Who was the head of the Maratha Empire at the time of Aurangzeb's death?

Correct option is D

Correct Answer: (d) Tara Bai

At the time of Aurangzeb's death in 1707, Tara Bai was the de facto leader of the Maratha Empire. She was the widow of Rajaram I and served as the regent for her young son, Shivaji II. Tara Bai is known for her exceptional leadership during the difficult period when the Marathas were fighting against the Mughal forces led by Aurangzeb. She skillfully organized the Maratha resistance and kept the struggle alive, paving the way for the eventual resurgence of the Maratha Empire after Aurangzeb's death.

Information Booster:
● Tara Bai was a brilliant strategist and diplomat who played a key role in maintaining Maratha resistance.
● The Maratha Empire faced its most challenging phase during Aurangzeb's long Deccan campaign (1681–1707).
● After Aurangzeb's death, the Mughal Empire's decline accelerated, and the Marathas capitalized on this.
● Tara Bai's leadership ensured the continuity of Maratha sovereignty despite internal and external challenges.
● She is remembered as one of the most remarkable women leaders in Indian history.

Additional Knowledge:

• (a) Sambhaji: The eldest son of Shivaji, executed by Aurangzeb in 1689, long before Aurangzeb's death.
• (b) Rajaram: Succeeded Sambhaji as the Chhatrapati but died in 1700.
• (c) Jijabai: Shivaji's mother and a guiding force in his early years, but she passed away in 1674, well before Aurangzeb's death.
• (d) Tara Bai: Assumed leadership after Rajaram's death and remained at the forefront during Aurangzeb's final years.