Shivaji, the great, was a very wise and brave king. When Aurangzeb imprisoned him at Agra, he thought of a clever plan, and escaped from there in 1666. At this, the whole of Maharastra was filled with great joy. Aurangzeb, on the other hand, not furious, and broke all the treaties made by him with Shivaji and began to trouble the small Maratha Kingdom in many ways. Shivaji did not watch all this quietly. He at once decided to take suitable steps to face the new danger. He consulted his brave and trusted generals, like Pratap Rao Gurjar and Niraji Raoji, organised his own forces and began to wrest fort after fort from the hands of Aurangzeb. The Maratha soldiers were determined even to die for Shivaji. This bravery and determination helped them to recover the forts under the Moghul possession one after another. Such was the state of affairs in January, 1670.Though Shivaji’s forces captured many forts in the Deccan, he did not feel very happy till he took back the great and important fort of Kondana. His mother Jijabai was also equally anxious that her son should get back the strategic fort soon. She said to him, Shivaji, I love the fort of Kondana because of its importance, and unless that is taken back from the Moghuls my heart will never be at rest. I am pleased to see the brave deeds of your Mavalas and faithful generals who have so far driven out the Moghuls from many a fort. I shall be happier if they can recapture Kondana too as soon as possible.”Shivaji felt immensely happy at this; for he too had the same keen urge. He said, “Dear Mother, your wish will be carried out and that too without delay. I will not enjoy a hearty meal or sound sleep till we recapture Kondana.” This promise gladdened the heart of Jijabai and she blessed her heroic son, saying “May God give you a speedy success in the undertaking.”What type of king was Shivaji, the great?1. How did Shivaji come out of the prison of Aurangzeb?2. What did Shivaji do to get back his forts?3. What helped the Maratha to recover the forts?5. Which fort was the strategic fort?6. What pledge did Shivaji make to recapture Kondana?7. Who blessed whom for Kondana?8. Write the opposites of the following words from the passage—(i) sad(ii) failure(iii) coward(iv) fool(v) wake up.