Explanation: Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, was a significant figure in the history of Maharashtra and India. He established a powerful kingdom in the western part of India, which later expanded into a vast empire under his successors. Shivaji Maharaj had several children, but the two most prominent were Sambhaji and Rajaram.
Sambhaji was the eldest son of Shivaji Maharaj and was born in 1657. He was appointed as the heir apparent and was trained in military and administrative skills. After the death of Shivaji Maharaj in 1680, Sambhaji succeeded him as the second Chhatrapati (emperor) of the Maratha Empire. Sambhaji continued his father's legacy and fought against the Mughal Empire, but he was captured and executed in 1689 by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Rajaram, the younger brother of Sambhaji, was born in 1670. After the death of Sambhaji, Rajaram became the third Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire. He continued the struggle against the Mughals and is known for his role in the Maratha War of Independence. Rajaram's reign was marked by the continuation of the Maratha resistance against the Mughal Empire, and he played a crucial role in the eventual decline of Mughal power in the region.
The confusion in the options might arise from the prominence of other figures in Maratha history, such as Bajirao, who was a significant military leader and the son of Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa (prime minister) of the Maratha Empire. However, Bajirao was not a son of Shivaji Maharaj.
In summary, the correct answer is that Sambhaji and Rajaram were the sons of Shivaji Maharaj. They both played significant roles in the continuation and expansion of the Maratha Empire after the death of their father. Understanding the lineage and contributions of these historical figures is essential for comprehending the development of the Maratha Empire and its impact on the history of Maharashtra and India.