trade association of the world’s airlines founded in 1945.
- Objective: To support airline activity and helps formulate industry policy and standards.
- Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
Visa-Free Access V/s Visa on Arrival
- Visa-Free Access: Visa-free access means that citizens of certain countries can enter another country without the need to obtain a visa in advance.
- They are allowed to stay for a specified period, usually determined by bilateral agreements or international treaties, without the requirement of obtaining a visa.
- Visa on Arrival: Visa on arrival means that travelers from specific countries can obtain a visa upon arriving at their destination country’s airport or border checkpoint.
The importance of Visa-free arrangements between nations
- Visa-free arrangements between nations are crucial as they facilitate seamless travel by eliminating the need for travelers to obtain visas beforehand.
- These arrangements are based on bilateral agreements, allowing citizens of each country to visit the other without a visa.
- Factors such as diplomatic relations, immigration history, and tourism influence these policies. Without such agreements, travelers must apply for visas, adding complexity and potentially hindering travel.
- Thus, visa-free arrangements promote international cooperation, tourism, and ease of movement between nations.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q4. With reference to Henley Passport Index, consider the following statements:
1. It is the ranking of world’s passport according to the number of destinations their holders can visit without a prior visa. 2. Ranking is based on data provided by International Air Transport Association. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 |
Q. The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the : (UPSC Prelims 2019)
A. International Monetary Fund B. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development C. World Economic Forum D. World Bank Answer: C
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Answer 4: C Explanation: · Henley Passport Index (HPI) was started in 2006 as Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index (HVRI) and was modified and renamed in January 2018. · The index ranks the passports of countries according to the number of destinations their holders can visit without a prior visa. So, statement 1 is correct. · Visa-free arrangements between nations are crucial as they facilitate seamless travel by eliminating the need for travelers to obtain visas beforehand. · The rankings are based on the analysis of data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). So, statement 2 is correct.
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Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival
Source: PIB
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 1 (Art and Culture)
Context: Aadi Mahotsav is an effort to showcase the tribal culture, lifestyle and glorious traditions.
Why in news
- The annual “Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival,” inaugurated by Hon’ble President, Smt. Draupadi Murmu.
Highlights of the Festival
- The festival features traditional dance and music performances, exhibitions of tribal handicrafts and artefacts, and offers a platform for tribal artisans and craftsmen to display their skills.
- It plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of India’s tribal communities while contributing to their economic well-being.
Objectives of the Festival
- Showcase: The festival serves as a platform to showcase the extraordinary talent and craftsmanship of tribal artisans. It features stalls displaying a vast array of tribal art, handicrafts, natural produce, and delectable cuisine.
- Empowerment: Aadi Mahotsav aims to empower tribal communities by providing them with a direct market to sell their products, generate income, and gain recognition for their skills.
- Celebration: It’s a celebration of the vibrant and diverse tribal culture, promoting awareness, understanding, and appreciation for their unique traditions and contributions to India’s heritage.
Organizers
- The Aadi Mahotsav is organized by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) under the aegis of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
About TRIFED
- It is the national level cooperative body mandated to bring about socio-economic development of tribals of the country by institutionalising the trade of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) & Surplus Agricultural Produce (SAP) collected/cultivated by them.
- It was established In 1987.
- It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Important Functions
- It plays the dual role of both a market developer and a service provider, empowering the tribals with knowledge and tools to better
- Their operations in a systematic, scientific manner and also assist them in developing their marketing approach.
- It is involved actively in capacity building of the tribal people through sensitization and the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- The organisation also assists them in exploring and creating opportunities to market the developed products in national and international markets on a sustainable basis.
Objectives of TRIFED
- The primary goal of TRIFED is to bring socio-economic development to tribal people in India.
- A major part of the income of tribal people comes from the production and manufacturing of products such as metal crafts, paintings, tribal textiles, pottery, etc.
- TRIFED aims to market these tribal products, and hence which would again boost the social and economic development of tribal people.
- In addition, it works as a service provider, and facilitator for tribes to sell their products.
- TRIFED also involves capacity building of tribal people through the formation of Self Help Groups, Sensitization, and imparting training to them for a particular activity.
- Another objective of TRIFED is to empower the tribal people with knowledge, the pool of information, and tools so that they can undertake their operations in a scientific and systematic manner.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q 5. Which of the following is NOT a core objective of Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED)?
A. It provides a fair price to tribals for their Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and Surplus Agricultural Produce (SAP). B. It promotes the marketing and development of tribal products. C. It enhances the income and livelihoods of tribal communities. D. It facilitates partnerships between tribal communities and private companies.
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Q. With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to (UPSC Prelims 2021)
A. dance forms of Northwest India B. musical instruments C. pre-historic cave paintings D. tribal languages Answer: D
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| Answer 5– D
Explanation · Out of the given options, (D) to facilitate partnerships between tribal communities and private companies are NOT a core objective of TRIFED. · TRIFED is the national level cooperative body mandated to bring about socio-economic development of tribals of the country by institutionalising the trade of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) & Surplus Agricultural Produce (SAP) collected/cultivated by them. · It was established in 1987. · It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. |
Sallekhna: A Jain Religious Practice
Source: The Hindu
Context: Renowned Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj passed away in Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh, through the practice of ‘sallekhna’.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 1 (Socio-cultural Tradition and religious path)
Why in news
- Recently renowned Jain monk Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj peacefully departed via ‘Sallekhna’.
About Sallekhna/santhara
- Sallekhna is a practice under which some people of the Jain community celebrate their death.
- This practice is also known by some other names like ‘Santhara’, ‘Samadhi-Maran’, ‘Ichchha-Maran’ and ‘Sanyas- Maran’. Santhara Sadhu/Sadhvi can also take it and common householders can also take it.
- The condition for taking Sallekhnais that the person is either suffering from some incurable disease, or is suffering from some serious disability or his death is near.
- It is noteworthy that ordinary people, especially children or youth, are not allowed to take Sallekhna under any circumstances. Jainism strongly opposes suicide in principle.
- Traditions like Sallekhna are also seen in other religions of India with some differences.
- Many Hindu saints are said to have attained ‘Samadhi’. This Samadhi is also a way of choosing one’s death.
- Concepts like ‘Sanjeevan Samadhi’ and ‘Paryopvesh’ have also existed in the Hindu tradition, which are similar to Sallekhna.
- It is not impossible to find such examples even in the Buddhist tradition.
Why Sallekhana is done
- The primary aim of Sallekhana is to calm the tumultuous emotions that disrupt the soul’s state of equilibrium.
- This vow holds significant psychological, religious, and spiritual importance. Psychologically, it aims to combat feelings of sorrow, fear, and anguish.
- Religiously, it serves as a commitment to liberate the soul from the body, viewed as a sacred duty.
- Fundamentally, Sallekhana underscores the notion that a person, as masters of their fate, should confront death in a manner that prevents the accumulation of new karmas.
Who can take the Sallekhana vow
- The Jaina texts suggest that both a Jain individual – Jain ascetics or householders can take the vow of Sallekhana.
- Nishidhi, an important religious inscription of Jainas, suggest that both men and women can practice the vow. It also Indicates that earlier, even some queens practised it.
- However, as times changed, now very few followers practised this method of renouncing the body.
- There are a few preconditions to Sallekhana as well, including unavoidable calamity, terminal illness, great natural disease or old age.
- Jaina texts also bar a householder from taking the Santhara without the guidance of a Jain ascetic.
Sallekhana and Judiciary
- A perennial debate of whether it is suicide or a natural way to die’ has been around since the evolution of the legal system in India.
- The contention between the ‘Right to Life’ and ‘Right to Die’ has rung the bells of courts.
- In 2015, the Rajasthan High Court banned Sallekhana, terming it ‘suicide’.
- However, within a year of the HC’s decision, the Supreme Court stayed the ban on the ancient religious practice citing the Freedom of Religion.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q6. Consider the following statements with reference to Santhara:
1. It is the Buddhist and Jain ritual practice of facing death voluntarily at the end of one’s life. 2. Santhara under Article of 24 is explicitly a fundamental right. Which of the above statement is/are incorrect? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to (UPSC Prelims 2018)
A. Buddhism B. Jainism C. Vaishnavism D. Shaivism Answer: B
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| Ans 6 C
Explanation · Santhara also called as Sallekhana, Samadhi-marana, Sanyasana-marana, is the Jain ritual practice of facing death voluntarily at the end of one’s life. · So, the statement 1 is incorrect. · From Jain community, Santhara, is believed to have been practised since the foundation of Jainism and finds mention in its agams (religious texts). · According to the Supreme Court judges, it was one thing to argue that Santhara is not suicide, and quite another to say that it is a permissible religious practice protected by Articles 25 and 26. · So, the statement 2 is incorrect.
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Shivaji Jayanti 2024
Source: The Live Mint
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 1 (Historical Personality and Significance)
Context: India is Celebrating 394th birth anniversary of the great Maratha ruler this year.
Why in news
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti also called Shiv Jayanti is celebrated on February 19 every year.
Significance of Shivaji Jayanti
- Shivaji Jayanti is a festival that is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm across Maharashtra.
- Shivaji Maharaj is remembered for his bravery and valour, on this day people honour him for fighting for the nation.
- The first celebrations of this festival began with the Maratha ruler Mahatma Phule in 1870 in Pune.
- These celebrations were taken forward by Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
- This freedom fighter brought the contributions of Shivaji Maharaj into limelight and influenced people by highlighting his image.
About Chhatrapati Shivaji
- He was born on 19th February, 1630 at Shivneri Fort in District Pune in the present-day state of Maharashtra.
- He was born to Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general who held the jagirs of Pune and Supe under the Bijapur Sultanate and Jijabai, a pious woman whose religious qualities had a profound influence on him.
- He displayed his military zeal for the first time in 1645 when as a teenager, he successfully got control of the Torna Fort which was under Bijapur.
- He also acquired the Kondana Fort. Both these forts were under Adil Shah of Bijapur.
- Shivaji was formally crowned as the Chhatrapati (Monarch) of his realm at Raigad in 1674.
Important Battles
- Battle of Pratapgad, 1659: Fought at the fort of Pratapgad near the town of Satara, Maharashtra, between the forces of the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Adilshahi general Afzal Khan.
- Battle of Pavan Khind, 1660: Fought at a mountain pass in the vicinity of fort Vishalgad, near the city of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, between the Maratha Sardar Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Siddi Masud of Adilshahi.
- Battle of Purandar, 1665: Fought between the Mughal Empire and Maratha Empire.
Shivaji Administration
- Central Administration
- It was founded by Shivaji for the sound system of administration which was greatly inspired from the Deccan style of administration.
- Most of the administrative reforms were inspired from Malik Amber reforms in Ahmednagar.
- The King was the supreme head of state who was assisted by a group of eight ministers known as the ‘Ashtapradhan’.
- The peshwa, also known as the mukhya pradhan, originally headed the advisory council of the raja Shivaji.
Revenue Administration
- Shivaji abolished the Jagirdari System and replaced it with Ryotwari System, and changes in the position of hereditary
- Revenue officials which was popularly known as Deshmukhs, Deshpande, Patils and Kulkarnis.
- Shivaji strictly supervised the Mirasdars who had hereditary rights in land.
- The revenue system was patterned on the Kathi system of Malik Amber in which every piece of land was measured by Rod or Kathi.
- Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were other sources of income.
- Chauth amounted to 1/4th of the standard which was paid to Marathas as a safeguard against Shivaji’s forces raiding non-Maratha territories.
- Sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of 10% demanded from areas outside of the kingdom.
Military Administration
- Shivaji organized a disciplined and efficient army.
- The ordinary soldiers were paid in cash, but the chief and military commander were paid through jagir grants (Saranjam or Mokasa).
- The army consists of Infantry i.e. Mavali foot soldiers, Cavalry i.e. Horse riders and equipment holders, Navy.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q7. Arrange the following battles in correct chronological order:
1. Battle of Pratapgarh 2. Battle of Pavan Khind 3. Battle of Purandar 4. Battle of Sangamner Code A. 1-2-3-4 B. 4-3-2-1 C. 3-2-4-1 D. 2-1-4-3
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Q. In 1674 Shivaji was coronated at a place which became his capital. Identify it. (2016)
A. Jinji B. Raigarh C. Surat D. Kalyan Answer: B
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| Answer 7– A
Explanation –
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