Question of the Day – SHIVAJI’S FORTS (MARATHA MILITARY LANDSCAPE OF INDIA)
QOTD March 21,2026
Consider the following statements regarding Shivaji’s forts:
- They represent a network of strategically located forts used for military defence and administration.
- These forts include coastal, hill and inland fortifications.
- All these forts were built during the Mughal period.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Shivaji’s forts formed a well-planned network for defence, administration and control over territory.
Statement 2 is correct
They include hill forts, sea forts and land forts showcasing diverse military architecture.
Statement 3 is incorrect
These forts were primarily developed under the Maratha Empire, not the Mughal period.
Why in news–
Shivaji’s forts, referred to as the Maratha Military Landscape of India, are in news due to their nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status. These forts reflect the strategic military planning, administration and architectural innovation of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. They are spread across Maharashtra and represent coastal, hill and forest fortifications.
There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.
Practice Questions (PQ)
PQ1.Consider the following statements regarding Maratha military strategy:
- Use of hill forts provided natural defence advantages.
- Guerrilla warfare was an important feature of Maratha tactics.
- The Marathas relied only on open battlefield warfare.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Hill forts provided strategic advantage due to difficult terrain and elevation.
Statement 2 is correct
Guerrilla warfare or ganimi kava was a key feature of Maratha military strategy.
Statement 3 is incorrect
The Marathas did not rely only on open warfare and extensively used guerrilla tactics.
PQ2.Consider the following statements regarding forts of the Maratha Empire:
- Sea forts helped in controlling maritime trade and defence.
- Forts were only used as military bases and had no administrative role.
- Many forts were located along trade routes and strategic passes.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Sea forts like Sindhudurg helped in controlling coastal areas and maritime activities.
Statement 2 is incorrect
Forts also functioned as administrative centres and storage facilities.
Statement 3 is correct
Many forts were strategically located to control trade routes and mountain passes.
PQ3. Consider the following statements regarding cultural heritage sites in India:
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites are recognised for their cultural or natural significance.
- Inclusion in the UNESCO list ensures complete financial support from UNESCO for maintenance.
- India has both cultural and natural World Heritage Sites.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
UNESCO recognises sites of outstanding universal value.
Statement 2 is incorrect
UNESCO recognition does not guarantee full financial support; countries manage their own sites.
Statement 3 is correct
India has both cultural and natural World Heritage Sites.
Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)
With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements:
- Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
- Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
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
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect
Tyagaraja’s compositions are mainly devoted to Lord Rama, not Lord Krishna.
Statement 2 is correct
He contributed significantly to Carnatic music by creating new ragas.
