India's holy land gave birth to many heroic sons. One of them was Shivaji who was born in the Maratha family. Historians believe that in the history of Maharashtra, they are the biggest warriors to date. Shivaji Maharaj is considered to be one of the brave heroes who sowed the seeds of freedom fight in India.

Swami Vivekananda says -

"Shivaji is one of the best Indian liberators who have rescued our Hindu religion and country completely from drowning. He was an intrepid warrior. ... ''

Life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Name Shivaji Shahaji Bhosale - Shivaji Shahaji Bhosale
Born April 19, February 1630
Shivneri Fort (currently in Maharashtra)

Father Shahaji Bhosale
Mother jijabai
State Ambassador 6 June 1674

Reign 1674-1680

Deaths April 3, 1680
Raigad Fort, Raigad, Maratha Empire (currently in Maharashtra)

Childhood of Shivaji Maharaj

Shivaji was born on February 19, 1630 in the hill fort of Shivneri in Junar of Pune. His mother named him Shivaji, after the name of Goddess Shivai, whom he prayed for a healthy baby. Shivaji's father was the Maratha chief of Bijapur Sultan in the South Sultanate.

Shivaji was very devoted to his mother. Mother Jijabai was extremely and religious. This religious atmosphere had a profound effect on Shivaji. He studied Ramayana and Mahabharata deeply.

Shivaji’s first Battle

In 1645, at the age of only 15, Shivaji took possession of the fort by giving bribe to Bijapuri Senapati, Inayat Khan of Torna Fort. After the death of his father, Shivaji again raided the princely state of Jawwali in 1656 from the nearby Maratha head.

In 1659 Adilshah sent Afzal Khan, his veteran and old commander with the intent to end Shivaji. Between the two, there was a war on the fort of Pratapgad on 10 November 1659. It was decided that both of them should come with only one sword and a follower.

With the doubt of unbelief, Shivaji shrouded alternate weapons and in the wake of harming Afzal Khan, taught his concealed troopers to assault Bijapur.

Shivaji and Mughals

With the Mughal empire, Shivaji kept peaceful relations till 1657. He helped Aurangzeb to get Bijapur, as a byproduct of which he would be given the privilege of Bijapuris and towns. Shivaji's grip started with the Mughals in March 1657 when two of his officers attacked Ahmadnagar.

In 1666 Aurangzeb invited Shivaji with his 9 year old son Sambhaji in Agra. The intention was to send Shivaji to Kandahar where he used to emulate the Mughal empire. But on May 12, 1666, Aurangzeb placed Shivaji in the back of the generals in his court. Shivaji was angry, but he was arrested and detained under the Kotwal of Agra. While pretending to have serious illness, Shivaji passed away and escaped on 17 August 1666.
By reaching the South india, Shivaji spread the fake rumour by killing Sambhaji to save himself from the Mughals. In the end of 1670, fighting against the Mughals, he captured his territory.

Army of Shivaji Maharaj

Shivaji had his army erected very efficiently. He also had a huge Navy, whose head was Mayank Bhandari.
He adopted innovative methods in the military strategy, which included methods like sudden attack on enemies.

Administration of Shivaj

Shivaji presented a great revenue plan based on the principles of Todar Mal and Malik Ambar. After completion of the survey, 33 percent of the land's total rent to be fixed. Shivaji released his state's currency which was in Sanskrit language.

Death of Shivaji

At the end of March 1680, Shivaji was feverish and frozen. He died on April 3-5, at the age of 52. After their death, the Mughals again attacked the Marathas, but this time the war continued for many years in which the Mughals were defeated.