Name the religious personality who exercised a great influence over Shivaji___
a. Tukaram
b. Guru Nanak
c. Mirabai
d. Guru Ram Das

Hint: Shivaji Bhonsale I was a warrior king of India and a member of the clan of the Bhonsle Maratha. From the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur, which became the genesis of the Maratha Empire, Shivaji carved out an enclave.

Complete answer:
The Indian personality who exerted a great influence over Shivaji was Samarth Ramdas. He was a Hindu Indian saint, a philosopher, a poet, a writer, and a master of spirit. Narayan was his earlier name. He was a devotee of Rama and Hanuman, the Hindu deities, and also a contemporary of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the Maratha kings.

There are conflicting versions of the existence of Ramdas' relationship with Shivaji Bhonsle I, the first Maratha emperor. Earlier historians considered Shivaji to be Ramdas' long-term follower. Some recent historians have indicated that, when Shivaji had already established his rule, the two encountered each other around 1672. Ramdas wrote a letter to his elder son, Sambhaji Bhonsle I, after Shivaji's death, advising him about the potential course of action following Shivaji's death.

Ramdas was an exponent of the path of devotion or Bhakti Yoga. Absolute devotion to Rama, according to him, brings in spiritual evolution. He stressed the importance of physical strength and expertise for individual growth. He shared his appreciation for warriors and stressed their role in defending society. He thought that saints should not withdraw from society, but instead participate actively in social and moral change.

Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Note:
After its disintegration over several centuries due to continuous foreign occupation, he sought to resuscitate the Hindu community. He also called for unity to preserve and promote the local culture among the Marathas.