The Treaty of Purandar signed in 1665 between the Mughal general Jai Singh and Shivaji had as its immediate political aim which of the following?

Introduction / Context:
The Treaty of Purandar of 1665 is an important event in the history of Mughal Maratha relations. It was concluded between the Mughal commander Raja Jai Singh, acting on behalf of Emperor Aurangzeb, and the Maratha leader Shivaji. The agreement came at a time when the Mughals wished to contain Maratha power and reshape alliances in the Deccan. This question asks about the immediate political aim of the treaty from the Mughal point of view, rather than its long term consequences.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The treaty in focus is the Treaty of Purandar of 1665.
• The main parties were Raja Jai Singh for the Mughals and Shivaji for the Marathas.
• The options describe different possible aims, such as gaining goodwill, deceiving Shivaji, turning him into a puppet, or creating friction with the Sultan of Bijapur.
• You must identify which aim best matches Mughal strategy at that time in the Deccan.

Concept / Approach:
Aurangzeb wanted to weaken opposing powers in the Deccan by breaking their alliances and using one against another. At that time, Shivaji had conflict with both the Mughals and the Sultan of Bijapur. By drawing Shivaji into a treaty that acknowledged Mughal authority and assigned him mansab and jagirs, the Mughal court hoped to separate him from Bijapur and use him as a counterweight. Thus, sowing contention and mistrust between Shivaji and the Sultan of Bijapur was an immediate aim. Simple goodwill, permanent peace, or forced conversion were not realistic or primary goals in this situation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Place the treaty in context. In the mid seventeenth century, the Mughals were trying to extend control over the Deccan, where Bijapur and Golconda were major sultanates and Shivaji power was growing. Step 2: Understand that the Mughals saw an opportunity to weaken Bijapur by drawing Shivaji into their system as a mansabdar through the Treaty of Purandar. Step 3: The treaty required Shivaji to cede some forts while allowing him to keep others and to accept Mughal suzerainty, which created a formal link between him and the empire. Step 4: This arrangement was designed to separate Shivaji from his earlier dealings with Bijapur and to encourage rivalry and mistrust between them. Step 5: While there may also have been elements of tactical deception or pressure, the key immediate diplomatic goal was to divide Maratha and Bijapur interests. Step 6: Therefore, the option that best describes this aim is to sow seeds of contention between Shivaji and the Sultan of Bijapur.

Verification / Alternative check:
Histories of the Deccan in Aurangzeb time emphasise a strategy of playing different regional powers against one another. They describe how the Treaty of Purandar was used to pull Shivaji into the Mughal camp, at least temporarily, and to weaken the position of Bijapur. The later invitation of Shivaji to Agra and subsequent events can be seen as additional steps but do not change the initial diplomatic calculation behind the treaty. This supports the choice of creating contention between Shivaji and Bijapur as the immediate aim rather than permanent goodwill or simple deception alone.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
To gain goodwill of Shivaji and end all conflicts permanently: The relationship after Purandar remained tense and complex, showing that permanent goodwill was not a realistic immediate goal.

To deceive Shivaji and later imprison him at Agra: Although events at Agra were hostile, the treaty itself had broader strategic objectives beyond simple deception.
To make Shivaji a permanent puppet ruler under the Mughals: Shivaji retained considerable independence and later resumed conflict, so he was never a simple puppet.
To force Shivaji to convert to Islam: Religious conversion was not the main subject of the treaty and does not match historical accounts of Purandar terms.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may focus on dramatic later incidents, such as Shivaji arrest at Agra, and assume that deception was the only Mughal goal from the start. Others may think in very simple terms of winning goodwill or complete domination. To avoid these mistakes, always consider the broader Deccan strategy of Aurangzeb, which aimed to divide regional powers and use one against another. In this context, the most precise description of the treaty immediate aim is to create friction between Shivaji and Bijapur.

Final Answer:
The immediate political aim of the Treaty of Purandar in 1665 was to sow seeds of contention between Shivaji and the Sultan of Bijapur.