Name: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shahaji Bhosale
Born : 19 February 1630
Died :  3 April 1680
First Sovereign (Chhatrapati) of the Maratha Empire

Shivaji was born in 1627 in the fort of Shivner (about three hrs drive from Pune). Friends have been to the fort, it is a must visit. Subsequently, Shahji deserted JijaB and married Tukabai who gave birth to Ekoji, who later on the founded the kingdom of Tanjore. Hard pressed by the Mughals, Shahji had to flee leaving wife and son to his trusted agent Dadaji Kondadev. The jagirs entrusted to Dadaji by Shahji were the valleys to the west of Pune roughly from Junnar to Wai. Dadaji taught Shivaji the nuances of administration & the art of creating correct impression amongst people.
Shivaji had a persuasive tongue, was alert, never scared to take risks, could judge people at first sight, held secret negotiations with companions on the liberation of Bharat and put an end to the persecution of Hindus. On the other hand his Mother, Jijabai was angry since the Nizam Shah had openly murdered her father and brothers. Poor administration under Muslim govts and violation of women’s honor etc increased the anger. The mothers thoughts and experiences greatly influenced her son, Shivaji.Under the guidance of Dadaji he converted his small jagir into Swarajya, a well knit unit where law and order prevailed, justice quickly rendered and wealth secure.
Shivaji Bhonsle (19 February 1630 – 3 April 1680), also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was an Indian warrior king and a member of the Bhonsle Maratha clan.
Shivaji carved out an enclave from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur that formed the genesis of the Maratha Empire. In 1674, he was formally crowned as the Chhatrapati (Monarch) of his realm at Raigad.

Shivaji Maharaj established a competent and progressive civil rule with the help of a disciplined military and well-structured administrative organisations. He innovated military tactics, pioneering the guerrilla warfare methods (Shiva sutra or ganimi kava), which leveraged strategic factors like geography, speed, and surprise and focused pinpoint attacks to defeat his larger and more powerful enemies. He revived ancient Hindu political traditions and court conventions and promoted the usage of Marathi and Sanskrit, rather than Persian, in court and administration.

Shivaji's legacy was to vary by observer and time but began to take on increased importance with the emergence of the Indian independence movement, as many elevated him as a proto-nationalist and hero of the Hindus.
Particularly in Maharashtra, debates over his history and role have engendered great passion and sometimes even violence as disparate groups have sought to characterise him and his legacy.


Proud Pratap Purandar Kshatriyakulavatamsh
Simhasanadhisvar Maharajadiraj
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jay!!!!!!!!

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