Assertion(A): Shivaji aimed at establishing Maratha rule in Delhi. Reason (R): Shivaji took the leadership of the Maratha resistance against the Mughals.

Assertion (A) is false because Chhatrapati Shivaji's primary political objective was the establishment of 'Hindavi Swarajya' (self-rule) centered in the Deccan and Konkan regions, rather than establishing Maratha rule in Delhi [t2, t7]. While he challenged Mughal authority and even escaped from Agra/Delhi, his immediate focus was consolidating a stable kingdom in the south through guerrilla warfare and naval strength [c2, c4, c5]. The ambition to control Delhi and expand into North India only became a central Maratha policy later under the Peshwas, particularly Bajirao I, in the 18th century [t6, t8]. Reason (R) is true as Shivaji was the foundational leader of the Maratha resistance against Mughal expansionism under Aurangzeb, successfully defending Maratha territories and inspiring a legacy of rebellion that continued after his death [c1, c2, t3].

Sources

1. [1] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: The Rise of the Marathas > The Marathas after Shivaji > p. 69
2. [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 14: The Mughal Empire > Against Marathas > p. 211
3. [3] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: The Rise of the Marathas > Foundation of Maratha Power and the Rise of Shivaji > p. 65
4. [4] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: The Rise of the Marathas > LET'S EXPLORE > p. 67
5. [5] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Maratha-Empire