They founded the Hindu kingdom in the Deccan against all odds , fighting against the mighty Mughals.He inspired and united the common man to fight against the tyranny of Mughal ruler Aurangjeb, by inculcating a sense of pride and nationality in them. At the age of 16, he took a pledge to establish a sovereign Hindu state.He clearly outstands all the rulers and generals of India by the exemplary life he lived and is thus respected by the entire cross section of Indians. Shivaji's military skills could be compared to those of Napolean. He raised a strong army and navy, constructed and repaired forts, used gureilla warfare tactics,developed a strong intelligence network,gave equal treatment to the people from all religions and castes based on merit, and functioned like a seasoned Statesman and General. He appointed ministers with specific functions such as Internal security,Foreign affairs,Finance,Law and Justice,Religious matters,Defence etc. He introduced systems in revenue collection and warned the officials against harassment of subjects.He thought ahead of times and was a true visionary.In his private life, his moral virtues were exceptionally high.His thoughts and deeds were inspired by the teachings of his mother Jijabai,teacher Dadaji Konddev,great saints like Dnyaneshwar & Tukaram and the valiancy and ideals of the Lords Rama and Krishna. The tiny kingdom established by Chhatrapati Shivaji known as "Hindavi Swaraja" (Sovereign Hindu state) grew and spread beyond Attock in Northwest India (now in Pakistan)and beyond Cuttack in East India in course of time, to become the strongest power in India. After the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji & his son Sambhaji, their prime ministers or ‘the Peshwas' became the defacto rulers. The Peshwas and the Maratha Sardars (Chieftans) like Shindes of Gwalior, Gaekwads of Baroda & Holkars of Indore contributed to the growth of the Maratha Confederacy.The history of India is incomplete without the history of Marathas and Shivaji is the nucleus of Maratha history. Shivaji has been a source of inspiration and pride to the past generations and will continue to inspire generations in future. We salute this legend and humbly dedicate this website to him.
ABOUT SHIVAJI MAHARAJA
Chhatrapati SHIVAJI MAHARAJA
Reign 1674 - 1680
Coronation June 6, 1674
Titles High Protector of the Maratha Empire
Born February 19, 1627 Shivneri Fort, near Pune, India
Died April 3, 1680 Raigad Fort
Successor Sambhaji
Wife Sai bai
Issue Sambhaji, Rajaram, and six daughters
Father Shahaji
Mother Jijabai
Shivaji Bhosle, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle (Marathi: छत्रपती शिवाजीराजे भोसले) (Born:February 19, 1627, Died: April 3, 1680) was the founder of Maratha empire in western India in 1674.
He is considered a great hero in India, particularly in the present-day state of Maharashtra. Using guerrilla tactics well-suited to the rugged mountains and valleys of the region, he annexed a portion of the then dominant Mughal empire and the Sultanate of Bijapur
Stories of his exploits have entered into folklore.
1 Historical background
2 Early life
3 Foundation of empire
4 Confrontation with the Regional Sultanates
4. 1 Battle of Pratapgarh/ Pratapgad
4. 2 Battle of Kolhapur
4. 3 Battle of Pavan Khind
5 Clash with the Mughals
5. 1 Shaista Khan
5. 2 Surat and Mirza Raja Jai Singh
5. 3 Trip To Agra and Escape
5. 4 Preparing for War
5. 5 Battle of Sinhagad
6 Coronation
7 Southern expedition (Dakshin digvijaya)
8 Death and succession
9 Rule
9. 1 Character
9. 2 Revolution in military organisation
9. 3 Forts
9. 4 Promotion of Sanskrit
9. 5 Religion
10 Remembering the King
11 Literature and Movies
12 Associates
13 Accounts of contemporary foreign travellers
14 References
15 See also
16 External links
