Shivaji Bhonsle

Shivaji Bhonsle was born on February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort to Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha jagirdar serving Bijapur Sultanate, and Jijabai, a devout Hindu who instilled values of courage and dharma. Raised amid Deccan turmoil between Mughals, Bijapur Adilshahis, and Portuguese, young Shivaji displayed leadership by age 16, capturing Torna Fort in 1646, marking his quest for swarajya (self-rule) against foreign oppressors.​

Early Conquests and Rise

Shivaji rapidly expanded by seizing forts like Raigad, Kondana (Sinhagad), and Purandar, using mavalis (hill tribesmen) for guerrilla tactics (ganimi kava) suited to Sahyadri mountains. In 1659, he outwitted Bijapur general Afzal Khan at Pratapgad, killing him in a dramatic encounter that boosted Maratha morale and yielded artillery. Escaping Bijapur sieges, he plundered Mughal Surat in 1664 and 1670, funding his army and navy, becoming the first Indian ruler to build sea forts like Sindhudurg for trade and defense.​

Conflicts with Mughals and Coronation

Aurangzeb's campaigns led to the 1665 Treaty of Purandar, ceding 23 forts, but Shivaji escaped Mughal house arrest in Agra (1670) via sweet baskets, regaining territories. On June 6, 1674, he crowned himself Chhatrapati at Raigad with Vedic rites, rejecting Mughal suzerainty and establishing sovereign Maratha rule with eight ministers (Ashtapradhan). His southern expedition (1677–1678) captured Gingee, Vellore, and allied with Golconda against Bijapur, settling affairs with half-brother Venkoji.​

Administration and Reforms

Shivaji's governance emphasized justice: revenue via ryotwari (direct peasant tax), forts as administrative hubs, disciplined army with paid soldiers (bargirs, sildhars), and navy of 200+ ships. He promoted religious tolerance, employing Muslims, protecting mosques, and banning loot of women, while reviving Hinduism through temple grants. Economic policies fostered trade, shipbuilding in Kalyan-Goa, and welfare for subjects.​

Legacy and Death

Shivaji died at 50 from illness after southern triumphs, leaving son Sambhaji a kingdom spanning Konkan to Karnataka fringes. His swarajya model—guerrilla warfare, forts (300+ captured/built), navy, and merit-based rule—empowered Marathas to challenge Mughals for decades. For Veergatha, Shivaji embodies warrior-heroes like medieval kings, aligning with user's Maratha history focus.​

Major Achievements of Shivaji Maharaj

1. Captured 300+ forts starting with Torna (1646), building impregnable defenses like Raigad.​
2. Defeated Afzal Khan (1659), sacked Surat twice (1664, 1670) for resources.​
3. Escaped Agra captivity (1670), expanding via guerrilla tactics against superior foes.​
4. Founded Maratha Navy with Sindhudurg, first Indian sea power for defense/trade.​
5. Crowned Chhatrapati (1674), created Ashtapradhan council and ryotwari system.​
6. Southern campaign conquered Gingee-Vellore, established enduring Maratha presence.