Which Maratha leader, known for his daring raids in Gujarat, established the Gaekwad dynasty?

The correct answer is: a) Pilaji Gaekwad.

Pilajirao Gaekwad (1673–1740) was a Maratha general who established the Gaekwad dynasty of Baroda. He was born in a family of Maratha warriors and served under the Mughal Empire. In 1721, he rebelled against the Mughals and established his own kingdom in Baroda. He was a successful ruler and expanded his kingdom to include parts of Gujarat, Malwa, and Khandesh. He was also a patron of the arts and literature.

Shivaji (1627–1680) was a Maratha warrior who founded the Maratha Empire. He was born in Pune, Maharashtra, India. He was the son of Shahaji Bhosale, a general in the Mughal army, and Jijabai, a Rajput princess. Shivaji was educated in both Hindu and Muslim traditions. He was a skilled warrior and a brilliant strategist. He led a guerrilla war against the Mughal Empire and established an independent Maratha kingdom. He is considered to be one of the greatest warriors and rulers in Indian history.

Peshwa Baji Rao I (1700–1740) was the first Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. He was born in Pune, Maharashtra, India. He was the son of Balaji Vishwanath Bhat, a Brahmin minister in the Maratha court. Baji Rao was a brilliant military strategist and a skilled diplomat. He expanded the Maratha Empire to include much of northern India. He is considered to be one of the greatest military commanders in Indian history.

Sambhaji (1657–1689) was the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire. He was the son of Shivaji Maharaj and Jijabai. Sambhaji was a brave and capable warrior. He continued his father’s work of expanding the Maratha Empire. He was captured by the Mughals and executed in 1689.