Given below are two statements, one is labelled asAssertion (A) :and the other as Reason (R).Assertion (A):Shivaji had to face opposition from the big Deshmukhs.Reason (R):These Deshmukhs were not in favour of an independent Maratha State and wanted to remain as feudal lords of Bijapur.Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

1. A

   Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

   Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). This option states that Shivaji faced resistance from powerful Deshmukhs because they preferred to retain their feudal privileges under the Bijapur Sultanate rather than support a unified, independent Maratha state. Since these regional lords resisted centralizing authority, the reason accurately explains the historical assertion.

2. B

   (A) is false, but (R) is true.

   (A) is false, but (R) is true. This option incorrectly claims that Shivaji did not face opposition from the big Deshmukhs. Historical records clearly show robust resistance from entrenched local nobility against early Maratha consolidation.

3. C

   Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

   Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). This option incorrectly separates the cause from the effect by denying their direct link. The opposition faced by Shivaji directly stemmed from the Deshmukhs' allegiance to Bijapur.

4. D

   (A) is true, but (R) is false.

   (A) is true, but (R) is false. This option wrongly dismisses the reason as false. The Deshmukhs indeed wished to maintain their status as feudal lords under Bijapur rather than submit to Shivaji's swarajya.

Summary. Official key is (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). The assertion highlights the political resistance Shivaji encountered from entrenched regional elites known as Deshmukhs during his state-building efforts. The reason accurately identifies their vested interests in preserving Bijapur's feudal order instead of backing an independent Maratha sovereignty. Aspirants often confuse the socio-economic motivations of local chieftains with broader religious conflicts. Only option (a) correctly establishes both statements as valid historical facts with a direct cause-and-effect relationship.