Description

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Context

A 'yantraraj' (astrolabe) was discovered lately in Raigad, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's capital fort, during a joint excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Raigad Development Authority.

About Raigad Fort

Raigad Fort was the capital of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, representing Maratha resilience and independence.

Location

It is a hill fort located in the Raigad district, Maharashtra. It is located in the Sahyadri Mountain Range, also known as the Western Ghats.

Geographical and Historical Significance

Elevation above base	2,700 feet (820 meters)
Elevation above sea level	4,449 feet (1,356 meters)
Geographical Setting	Isolated hill massif surrounded by Kal and Gandhari river valleys
Access	Accessible only via one side through a steep climb and steps
Artificial Lake Nearby	Ganga Sagar Lake
Famous Tower	Hirkani Buruj
Global Recognition	Known as the 'Gibraltar of the East'
Historical Seizure	Captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656 from Chandraraoji More
Capital Declaration	Became capital of Maratha Empire in 1674 AD under Shivaji Maharaj
Architectural Features	Multiple fortifications, bastions, and gateways for strategic defense
British Campaign	Armed campaign by British East India Company in 1765
Final Occupation and Destruction	Looted and destroyed by British forces on May 9, 1818

Source: News

Practice Question:

Q. What was the immediate reason for Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India and fight the Third Battle of Panipat?

Options:
(a) He wanted to avenge the expulsion by Marathas of his viceroy Timur Shah from Lahore
(b) The frustrated governor of Jullundhar Adina Beg Khan invited him to invade Punjab
(c) He wanted to punish Mughal administration for non-payment of the revenues of the Chahar Mahal (Gujarat, Aurangabad, Sialkot & Pasrur)
(d) He wanted to annex all the fertile plains of Punjab up to the borders of Delhi to his kingdom

Correct Answer:
(a) He wanted to avenge the expulsion by Marathas of his viceroy Timur Shah from Lahore

Explanation:
The immediate reason for Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasion was the expulsion of his appointed governor and son, Timur Shah, from Lahore by the Marathas. This act was seen as a direct challenge to his authority and prompted his campaign that led to the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.