Maratha Samrajya

Maratha Confederacy

Maharajas

1674 1820

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Political Map of South Asia around 1758 AD

Shivaji I (leader from 1

Sambhaji I (1680-1689
Rajaram (1689-1700). Y
Tarabai (regent 1700-1
Shahu I (1708-1749). S
Ramaraja (1749-1777).
Shahu II (1777-1808). S
Pratapsinh (1808-1839
Shahaji III (1839-1848)
1848 to Great Britain
Pratapsinh I (adopted)
Rajaram III
Pratapsinh II
Raja Shahu (1918 - 19
Pratapraje (1950-1978
Udayanraje Bhonsle (1

Capital

1st
Rajgadh
& then
shifted to
Raigadh

Language(s)

Marathi

Government

Monarchy

Chattrapathi
- 1674-1680

Shivaji

- 1681-1689

Sambhaji

- 16891700

Rajaram

- 17001707

Tarabai

- 17071747

Shahu

- 17471777

Ramaraja

History
- Established

April 21, 1674

- Ended

September 21, 1820

Area
1,000,0
00 km
(386,10
2 sq mi)
Population
- 1700 est.

Currency

150,00
0,000
Hon,
Rupee,
Paisa,
Mohor

The Maratha Empire (Marathi: Marh

Smrjya; also transliterated Mahratta) or the Maratha

Confederacy was a Hindu state located in present-day India. It existed from 1674 to 1818. At its peak, the empire's terri

Contents
[hide]
1 Brief History

2 Chhatrapati Shivaji (c. 1645-1680)

3 Sambhaji (c 1681-1689)
4 Rajaram and Tarabai (c 1689-1707)
5 Shahu (c 1707-1749)
6 Ramchandra Pant Amatya Bawdekar (1650-1716)
7 Peshwa Baji Rao I (1720-1740)
8 Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (1740-1761)
9 The Decline of the Empire
10 Legacy of the Empire
11 Maratha rulers
11.1 The Royal House of Chhatrapati Shivaji
11.2 The Royal House of Kolhapur
11.3 Peshwa
12 See also
13 Notes
14 References

Brief History

After a lifetime of exploits and guerrilla warfare with Adilshah of Bijapur and Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the local king S

The Maratha Empire was at its height in the 18th century under Shahu and the Peshwa Baji Rao I. Losses at the Third B

Chhatrapati Shivaji (c. 1645-1680)

Shivaji

Chhattrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosale, founder of the Maratha Confederacy

The Hindu Marathas long had lived in the Desh region around Satara, in the western portion of the Deccan plateau, whe

Sambhaji (c 1681-1689)

This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable s
material may be challenged and removed. (February 2009)

Shivaji had two sons: Sambhaji and Rajaram. Sambhaji, the elder son, was very popular among the courtiers. He was a

When they were brought face to face with Aurangzeb, the latter offered to let Sambhaji live if he surrendered all the Mar

Rajaram and Tarabai (c 1689-1707)

Rajaram, Sambhaji's brother, now assumed the throne. Satara, whence Rajaram had moved the capital, came under si

Malwa was a decisive battle for the Maratha empire. The Mughals lost their eminent position on the Indian subcontinent

Shahu (c 1707-1749)

The extent of Maratha Empire

After Emperor Aurangzeb's death in 1707, Shahuji, son of Sambhaji (and grandson of Shivaji), was released by Bahadu

In 1713 Farrukhsiyar had declared himself Mughal emperor. His bid for power had depended heavily on two brothers, kn

An army of Marathas commanded by Parsoji Bhosale, and Mughals, marched up to Delhi unopposed and managed to d

Maratha Emperors (1674-1818)

Shivaji

(1674 - 1680)

Sambhaji

(1680 - 1689)

Rajaram

(1689 - 1700)

Queen Tarabai

(1700 - 1707)

Shahu

(1707 - 1749)

Ramaraja

(1749 - 1777)

The Peshwas (Prime Ministers)

(1712-1818)

Balaji Vishwanath

(1712-1719)

Bajirao

(1719-1740)

Balaji Bajirao

(1740-1761)

Madhavrao Ballal

(1761-1772)

Narayanrao

(1772-1773)

Raghunathrao

(1773-1774)

Sawai Madhavrao

(1774-1795)

Bajirao II

(1795-1851)

Nana Sahib

(1851-1857)

(Peshwa period: 1689-1708)

Ramchandra Pant Amatya Bawdekar was a court administrator who rose from the ranks of a local Kulkarni to the ranks

When Chatrapati Rajaram fled to Jinji in 1689 leaving Maratha empire, he gave a "Hukumat Panha" (King Status) to Pa

He received military help from the great Maratha warriors - Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav. On many occasions h

In 1698, he happily stepped down from the post of "Hukumat Panha" when Rajaram offered this post to his wife to Tarab

But owing to his loyalty to Tarabai against Shahuji (who was supported by more local satraps), he was sidelined after ar
Peshwa Baji Rao I (1720-1740)

After Balaji Vishwanath's death in April, 1719, his son, Baji Rao I was appointed as Peshwa by Chattrapati Shahuji, one

Shrimant Baji Rao Vishwanath Bhatt (August 18, 1699- April 25, 1740), also known as Baji Rao I, was a noted general w
Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (1740-1761)

Baji Rao's son, Balaji Bajirao (Nanasaheb), was appointed as a Peshwa by Shahuji. The period between 1741 and 1745

Nanasaheb encouraged agriculture, protected the villagers, and brought about a marked improvement in the state of the

Eighteenth century painting of a Maratha Soldier ( by Franois Balthazar Solvyns)

The Decline of the Empire

The Peshwa sent an army to challenge the Afghan led alliance of Indian Muslims that included Rohillas, Shujah-ud-dow

Even today the phrase in Marathi, "meet your Panipat", has a similar meaning as the phrase "meet your Waterloo" does

After 1761, young Madhavrao Peshwa tried his best to rebuild the empire in spite of his frail health. In a bid to effectively

In 1775 the British East India Company, from its base in Bombay, intervened in a succession struggle in Pune, on behal

The last Peshwa, Nana Sahib, born as Govind Dhondu Pant, was the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II. He was one o

Today the spirit of the Maratha Empire is preserved in the Indian state of Maharashtra, "Great Nation", which was create

Legacy of the Empire

Ruins of the Raigad fort, which served as a capital for Maratha Empire

Often painted as a kind of loose military organization, the Maratha empire was actually revolutionary in nature. It brough
From its onset, Religious tolerance and religious pluralism were important pillars of the nation-state since they were fun

The Maratha Empire was unique in that it did not adhere to the caste system. Here, the Brahmins (Peshwe) were the pr

Since its start, many people of talent were brought into the leadership of the Maratha Empire which made it one of the m

The Marathas militarily controlled huge tracts. Their policy of religious tolerance gave equal importance to Hindu interes
The empire also created a significant navy. At its height this was led by the legendary Kanhoji Angre.

Maratha rulers
The Royal House of Chhatrapati Shivaji

See also Bhosale family ancestry

Chhatrapati Shivaji (1630-1680)
Chhatrapati Sambhaji (1657-1689)
Chhatrapati Rajaram (1670-1700)
Queen Tarabai
Chhatrapati Shahu (alias Shivaji II, son of Chhatrapati Sambhaji)
Chhatrapati Ramaraja (nominally, grandson of Chhatrapati Rajaram and Queen Tarabai))

The Royal House of Kolhapur

Queen Tarabai (wife of Chhatrapati Rajaram) in the name of her son Shivaji II
Chhatrapati Sambhaji (son of Chhatrapati [Rajaram] from his second wife)
Chhatrapati Shahu IV of Kolhapur

Peshwa
Sonopant Dabir (1640-1674)
Moropant Trimbak Pingle (1674-1683)
Moreshwar Pingale (1683-1689)
Ramchandra Pant Amatya (1689-1708)
Bahiroji Pingale (1708-1711)
Parshuram Tribak Kulkarni(Pant Pratinidhi) (1711-1713)

Balaji Vishwanath (1713-1720)

Baji Rao I (1720-1740) (son of Balaji Vishwanath)
Balaji Bajirao (son of Bajirao I)
Peshwa Madhavrao (2nd son of Balaji Bajirao)
Narayanrao Peshwa (3rd son of Balaji Bajirao)
Raghunathrao Peshwa (brother of Balaji Bajirao)
Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa (son of Narayanrao)
Chimnajee Madhavarao (26 May 1796 - 6 Dec 1796) (brother of Bajirao II, adopted by Madhavrao II's wife)
Bajirao II (son of Raghunathrao)

Amritrao (Brother of Bajirao II), Peshwa for a short period during Yashwantrao Holkar's rule on Pune. Bajirao wa
Nana Sahib Peshwa the second (adopted son of Bajirao II)

Maharajas

aji I (leader from 1655, Maharaja 1674-1680)

bhaji I (1680-1689). Eldest son of Shivaji I.
ram (1689-1700). Younger son of Shivaji I.
bai (regent 1700-1708). Wife of Rajaram.
u I (1708-1749). Son of Sambhaji I.
araja (1749-1777). Grandson of Rajaram and Tarabai; adopted son of Sha
u II (1777-1808). Son of Ramaraja.
apsinh (1808-1839)
aji III (1839-1848)
to Great Britain
apsinh I (adopted)

apsinh II
Shahu (1918 - 1950)
apraje (1950-1978)
anraje Bhonsle (1978 till present)

ratta) or the Maratha

18. At its peak, the empire's territories covered much of South Asia.

peror Aurangzeb, the local king Shivaji founded an independent Maratha kingdom in 1674 with Raigad as its capital. Shivaji died in 1680, le

Baji Rao I. Losses at the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 suspended further expansion of the empire and reduced the power of the Peshwa

ortion of the Deccan plateau, where the plateau meets the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats mountains. They had resisted incursions int

e by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable

ar among the courtiers. He was a poet, great politician and a great warrior. In 1681, Sambhaji had himself crowned and resumed his father's

live if he surrendered all the Maratha forts, turn over all his hidden treasures,disclose the names of all the Mughal officers who had helped h

moved the capital, came under siege in 1700 and eventually was surrendered to the Mughals. At about the same time Rajaram died. His wid

sition on the Indian subcontinent forever and the subsequent Mughal Emperors became titular kings. The Marathas emerged as victorious a

Shivaji), was released by Bahadur Shah, the next Mughal emperor under conditions which rendered him a vassal of the Mughal emperor bu

ended heavily on two brothers, known as the Saiyids, one of whom had been the governor of Allahabad and the other the governor of Patna

lhi unopposed and managed to depose the emperor. In return for this help, Balaji Vishwanath managed to negotiate a substantial treaty. Sh

s of a local Kulkarni to the ranks of Ashtapradhan under guidance and support of Shivaji Maharaj. He was one of the prominent Peshwas fr

umat Panha" (King Status) to Pant before leaving. Ramchandra Pant managed the entire state under many challenges like influx of Moguls

aji Jadhav. On many occasions he himself participated in battles against Mughals and played the role of shadow king in absence of Chatrap

ered this post to his wife to Tarabai. Tarabai gave important position to Pant among senior administration of Maratha State. He wrote "Adny

atraps), he was sidelined after arrival of Shahuji in 1707. The post of the state Peshwa was given to Balaji Vishwanath in 1713. Ramchandra

hwa by Chattrapati Shahuji, one of the most lenient emperors. Shahuji possessed a strong capacity for recognising talent, and actually cau

Baji Rao I, was a noted general who served as Peshwa (Prime Minister) to the fourth Maratha Chhatrapati (Emperor) Shahu between 1719

e period between 1741 and 1745 was one of comparative calm in the Deccan. Shahuji died in 1749.

d improvement in the state of the territory. Continued expansion saw Raghunath Rao, the brother of Nanasaheb, pushing into Punjab in the

ncluded Rohillas, Shujah-ud-dowlah, Nujeeb-ud-dowlah, and the Maratha army was decisively defeated on January 14, 1761 at the Third Ba

hrase "meet your Waterloo" does in English.

frail health. In a bid to effectively manage the large empire, semi-autonomy was given to strongest of the knights. Thus, the autonomous M

ssion struggle in Pune, on behalf of Raghunathrao (also called Raghobadada), which became the First Anglo-Maratha War. That ended in 1

eshwa Baji Rao II. He was one of the main leaders of the 1857 battles against British rule. He encouraged the people and the Indian Prince

"Great Nation", which was created in 1960 as a Marathi-speaking state. The territories of Baroda were combined with Kutch to form the stat

revolutionary in nature. It brought certain fundamental changes initiated by the genius of its founder, the celebrated Shivaji. They can be su

nation-state since they were fundamental beliefs of Shivaji, the founder of the empire.

Brahmins (Peshwe) were the prime ministers of the Kshatriya (Maratha) emperors and Kshatriya Dhangar (Holkars) were the trusted gene

mpire which made it one of the most socially mobile regimes. Note that the ruler of Indore was a Dhangar, a Shepherd; the rulers of Gwalio

qual importance to Hindu interests and acted as an important back-pressure against the expanding Mughal influence. Today's partitioned In

anhoji Angre.

by Madhavrao II's wife)

olkar's rule on Pune. Bajirao was later reinstated by the British.

ed son of Shahu I.

al. Shivaji died in 1680, leaving a large, but vulnerably located kingdom. The Mughals invaded, fighting an unsuccessful 25 year long war fro

the power of the Peshwas. In 1761, after severe losses in the Panipat war, the Peshwas lost control of the Kingdom. Many sardars like Shi

had resisted incursions into the region by the Muslim Mughal rulers of northern India. Under their leader Shivaji Maharaj, the Marathas freed

and resumed his father's expansionist policies. Sambhaji had earlier defeated the Portuguese and Chikka Deva Raya of Mysore. To nullify

officers who had helped him and embrace Islam. Sambhaji refused, and instead sang praises of Mahadev (Lord Shiva). Aurangzeb ordered

me Rajaram died. His widow, Tarabai, assumed control in the name of her son Shahuji. Although she offered a truce, this was rejected by th

s emerged as victorious after a long drawn-out and fiercely-fought battle. The soldiers and commanders who participated in this war achiev

of the Mughal emperor but his mother was still held captive to ensure good behaviour from Shahuji. He immediately claimed the Maratha thr

her the governor of Patna. However, the brothers had a falling-out with the emperor. Negotiations between the Saiyids and Peshwa Balaji V

te a substantial treaty. Shahuji would have to accept Mughal rule in the Deccan, furnish forces for the imperial army, and pay an annual trib

he prominent Peshwas from the time of Shivaji, prior to the rise of the later Peshwas who controlled the empire after Shahuji.

nges like influx of Moguls, betrayal from Vatandars (local satraps under the Maratha kingdom) and social challenges like scarcity of food. W

king in absence of Chatrapati Rajaram.

ha State. He wrote "Adnyapatra" : who have explained different techniques of war, maintenance of forts and administration etc.

nath in 1713. Ramchandra Pant died in 1716 on Panhala fort.

g talent, and actually caused a social revolution by bringing capable people into power irrespective of their social status. This was an indica

or) Shahu between 1719 until Baji Rao's death. He is also known as Thorala (Marathi for Elder) Baji Rao. Like his father, despite being a Br

pushing into Punjab in the wake of the Afghan withdrawal after Ahmed Shah Abdali's plunder of Delhi in 1756. In Lahore, as in Delhi, the Ma

y 14, 1761 at the Third Battle of Panipat. The Marathas were abandoned by Suraj Mal and Rajputs who quit the Maratha alliance at a decis

Thus, the autonomous Maratha states of the Gaekwads of Baroda, the Holkars of Indore & Malwa, the Scindias (or Shinde's) of Gwalior (a

atha War. That ended in 1782 with a restoration of the pre-war status quo. In 1802 the British intervened in Baroda to support the heir to the

ople and the Indian Princes to fight against the British. Tantya Tope, his general, led the war and struck terror into the hearts of the British. R

with Kutch to form the state of Gujarat. Gwalior and Indore were merged with Madhya Pradesh, Jhansi with Uttar Pradesh. Vestiges of Mara

d Shivaji. They can be summarized as below:

rs) were the trusted generals of the Brahmin Peshwas.

herd; the rulers of Gwalior and Baroda were from ordinary peasant families; the Peshwas of the Bhatt family were from ordinary backgroun

nce. Today's partitioned India is substantially the area of the Maratha confederacy.

essful 25 year long war from 1682 to 1707. Shahu, a grandson of Shivaji, ruled as emperor until 1749. During his reign, Shahu appointed a

om. Many sardars like Shinde, Holkar, Gaikwad, PantPratinidhi, Bhosale of Nagpur, Pandit of Bhor, Patwardhan, and Newalkar became kin

aharaj, the Marathas freed themselves from the Muslim sultans of Bijapur to the southeast, and became much more aggressive and began

Raya of Mysore. To nullify any Rajput-Maratha alliance, as well as all Deccan Sultanates, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb himself headed s

Shiva). Aurangzeb ordered him and Kavi Kalash to be tortured to death. Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash were brutally tortured for over a fortnight

ce, this was rejected by the emperor. Then Tarabai heroically led the Marathas against the Mughals; by 1705, they had crossed the Narmad

cipated in this war achieved the real expansion of the Maratha empire. The victory also set the foundations for the imperial conquests achie

y claimed the Maratha throne and challenged his aunt Tarabai and her son. This promptly turned the now-spluttering Mughal-Maratha war i

yids and Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath, a civilian representative of Shahu, drew the Marathas into the vendetta against the emperor.

my, and pay an annual tribute. But in return he received a firman, or imperial directive, guaranteeing him Swaraj, or independence, in the Ma

es like scarcity of food. With the help of Pantpratinidhi, Sachiv, he kept the economic condition of Maratha empire in an appropriate state.

ts and administration etc.

status. This was an indication of a great social mobility within the Maratha empire, enabling its rapid expansion.

father, despite being a Brahmin, he took up leading his troops. During his lifetime, he never lost a battle. He is credited with expanding the M

ahore, as in Delhi, the Marathas were now major players. By 1760, with defeat of the Nizam in the Deccan, Maratha power had reached its

Maratha alliance at a decisive moment leading to the great battle. Their supply chains cut off, the Marathas attacked the Afghans in an act of

or Shinde's) of Gwalior (and Ujjain), Pawars of Udgir and Bhonsales of Nagpur (no blood relation with Shivaji's or Tarabai's family) came into

a to support the heir to the throne against rival claimants, and they signed a treaty with the new Maharaja recognizing his independence from

he hearts of the British. Rani Lakshmibai was his childhood playmate and he had brotherly relations with her. Both of them fought against th

Pradesh. Vestiges of Maratha control over Delhi can still be found in Old Delhi in area surrounding the "Nutan Marathi" school and Maharash

from ordinary backgrounds; and Shivaji's most trusted secretary Haider Ali Kohari was from an ordinary family. All the groups of the Mahara

eign, Shahu appointed a Peshwa (prime minister) as head of government under certain conditions. After the death of Shahu, the Peshwas

and Newalkar became kings in their respective regions. The empire gave way to a loose Confederacy, with political power resting in a 'penta

e aggressive and began to frequently raid Mughal territory, ransacking the Mughal port of Surat in 1664. Shivaji Maharaj proclaimed himsel

angzeb himself headed south in 1682. With his entire imperial court, administration, and an army of about 400,000 troops he proceeded to

ortured for over a fortnight. The torture involved plucking out their eyes and tongue and pulling out their nails. The later part involved of remo

had crossed the Narmada River and entered Malwa, then in Mughal possession.
imperial conquests achieved later, under the Peshwas.

ng Mughal-Maratha war into a three-cornered affair. The states of Satara and Kolhapur came into being in 1707, because of the succession

st the emperor.

independence, in the Maratha homeland, plus rights to chauth and sardeshmukh (amounting to 35 percent of the total revenue) throughou

in an appropriate state.

dited with expanding the Maratha Empire created by its founder,Chh.Shivaji maharaj, which reached its zenith twenty years after his death.

ha power had reached its zenith with a territory of over 250 million acres (1 million km) or one-third of the Indian sub-continent.

d the Afghans in an act of desperation as their forces had not had a meal in three days. The defeat at Paniput checked Maratha expansion

Tarabai's family) came into being in far flung regions of the empire. Even in the Maharashtra itself many knights were given semi-autonomou

ing his independence from the Maratha empire in return for his acknowledgement of British paramountcy. In the Second Anglo-Maratha Wa

of them fought against the British. He encouraged Indian soldiers to rise against the British. Though he was defeated in this war of indepen

athi" school and Maharashtra Bhavan.

the groups of the Maharashtrian society like CKP, SKP, Vaishyas, Bhandaris, Brahmins, Kolis, Dhangars, Marathas and Saraswats were w

h of Shahu, the Peshwas became the de faco leaders of the Empire from 1749 to 1761, while Shivaji's successors continued as nominal ru

l power resting in a 'pentarchy' of five mostly Maratha dynasties: the Peshwas of Pune; the Sindhias (originally "Shindes") of Malwa and Gw

aharaj proclaimed himself emperor taking the title (Chharapai) in 1674. The Marathas had spread and conquered some of central India b

0 troops he proceeded to conquer the sultanates of Bijapur and Golconda. During the eight years that followed, Sambhaji led the Marathas,

ater part involved of removing their skin. On March 11, 1689, Sambhaji was finally killed, reportedly by tearing him apart from the front and b

because of the succession dispute over the Maratha kingship. By 1710 two separate principalities had become an established fact, eventua

total revenue) throughout Gujarat, Malwa, and the now six provinces of the Mughal Deccan. This treaty also released Yesubai, Shahuji's m

nty years after his death. Baji Rao is thus acknowledged as the most famous of the nine Peshwas.

ub-continent.

cked Maratha expansion and fragmented the empire. After the battle, the Maratha Confederacy never fought again as one unit. Delhi/Agra

ere given semi-autonomous charges of small districts which led to princely states like Sangli, Aundh,Bhor,Bawda,Jat,Phaltan, Miraj etc.

econd Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805), the Peshwa Baji Rao II signed a similar treaty. The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818), a last-di

ated in this war of independence he is viewed as a glorious patriot in Indian history.

as and Saraswats were well-represented in the Empire. [2]

rs continued as nominal rulers from their base in Satara. Covering a large part of the subcontinent, the Maratha Empire kept the British forc

hindes") of Malwa and Gwalior; the Holkars of Indore; the Bhonsles of Nagpur; and the Gaekwads of Baroda. A rivalry between the Sindhia a

d some of central India by Shivaji Maharaja's death in 1680, but later lost it to the Mughals and the British. According to Indian historian Try

ambhaji led the Marathas, never losing a battle or a fort to Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb had almost lost the battle. In early 1689, Sambhaji called
apart from the front and back with 'Wagh Nakhe (Tiger claws, a kind of weapon), and was beheaded with an axe. This grievous death was

established fact, eventually confirmed by the Treaty of Warna in 1731.

sed Yesubai, Shahuji's mother, from Mughal prison.

n as one unit. Delhi/Agra was controlled by Mahadji Shinde from Gwalior, Central India was controlled by Holkars from Indore and Western

at,Phaltan, Miraj etc.

War (1817-1818), a last-ditch effort to regain sovereignty, resulted in the loss of Maratha independence: it left Britain in control of most of Ind

mpire kept the British forces at bay during the 18th century, until dissension between the Peshwas and their sardars, or army commanders,

alry between the Sindhia and Holkar dominated the confederation's affairs into the early 19th century, as did the clashes with the British and

ing to Indian historian Tryambak Shankar Shejwalkar, Shivaji Maharaj was inspired by the great Vijayanagara Empire, a bulwark against Mu

y 1689, Sambhaji called his commanders for a strategic meeting at Sangameshwar. In a meticulously planned operation, Ganoji Shirke and

This grievous death was given to him at Vadhu on the banks of Bhima river, near Pune.

rom Indore and Western India was controlled by Gaikwad's from Baroda.

in in control of most of India. The Peshwa was exiled to Bithoor (near Kanpur, U.P.) as a pensioner of the British. The Maratha heartland of

s, or army commanders, tore at their cohesion.

ashes with the British and the British East India Company in the three Anglo-Maratha Wars. In the Third Anglo-Maratha War, the last Peshw

pire, a bulwark against Muslim invasion of South India. The victories of the then king of Mysore, Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar against the

eration, Ganoji Shirke and Aurangzeb's commander, Mukarrab Khan attacked Sangameshwar when Sambhaji was about to leave the town.

The Maratha heartland of Desh, including Pune, came under direct British rule, with the exception of the states of Kolhapur and Satara, whic

ratha War, the last Peshwa, Baji Rao II, was defeated by the British in 1818. Most of the former Maratha Empire was absorbed by British In

araja Wodeyar against the Sultan of Bijapur also inspired Shivaji Maharaj [1]. As per legend, Shivaji Maharaj was the first king in India whos

s about to leave the town. A small ambush followed and Sambhaji was captured by Mughal troops on 1 Feb, 1689. He and his advisor, Kavi

Kolhapur and Satara, which retained local Maratha rulers. The Maratha-ruled states of Gwalior, Indore, and Nagpur all lost territory, and cam

as absorbed by British India, although some of the Maratha states persisted as quasi-independent princely states until India became indepe

he first king in India whose vision encompassed the dev (god), desh (country) and dharma (religion).

He and his advisor, Kavi Kalash were taken to

Bahadurgad. Aurangzeb humiliated them by parading them wearing clown's clothes. Later

r all lost territory, and came under subordinate alliance with the British Raj as princely states that retained internal sovereignty under British

until India became independent in 1947.

ing clown's clothes. Later, Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash were tied upside down to camels with Mughal soldiers throwing stones, mud, and cow

sovereignty under British 'paramountcy'. Other small princely states of Maratha knights were retained under the British Raj as well.

ing stones, mud, and cow dung at them.

ritish Raj as well.

Maratha rulers
The Royal House of Chhatrapati Shivaji

Chhatrapati Shivaji (1630-1680) Chhatrapati Sambhaji (1657-1689) Chhatrapati Rajaram (1670-1700) Chhatrapat
Chatrapati Sambhaji, ) Chhatrapati Ramaraja (nominally, grandson of Chatrapati Rajaram - Qu

The Royal House of Kolhapur

Queen Tarabai (wife of Chatrapati Rajaram) Chatrapati Sambhaji (son of Chatrapati Rajaram from second wife) Chh

Peshwa

Balaji Vishwanath Bajirao the first (brother Chimaji-appa) Balaji Bajirao (brother Raghunathrao, Cousin Sadashivra
Vishwasrao) Narayanrao Peshwa (younger brother of Madhavrao, murdered by uncle) Raghunathrao Peshwa (uncle
"Barbhai" conspiracy) Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa (son of Narayanrao) Bajirao the second (son of Raghunathrao) Am
second, for a short period during Yashwantrao holkar's siege of Pune, Bajirao reinstated by British later) Nana Sahib
Bajirao the second, lived in Uttar Pradesh in exile)

m (1670-1700) Chhatrapati Shahu (alias Shivaji II, Son of

Chatrapati Rajaram - Queen Tarabai)

am from second wife) Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj

athrao, Cousin Sadashivrao-bhau) Peshwa Madhavrao (elder brother

ghunathrao Peshwa (uncle of Narayanrao, ousted in coup named
son of Raghunathrao) Amritrao Peshwa (brother of Bajirao the
y British later) Nana Sahib Peashwa the second (adopted son of

Bhonsle
The Bhosle or Bhosale (pronounced Bhoslay) were a prominent Maratha clan who served as rulers of several states in India

The most prominent member of the clan was Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha empire. His successors ruled as maharajas fr
In addition to the Bhonsle Maharajas of Satara, rulers of the Bhonsle clan established themselves at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu

After the British defeat of the Marathas in the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1818, the Marathas were forced to accept British rul

Flag of the Maratha

Bhosale/Bhonsle

Lineage: Suryavansh or Solar clan

Original kingdom: Mainawati, Tuljapur, Raygad fort (Raigad) and Burhanpur
Current kingdoms: Kolhapur, Satara, Nagpur Akalkot and Thanjavur.
Colour of throne, canopy, sign (Nishan), and Horse (Varu): Bhagwa (Ochre), *Heraldic sign (Nishan): Rudra on flagpole
Clan goddess: Jagdamba Bhavani, Tulja Bhavani, chittoud Bhavani, *Clan godd: Eklingji, Bada Mahadeo of shikhar shingna
Guru: Shankkayan, *Gotra: Kaushika, *Veda: Rigveda *Mantra: Gayatri mantra

Surnames:Aher, Awatar, Ubale, Aadhale, Bhondve, Desale, Dhole, Kacchawah, Kalse, Kanse, Kanase, Kadoo, Kharade, G
[edit] Notable Bhosale Subclans
Ghorpade
Kharade
Desale
Shisode
Sawant

Maharajas of Satara
Shivaji I (leader from 1655, Maharaja 1674-1680)
Sambhaji I (1680-1689). Eldest son of Shivaji I.
Rajaram (1689-1700). Younger son of Shivaji I.

Tarabai (regent 1700-1708). Wife of Rajaram.

Shahu I (1708-1749). Son of Sambhaji I.
Ramaraja (1749-1777). Grandson of Rajaram and Tarabai; adopted son of Shahu I.
Shahu II (1777-1808). Son of Ramaraja.
Pratapsinh (1808-1839)
Shahaji III (1839-1848)
1848 to Great Britain
Pratapsinh I (adopted)
Rajaram III
Pratapsinh II
Raja Shahu (1918 - 1950)
Pratapraje (1950-1978)
Udayanraje Bhonsle (1978 till present)
[edit] Maharajas of Thanjavur
Venkaji (1674-1686)
Shahji (1686-1711)
Sarabhoji I (1711-1727)
Tukoji (1727-1735)
Bava Sahib (1735-1736)
Maharani Sujana Bai (1736-1738)
Sawai Shahji (1738)
Sayaji (1738-1739)
Pratap Singh (1739-1763)
Tusalji (1763-1787)
Amar Singh (1787-1798)
Sarabhoji II (1798-1824)
Shivaji (1824-1855)
1855 to Great Britain
[edit] Maharajas of Kolhapur
Shivaji I (1700-1712)
Shambhoji (1712-1760)
Sivaji II (1760-1812) (adopted from the family of Khanwilkar)
Shambhu (1812-1821)
Shahoji I (1821-1837)
Shivaji III (1837-1866)
Rajaram I (1866-1870) (adopted from the family of Patankar)
Shivaji IV (1870-1883)
Shahu IV (1883-1922) (adopted from the family of Ghatge)
Rajaram II (1922-1940)
British rule (1940-1942)
Shivaji V (1942-1947)
Shahoji II (1947-1949), titular Maharaja 1949-1983 (adopted from the family of Pawar)
1948 to India

Shahu II as titular Maharaja (1983-present)

[edit] Maharajas of Nagpur
Raghoji I (1738-1755)
Janoji (1755-1772)
Mudhoji I (1772-1788)
Raghoji II (1788-1816)
Mudhoji II (1816-1818)
Raghoji III (1818-1853)
1853 to Great Britain

e Bhonsle of Satara and Kolhapur were descended from Sivaji's sons, Sambhaji and Rajaram.

ra came under direct British rule in the mid-nineteenth century when their rulers died without male heirs; Kolhapur continued as a princely s

tekar, Pedgaonkar, Shisode, Sawant, Bhosale, Hivrale, Sarupye, kotwal(Total 37)

continued as a princely state until India's independence in 1947, when the rulers acceded to the Indian government.

Shrimant Shivaji Shahaji Raje Bhonsle

Chatrapati Shivaji was the famous Maratha king who had the utmost courage to stand against the vast ocean of Mughal rule,

Although his original name was Shivaji Bhosle, his subjects lovingly gave him the title of 'Chatrapati' or the 'Chief of the Kshat

Born on 19th February 1630 at the Shivneri Fort to a valiant Maratha regent Shahaji Raje and a dedicated mother Jijabai, Shi

A young boy of 16 is not known to win battles, but his mother's teachings, father's struggle and a pride in the motherland gav

as an able warrior and leader with the seizure of the Torna Fort which was initially under the Bijapur Kingdom. With this recog

His major breakthrough came with Battle of Pratapgarh against Afzal Khan, the general of the Sultanate of Bijapur, which mad

He won it through sheer planning, speed and excellent generalship. This was followed by many other battles against the Sult

Battle of Pavan Khind, Battle of Vishaalgad and others.Chatrapati Shivaji is most famous for his valor to challenge

Although Emperor Aurangzeb tried to capture all the forts and territories under Shivaji he could not achieve much success

But a temporary pause was put in Shivaji's successful ventures by the brave Hindu General Jai Singh, sent by the
Mughal Emperor and what followed is popularly known in history as Shivaji's trip to and astonishing escape from Ag
Although after this incident, Shivaji remained dormant for sometime, he rose yet again against the Mughals in the y

Shivaji Bhosle
Chhatrapati
Reign
Coronation
Full name
Titles
Born
Birthplace
Died
Place of
death

1664 - 1680
June 6, 1674
Shivaji Shahaji Bhosle
Kshatriya Kulavantas,GoBramhan Pratipalak
February 19, 1630
Shivneri Fort, near Pune, India
April 3, 1680 (aged 50)

Raigad Fort

Successor

Sambhaji
Sai bai
Soyarabai
Putalabai
Kashibai
Sagunabai
Manjulabai
Sakavaarbai
Gunvantibai[1][2]

Wives

Offspring
Father
Mother

Sambhaji, Rajaram, and six daughters

Shahaji
Jijabai

Religious
beliefs

Hinduism

Shivaji Bhosle (Born:February 19, 1630, Died: April 3, 1680), commonly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Shivajis ideology of Hindavi Swaraj and subsequent expansion of the Maratha Empire, was partly responsible for r

Shivaji established and set up a competent civil rule with the help of well regulated and disciplined military and well

A large portion of his kingdom was a coastline and he secured it with a potent navy under his commander Angre. H

[edit] Early life

[edit] Birth

Shivaji was the youngest son of Shahaji and Jijabai Bhosle. Shivaji's birth date was a matter of controversy but rec

Shahaji Bhosle - Shivaji's father - was the eldest son of Maloji Bhosale of Verul (present day Ellora, Maharastra). M

Shahaji continuing the lead of his father played an important role in various Deccan wars. He began service with th

He sent Jijabai off to the safety of Shivneri fort which was under his control. It was here at Shivneri that Shivaji was

After this episode Ahmednagar fell to the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan, and shortly thereafter Shahji as Nizam's G
[edit] Foundation of empire

Chhattrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle, founder of the Maratha Empire.

Shahaji appointed young Shivaji, under the care of his mother Jijabai to manage the Pune holdings. A small counci

Shivaji Statue in Mumbai

His mother made an indelible impression on him with her teachings, with her love for the homeland and its people.

Furthermore, his mother, having lost her father and three brothers to a treacherous plot hatched by the regional kin

Her piety and commitment to indigenous culture and her recounting of tales from the great Indian epics of Mahabh

Shahaji's vision, and Jijabai's teachings and motivation, and the able training by military commanders such as Gom
[edit] Confrontation with the Regional Sultanates

At the age of 17 Shivaji carried out his first military action by attacking and capturing Torna Fort of the Bijapur kingd

By 1654 Shivaji had captured forts in the Western Ghats and along the Konkan coast. In a bid to sabotage this mo

[edit] Battle of Pratapgarh/ Pratapgad

Main article: Battle of Pratapgarh

Afzal Khan, after leaving Bijapur to confront Shivaji, first desecrated the temples of goddess Bhavani in Tuljapur an

Wagh nakh

Shivaji, armed himself with a weapon called wagh nakh (tiger claw), and chilkhat (armour) prior to the meeting.Afza

In the ensuing battle of Pratapgarh in the dense forests, which was fought on November 30, 1659, Shivaji's armies

Immediately after slaying Afzal Khan, Shivaji galloped up the slope towards the fortress with his lieutenants and ord

Maratha troops commanded by Shivaji's captain Kanhoji Jedhe, swept down on Afzal Khan's 1,500 musketeers; re

Meanwhile, Moropant led the Maratha infantry toward the left flank of the main portion of Adilshahi troops. The sud

The Maratha cavalry under Netaji Palkar pursued the retreating Adilshahi forces, who were attempting to join up wi
This great and complete victory made Shivaji a hero of Maratha folklore and a legendary figure among his people.

Subsequently, the Sultan of Bijapur sent an elite Pashtun army comprised mainly of Afghani mercenaries to subdue
The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, now identified Shivaji as a major threat to the mighty Mughal Empire.
[edit] Battle of Kolhapur
Main article: Battle of Kolhapur

To counter the loss at Pratapgad and to defeat the newly emerging Maratha power, another army, this time number

This victory alarmed the mighty Mughal empire who now derisively called Shivaji "Mountain Rat" . Aurangzeb the M
[edit] Battle of Pavan Khind
Main article: Battle of Vishalgarh

In 1660, Adil Shah, once again sent Siddi Johar an accomplished general to put down Shivaji. He ordered his large

At that time Shivaji was camped at the Panhala fort with a small part of his army, near present day Kolhapur, on the

Shivaji sent misleading messages to Siddi Johar indicating that he was willing to negotiate and was looking for acc

Sensing that enemy cavalry was fast closing in on them Shivaji sought to avoid defeat and capture. Baji Prabhu De

In the ensuing battle of Pavan Khind, Baji Prabhu Deshpande fought relentlessly. He was almost fatally wounded b

Thereafter a truce was made between Shivaji and Adilshahi through Shahaji, acknowledging and formally recogniz
Ghod Khind (khind = " a narrow mountain pass") was renamed Pavan Khind (Sacred Pass) in honor of Bajiprabhu

This remained the situation until the death of Shahaji. Henceforth the Marathas became a formal and recognized p

[edit] Clash with the Mughals

[edit] Shaista Khan
In January, 1660, Aurangzeb sent his maternal uncle Shaista Khan, with a large army to defeat Shivaji. He was an

Shaista Khan, seized Pune and the nearby fort of Chakan. Although he held Pune for almost a year, he had little fu

Shaista Khan kept the security in Pune very tight. Shivaji planned a daring attack on Shaista Khan amidst tight sec

After overpowering and slaying the palace guards, the Marathas broke into the mansion by breaking through a wall

Within twenty-four hours of this daring attack, Amir-ul-Umra, Shaista Khan left Pune and headed North towards Agr

[edit] Surat and Mirza Raja Jai Singh

In 1664 Shivaji invaded Surat, an important and wealthy Mughal trading city, and looted it to replenish his now depl

Aurangzeb was enraged and sent Mirza Raja Jai Singh I, with an army numbering well over 100,000 to defeat Shiv

[edit] Trip To Agra and Escape

In 1666, Aurangzeb summoned Shivaji to agra, along with his six year old son Sambhaji, on the occasion of his fifti

From his spies, Shivaji learned that Aurangzeb planned to shift him to Raja Vitthaldas's Haveli and then to possibly

After several days and weeks of sending out boxes containing sweets, Shivaji hid himself in one of the boxes and m

Dr. Ajit Joshi in a book Agryahun Sutka, concluded that Shivaji likely disguised himself as a Brahmin priest after per

[edit] Preparing for War

In the years 1667-69, Shivaji adopted a low profile and began to aggressively build up his army. His army now cont

[edit] Battle of Sinhagad

Kondana fort, on the outskirts of Pune, was still under Mughal control. Uday Bhan Rathod, the fort keeper, led an a

Tanaji Malusare surveyed the fort and its defenses for some days. The fort was extremely well guarded. One very s
As the advance party reached the top, they threw ropes for others to climb. Meanwhile Tanaji's brother

Tanaji and Uday Bhan came face to face and a fierce fight ensued. Uday Bhan broke Tanaji`s Dhal [Defence shield

When Shivaji reached the fort after the victory, he was deeply bereaved by the loss of his good friend Tanaji. He sa

[edit] Coronation
Shivaji was formally crowned Chharapai (Chief, or King of Kshatriyas), on June 6, 1674 at Raigad fort, and given

He was bestowed with the Jaanva, (in Hindi the Janeu the sacred thread), with the Vedas and was bathed in an ab

Shivaji then was conferred with the title of "shakkarta". He started his own calendar. A few days later a second cere

[edit] Rule

Shivaji was an able and competent administrator and established a government that included such modern concep

Shivaji is well known for his benevolent attitude towards his subjects. He believed that there was a close bond betw
He laid the foundations of the modern Marathi identity and infused it with strong martial and moral traditions.

Shivaji successfully lead and marshalled his forces to cope and overcome several major enemy invasions of his ter

He was an innovator and an able commander, he successfully used effective tactics including hit-and-run, strategic

Toward the end of his reign he had built up the Maratha forces to be over one hundred thousand strong, and was a

Shivaji's kingdom served as a Hindu bulwark against Islamic powers within India. His brilliant strategic and tactical m

[edit] Character

During his long military career and his many campaigns his strong religious and warrior code of ethics, exemplary c

Shivaji was once offered as a war booty an extremely beautiful young lady, by an uninformed Maratha captain. She

He boldly risked his life, his treasure and his personal well being and that of his family, to openly challenge his imm

He did not spend any resources on projects designed for self-aggrandizement or vanity, instead he was propeled b

Shivaji did not believe in being treated as a royalty, in fact he mingled freely with his subjects to spend time with the

Shivaji struck a deep chord with his followers and the citizenary. And the high level of admiration and respect he ea

[edit] Revolution in military organisation

M.V. Dhurandhar's painting of Shivaji.

Shivaji's genius is most evident in his military organisation which lasted till the demise of the Maratha empire. He w

A standing army belonging to the state called paga;

All war horses belonged to the state; responsibility for their upkeep rested on the Soveriegn.
Creation of part time soldiers from peasants who worked for eight months in the field and supported four months
Highly mobile and light infantry and cavalry were his innovations and they excelled in commando tactics;
The introduction of an centralized intelligence department, a potent navy, and regular chain-of-command;
Introduction of field craft viz. Guerrilla warfare, commando actions, swift flanking attacks;
Innovation of weapons and firepower, innovative use of traditional weapons like tiger claw or 'Baghnakh'. 'Vita' wa
Militarisation of almost the entire society, including all classes, with the entire peasant population of settlements a

[edit] Father of Indian Navy

Shivaji realized the importance of having a secure coastline and protecting the western Konkan coastline from the

[edit] Forts
Main article: Shivaji's Forts

Pratap Gad

Shivaji constructed a chain of 300 or more forts running over a thousand kilometres across the rugged Western Gh

[edit] Promotion of Sanskrit

The house of Shivaji was one of the Indian royal families who were well acquainted with Sanskrit and promoted it. T

Shivaji continued this trait and developed it further. He named his forts as Sindhdurg, Prachandgarh, Suvarndurg e

After his death Sambhaji, who was himself a Sanskrit scholar (his verse - Budhbhushanam), continued it. His grand

Sambhaji issued one danapara (donation plaque) which is in Sanskrit composed by himself in which he writes abo

1. Yavanarambha gria mlechakshaydiksha: It means - Shivaji had taken a sacred oath and was on mission to d
2. Dillindraman pradhvanspau: One who has defeated the Mughal Emperor of Delhi
3. Vijayapuradhishwar prathtarmanya bhujchachayay: One whose help was sought by Adilshahi King of Vijaypur[cit

[edit] Religion

As per legend, the family deity of the Bhosle's, goddess Bhavani gave a divine sword to Shivaji.

Shivaji made available to Ramdas a fort named Parali Fort to establish his permanent monastery there. The fort wa

Chhatrapati Shivaji was a devout Hindu and he respected all religions within the region. Shivaji had great respect fo

He also visited Mouni Maharaj temple and Samadhi at Patgaon (Bhudargad Taluka near to Gargoti) in Kolhapur dis
Shivaji allowed his subjects freedom of religion and opposed forced conversion. [19] The first thing Shivaji did after

Shivaji had respect for the Sufi tradition of Islam. [20] Shivaji used to pray at the mausoleum of the great Sufi Muslim
His Mavala army's war cry was 'Haar Haar Mahadev' (Hail Lord Shiva).

He commanded the respect and fealty of the muslims under his command by his fair treatment of his friends as we
Kafi Khan, the Mughal historian and Bernier, a French traveler, spoke highly of his religious policy. He also brought

Shivaji applied a humane and liberal policy to the women of his state.[20] There are many instances in folklore, wh

Shivaji's sentiments of inclusivity and tolerance of other religions can be seen in an admonishing letter to Aurangze

"Verily, Islam and Hinduism are erms of conras. They are used by he rue Divine Painer for blending he colours

[edit] Southern expedition

Towards the end of 1676, Shivaji defeated and captured the forts at Vellore and Gingee near Bijapur, Karnataka, m

[edit] Death and succession

It is said that he died due to contracting a disease Bloody Flux, [ciaion needed] Intestinal anthrax.

Ruins of the Raigad Fort, which served as a capital for Maratha Empire.

A few months after Shivaji's death, Aurangzeb's son, Prince Akbar, rebelled against his father and was sheltered by

The indomitable Marathas adapted very well to the huge but slow moving Mughal menace and fought Aurangzeb to

Eventually a broken, defeated Aurangzeb retreated in sickness from the Deccan in 1705. The final Mughal withdraw

Sir Jadunath Sarkar, a noted Indian historian and scholar, estimated that about 500,000 Mughal soldiers and 200,0

[edit] Legacy

A statue of Shivaji in the Birla Mandir, Delhi

Because of his struggle against an imperial power, Shivaji became an icon of freedom fighters in the Indian indepe

School texts in Maharashtra describe Shivaji's rule as heroic, exemplary and inspiring and he is considered the fou
A sectarian political party, the Shiv Sena, claims to draw inspiration from Shivaji.

The World Heritage site of Victoria Terminus and Sahar International Airport in Mumbai were renamed Chatrapati S
The School of Naval Engineering of the Indian Navy is named as INS Shivaji.
[edit] Literature and Movies
Main Article: List of movies on Shivaji

Shivaji is a source of inspiration for a number of artists, directors, actors, writers, shahir (ballad composer), poets a

Sriman yogi is a novel written on Shivaji's life by Ranjit Desai. Raja Shivachhatrapati is a biography authored by Ba

Marathi playwright Vasant Kanetkar wrote 'Raigadala Jevha Jaag Yete' (When Raigad awakes), a play based on th

Star Pravah- the Marathi channel of Star India Network now has a multi-crore TV serial Raja ShivChhatrapati on th

Mee Shivaji Raje Bhosle Boltoy is a yet-to-be launched Marathi film which tries to convey how Shivaji would have r
[edit] Associates

Some of Shivaji's close associates were also his primary army chieftains, and have entered folklore along with him
Antaji Konde-Deshmukh

Baji Jedhe
Baji Pasalkar
Baji Prabhu Deshpande
Balaji Avji Chitre
Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande
Chimanaji Deshpande
Dhanajirao Jadhavrao
Firangoji Narsala
Fullaji Prabhu Deshpande
Gangadhar Pant
Gomaji Naik
Haider Ali Kohari
Hambirrao Mohite
Hiroji Farjad
Jiva Mahala
Kanhoji Jedhe Deshmukh
Keso Narayan Deshpande
Kondaji Farjand
Lay Patil Koli
Murarbaji Deshpande
Nanaji Deshpande
Neelkanthrao Surnaik
Netaji Palkar
Prataprao Gujar
Rango Narayan OrpeSarpotdar
Sambhaji Kavji
Santaji Ghorpade
Suryaji Kakade
Tanaji Malusare
Yesaji Kank

Under Shivaji, many men of talent and enterprise rose into prominence. They carried forward his mission and ensu
[edit] Accounts of contemporary foreign travellers
Many foreign travellers who visited India during Shivaji's time wrote about him.

The Abbe Carre was a French traveller who visited India around 1670; his account was published as
The French traveller Francois Bernier wrote in his Travels in Mughal India. "I forgot to mention that during pillage
[edit] References

1. ^ Chharapai Shivaji. p. 18. ISBN 8128808265. http://books.google.com/books?id=HsBPTc3hcekC.

2. ^ Shivaji he Grea. p. 193. ISBN 8190200003. http://books.google.com/books?id=N5mIVt_Zd-0C.
3. ^ The Presidenial Armies of India. W.H. Allen. p. 47. http://books.google.com/books?id=YX9JAAAAMAAJ.
4. ^ a b "Itihaas - Shivaji assumes the title of Chattrapati". Sify Corporation. http://sify.com/itihaas/fullstory.php?id=
5. ^ Shivaji and Indian Naionalism. Central Pub. House. p. 130. http://books.google.com/books?id=lAAeAAAAM
6. ^ Setumadhavarao S. Pagadi. (1993). SHIVAJI. NATIONAL BOOK TRUST. p. 21. ISBN 8123706472. http://bo
7. ^ Shivaji and His Times. Longmans, Green and co. p. 20. http://books.google.com/books?id=7xNFAAAAIAAJ.
8. ^ a b c "Gazetter of the Bombay Presidency - Poona - MUSALMANS 1294-1760 - Nizamshahi". http://www.mah

9. ^ "Shivaji Maharajs birth date is in debate". http://punekar.in/site/2008/11/05/shivaji-maharajs-birth-date-is-in-d

10. ^ "JIJABAI - Her Parent's House Reduced To Ashes". http://www.freeindia.org/biographies/greatpersonalities
11. ^ SHIVAJI THE FOUNDER OF MARATHA SWARAJ. B. I. S. M. Puraskrita Grantha Mala.
12. ^ Kamat, K. L.. "Short Bio: Maratha King Shivaji". Kamat's Potpourri. http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/mahara
13. ^ [1]
14. ^ 'Rigveda to Raigarh making of Shivaji the great'. Manudevi Prakashan. 2005.
15. ^ edited by Om Prakash. (2001). Encyclopaedic Hisory of Indian Freedom Movemen. Anmol Publications. p
16. ^ Shivaji and His Times. Longmans, Green and co. p. 294. http://books.google.com/books?id=7xNFAAAAIAA
17. ^ Majumdar, R.C. (ed.) (2007). The Mughul Empire, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, ISBN 81-7276-407-1,
18. ^ Patil, Vishwas - "Sambhaji", Mehta Publishing House, Pune (2006) ISBN 81-7766-651-7
19. ^ Mughal Rule in India By Stephen Meredyth Edwardes, Herbert Leonard Offley Garrett,ISBN 8171565514, 9
20. ^ a b c Zakaria, Rafique, "Communal Rage in Secular India", Popular Prakashan, Mumbai (2003)
21. ^ Central Chronicle Letter D. Pande. Retrieved on 2007-03-07
22. ^ Book Review IMC India. Retrieved on 2007-03-07
23. ^ Gazeeer of he Bombay Presidency. p. 145. http://books.google.com/books?id=4bMIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA1
[edit] Further reading

Shivchatrapati- Ek Magowa by Dr Jysingrao Bhausaheb Pawar.

Apte, B.K. (editor), Chhatrapati Shivaji: Coronation Tercentenary Commemoration Volume, Bombay: University o
Duff, Grant, Hisory of Marhaas, Oxford University Press, London Link - http://books.google.com/books?id=FKQ
V.D.Katamble, Shivaji the Great, Pune : Balwant Printers - English Translation of popular Marathi book "Shriman
Kasar, D.B., Rigveda o Raigarh - Making of Shivaji he Grea, Mumbai: Manudevi Prakashan (2005)
Vishwas Patil - Sambhaji, Mehta Publishing House, Pune (2006) ISBN 81-7766-651-7
Purandare B. M. (author), Raja Shivachharapai, he is the most popular and most enigmatic historian of Maratha
Sriman Yogi
Joshi, Ajit, Agryahun Suka, Marathi, Pune: Shivapratap Prakashan (1997)
More, Vasantrao, James Laine: A research scholar or a barbarian?, Marathi, Shivsangram Prakashan (2004), Ko
Laine, James, Shivaji: Hindu king in Islamic India, London: Oxford University Press 2003.
Parulekar, Shyamrao, Yashogaha Vijaya durg, Vijay Durg (1982)
Jyotirao Phule, Chatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle Yanche Powade, Marathi, (1869)
Sarkar, Jadunath, Shivaji and his imes, Calcutta
Zakaria, Rafique, Communal Rage in Secular India, Popular Prakashan, Mumbai (2003)
Work of D. G. Godse
Rajendra Ghorpade Mouni maharaj guru of raje shivaji
Mahesh Tendulkar, Runzunjar Senapati Santaji Ghorpade - a book on Santaji Ghorpade.
Vishwas Patil, Panipat - a book on the battle of Panipat.
Ranjit Desai, Swami - a book on Madhavrao Peshwa
[edit] See also
Chhatrapati
Marathas
Maratha Empire
Bhosle family ancestry
Marathi people
List of people known as The Great
Maratha clan system
Marathawada

[edit] External links

Chhatrapathi Shivaji
Listen Shivaji's Stories(Powade)
Great Escape from Agra in 1666
Succeede
Preceded by Chhatrapati of dthe
by
new state

Maratha Empire
Sambhaji
1674
1680

Raje Bhonsle Chhatrapati Maharaj

t the vast ocean of Mughal rule, single-handedly.

trapati' or the 'Chief of the Kshatriyas' for his undaunted ability to protect them all under the safe shelter of his leadership.

d a dedicated mother Jijabai, Shivaji was a descendent of the 96 Maratha Clans who were well known as brave fighters or 'Kshatriyas'.

and a pride in the motherland gave the young Shivaji his first achievement

Bijapur Kingdom. With this recognition, there was no looking back.

e Sultanate of Bijapur, which made him a hero of the Marathas overnight.

ny other battles against the Sultanate of Bijapur, in warfares such as Battle of Kolhapur,

mous for his valor to challenge the mighty Mughal Empire, at the time ruled by Aurangzeb.
could not achieve much success due to Shivaji's clever leadership qualities and guerrilla tactics.

General Jai Singh, sent by the emperor. Upon this, Shivaji decided to negotiate with the
nd astonishing escape from Agra, where he was kept a prisoner by Aurangzeb.
n against the Mughals in the year 1670 with the Battle of Sinhagad. Soon after this victory he was coroneted on 6th June, 1674, as the King

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Marathi: ) The Great King of INDIA and Great INSPIRATION OF world is called as Grea

e, was partly responsible for re-establisment of Hindu rule and its re-emergent assertiveness throughout the mainland of present day India

nd disciplined military and well structured administrative organizations. The then prevalent practices of treating women as war booty, destruc

nder his commander Angre. He was very successful in keeping foreign naval ships, particularly Portugese and British, under check. For his

matter of controversy but recently a consensus has been reached and is deemed to be 19 February 1630. [7][8][9] He was born on Shivner

ent day Ellora, Maharastra). Maloji Bhosale's was deeply insulted by Lakhuji Jadhavrao, a sardar in Nizamshahi, due his refusal to allow his

wars. He began service with the young Nizam of Ahmednagar and together with Malik Amber, Nizam's minister, he won back most of the dis

re at Shivneri that Shivaji was born. In the meanwhile entire Jadhavrao family including Lakhuji and his three sons were murdered in Nizam

hereafter Shahji as Nizam's General responded by attacking the Mughal garrison and regained control of this region again. In response the

Pune holdings. A small council of ministers was appointed to assist and train Shivaji in administration. This council included Shamrao Nilkan

the homeland and its people. Shivaji learned much from his father's failed attempts at political independence: his exceptional military capab

lot hatched by the regional king Nizamshah, was opposed to those who she considered alien rulers, due to their derision and callousness to

great Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana molded Shivaji's character and helped him to be peerless (as confirmed by even otherw

ary commanders such as Gomaji Naik Pansambal and Baji Pasalkar were the main influences which groomed Shivaji into a brave and fearl

Torna Fort of the Bijapur kingdom, in 1645.By 1647 he had captured Kondana and Rajgad forts and had complete control of the Pune regio

t. In a bid to sabotage this move of the Marathas under Shivaji's able leadership, Adilshah had his father - Shahaji arrested by deceitful mea

oddess Bhavani in Tuljapur and Pandharpur. The intent was to get a roiled, disturbed, and shaken Shivaji out in the open to face him in a pi

mour) prior to the meeting.Afzal Khan attempted to stab Shivaji in the back with a dagger as they embraced at the onset of their meeting. Sh

ber 30, 1659, Shivaji's armies attacked Bijapur's (Afzal Khan's) forces and engaged them in swift flanking maneuvers.

ss with his lieutenants and ordered cannons to be fired. This was a signal to his infantry, which had been strategically placed under the cove

Khan's 1,500 musketeers; resulting in a complete rout of the musketeers at the foothills of the fort. Then in a rapid march, a section of Adil

n of Adilshahi troops. The suddenness of this attack on Afzal Khan's artillery at close quarters made them ineffective in providing artillery co

o were attempting to join up with the part of their reserve forces stationed in the nearby village of Wai. They were engaged in battle before th

dary figure among his people. The large quantities of captured weapons, horses, armour and other materials helped to strengthen the nasce

Afghani mercenaries to subdue and defeat Shivaji before he could substantially expand his army. In the resulting war of Panhalgadh, Bijapu

ty Mughal Empire.

nother army, this time numbering over 10,000, was sent against Shivaji, commanded by Bijapur's renowned Abyssinian general Rustemjam

untain Rat" . Aurangzeb the Mughal emperor was now actively preparing to bring the full might and resources of the Mughal Empire to bear

n Shivaji. He ordered his large army north to Kolhapur, Maharashtra to confront and defeat Shivaji once and for all.

r present day Kolhapur, on the borders of his dominion. Siddi Johar's army camped near Panhala, cutting off supply routes to the fort. Shiva

otiate and was looking for accommodation, understanding and mercy. With this news Adilshahi soldiers relaxed , and Shivaji escaped under

at and capture. Baji Prabhu Deshpande, a brave Sardar along with 300 soldiers, volunteered to fight to the death to hold back the enemy at

was almost fatally wounded but he held on and continued to attack until he heard the sound of cannon fire from Vishaal Gaad, signalling S

ledging and formally recognizing the independence of Shivaji's Kingdom. Also, as the terms of peace, Panhala Fort was awarded to Siddi J

Pass) in honor of Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the soldiers who selflessly fought and died to save their king and country. A small memorial s

me a formal and recognized power in the Deccan.

y to defeat Shivaji. He was an experienced commander who had defeated Shahaji in the same region in 1636. Within three years Shivaji ha

r almost a year, he had little further success. He had set up his residence at Lal Mahal, Shivaji's palace, in the city of Pune.

Shaista Khan amidst tight security. In April 1663, a wedding party had obtained special permission for a procession; Shivaji planned an atta

ion by breaking through a wall. Chimanji and Netaji Palkar first entered to provide cover to Shivaji MAharaj. Babaji Deshpande another man

and headed North towards Agra. An angered Aurangzeb transferred him to distant Bengal as a punishment for bringing embarrassment to th

ed it to replenish his now depleted treasury and also as a revenge for the capture and looting of Maratha territory by Shaista Khan.

ell over 100,000 to defeat Shivaji. The Mughal forces proved to be unstoppable in the early battles and Shivaji decided to come to terms with

haji, on the occasion of his fiftieth birthday. Aurangzeb's plan was to send Shivaji to Khandahar, modern day Afghanistan to consolidate the

s's Haveli and then to possibly kill him or send him to fight in the Afghan frontier. As a result Shivaji planned his escape. The entire plan of e

mself in one of the boxes and managed to escape.Sambhaji, his six year old son had been smuggled out a couple of days earlier. Shivaji an

lf as a Brahmin priest after performance of religious rites at the haveli grounds and escaped by mingling in within the departing priestly ento

p his army. His army now contained about 40,000 cavalry, backed by 60,000 infantry, a strong navy and a potent artillery. The Mughals had

athod, the fort keeper, led an army of about 1500 Rajputs and Mughals for the protection of the fort. On February 4, 1670 Shivaji deputed on

mely well guarded. One very sheer cliff caught Tanaji's eye. This side was least guarded as one could not possibly imagine climbing the fort

e Tanaji's brother Suryaji moved close to the gates of the fort, namely Kalyan Darwaja, with another 300 Mavalas. The gates were soon op

Tanaji`s Dhal [Defence shield] with a single blow, Tanaji was not deterred and proceeded to tie a piece of cloth around his left hand for prot

f his good friend Tanaji. He sadly commented "Gadh ala puhn sinha gela" (The fort was conquered but the lion was lost). Thereafter Konda

674 at Raigad fort, and given the title Kshariya Kulavanas Sinhasanadheeshwar Chharapai Shivaji Maharaj. Pandit Gaga Bhatt

edas and was bathed in an abisheka. Shivaji had insisted on an Indrabhishek ritual, which had fallen into disuse since the 9th century.

A few days later a second ceremony was carried out, this time according to the Bengal school of Tantricism and presided over by Nischal Pu

included such modern concepts as cabinet (Ashapradhan mandal), foreign affairs (Dabir) and internal intelligence.[12] Shivaji established a

at there was a close bond between the state and the citizens. He encouraged all accomplished and competent individuals to participate in th

ial and moral traditions.

ajor enemy invasions of his territories. He was also unceasing and inexorable in expanding his kingdoms boundaries. His success was drive

ncluding hit-and-run, strategic expansion of territories and forts, formation of highly mobile light cavalry and infantry units, adaptation of stra

d thousand strong, and was able to effectively keep the Mughal forces in check and on the defensive while expanding his kingdom southwa

brilliant strategic and tactical maneuvering on battlefields and his acute management and administrative skills helped him to lay the founda

or code of ethics, exemplary character and deep seated and uncompromising spiritual values directed him to offer protection to houses of w

nformed Maratha captain. She was the daughter-in-law of a defeated Muslim Amir (local ruler) of Kalyan, Maharashtra. Shivaji was reported

y, to openly challenge his immensely larger enemies to defend and achieve freedom and independence for his country. And in that lay the fo

ity, instead he was propeled by his sense of Dharma (sacred duty) to his people and country which lead him to directly challenge the dange

subjects to spend time with them to better understand their thoughts, issues and challenges. It is reported that he enjoyed simple meals of c

admiration and respect he earned from his followers and subjects sets him apart from most other Indian kings or chieftains in the recorded

e of the Maratha empire. He was one of the pioneers of commando actions, "Ganimi Kava" a term used for such a warefare, (though the ter

ld and supported four months in war.

in commando tactics;
lar chain-of-command;

er claw or 'Baghnakh'. 'Vita' was a weapon invented by Shivaji;

ant population of settlements and villages near forts actively involved in their defence

rn Konkan coastline from the attacks of Siddis fleet [15][16] he had realized the tactical advantage of having a strong navy and decided to p

across the rugged Western Ghats.Each were placed under three officers of equal status lest a single traitor should deliver it to the enemy. T

with Sanskrit and promoted it. The root can be traced from Shahaji who supported Jayram Pindye and many like him. Shivaji's seal was prep

Prachandgarh, Suvarndurg etc. He named Ashta Pradhan (council of ministers) as per Sanskrit nomenclature viz. Nyayadhish, Senapati e

hanam), continued it. His grandson Shahu spent his entire childhood in Mughal captivity, which affected his taste. But even he showered gift

himself in which he writes about his father as:

oath and was on mission to defeat invaders

y Adilshahi King of Vijaypur[citation needed]

t monastery there. The fort was subsequently renamed as "Sajjangad"(Fort of Decent/Holy ones).

on. Shivaji had great respect for Warkari saints like Tukaram and Sufi Muslim pir Shaikh Yacub Baba Avaliya of Konkan .[18]

ear to Gargoti) in Kolhapur district. Shahaji had donated a huge piece of land to Shaha-Sharif Durgah of Ahmednagar. (The names "Shaha

The first thing Shivaji did after a conquest was to promulgate protection of mosques and Muslim tombs. One-third of his army was Muslim, a

soleum of the great Sufi Muslim saint Baba Sharifuddin. He also visited the abode of another great Sufi saint, Shaikh Yacub of the Konkan,

treatment of his friends as well as enemies.

igious policy. He also brought back converts like Netaji Palkar & Bajaji in to Hinduism. He prohibited slavery in his kingdom.

many instances in folklore, which describes Shivaji's respect for women, irrespective of their religion, nationality, or creed.

dmonishing letter to Aurangzeb, in which he wrote:

ainer for blending he colours and filling in he oulines. If i is a mosque, he call o prayer is chaned in remembrance of him. If i is a empl

ee near Bijapur, Karnataka, modern-day Tamilnadu. These victories proved quite crucial during future wars. Jinjee served as Maratha capita

tinal anthrax.[ciaion needed] The funeral ceremony was arranged in Raigad in presence of his son Rajaram, and wife Soyarabai. After Shi

is father and was sheltered by Sambhaji.[23] Thereafter, in 1681, Aurangzeb, his army, entourage and the royal court moved in mass to the

nace and fought Aurangzeb to a stalemate. And towards the end of the second decade the Marathas gathered more strength and began to

705. The final Mughal withdrawal came two years later. He had spent most of his remaining resources and manpower trying to defeat the M

00 Mughal soldiers and 200,000 Marathas died during this decades long epic struggle for dominance of the Indian sub-continent.

m fighters in the Indian independence struggle that followed two centuries later.He is remembered as a just and wise king and his rule is cal

g and he is considered the founder of the modern Marathi nation; his policies were instrumental in forging a distinct Maharashtrian identity.

ai were renamed Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport respectively in Shivaji's honour, as have many pub

hir (ballad composer), poets and orators. In Marathi, Bhalaji Pendharkar directed on the movie, 'Raja Shivaji' in which the main role was pla

is a biography authored by Babasaheb Purandare on his life which was later brought out as Jaanata Raja ( ), a musical tale of Shi

d awakes), a play based on the complex relationship between Shivaji and Sambhaji. Shahir like Tulsidas and Agandas had written heroic ba

al Raja ShivChhatrapati on the life of Shivaji. The serial was launched in November 2008 and is expected to run for more than 100 one-hou

nvey how Shivaji would have responded to the problems faced by the 'Marathi manoos' today. Mahesh Manjrekar plays Shivaji in the film.

ntered folklore along with him. These include:

forward his mission and ensured the defeat of the Mughals in the War of 27 years. These include Ramchandrapant amtya, Santaji Ghorpa

was published as Voyage des Indes Orieneles mele de plusiers hisories curieuses at Paris in 1699. Some quotes: "Hardly had he won a
to mention that during pillage of Sourate, Seva-ji, the Holy Seva-ji! Respected the habitation of the reverend father Ambrose, the Capuchin

?id=HsBPTc3hcekC.
d=N5mIVt_Zd-0C.
ooks?id=YX9JAAAAMAAJ.
y.com/itihaas/fullstory.php?id=13374092. Retrieved on 2006-11-20.
e.com/books?id=lAAeAAAAMAAJ&pgis=1.
1. ISBN 8123706472. http://books.google.com/books?id=UVFuAAAAMAAJ&pgis=1.
m/books?id=7xNFAAAAIAAJ.
Nizamshahi". http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/pdf/gazeetter_reprint/Poona-II/history_Musalmans.html#.

vaji-maharajs-birth-date-is-in-debate/.
biographies/greatpersonalities/jijabai/page10.htm.

w.kamat.com/kalranga/maharashtra/shivaji.htm. Retrieved on 2006-11-19.

vemen. Anmol Publications. p. 274. ISBN 8126109386. http://books.google.com/books?id=o5vHbY3VPyEC.

.com/books?id=7xNFAAAAIAAJ.
Bhavan, ISBN 81-7276-407-1, pp.609,634

y Garrett,ISBN 8171565514, 9788171565511

, Mumbai (2003)

?id=4bMIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA145&dq=SHIVAJI+%E2%80%93+Father+Of+The+Indian+Navy#PPA145,M1.

Volume, Bombay: University of Bombay (1974-75)

ks.google.com/books?id=FKQ9AAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=subject:%22Maratha+(Indic+people)%22#PRA1-PR21,M1.
opular Marathi book "Shrimanyogi".
Prakashan (2005)

enigmatic historian of Maratha times, especially that of Shivaji. He is revered throughout Maharashtra as "Shivashahir".

angram Prakashan (2004), Kolhapur

th June, 1674, as the King of the Marathas. Under his dedicated rule, the small independent land 'Hindavi Swaraj' went on to become a larg

OF world is called as Great Shivaji Maharaj.laid the foundations of the Maratha Empire. Shivaji was younger of the two sons of Shahaji Bhos

land of present day India after being ruled by various Muslim dynasties. The ideology of Hindavi swaraj was in part the inspiration that prop

men as war booty, destruction of religious monuments, slavery and forceful religious conversions were firmly opposed under his administrat

tish, under check. For his foresight of establishing of one of the first large scale naval presence he is referred to as the "Father of Indian Na

] He was born on Shivneri Fort, Junnar, 60 kilometres north of Pune and was named Shiva after Shivai, Goddess of the fort, whom his moth

due his refusal to allow his daughter Jijabai's (Shivaji's mother) marriage to his son - Shahaji. This lead Maloji's to aggressive conquests to o

won back most of the district for the Nizam from the Moghuls who had gained it during their attack of 1600.[8] Thereafter Lakhuji Jadhav, S

s were murdered in Nizam's court while they had come there to join his forces. Unsettled by this incident Shahaji Raje decided to part himse

on again. In response the Mughals sent a much larger force in 1635 to recover the area back and forced Shahaji to retreat into Mahuli. Adils

l included Shamrao Nilkanth as Peshwa (Prime Minister), Balkrishna Pant as Muzumdar, Raghunath Ballal as Sabnis, Sonopant

exceptional military capabilities and achievements, his knowledge of Sanskrit, Hindu ethos, patronage of the arts, his war strategies and pe

erision and callousness toward the local population. Jijabai thus instilled in Shivaji a natural love for self-determination and an aversion to e

confirmed by even otherwise inimical chroniclers, Khafi Khan) especially in his tolerant attitude towards other religions as well as in his fair

ivaji into a brave and fearless military leader as well as a responsible administrator. Shivaji along with his mavla friends took a blood oath to

control of the Pune region.

arrested by deceitful means, and he sent one army against Sambhaji, Shivaji's elder brother at Bangalore (led by Farradkhan) and anothe

e open to face him in a pitched battle. Instead, Shivaji sent a letter saying he was not eager to face Afzal Khan and sought some type of un

onset of their meeting. Shivaji was unharmed due to the armour he wore under his clothes, and he counter attacked Afzal Khan with a wagh

ally placed under the cover of the densely covered valley, to immediately attack Afzal Khan's forces.

d march, a section of Adilshahi forces commanded by Musekhan was attacked. Musekhan, Afzal Khan's leiutenant, was wounded and subs

ve in providing artillery cover for the main portion of their troops. And as a result of this the rest of their troops rapidly succumbed to an all o

ngaged in battle before they could regroup and were defeated prior to reaching Wai.

ed to strengthen the nascent and emerging Maratha army.

war of Panhalgadh, Bijapur's Pashtun army was decimated by the Maratha troops. The intense and bloody battle ended in the unconditional

sinian general Rustemjaman. With cavalry of 5000 Marathas, Shivaji attacked them near Kolhapur on December 28, 1659. In a swift movem

he Mughal Empire to bear down on the potential Maratha threat.

ply routes to the fort. Shivaji, decided to escape to a nearby fort Vishalgad, where he could regroup his soldiers to fight a decisive battle.

and Shivaji escaped under the cover of a very stormy night. Johar's soldiers captured a small group of the Marathas apparently including Sh

o hold back the enemy at Ghod Khind to give Shivaji and the rest of the army a chance to reach the safety of Vishaal Gad.

Vishaal Gaad, signalling Shivaji had reached safety of the fort. The result was the death of 300 Marathas and 1286 of Adilshah's troops in th

rt was awarded to Siddi Johar.

ountry. A small memorial stands even today in the pass in recognition of the heroism of Bajiprabhu and his courageous men.

hin three years Shivaji had lost most of his conquests to a relentless attack by Shaista Khan and his army numbering over 100,000.

n; Shivaji planned an attack using the wedding party as cover. The Marathas disguised themselves as the bridegroom's procession and ent

Deshpande another man provided protection to Shivaji maharaj from back side as he entered just after him. Shivaji then confronted Shaist

nging embarrassment to the Mughals with his very personal and ignoble defeat in Pune.[4]

by Shaista Khan.

ided to come to terms with Aurangzeb. In the treaty of Purander, signed between Shivaji and Jai Singh, Shivaji agreed to give up all of his 2

nistan to consolidate the Mughal empire's north-western frontier. However in the court, on May 12, 1666, Aurangzeb made Shivaji stand be

cape. The entire plan of escape displayed Shivaji's excellent ability to carefully analyze, plan and to flawless execute toward a successful ou

of days earlier. Shivaji and his son fled to the Deccan disguised as sadhus (holy men). Some accounts claim that after the escape, rumours

he departing priestly entourage.[citation needed]

artillery. The Mughals had the impression that he was now a spent force and would not cause them any more trouble. But Shivaji was on a w

4, 1670 Shivaji deputed one of his most senior and trusted generals, Tanaji Malusare, to head a mission to capture Kondana.

y imagine climbing the fort from this steep side. Tanaji decided to scale this cliff to enter the fort. He used a monitor lizard(known as

. The gates were soon opened and once inside, all his soldiers joined Tanaji in the surprise attack.

ound his left hand for protection and to stanch the bleeding, and he continued to fight. Tanaji was killed by Uday Bhan in a fierce battle. See

as lost). Thereafter Kondana fort was renamed Sinhagad (Lion Fort) to honor Tanaji Malusare's bravery and sacrifice.

andit Gaga Bhatt, a renowned Brahmin from Varanasi, officially presided over the ceremony declaring that Shivaji's lineage was bonafide an

nce the 9th century.

esided over by Nischal Puri.

e.[12] Shivaji established an effective civil and military administration. He also built a powerful navy and erected new forts like Sindhudurg an

viduals to participate in the ongoing political/military struggle. He is remembered as a just and welfare-minded king. He brought revolutiona

es. His success was driven by his fierce and urgent determination to establish a free and independent homeland, and in this goal he was su

ry units, adaptation of strategic battle plans and formations, whereby he succeeded in out-maneuvering, time and time again, his vastly bigg

ding his kingdom southward to Gingee, Tamil Nadu.

ped him to lay the foundations of the future Maratha empire in India.

r protection to houses of worship, non-combatants, women and children. He always showed respect, defended and protected places of wor

htra. Shivaji was reported to have told the lady that her beauty was mesmerizing and that if his mother was as beautiful as her, he would ha

untry. And in that lay the foundations of the greatness of Chhattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which was based not as much on his successes on o

ectly challenge the dangerous, powerful and oppressive rule of the Sultans and the Mughals. His legacy is heroism, selflessness, freedom,

enjoyed simple meals of crushed onion and bhakris - a type of Indian peasant bread with his foot soldiers (mavlas). This reflected his 'down

chieftains in the recorded Indian history. Even today he is venerated in India and especially in the state of Maharashtra with awe and admira

warefare, (though the term "commando" is modern). [14] Shivaji was responsible for a lot of changes in military organization. These include

ng navy and decided to purse this idea. Shivaji was concerned about the growing dominance of British India naval forces over Indian water

deliver it to the enemy. The officers (Sabnis, Havladar, Sar-i-naubat) acted jointly and provided mutual checks balance.

m. Shivaji's seal was prepared by him.

. Nyayadhish, Senapati etc. He got Rajya Vyavahar Kosh (a political treatise) prepared. His Rajpurohit Keshav Pandit was himself a Sanskr

But even he showered gifts on learned Brahmins. Serfoji II from the Thanjavur branch of the Bhosle continued the tradition by printing the fi

agar. (The names "Shahaji", the father of Shivaji, and "Sarfoji", the uncle of Shivaji, are derived in deference to this Shah Sharifji.)

of his army was Muslim, as were many of his commanders: one of his most trusted general in all his campaigns was Haider Ali Kohari; Dary

ikh Yacub of the Konkan, and sought his blessings. He called Hazrat Baba of Ratnagiri bahu horwale bhau, meaning "great elder brother".

ance of him. If i is a emple, he bells are rung in yearning for him alone." [20][21][22]

served as Maratha capital for 9 years during 27 years of war.

wife Soyarabai. After Shivaji's death, his elder son Sambhaji and Soyarabai , fought for control of the kingdom. After a brief struggle Samb

ourt moved in mass to the Deccan to wage an all out war for the complete destruction of Maratha power. This was the beginning of the twen

ore strength and began to turn the tide of the war. The Mughal forces were dealt several serious body blows by able Maratha generals like S

wer trying to defeat the Marathas and ended up significantly weakening the once mighty Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb's heirs never again cha

n sub-continent.

se king and his rule is called one of the six golden ages in Indian history.

t Maharashtrian identity.

honour, as have many public buildings and spaces in recent years. The Interstate Bus Terminal of New Delhi has also been named after Shi

hich the main role was played by the famous Marathi actor Chandrakant Mandare. Apart form this movie, 'Maratha tituka melawawa','Gad a

), a musical tale of Shivaji's life. Kusumagraj has composed a famous poem on Shivaji's general Prataprao Gujar' Vedat Marathe vir dau

ndas had written heroic ballads on him. Kavi Bhushan has composed in Hindi, a famous work 'Shivraj Bhushan'.

or more than 100 one-hour episodes.

plays Shivaji in the film.

ant amtya, Santaji Ghorpade, Dhanaji Jadhav, Parsoji Bhosle, Harji raje Mahadik and Kanhoji Angre.

es: "Hardly had he won a battle or taken to town in one end of the kingdom than he was at the other extremity causing havoc everywhere an
er Ambrose, the Capuchin missionary. 'The Frankish Padres are good men', he said 'and shall not be attacked.' He spared also the house o

RA1-PR21,M1.

went on to become a large kingdom ranging from the Northwest India to the East.Though not much is known of his personal life except tha

two sons of Shahaji Bhosle and Jijabai. His father, Shahaji was a Maratha general who rendered military services at various times the Bijap

t the inspiration that propelled the succeeding generation of Marathas to establish independent kingdom in India prior to their eventual hum

sed under his administration. Shivaji himself was a religious, devout and tolerant Hindu who worshipped with deep faith. Shivaji changed ru

s the "Father of Indian Navy".[6] Building and securing seaside and land based forts played an important role in Shivajis military history. He

of the fort, whom his mother Jijabai during her pregnancy used to worship. Shivaji was fifth son born to Jijabai, 3 of whom had died as infan

aggressive conquests to obtain a higher station and an important role under Nizamshahi, something that eventually lead him to achieving th

ereafter Lakhuji Jadhav, Shahaji's father in law attacked Shahaji and surrounded him at the Mahuli fort along with Jijabai who was 4 month p

aje decided to part himself from Nizamshahi and raise the banner of independence and establish an independent kingdom.

o retreat into Mahuli. Adilshah of Bijapur agreed to pay tribute to the Moghuls in return for the authority to rule this region in the year of 1636

bnis, Sonopant as Dabir and Dadoji Konddeo as teacher. Apart from these ministers, military commanders Kanhoji Jedhe and Baji Pasalkar

his war strategies and peacetime diplomacy. He was inspired and informed by his family's vision of independence and freedom.

ation and an aversion to external political domination.

ions as well as in his fair and kind treatment of women and non-combatants.

ends took a blood oath to fight against the Mughal empire at Rohideshwara temple. And young Shivaji, energetic and enthusiastic as he wa

Farradkhan) and another against Shivaji at Purandhar (led by Fattekhan). However both Bhosle brothers defeated the invading armies sec

d sought some type of understanding. Shivaji upon carefully weighing his options, strategically decided to confront and surprise Afzal Khan

ed Afzal Khan with a wagh nakh and bich'hwa, spilling his blood and entrails on the ground. Thereupon Afzal Khan's deputy, Krishnaji Bhas

t, was wounded and subsequently fled the field.

dly succumbed to an all out Maratha attack. Simultaneously Shivaji's Sardar (captain), Ragho Atre's cavalry units swooped down and attack

nded in the unconditional surrender of Bijapuri forces to Shivaji.

28, 1659. In a swift movement, Shivaji led a full frontal attack at the center of the enemy forces while other two portions of his cavalry attacke

ight a decisive battle.

s apparently including Shivaji, only to realize he was a look-alike dressed like Shivaji, sent out to create a diversion and facilitate the real kin

of Adilshah's troops in this fierce battle.

ing over 100,000.

oom's procession and entered Pune. Shivaji, having spent much of his youth in Pune, knew his way around the city and his own palace of L

aji then confronted Shaista Khan and severed three of Shaista Khan's fingers with his sword as he fled through an open window. Shaista Kh

eed to give up all of his 23 forts and 400,000 rupees to the Mughals. He also agreed to let his son Sambhaji become a Mughal Sardar and

eb made Shivaji stand behind mansabdars (military commanders) of his court. Shivaji took offense to this seeming insult and stormed out o

ute toward a successful outcome. He feigned almost fatal sickness and requested to send most of his contingent back to Deccan. Thereafte

after the escape, rumours of Sambhaji's death were intentionally spread by Shivaji himself in order to deceive the Mughals and to protect S

ble. But Shivaji was on a war footing and aimed to directly take on the combined might of the Moghul empire. Shivaji was more than prepare

r lizard(known as ghorpad in Marathi named "Yeshwanti" with a rope tied around its body for climbing this cliff on a moonless night.

han in a fierce battle. Seeing their leader mortally wounded, the Maratha soldiers started to back-up and retreat, Suryaji and Shelar Mama s

s lineage was bonafide and recognized Kshatriya.

w forts like Sindhudurg and strengthened old ones like Vijayadurg on the west coast. The Maratha navy held its own against the British, Po

g. He brought revolutionary changes in military organisation, fort architecture, society and politics.

and in this goal he was supported by the high level of loyalty, respect and commitment he received from his soldiers, followers and citizens.

time again, his vastly bigger and determined enemies.

d protected places of worship of all denominations and religions.

autiful as her, he would have been handsome as well. He told her to go back to her family in peace, unmolested and under his protection. H

ch on his successes on or off the battlefields, or on the strength of his arms, or his brilliant strategies or his noble birth but was truly based o

m, selflessness, freedom, independence, brotherhood and unwavering courage, and as such he is a great role model for the ages.

s). This reflected his 'down to earth' character.

shtra with awe and admiration and is viewed as a hero of epic proportions.

ganization. These include -

l forces over Indian waters and start building his navy forces to tackle this issue. For this very reason he is also referred to as the Father of

ndit was himself a Sanskrit scholar and poet. [17]

tradition by printing the first book in Marathi Devnagari. [ciaion needed]

s Shah Sharifji.)

as Haider Ali Kohari; Darya Sarang was chief of armoury; Ibrahim Khan and Daulat Khan were prominent in the navy; and Siddi Ibrahim wa

ning "great elder brother".

ter a brief struggle Sambhaji was crowned king.but before the death of shivaji maharaj he went to mughal prince & against maratha empire

the beginning of the twenty seven year war, initially the Marathas were overwhelmed by the might and the great power of the Mughal empir

le Maratha generals like Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav. They effectively employed lightning fast and highly mobile attacks, tactics in

eb's heirs never again challenged the Marathas and within eighty years of Shivaji's death, they were themselves finally overtaken and utterly

lso been named after Shivaji.

tituka melawawa','Gad ala pan sinh gela' and many more movies specially in Marathi were made on his and his associates' life.

ar' Vedat Marathe vir daudale sat'. performed Lata Mangeshkar and Hridayanath Mangeshkar.

sing havoc everywhere and surprising important places. To this quickness of movement he added, like Julius Caesar, a clemency and boun
e spared also the house of a deceased Delale or Gentile broker, of the Dutch, because assured that he had been very charitable while alive

s personal life except that he was married to Saibai, Soyarabai, Kashibai, Putalabai and Sagunabai and had two sons and three daughters,

at various times the Bijapur Sultanate, Deccan sultanates and the Mughals. [3] Shivaji with his ideology of Hindavi Swaraj (freedom for Hind

rior to their eventual humiliating defeat by the British Empire. This ideology was neither directed against Islam nor aimed toward propagatio

p faith. Shivaji changed rules of military engagement prevalent in that era. He pioneered Ganimi Kava, guerilla tactics, which leveraged vario

hivajis military history. He conquered, constructed and renovated many strategically located forts to defend and secure his kingdom.

f whom had died as infants and only Sambhaji survived. While Shivaji was accompanied mostly by his mother, Sambhaji lived with his fathe

y lead him to achieving the title of Mansabdar (military commander and a imperial adminstrator). Leveraging this new found fame and pow

Jijabai who was 4 month pregnant. After seeing no relief coming from Nizam, Shahaji decided to give up the fort and planned his escape.

region in the year of 1636. [8] Thereafter Shahaji was inducted by Adilshah of Bijapur and was offered a distant jagir - land holdings, at pres

Jedhe and Baji Pasalkar were appointed to train Shivaji in martial arts. In 1644, Shahaji had Lal Mahal built in Pune for his wife and his so

and freedom.

and enthusiastic as he was, wasted no time in setting off on a path of freedom and glory.

d the invading armies securing the release of their father. Thereafter, Afzal Khan, a seasoned commander and an accomplished warrior, wa

and surprise Afzal Khan under the guise of diplomatic negotiations. A meeting was arranged between Afzul Khan and Shivaji at the foothills

's deputy, Krishnaji Bhaskar Kulkarni and his bodyguard Sayyed Banda attacked Shivaji with swords but Jiva Mahala, Shivaji's personal bo

swooped down and attacked the large but unprepared Adilshahi cavalry before they were able to be fully geared up for battle and succeede

tions of his cavalry attacked the flanks. This battle lasted for several hours and at the end Bijapuri forces were soundly defeated and Rustem

n and facilitate the real king's escape. Siddi Johar's soldiers realized that the imposter was Shivaji's barber and that Shivaji and his army we

y and his own palace of Lal Mahal.Chimanaji deshpande-one of the childhood friend of Shivaji had played role of loyal bodyguard during thi
open window. Shaista Khan narrowly escaped death; lost his son, many of his guards and soldiers in the raid.

me a Mughal Sardar and serve the Mughal court of Aurangzeb

g insult and stormed out of court and was promptly placed under house arrest, under the watch of Fulad Khan, Kotwal of Agra.

ack to Deccan. Thereafter, on his request, he was allowed to send daily shipments of sweets and gifts to saints, fakirs, and temples in Agra

Mughals and to protect Sambhaji. [ciaion needed]

aji was more than prepared to squarely face the great dangers inherent in waging a war against a the powerful Mughal empire - he was figh

a moonless night. [ciaion needed] Perhaps this was the first time in the history of wars where a lizard was used to climb a fort. [

Suryaji and Shelar Mama stepped up and assumed leadership. Shelar Mama an Old Sardar in his 70s faced and challenged Uday Bhan and

wn against the British, Portuguese and Dutch [13] till Maratha internal conflict brought their downfall in 1756.

rs, followers and citizens.

nd under his protection. His behaviour, was noted by those around him, to be always of the highest moral caliber. He clearly and unambiguo

birth but was truly based on his selfless and courageously fierce actions he undertook against any and all enemies, on behalf of his beloved

del for the ages.

erred to as the Father of Indian Navy.

avy; and Siddi Ibrahim was chief of artillery.

& against maratha empire.

ower of the Mughal empire. Under the overpowering and unrelenting Mughal assault the endangered Maratha capital was forced to be mov

y mobile attacks, tactics initially developed and effectively used by Shivaji.

nally overtaken and utterly dominated by the Peshwa's Maratha Sardars, namely Scindia and Holkar.

ssociates' life.

sar, a clemency and bounty that won him the hearts of those his arms had worsted." "In his courage and rapidity he does not ill resemble tha
very charitable while alive."

ons and three daughters, as a ruler, his name is compared to that of Napoleon, Julius Caesar and the Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus, w

Swaraj (freedom for Hindustan) decided to directly challenge Bijapur Sultanate rule and eventually the Mughal empire, to establish the Mar
aimed toward propagation of Hinduism.[5]

ics, which leveraged various factors like demographics, speed, surprise and focused attack. In comparison to his enemies, Shivaji had sma

cure his kingdom.

mbhaji lived with his father Shahaji at Banglore (present day Bengaluru). During the period of Shivaji's birth, the power in Maharastra was s

new found fame and power he was able to convince Jadhavrao to give his daughter in marriage to his son Shahaji.

nd planned his escape.

gir - land holdings, at present-day Bangalore, but he was allowed to keep his old land tenures and holdings in Pune. [10][11]

ne for his wife and his son Shivaji. A royal seal in Sanskrit which read, This is he royal seal of Shivaji, son of Shahaji. This royal seal is for

accomplished warrior, was then sent to destroy Shivaji, in an effort to put down what was seen by Bijapur as a regional revolt.

and Shivaji at the foothills of Fort Pratapgad. Shivaji got word that Afzal Khan planned to slay him during the meeting.

hala, Shivaji's personal bodyguard fatally struck them down with a 'dandpatta' (medieval weapon). Afzal Khan managed to stumble out of th

p for battle and succeeded in completely routing them in short order.

ndly defeated and Rustemjaman ignominiously fled the battlefield.

at Shivaji and his army were headed to Vishalgad.

oyal bodyguard during this attack.

wal of Agra.

akirs, and temples in Agra as offerings for getting well.

ghal empire - he was fighting for independence and as such feared no earthly power, he had taken a solemn oath to achieve freedom or die

climb a fort. [ciaion needed]

hallenged Uday Bhan and killed him. Suryaji, then stepped in front and center to rally the troops and lead them back on the offensive. The M

He clearly and unambiguously embodied the virtues and ideals of a true nobleman.

s, on behalf of his beloved Vatan (sacred homeland/nation). He defied overwhelming odds stacked against him by the mighty Mughal empire

ital was forced to be moved and evacuated from Raigad to Jinjee in the south and for a time it seemed that Aurangzeb's objective of stamp

e does not ill resemble that great king of Sweden, Gustavus Adolphus."

ng Gustavus Adolphus, who were all great rulers in their own respect. He incorporated modern administrative concepts such as cabinet, for

mpire, to establish the Mart h Smrjya or the Maratha kingdom for thr Marathas, by the Marathas and of the Marathas. Shivaji succeeded

enemies, Shivaji had smaller army and thereby was obliged to make to follow guirella warfare to help overcome this great imbalance.

ower in Maharastra was shared by three Sultanates - Bijapur, Ahmednagar, and Golconda. Most of the then Marathas forces had pledged th

haji. This royal seal is for he welfare of people. This seal (he rule of he seal) will grow like he new moon grows , was handed to Shivaji. Th

gional revolt.

aged to stumble out of the tent to get help but was immediately slain by Shivaji's associate Sambhaji Kavji, before he could alert his comm

to achieve freedom or die trying. In January 1670 Shivaji launched a major, multi-pronged assault on Mughal garrisons in Maharashtra. Wit

ck on the offensive. The Marathas now re-commenced their ferocious attack on the Mughal defenders and captured the fort.

the mighty Mughal empire and the sultanates, he overcame and succeeded in face of unprecedented level of succeedingly difficult challeng

gzeb's objective of stamping out the Maratha threat, once and for all, would be achieved. However, in the following months and years the tid

cepts such as cabinet, foreign affairs, internal intelligence and others and commanded an extremely well trained army. This apart, he was a

arathas. Shivaji succeeded in establishing control of small portion of the present state of Maharastra in western India, during his lifetime.

s great imbalance.

has forces had pledged their loyalties to one of these Sultanates and were engaged in a continuous game of mutual alliances and aggressio

was handed to Shivaji. Thus Shivaji started his career as an independent young prince of a small kingdom on a mission. Shivaji used the tit

e he could alert his commanders or raise an alarm.

sons in Maharashtra. Within six months he had regained most of his old territory and more. From 1670 to 1674 Shivaji expanded his kingdo

ceedingly difficult challenges and trials.

g months and years the tide of the war began to change.

rmy. This apart, he was a king who was just and kind and showed tolerance towards all religions and languages. He himself was proficient i

dia, during his lifetime.[4] At its peak the Maratha Empire rule spread upto Attock in Pakistan.

ual alliances and aggressions.

ission. Shivaji used the title of Raja (king) only after Shahaji's death.

hivaji expanded his kingdom to include major portions of Maharashtra and far in to the south including parts of modern-day Karnataka and T

He himself was proficient in Sanskrit and Marathi, and patronized art of all kinds.Shivaji succumbed to fatal illness spanning many weeks in 1

dern-day Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

spanning many weeks in 1680 and his empire was taken over by his son Sambhaji. But this did not remove the imprint he left on the minds

print he left on the minds of all Indians. Chatrapati Shivaji's name will forever be remembered in folklore and history as the great king whose

y as the great king whose rule is considered as a golden era, which showed the light of freedom, paving the way for India's Independence l

or India's Independence later.

Shrimant Sambhaji Shivaji Raje Bhonsle Ch

'Birth name:' Sambhaji Bhonsle

'Title:'
'Birth:'

Emperor and High

Protector of the
Maratha Empire
May 14, 1657
Purandar Fort
near Pune, India
March 11, 1689

'Birthplace:'
'Death:'
'Succeeded
Rajaram
by:'
'Marriage:'
Yesubai
'Children:'
Shahu
[edit] Early life

Sambhaji was born on Purandar fort [1] A scholar of Sanskrit and seven other languages[ciaion needed
[edit] About Sambhaji

Chatrapati Sambhaji wrote several poems including a highly prestigious Sanskrit poem book Budh bhushan. He e
Sambhaji was a very brave, courageous and powerful Man. His personality, attitude, intelligence and qualities had

Sambhaji is also known for his political acumen. He had given shelter to Akbar, the son of Aurangzeb, to cause wid
[edit] Estrangement and reconciliation with father

Interestingly enough, Sambhaji joined forces with Aurangzeb for almost a year. Shivaji had gone further south for h
[edit] Coronation
Annaji Datto, Somaji Datto wanted to oust Sambhaji so that they could get to play a bigger role in the affairs of the
[edit] Attack on Burhanpur

Bahadurkhan Kokaltash, a relative of Aurangzeb was in-charge of Burhanpur, a Mughal stronghold. He left Burhan
[edit] War with Mughals
Main article: War of 27 years

Within a year or so of Sambhaji's coronation, Sultan Muhammad Akbar took shelter with him and sought Sambhaji'

It was a disproportionate battle in all senses. Aurangzeb's army was at least 8 to 9 times larger than Sambhaji's. Hi

The Marathas led by Sambhaji fought single-handedly against all the enemies. To make matters worse, there was a
[edit] War with Siddis of Janjira

Janjira was under the Siddis. Janjira was strategically a very important place and a mighty fort in the Arabian Sea, w
[edit] War with Chikkadev Rai of Mysore
Hearing about the intrusion of Chikkadev Rai into Maratha territory, Sambhaji had sent his Diwan
[edit] War with the Portuguese of Goa

There were chances of Portuguese providing supplies to Mughals and allowing unloading of Mughal ships at the Po

Sambhaji warned Siddis, Chikkadev Rai and Portuguese from crossing the path of the Marathas and ordered them
[edit] Capture and Execution

Stone arch at Tulapur confluence under which Sambhaji was executed

In early 1689, Sambhaji called his commanders for a strategic meeting at Sangameshwar in Konkan to decide on t

Sambhaji and his Men were surrounded from all sides. Marathas took out their swords, roared Har Har Mahadev a
There were small attacks by Ramdasi people from Battis Shiralas Math (group related to Samartha Ramdas

Ganojis hunger for Maratha land in the form of waan led to his enmity with Sambhaji. Sambhaji like his father- Shi

After learning that Sambhjaji had been captured and produced before him as a prisoner, Aurangzeb felt very happy

Sambhaji's Samadhi(Mausoleum) built at the place where he was cremated, Vadhu

When they were brought face to face with Aurangzeb, the latter offered to let Sambhaji live if he surrendered all the

Despite the torture, Sambhaji refused to submit to Aurangzeb's conditions. In so doing he earned the title of Dharm
[edit] Immediate aftereffects of Sambhaji's execution

With Sambhaji's death, Maratha confederacy was thrown in a disarray. He was succeeded as leader of the Marath

Sambhaji's torture and heroic death unleashed an unprecedented unity and heroic spirit among the Marathas. Aura

Aurangzeb spent the last 25 years of his life in the Deccan in constant war with the Marathas till his death on 3 Mar
[edit] Legacy

There is some dispute among historians about Sambhaji's ability as a ruler. Some historians have portrayed him as

It is quite interesting to look at his own version. After he assumed the charge of Chhatrapati, he issued a Danapatra

Raje Bhonsle Chhatrapati Maharaj

anguages [ciaion needed], Sambhaji quickly gained a firm political standing in the Maratha kingdom and, by the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji

rit poem book Budh bhushan. He even composed poems in Hindi language.[citation needed]

itude, intelligence and qualities had gained him the respect and appreciation of everyone who visited the Maratha Durbar.

, the son of Aurangzeb, to cause widespread revolt against Aurangzeb.[2]

Shivaji had gone further south for his campaign to capture the forts of Adil Shah leaving Deccan in charge of Sambahji. In the meantime, A

lay a bigger role in the affairs of the state and use it to their advantage. They even poisoned Sambhaji's food, but, Sambhaji was fortunately

a Mughal stronghold. He left Burhanpur to attend a wedding, giving the charge of Burhanpur to Kakarkhan. The careless and bigheaded Ba

helter with him and sought Sambhaji's aid in winning the Mughal throne from his father Aurangzeb. On hearing about the death of Shivaji Ma

to 9 times larger than Sambhaji's. His whole empire was around 15 times bigger than Sambhaji's. However, Sambhaji led the fight valiantly
To make matters worse, there was a devastating famine in the region for two years in 1686-87.

nd a mighty fort in the Arabian Sea, with cannons embedded all around. It also had high economic importance. Traders had to cough up he

had sent his Diwan to Chikkadev Rai. But the Diwan was insulted in the Mysore Durbar. Seeing this, Sambhaji became infuriated and decide

g unloading of Mughal ships at the Portuguese ports in Goa. Thus, Sambhaji undertook a campaign against the Portuguese in Goa. Portugu

h of the Marathas and ordered them to refrain from helping Aurangzeb in any way. In this way, Sambhaji nullified any threat that the Marath

gameshwar in Konkan to decide on the final blow to oust Aurangzeb from Deccan. In order to execute the plans soon, Sambhaji sent ahead

swords, roared Har Har Mahadev and pounced upon the numerous Mughals. A bloody skirmish took place. However, owing to the numbe

related to Samartha Ramdas's follower) this attack was also assisted by local Maratha soldiers but this attack was unsuccessful and Dixit-

mbhaji. Sambhaji like his father- Shivaji Maharaj had abolished the custom of giving away waans, as this led to the peoples suffering, from

a prisoner, Aurangzeb felt very happy. He stood up from his royal seat and offered prayer to God and bent towards land. Kavi Kulesh capture

ambhaji live if he surrendered all the Maratha forts, turn over all his hidden treasures,disclose the names of all the Mughal officers who had

o doing he earned the title of Dharmaveer (Protector of the Religion) by which he is known to this day. Aurangzeb ordered to cut Sambhaji's

s succeeded as leader of the Marathas by his younger brother Rajaram. The Commander in chief of Maratha army, Mhaloji Ghorpade, who

roic spirit among the Marathas. Aurangzeb continued his grim war against the Marathas for another 18 years but could not subjugate the M

h the Marathas till his death on 3 March 1707. In 1737, within 50 years of the torture and death of Sambhaji, Maratha JAT Allied armies ente

me historians have portrayed him as ineffective and alcoholic. This was just a misinformation by the Mughals. Also many who were denied

f Chhatrapati, he issued a Danapatra which is a eulogy right from his great grandfather Maloji to himself. He writes about him'Balbhavendra

me of Chhatrapati Shivaji's coronation in 1674, he was able to impress visiting dignitaries with his acumen, intelligence, personality and, mo

mbahji. In the meantime, Aurangzeb, realising the opportunity to finish off the Maratha empire in the absence of Shivaji ordered his comman

Sambhaji was fortunately saved. Their plot was uncovered the first time around, however, Sambhaji forgave them. Still, they conspired the

reless and bigheaded Bahadurkhan also took with him a territorial army, to showoff at the wedding. Sambhaji had tricked Mughals by makin

out the death of Shivaji Maharaj, Aurangzeb had come to Deccan in 1680 AD to bring down the Maratha Empire. The Mughal army, which ca

haji led the fight valiantly and did not let Aurangzeb win even a single major victory. The tenacity and sheer will of the Maratha resistance to

aders had to cough up heavy amounts to bypass this spot. Marathas had earlier tried conquering Janjira, but to no avail. Sambhaji wanted t

ame infuriated and decided to teach Chikkadev Rai a lesson. Marathas marched into the Tamil state. But, Chikkadev Rai too put on his arm

ortuguese in Goa. Portuguese like Chikka Dev Rai, were driven by arrogance. Marathas stormed Goa and started conquering Portuguese te

any threat that the Maratha kingdom had from these 3 powers. Sambhaji also beat back the two Mughal armies of 100,000 (a lakh) troops e

oon, Sambhaji sent ahead most of his comrades and stayed back with a few of his trustworthy men. In a meticulously planned operation, on

ever, owing to the number of Mughal troops, Sambhaji Maharaj and Kavi Kalash were captured on 1 February 1689. Ganoji Shirke who guid

s unsuccessful and Dixit- Bhat of Shirala and 50 other Maratha soldiers were killed by Moguls while trying to rescue Sambhaji. This inciden

he peoples suffering, from the hands of the waandar and there were chances of the watandars assuming kingship or taking possession of

land. Kavi Kulesh captured this scene in a small poem which was still remembered in Maharashtra. It was praise of Sambhajis courage an

Mughal officers who had helped him and embrace Islam religion. Sambhaji refused to convert, and instead sang praises of Mahadev (Lord

ordered to cut Sambhaji's body into pieces and throw it into the river. Residents of nearby village named 'Vadhu' collected as many pieces o

y, Mhaloji Ghorpade, who succeeded Hambirrao Mohite, died in the ambush at Sangameshwar. A few days after Sambhaji's death, the capi

could not subjugate the Maratha state.

ha JAT Allied armies entered Delhi and had re-established Hindu rule over all of western, central and much of northern India. It was the first

o many who were denied watans by Sambhaji, deliberately spread these rumours to defame Sambhaji Maharaj. Other historians, notably S.

s about him'Balbhavendra prasthadhinathanudnyat mallayudhadatt adnyabhanga:It means he(Aurangzeb) asked me to wrestle before him t

ence, personality and, most important of all, modesty. Unfortunately, within two weeks after Chhatrapati Shivaji's coronation, his grandmothe

ivaji ordered his commander Diler Khan to lead a large army to attack Sambhaji. Realising the desperate scenario of facing Diler with a han

m. Still, they conspired the second time too and wanted to arrest Sambhaji at the Panhala Fort, where he was staying at the time of Shivaji's

tricked Mughals by making them to think that Marathas were going to attack Surat, which was twice plundered by Shivaji Maharaj in his life

he Mughal army, which came along totaled about 5,00,000-6,00,000 troops and 4,00,000 animals, which, at that time was perhaps the large

the Maratha resistance to the Mughal invasion is best illustrated by the story of the Ramshej fort near Nashik. Aurangzeb's commanders cla

avail. Sambhaji wanted to capture Janjira. Marathas attacked the fort from all sides. Siddis also retaliated with their cannons and ships. Ho

dev Rai too put on his armour and decided to face Sambhaji, before Marathas could reach Mysores capital. Both the armies were face-to-fa

conquering Portuguese territory and forts. Portuguese werent able to overcome the Marathas. Common people in Goa rose in rebellion and

100,000 (a lakh) troops each, which were sent by Aurangzeb to wreak havoc in the Maratha kingdom. In fact, the second army was so badl

sly planned operation, one of the brother-in-laws of Sambhaji-Ganoji Shirke deceived the Marathas and helped Aurangzeb's commander, M

89. Ganoji Shirke who guided Mughals through the thorny, thick forests, high cliffs, steep slopes of the Sahyadri deceived Maratha posts in-b

ue Sambhaji. This incident happened on 3 February 1689. Later with strong army of 20,000 people Julphikarkhan moved towards Karad and

p or taking possession of their waans.

of Sambhajis courage and glowing of eyes and face of Sambhaji Raje, Kavi kulesh wanted to say that since Aurangzeb have not ever saw

praises of Mahadev (Lord Shiva). Aurangzeb ordered him and Kavi Kalash to be tortured to death. Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash were brutally

ollected as many pieces of his body as they found, sewed them together and performed the final rites on his body. These villagers later wen

ambhaji's death, the capital Raigad fell to the Mughals and Sambhaji's wife and son were captured. However, Marathas' capital had shifted

hern India. It was the first time after 1192, when Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Mohammed Ghori, that a Hindu army was in control of

ther historians, notably S.S. Shivade, portray Sambhaji as a capable ruler. But whatever may have been his inadequacies as a ruler, his red

me to wrestle before him to which he refused.' This was during his visit along with his father to Aurangzeb's court in Agra.

oronation, his grandmother Jijabai died and Sambhaji was left with nobody to nurture him. And the fact that Shivaji was too busy with the af

of facing Diler with a handful of men and in the absence of Shiavji, Sambhaji decided to play a masterful trick on the moghuls. To bide time

ng at the time of Shivaji's death. They wanted to crown Rajaram in opposition to Sambhaji as Maratha emperor. They forcefully involved Mo

Shivaji Maharaj in his lifetime. However, Hambirrao Mohite, the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army was already surrounding Burhanp

me was perhaps the largest army in the world. With the help of such a massive army, he brought the Adilshah (Bijapur) and Qutubshah (Go

angzeb's commanders claimed that they would win the fort within hours but the fight for the fort lasted for seven years. Sambhaji utilised the

ir cannons and ships. However, the force of the Maratha attack was such that defeat was eminent for the Siddis. But still they werent giving

he armies were face-to-face and poised for a battle. All of a sudden, arrows started pouring in from the Mysore army. They started inflicting

Goa rose in rebellion and started thrashing the priests, whom they accused of carrying out forced conversions. [ciaion needed

second army was so badly thrashed that only a few troops could return to the Mughal camp. Thus, Aurangzeb wanted to somehow arrest S

urangzeb's commander, Mukarrab Khan to locate, get to and attack Sangameshwar when Sambhaji was in the garden of Sangameshwar, re

ceived Maratha posts in-between by posing Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash as prisoners arrested for smuggling diamonds. Ganoji told Mukarrab

moved towards Karad and then Baramati and finally to Bahadurgad near Bhima river. He and his advisor, Kavi Kalash were taken to Bahad

ngzeb have not ever saw such a sharp and courageous man in his entire life thats why he acknowledged Sambhajis greatness by standing

Kavi Kalash were brutally tortured for over a fortnight. The torture involved plucking out their eyes and tongue and pulling out their nails. The

. These villagers later went on to use the surname 'Shivle' or 'Shivale', as per spelling preference, which means sewing in the Marathi langu

athas' capital had shifted to Gingee with Chhatrapati Rajaram. Infact, Marathas under Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav were running

du army was in control of Delhi except for a brief period by Hemu in 1556. The Maratha empire would remain the foremost military power in

quacies as a ruler, his redemption and symbolism came in his death, and it is for this that he is mostly remembered by the Marathi people to

was too busy with the affairs of the state did not help. [ciaion needed]

the moghuls. To bide time, he decided to send Diler a series of letters convincing him that he disapproved of his father's strategies and was

hey forcefully involved Moropant Pingale, Balaji Awji Chitnis and Chitnis's son in their treachery. Soyrabai, mother of Rajaram was also a pa

ady surrounding Burhanpur. And to his surprise, Sambhaji had also reached Burhanpur in a very short time. Thus, within a fortnight of his c

apur) and Qutubshah (Golconda) empires to his feet. Aurangzeb acquired 2 generals namely Mukarrabkhan and Sarjakhan from Qutubsha

ars. Sambhaji utilised the available resources very well and made strategically adroit moves by comprehensively defeating the enemies of h

But still they werent giving up. But then, there was a lull in the Maratha camp and Janjira was not attacked, on the orders of Sambhaji Maha

my. They started inflicting fatal wounds on the Maratha army. The long-range, deadly arrows from the Mysore bowmen filled the skies. Thus

aion needed].Sambhaji controlled the irate people of Goa. Seeing the inevitable, Portuguese ruler Count De Alwore and his ministers even

nted to somehow arrest Sambhaji by deceit, as he concluded that it wouldnt be possible for him to annex the Maratha kingdom by force.

den of Sangameshwar, resolving some issues and was about to leave the town.

nds. Ganoji told Mukarrab about the possible routes, to get to and capture Sambhaji and then, return back. It was a meticulously planned o

lash were taken to Bahadurgad.

jis greatness by standing up from his royal seat. Aurangzeb humiliated them by parading them wearing clown's clothes [ciaion needed

pulling out their nails. The later part involved of removing their skin. On 11 March 1689, Sambhaji was finally killed, reportedly by tearing him

wing in the Marathi language.

naji Jadhav were running riot in the Mughal army! [3]

foremost military power in India till they lost power to the British after 3 Anglo-Maratha wars, the last of which ended in 1818.Internal division

d by the Marathi people to this day.

ther's strategies and was himself on the verge of joining Aurangzeb. This lead to the time consuming procedure of asking for Aurangzeb's p

of Rajaram was also a part of this plan. However Sarnobat, the then Supreme Commander of Maratha forces, Hambirrao Mohite, Rajaram's

within a fortnight of his coronation, Sambhaji along with Hambirrao attacked Burhanpur. Mughals tried to retaliate but were taken aback by

Sarjakhan from Qutubshahi and Adilshahi empires respectively. However, he was not able to bring an end to the Maratha Empire. It was to b

defeating the enemies of his kingdom like Siddi of Janjira, Chikkadev Rai of Mysore and Portuguese of Goa and Bassein (Vasai) before they

orders of Sambhaji Maharaj. Other Maratha chiefs were getting anxious and didnt know the reason behind this. The reason was that Samb

men filled the skies. Thus, realizing the casualties, Sambhaji retreated for the time being. Sambhaji then ordered all the local cobblers to pre

ore and his ministers even took out the body of St. Xavier and started praying for their safety. And, to their astonishment, Sambhaji had to d

atha kingdom by force.

a meticulously planned operation. If not for Ganoji, Mughals could have never laid their hands on Sambhaji.[2]

othes [ciaion needed]. Later, Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash were tied upside down to camels with Mughal soldiers throwing stones, mud, and

, reportedly by tearing him apart from the front and back with 'Wagh Nakhe (Tiger claws, a kind of weapon), and was beheaded with an axe

ed in 1818.Internal division among marathas led to defeat against british. Peshwa could not control Maratha knights- Shinde and holkar and

asking for Aurangzeb's permission for further course of action. Eventually, Sambhaji was allowed to become an ally of Auranzeb. This allow

mbirrao Mohite, Rajaram's uncle ( Mother's brother) supported Sambhaji since he was the rightful heir to the throne. At the time of Shivaji's d

but were taken aback by the sudden attack of the Marathas and thus, couldnt do much to save Burhanpur. The Mughals either hid somew

aratha Empire. It was to be the final war in his life and lasted all of 27 years until his death near Aurangabad in 1707.

assein (Vasai) before they could turn on him and support Aurangzeb.

he reason was that Sambhaji had sent a spy along with some trust-worthy Men in the fort of Janjira to deceive the Siddis. Nobody except S

ll the local cobblers to prepare rubber clothing. Then, these garments were laden with oil. Marathas then started making bows and arrows u

hment, Sambhaji had to depart from Goa, as Aurangzeb had again sent about 100,000 (a lakh) troops to run wild in the Maratha kingdom.

rowing stones, mud, and cow dung at them [ciaion needed].

was beheaded with an axe. This grievous death was given to him at Tulapur on the banks of Bhima river, near Pune.

s- Shinde and holkar and this led to weakening of Maratha Empire. Still, British were defeated at first Anglo-Maratha war which was fought b

lly of Auranzeb. This allowed Shivaji to finish off his campaign in the south and turn back to Deccan. When Auranzeb came to know of the l

e. At the time of Shivaji's death, there was news of impending attack of Aurangzeb's army on Marathas and at such a crucial juncture, a stro

Mughals either hid somewhere or locked themselves up in the fort of Burhanpur. Marathas plundered all the Mughal treasure in Burhanpur. T

Siddis. Nobody except Sambhaji knew about this. However, the day on which the spy and his Maratha comrades were going to leave Janji

making bows and arrows using a particular local tree. These bows and arrows were ordinary and crude. A piece of cloth was wound at the ar

n the Maratha kingdom.

ha war which was fought by all Maratha sardars unitedly.Marathas and Tipu sultan are the exception in regard that they were only rulers who

zeb came to know of the little trick played on him by Sambhaji, he became furious.

h a crucial juncture, a strong leader like Sambhaji was the need of the hour. Therefore, Hambirrao did not support his own sister and sided w

al treasure in Burhanpur. The Mughals were made poorer by about 20 million rupees. Sambhaji also purchased horses from an Arab trader,

were going to leave Janjira by blowing up the gunpowder and explosives store, they were caught, as a female-servant came to know about

cloth was wound at the arrows head and it was set on fire using oil. Thus, Sambhaji transformed ordinary arrows into fiery arrows. But still t

they were only rulers who could defeat British.

his own sister and sided with Sambhaji. It was chiefly because of Hambirrao Mohite's support that Sambhaji was able to ascend to his right

rses from an Arab trader, although the utterly frightened trader, was ready to give away the horses for free. This attack is a perfect example

vant came to know about this and informed the Siddis. They were all killed and only one managed to escape. Sambhaji got this news and c

nto fiery arrows. But still the Mysore bowmen had longer, stronger, better quality bows and arrows than the Marathas. Marathas then started

able to ascend to his rightful place on the Maratha throne in 1681. However Sambhaji pardoned Moropant Pingale and again re-appointed h

tack is a perfect example of careful planning, execution, excellent strategic mobility and immense courage of the Marathas under Sambhaji

mbhaji got this news and couldnt believe his misfortune. He now wanted to destroy the fort and came up with a unique idea of building a brid

has. Marathas then started attacking the forts in Mysore. The Mysore bowmen started striking from the forts. But, their lethal arrows proved

and again re-appointed him on the post of Peshwa. Later on there were no differences between Sambhaji and Moropant Pingale as they

Marathas under Sambhaji. Marathas safely reached Raigad with all the loot. People of Burhanpur, especially women and children werent ha

que idea of building a bridge of stones from the shore leading to the fort. However, the implementation was very risky, difficult and consume

heir lethal arrows proved futile, as the oil-laden rubber clothing neutralized the effects of the arrows. Then, Marathas started striking with the

Moropant Pingale as they together participated in the 1681 Burhanpur war. Soyrabai (step-mother of Sambhaji) also felt guilty about what sh

en and children werent harmed at all.

2]

sky, difficult and consumed time. When about half of the bridge was built and victory for the Marathas was inevitable, news came that Auran

as started striking with their arrows. These arrows would strike the explosives and gunpowder store, causing explosions and many casualtie

o felt guilty about what she had done and later died heart-broken. The rest of those who were guilty were either crushed under elephant's le

ble, news came that Aurangzeb had sent 100,000 (a lakh) troops to ravage the Maratha kingdom. Thus, Sambhaji had to leave Janjira to co

sions and many casualties. The forts of Chikkadev Rai fell into the hands of the Marathas one by one. Thus, Chikkadev Rai was brought do

ushed under elephant's leg or thrown down the Raigad fort.

2]

had to leave Janjira to counter the Mughal army.

kadev Rai was brought down to his knees and he agreed to abide by the terms of the Marathas.

Shrimant Rajaram Shivaji Raje Bhonsle Chhatrapati

Reign
Coronation

1689 1700
1689

Full name

Rajaram Shivaji Bhosale

Born
1670
Birthplace Raigad fort
Died
March 2, 1700
Place of death
Sinhagad fort, Maharastra
Predecessor
Sambhaji Bhosale
Successor
Tarabai Bhosale
Consort
Tarabai
Royal House
Father Shivaji Bhosale
Mother Soyrabai

[edit] Siege of Gingee for seven years

Aurangzeb deputed Ghazi-ud-din Firoze Jang against Marathas in the Deccan, but specially sent Zulfiqar Khan to capture Gin
[edit] Generals Santaji and Dhanaji

Though Rajaram was not able to move out of Jinji, his young generals Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav continued to har

Santaji Ghorpade whose father Senapati Mhaloji Ghorpade died in the battle of Sangmeshwar along with Sambhaji, was direc
With the plight of Rajaram, the rout of the Marathas was almost complete. Aurangzeb was at his zenith of power. But then the

Santaji is credited with the defeat of at least three major Mughal chiefs. One Mughal general Kasim Khan was so badly defeat
[edit] Death

Rajaram died of an unspecified illness in 1700 at fort Sinhagad in present day Maharashtra, perhaps due to his weak constitut
[edit] An estimate

Rajaram was a cool minded person. He was quite patient and practical. During the time of crisis he remained as a rallying poin
[edit] See also
Chhatrapati

Maratha Empire
Bhonsle family ancestry
Khando Ballal
[edit] Notes
1. ^ Majumdar, R.C. (ed.) (2007). The Mughul Empire, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, ISBN 81-7276-407-1, p.296
2. ^ Majumdar, R.C. (ed.) (2007). The Mughul Empire, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, ISBN 81-7276-407-1, pp.289,365-70
3. ^ Majumdar, R.C. (ed.) (2007). The Mughul Empire, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, ISBN 81-7276-407-1, p.609
4. ^ Majumdar, R.C. (ed.) (2007). The Mughul Empire, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, ISBN 81-7276-407-1, pp.294-5

o Vellore and afterwards Vishalgarh. [4] Rajaram tried to counter with a siege of the town of Berar, but was checked by Prince Bedarbakht

Santaji and Dhanaji.

due to magnanimity of the marathas.

v. He was killed when he was alone taking bath by one Nagoji Mane. The severed head of Santaji was presented to Aurangzeb for reward. S

r young son, Shivaji II. Eventually, Shahuji succeeded Rajaram as the fourth Charapai in 1708.

ee fort, he had to give more authorities to his generals which slowly eroded the strong position of the king. However considering the task bef

d by Prince Bedarbakht and Zulfiqar Khan and had to return.

o Aurangzeb for reward. Such was the tragic end of one of the most distinguished general of cavalry in the contemporary India.

r considering the task before him, he did his job well. He built a temple at Sindhudurg in the memory of his father.

mporary India.

Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj..

Shrimant Rajaram Shivaji Raje Bhonsle Chhatrapati Maharaj (1670-1700
AD) was the younger son of the first Chattrapati Shivaji, step-brother of
the second Chattrapati Sambhaji, and took over the Maratha Empire as
the third Chattrapati after his brother was tortured and killed by Mughal
Emperor, Aurangzeb in 1689. He had a very short reign during which he
was furiously pursued by the Mughals
He was pampered by his mother and liked by all due to his docile
nature.He was decalred chatrapati at the age of 10 by a faction of court
after death of Shivaji.However Sambhaji prevailed and assumed the
throne.Sambhaji put othere to death but brought up his brother as a
prince.Future events proved this.He was vey cultured and accomodative.
As Mughals started lying siege to the region around Raigad, the brave
widow of Sambhaji, Rani Yesubai sent the young Rajaram to the
stronghold of Pratapgad through Kavlya ghat. The Maratha army fought
fiercely with Mughals and led the new Maratha King, Rajaram to escape
through Kavlya ghat to the town of Jinji (sometimes anglicised to Ginjee)
in present day state of Tamil Nadu and its fort via Pratapgad-Vishalgad
forts

Aurangzeb deputed Gajiuddin Firoj Jung against Marathas in the Deccan,

but specially sent Zulfikar Khan to capture Jinji which was captured in
1698. Rajaram tried to counter with a siege of the town of Berar, but was
checked by Prince Bedarbakht and Zulfikar Khan and had to return.
However, his generals like Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav
continued to harass the Mughal army through guerrilla tactics.Kafi khan
writes about them that whenever mughal horses used to refuse to go to
water,it was feared that whether they had seen Santaji and Dhanaji.
Santaji Ghorpade whose father senapti Ghorpade died in the battle of
Sangmeshwar alongwith Sambhaji, was directed by Sambhaji to Raigarh
to rescue the queen and Rajaram.The gallant true to the words given to
his master secured release of Rajaram from the siege of Raigarh . WIth
plight of Rajaram, the route of maratha was alomst complete.Aurangzeb
was at his zenith of power.But then the brave Santaji on his own forded
the river Bhima even though it was flooded , and attacked the vety centre
of Mughal camp.Aurangzeb who was reading the holy Koran was saved
due to magnamity of the maratha . Santaji is credited with defeat of at
least three major chiefs of Mughals.One Mughal genral Kasim Khan was
so badly defeated that he committed suicide.By brilliant tactis of cavalry
,Santaji played havoc right from Poona region to Tanjore region.
Unfortunatley he fell out with Rajaram and Dhanaji Jadhav .He was killed
when he was alone taking bath by one Nagoji Mane.The severed head of
Santaji was presentd to Aurangzeb for reward.Such was the tragic end of
Rajaram died of an unspecified illness in 1700 at the Sinhagad fort in
present day Maharashtra, perhaps due to his weak constitution.
Thereafter the Maratha empire suffered a power vacumn until the release
of his nephew, Shahuji in 1707. In the interim, Rajaram's wife, Tarabai
ruled the empire as regent for her young son. Eventually, Shahuji
succeeded Rajaram as the fourth Chattrapati.

Rani Yesubai

''Yesubai'' was the wife of Sambhaji, a Maratha emperor.She was the daughter of Pilajirao Shirke, an illu
who was in the services of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.Yesubai was by various accounts extremely beaut
was fiercely loyal to the goals of her father-in-law, Shivaji maharaj, of establishing and perpetuating the M
that she aided her husband, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in the daily affairs of state, giving just and wis
extremely loyal to her husband Sambhaji and was very proud of his audacity and other qualities. She did n
her own brother when he unjustly demanded of Sambhaji Maharaj a vatan. She was the most favourite wi
and was his lifelong faithful companion, friend and beloved.They had a son called Shahaji, but he was ren
'Shahu' to obliterate any memories of his grandfather, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

ilajirao Shirke, an illustrious Maratha Sardar,

unts extremely beautiful, wise and prudent. She
d perpetuating the Maratha empire. It is said
e, giving just and wise suggestions. She was
er qualities. She did not hesitate to go against
the most favourite wife of Sambhaji Maharaj,
hahaji, but he was renamed by Aurangzeb as

Rani Tarabai
Tarabai is also the name of a small town in So Paulo, Brazil.

Tarabai (1675-1761) was a queen of the Maratha Empire in India. Her husband was Chhatrapati Rajaram, son of S
Tarabai was the daughter of the famed Maratha general Hambirao Mohite. She was the niece of Soyarabai, the sec

War with the Mughals

The Marathas were continually at war with the Mughals, and in 1700 the Maratha capital Satara was besieged and
At about the same time Rajaram, who was the king at that time, died. Then Tarabai assumed control in the name o
Tarabai was skilled in cavalry movement, and made strategic movements herself during wars.
She personally led the war and continued the onslaught on the Mughals.
A truce was offered to the Mughals in such way that it was promptly rejected by the Mughal emperor, and Tarabai c
By 1705, Marathas had crossed the Narmada and entered Malwa, which was in Mughal possession. There they de
Many well-known commanders, including Udaji Pawar and Hybatrao Nimbalkar, excelled in this offensive. This agg
strategy brought ruin upon the Mughals. They were defeated and withdrew from Maratha country.
During this uncermonious withdrawal, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb died at Khultabad Dist Aurangabad

Political intrigues

In order to divide the Maratha onslaught, the Mughals released Shahu on certain conditions. He immediately challe
Shahu eventually prevailed thanks to his legal position and in part to the Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath' diplomacy, and
After Shahu's death in 1749, Tarabai helped conduct Ramaraja to the kingship. Afterwards, however, she denounce
he was not her grandson as he claimed. During this period of weakened royal power, Tarabai exercised great influe
She headed one of several factions vying for control within the increasingly fractious confederacy.
Hailed as Bhadrakali, her name is still celebrated in countryside in parts of Maharashtra.
Noted historian Jadunath Sarkar has written about her, "In that awful crisis her character and strength saved the na
Preceded Regent of Succeede
by
the
d by

Rajaram Chhatrapati
Maratha Empire
Chhatrapati Shahuji
1700
1708

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was coronated a sovereign king, in 1674. His administration was centralised and had 8
to look after the affairs of the state. At this time his vast kingdom included whole of costal Maharashtra, Karnataka,
parts of Gujrat and Tamilnadu.

In 1680, he was succeeded by his son Sambhaji, then 23 years old. Some accounts describe Sambhaji as irrespon
addicted
successor;
othersmarched
describe on
himDeccan
as a shrewd
and
responsible
king. the Maratha empire. After a strugg
After
Shivaji's
death, while
Aurangzeb
with the
intention
of ending
captured and killed by Aurangzeb. Sambhaji's younger brother Rajaram, succeeded him. Enraged by Sambhaji's b
by Rajaram fought Aurangzeb. He fought for nearly 10 years, until his death. His wife Tarabai continued the struggl
Maratha empire to Karaveer (Kolhapur). With the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 the Maratha struggle ended. Maratha
against the Mughals. This was the toughest time for Marathas. For most of the time they fought without a king and

After Shivaji's death, Aurangzeb marched on Deccan with the intention of ending the Maratha empire. After a strugg
captured and killed by Aurangzeb. Sambhaji's younger brother Rajaram, succeeded him. Enraged by Sambhaji's b
by Rajaram fought Aurangzeb. He fought for nearly 10 years, until his death. His wife Tarabai continued the struggl
Maratha empire to Karaveer (Kolhapur). With the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 the Maratha struggle ended. Maratha
against the Mughals. This was the toughest time for Marathas. For most of the time they fought without a king and

hatrapati Rajaram, son of Shivaji the Great.

niece of Soyarabai, the second wife Chatrapati Shivaji.

Satara was besieged and surrendered to the Mughals.

med control in the name of her son, Sambhaji II.

hal emperor, and Tarabai continued the Maratha resistance.

possession. There they defeated several Mughal garrisons.
in this offensive. This aggressive Maratha

Dist Aurangabad

ons. He immediately challeneged Tarabai and Sambhaji II for leadership of the Maratha polity.
Vishwanath' diplomacy, and Tarabai was sidelined for some time. She established a rival court in Kolhapur in 1713.
ds, however, she denounced Ramaraja on the grounds that
abai exercised great influence in the Maratha state.

and strength saved the nation".

was centralised and had 8 misters

l Maharashtra, Karnataka, and

cribe Sambhaji as irresponsible,

ratha empire. After a struggle of 9 years Sambhaji was
Enraged by Sambhaji's brutal death, the Marathas lead
abai continued the struggle. She shifted the capital of
ha struggle ended. Marathas fought for nearly 30 years
fought without a king and without a kingdom.

Shrimant Shahu Sambhaji Raje Bhonsle Chha

Shrimant Shahu Sambhaji Raje Bhonsle Chhatrapati Maharaj (1682-1749) was the fourth ruler of the
Chhatrapati Shivaji, and was officially the Raja of Satara (now in the state of Maharashtra, India).
More popularly known as Chattrapati Shahuji, he came out of captivity by the Mughals and survived a civil war to g
Somewhat of a roi fainant, he was a good judge of character, but was content to let his Prime Ministers (the Pesh
He was the son of the second Chattrapati Sambhaji, who was killed by the Mughals in 1689.

1. Imprisonment

During Mughal-Maratha war of 27 years Shahuji was imprisoned by the Mughals at the age of 7 years after the fall
The Marathas emerged as victorious in this long war. The Mughals retreated around 1707 after the death of the the
The next Emperor Bahadur Shah released Shahuji in 1707 under conditions which rendered him a vassal of the Mu
His mother was still held captive to ensure good behaviour by him and her release could be obtained only in 1719
when Marathas became strong and controlled Delhi.
After his release Shahuji had to contend with a competing claim by his aunt, Tarabai and her son, Raje Sambhaji II
She set up a competing Kingdom of Kolhapur. With the assistance of Balaji Vishwanath who was later appointed th
Peshwa (Marathi for Prime Minister) and Sardar Khanderao Dabhade who was later appointed the
Senapati (Marathi for Commander-in-Chief), Shahuji outmanoeuvered Tarabai in 1714 and consolidated his powe
Being a grandson of Great Shivaji and son of Sambhaji, Shahu could not make strong impression on history and th
His childhood was spent in royal mughals captivity, he was kept away from his own people, and he could not got an
After release from mughals, then caretaker of Maratha kingdom, Rani Tarabai refused to give him throne, which sh
Shahu was alone and was not very ambitious like his grandfather and father. Balaji Viswanath sensed opportunity t
and helped Shahu to turn Marathas loyal to Rani Tarabai towards Shahu. In exchange Shahu appointed Balaji Vish
of Maratha kingdom. After civil war Shahu was kept away from regular politics of the empire and was forced to settl
Maratha Empire was then governed by Peshwas of Pune.

2. Accomplishments

Shahuji's primary accomplishment was in stabilising the fractured Maratha empire after the defeat of the Mughals b
During the War of 27 Years many Maratha nobles became powerful. He was the binding force of the Marathas.
Under his patronage his many civilian officers like Balaji or army commanders like Bajirao, Raghoji I Bhonsle
the Maratha frontiers. In a real sense he was the emperor of contemporary India, but remained grateful to even we
of the great Mughals. During his captivity, Mughals had raised him as a prince and never compromised his honor o
He spent his entire childhood and youth, from age 7 to age 28 in the custody of the Mughals. He had passed throu
uncertainties of life. Born as a prince, he became a prisoner at the age of 7, became a Chattrapati at the age of 28
empire spreading all over the continent. These events strengthened him.

3. Socio-political revolution

As a patron, he always gave space to the rising talented buds to act and as an authority made those ambitious chie
Shahuji was instrumental in giving space to new talents irresepctive their background. His reign saw rise of many li
changes in late 19th century as a result of this.Shinde and many more talented people who later became the strong
Maratha empire expanded and flourished, especially Bajirao Peshwa and Holkars in North. He is credited with esta
which later became a hereditary position. He appointed a young Bajirao as Peshwa on April 17, 1719 after the prem
After 20 years tenure of Bajirao, he appointed Nanasaheb, as Peshwa. These three Peshwas were extremely effici
acknowledged their efforts to enhance the Maratha Empire. He is also responsible for appointing Sarkhel Kanhoji A
Maratha naval chief, in return for his moving loyalty from the Tarabai camp. He appointed Sardar Khanderao Dabha
Commander-in-Chief. During his tenure almost all sections of society rose to power. Perhaps Maratha empire was
which accommodated many new socio-economic groups which were hitherto miles away from the power. It had ha
on the social fabric of the nation. Maharashtra witnessed a spate of social

4. Family

Shahuji had four wives, and fathered two sons and four daughters. He adopted two sons,
Meherban Shrimant Fatehsinh I Raje Sahib Bhonsle and Shrimant Rajaram II Raje Bhonsle Chhatrapati Maharaj S
in 1745 (who succeeded him as the Raja of Satara).

5. Death

After Shahuji's death in 1749 his adopted son, Rajaram II succeeded him, but he was largely incompetent.
The Maratha empire was primarily governed by the Peshwas from then onwards, with the Chattrapatis remaining th

onsle Chhatrapati Maharaj

urth ruler of the Maratha Empire created by his grandfather,

ashtra, India).
d survived a civil war to gain the throne in 1707.
Prime Ministers (the Peshwas) rule on a day-to-day basis.

ge of 7 years after the fall of Raigad, the Maratha capital in Feb. 1689 when his parents were also captured.
7 after the death of the then Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707.
red him a vassal of the Mughal emperor.
be obtained only in 1719

her son, Raje Sambhaji II (son of Rajaram).

who was later appointed the

nd consolidated his power.

pression on history and the politics of his time.
e, and he could not got any military education.
give him throne, which she had defended from might mughals.
nath sensed opportunity to become kingmaker
hahu appointed Balaji Vishwanath Prime Minister
re and was forced to settle at Satara.

e defeat of the Mughals by Marathas.

orce of the Marathas.
, Raghoji I Bhonsle and many more expanded
ained grateful to even weak descendants
compromised his honor or that of his mother.
als. He had passed through hardships and all
hattrapati at the age of 28 and saw the

made those ambitious chiefs to submit before his highness.

reign saw rise of many like Balaji,
ho later became the strong support on which the
h. He is credited with establishing the position of Peshwa,
pril 17, 1719 after the premature death of his father Balaji Vishwanath.
was were extremely efficient and Shahu always
pointing Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre to the position of the first
Sardar Khanderao Dabhade as his "Sarsenapati" or
aps Maratha empire was the most socially mobile empire
from the power. It had had an effect

sle Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib

gely incompetent.
Chattrapatis remaining the titular head.

Shrimant Ramaraja Raje Bhonsle Chhatrapati Mahar

Ramaraja was the fifth monarch of the Maratha Confederacy. He was the adoptive son of Ch
the putative grandson of Chhatrapati Rajaram. The early years of his reign were marked by
succession, as the dowager queen Tarabai denounced him and alleging that he was not in fa
Rajaram and herself. During Ramaraja's reign, the power of the Chhatrapati was almost tota
that of the Peshwas or Prime Ministers; furthermore, the Marathas were engaged in con ...M
Royal House of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Chhatrapati Shivaji (1630-1680) Chhatrapati Sambhaji C
Chhatrapati Shahuji Chhatrapati Ramaraja (nominally) Maratha Empire - The Royal House of
Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj ... Maratha Empire - Peshwa. Balaji Vishwanath Maratha Empire,
Reign of Shivaji, Maratha Empire - Shivaji's Successors, Maratha Empire - Shahu the Chatra
The Peshwa, Maratha Empire - The Decline of the Empire, Maratha Empire - Marathas Rulers

The Royal House of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Maratha Empire - The Royal House of Kolhapur, Maratha Empire

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