Shivaji

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Shivaji Raje Bhosle
Chhatrapati
Reign	1664 - 1680
Coronation	June 6, 1674
Full name	Shivaji Shahaji Bhosle
Titles	Kshatriya Kulavantas,GoBrahman Pratipalak
Born	February 19, 1627
Birthplace	Shivneri Fort, near Pune, India
Died	April 3, 1680 (aged 53)
Place of death	Raigad Fort
Successor	Sambhaji
Wives	Sai bai Soyarabai Putalabai Kashibai Sagunabai Manjulabai Sakavaarbai Gunvantibai[1][2]
Offspring	Sambhaji, Rajaram, and six daughters
Father	Shahaji
Mother	Jijabai
Religious beliefs	Hinduism

Shivaji Raje Bhosle (February 19, 1627 – April 3, 1680), commonly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Marathi: छत्रपती शिवाजीराजे भोसले) laid the foundations of the Maratha Empire. Shivaji Maharaj was younger of the two sons of Shahaji Bhosle and Jijabai. His father, Shahaji was a Maratha general who rendered military services at various times against the Bijapur Sultanate, Deccan sultanates and the Mughals.^[3] Shivaji Maharaj espoused the ideology of Hindavi Swarajya (Indian Self Rule) and took a solemn oath in a Hindu temple with his friends and soldiers to directly challenge the foreign rule of the Bijapur Sultanate and ultimately the mighty Mughal empire. Shivaji Maharaj succeeded in establishing control of a well defended segment of the present state of Maharastra in western India, during his lifetime.^[4].

Shivaji Maharaj’s ideology of Hindavi Swarajya and subsequent expansion of the Maratha Empire, was partly responsible for re-establisment of Hindu rule and its re-emergent assertiveness throughout the mainland of present day India after being ruled and dominated by various Muslim dynasties for several centuries. The ideology of Hindavi Swarajya was in part the inspiration that propelled the succeeding generation of Marathas to establish independent kingdom in India prior to their eventual defeat by the British Empire. This ideology was neither directed against Islam nor aimed toward propagation of Hinduism.^[5] Shivaji's vision was for a united India, that would not yield to attacks by oppressive rulers.

Shivaji Maharaj established and set up a competent civil rule with the help of well regulated and disciplined military and well structured administrative organizations. The then prevalent practices of treating women as war booty, destruction of religious monuments, slavery and forceful religious conversions were firmly opposed under his administration. Shivaji Maharaj himself was a religious, devout and tolerant Hindu who worshipped with deep faith. Shivaji Maharaj innovated rules of military engagement of that era. He pioneered Ganimi Kava (in Marathi), or guerrilla tactics, which leveraged various factors like demographics, speed, surprise and focused attack. In comparison to his enemies, Shivaji Maharaj had a smaller army and thereby was obliged to wage guerilla warfare to help overcome this great imbalance.^[6]

A large portion of his kingdom was a coastline and he secured it with a potent navy under his commander, Kanhoji Angre. He was very successful in keeping foreign naval ships, particularly Portuguese and British, under check. For his foresight of establishing one of the first large scale naval presence he is referred to as the "Father of Indian Navy".^[7] Building and securing seaside and land based forts played an important role in Shivaji Maharaj’s military history. Shivaji's attention to coastal and naval defence delayed the eventual establishment of British rule and trade along India's west coast.

Contents 1 Early life 1.1 Birth 2 Foundation of empire 3 Confrontation with the Regional Sultanates 3.1 Battle of Pratapgad 3.2 Battle of Kolhapur 3.3 Seige of Panhala 3.4 Battle of Pavan Khind 4 Attack on the British, Raja Jaswantrao and Raja Suryarao 5 Clash with the Mughals 5.1 Conquest Of Konkan 5.2 Shaista Khan 5.3 Surat and Mirza Raja Jai Singh 5.4 Trip To Agra and Escape 5.5 Preparing for War and Battle of Sinhagad 6 Coronation and Southern Expedition 7 Rule 8 Character 9 Military, Navy and Forts 10 Promotion of Sanskrit 11 Religion 12 Death and succession 13 Legacy 14 Depiction in popular culture 15 Associates 16 Accounts of contemporary foreign travellers 17 References 18 Further reading 19 See also 20 External links

[edit] Early life

[edit] Birth

Shivaji Maharaj was the younger son of Shahaji and Jijabai Bhosle. Shivaji Maharaj's birth date has been a matter of controversy but recently a consensus has been reached and is deemed to be 19 February 1627.^[8][9][10] He was born on Shivneri Fort, Junnar, 60 kilometres north of Pune and was named Shiva after Shivai, Goddess of the fort. Shivaji Maharaj was the fifth son born to Jijabai, 3 of whom had died as infants and only Sambhaji survived. While Shivaji Maharaj was accompanied mostly by his mother, Sambhaji lived with his father Shahaji at Bangalore (present day Bengaluru). During the period of Shivaji Maharaj's birth, the power in Maharastra was shared by three Sultanates - Bijapur, Ahmednagar, and Golconda. Most of the then Marathas forces had pledged their loyalties to one of these Sultanates and were engaged in a continuous game of mutual alliances and aggressions.

Shahaji Bhosle - Shivaji Maharaj's father - was the elder son of Maloji Bhosale of Verul (present day Ellora, Maharastra). Legend has it that Maloji Bhosale was insulted by Lakhujirao Jadhav, a sardar in Nizamshahi, due his refusal to allow his daughter Jijabai's (Shivaji Maharaj's mother) marriage to his son- Shahaji. This led Maloji to conquests to obtain a higher stature and an important role under Nizamshahi, something that eventually led him to achieving the title of Mansabdar (military commander and a imperial administrator). Leveraging this new found fame and power he was able to convince Jadhavrao to give his daughter in marriage to his son Shahaji.

Shahaji continuing the lead of his father played an important role in various Deccan wars. He began service with the young Nizamshah of Ahmednagar and together with Malik Amber, Nizam's minister, he won back most of the districts for the Nizamshah from the Mughals who had gained it during their attack of 1600.^[9] Thereafter, Lakhuji Jadhav, Shahaji's father in law attacked Shahaji and surrounded him at the Mahuli fort along with Jijabai who was four months pregnant. After seeing no relief coming from Nizam, Shahaji decided to give up the fort and planned his escape. He sent Jijabai off to the safety of Shivneri fort which was under his control. It was here at Shivneri that Shivaji Maharaj was born. In the meanwhile, suspecting his loyalty, Lakhuji and his three sons were murdered by the Nizamshah in his court while they had come there to join his forces. Unsettled by this incident, Shahaji Raje decided to part ways with the Nizamshahi Sultanate and raise the banner of independence and establish an independent kingdom.

After this episode Ahmednagar fell to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, and shortly thereafter Shahaji as Nizam's General responded by attacking the Mughal garrison and regained control of this region again. In response the Mughals sent a much larger force in 1635 to recover the area back and forced Shahaji to retreat into Mahuli. Adilshah of Bijapur agreed to pay tribute to the Mughals in return for the authority to rule this region in the year of 1636.^[9] Thereafter, Shahaji was inducted by Adilshah of Bijapur and was offered a distant jagir- land holdings, at present-day Bangalore, but he was allowed to keep his old land tenures and holdings in Pune.^[11][12]

[edit] Foundation of empire

Shahaji appointed young Shivaji Maharaj, under the care of his mother Jijabai to manage the Pune holdings. A small council of ministers was appointed to assist and train Shivaji Maharaj in administration. This council included Shamrao Nilkanth as Peshwa (Prime Minister), Balkrishna Pant as Muzumdar, Raghunath Ballal as Sabnis, Sonopant as Dabir and possibly, Dadoji Konddeo as a caretaker. Apart from these ministers, military commanders Kanhoji Jedhe and Baji Pasalkar were appointed to train Shivaji Maharaj in martial arts. In 1644, Shahaji had Lal Mahal built in Pune for his wife and his son Shivaji Maharaj. A royal seal in Sanskrit which read, This is the royal seal of Shivaji, son of Shahaji. This royal seal is for the welfare of people. This seal (the rule of the seal) will grow like the new moon grows, was handed to Shivaji Maharaj. Thus Shivaji Maharaj started his career as an independent young prince of a small kingdom on a mission. Shivaji Maharaj used the title of Raja (king) only after Shahaji's death.

His mother made an indelible impression on him with her teachings, with her love for the homeland and its people. Shivaji Maharaj learned much from his father's failed attempts at political independence: his exceptional military capabilities and achievements, his knowledge of Sanskrit, Hindu ethos, patronage of the arts, his war strategies and peacetime diplomacy. He was inspired and informed by his family's vision of independence and freedom. Furthermore, his mother, having lost her father and three brothers to a treacherous plot hatched by the regional king Nizamshah, was opposed to those who she considered alien rulers, due to their derision and callousness toward the local population. Jijabai thus instilled in Shivaji Maharaj a natural love for self-determination and an aversion to external political domination.

Her piety and commitment to indigenous culture and her recounting of tales from the great Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana molded Shivaji Maharaj's character and helped him to be peerless (as confirmed by even otherwise inimical chroniclers, Khafi Khan) especially in his tolerant attitude towards other religions as well as in his fair and kind treatment of women and non-combatants. Shahaji's vision, and Jijabai's teachings and motivation, and the able training by statesmen and administrators like Dadoji Kondadev, military commanders such as Gomaji Naik Pansambal and Baji Pasalkar were the main influences which groomed Shivaji Maharaj into a brave and fearless military leader as well as a responsible administrator. Shivaji Maharaj along with his Mavala friends and soldiers took a blood oath to fight for the "Swarajya" at Rohideshwara temple.

[edit] Confrontation with the Regional Sultanates

In 1645, at the age of 17, Shivaji Maharaj carried out his first military action by attacking and capturing Torna Fort of the Bijapur kingdom. By 1647 he had captured Kondana and Rajgad forts and had control of much of the southern Pune region. By 1654 Shivaji Maharaj had captured forts in the Western Ghats and along the Konkan coast. In a bid to sabotage this move of the Marathas under Shivaji Maharaj's able leadership, Adilshah had his father - Shahaji arrested by deceitful means, and he sent one army against Sambhaji, Shivaji Maharaj's elder brother at Bangalore (led by Farradkhan) and another against Shivaji Maharaj at Purandhar (led by Fattekhan). However both Bhosle brothers defeated the invading armies - there is also a possibility that Shivaji Maharaj petitioned Shahjahan to seek his support - securing the release of their father. Thereafter, Afzal Khan, a seasoned commander and an accomplished warrior, was sent to destroy Shivaji Maharaj, in an effort to put down what was seen by Bijapur as a regional revolt.

[edit] Battle of Pratapgad

Afzal Khan, after leaving Bijapur desecrated Hindu temples at Tuljapur and Pandharpur. He planned to get an emotionally overwrought Shivaji Maharaj to retaliate with his limited military resources, and thus lead him and his budding military power to easy destruction by the numerically superior, better armed and a more professional Bijapur army. However, Shivaji Maharaj had other ideas and he sent a letter saying he was not eager to face Afzal Khan and sought some type of understanding. Shivaji Maharaj upon carefully weighing his options, strategically decided to confront and surprise Afzal Khan under the guise of diplomatic negotiations. A meeting was arranged between Afzal Khan and Shivaji Maharaj at the foothills of Fort Pratapgad.^[6] Shivaji Maharaj got the word that Afzal Khan planned to slay him during the meeting.

Shivaji Maharaj, armed himself with weapons like bichwa (dagger), wagh nakh (tiger claw) and chilkhat (chain-mail armour) prior to the meeting. What transpired during the meeting was not recorded by scribes, but soon after their discussion the taller Afzal Khan - under the pretense of a customary hug - gripped Shivaji Maharaj's neck under his left arm and stabbed him with a dagger with his right. However, Shivaji Maharaj's armour and agility saved him. In retaliation, he attacked Afzal Khan with a wagh nakh and bich'hwa, spilling his blood and entrails on the ground. Thereupon Afzal Khan's bodyguard Sayyed Banda attacked Shivaji Maharaj with swords but Jiva Mahala, Shivaji Maharaj's personal bodyguard fatally struck him down, cutting off one of Sayyed Banda's hands with a Dandpatta (Pata-a medieval weapon). Afzal Khan stumbled out of the tent to get help and stumbled into a waiting palanquin, but was attacked and beheaded by Shivaji Maharaj's associate Sambhaji Kavji Kondhalkar, before he could escape or raise an alarm.^[6]

In the ensuing Battle of Pratapgarh fought in the dense forest of Jawli on November 30, 1659, Shivaji Maharaj's armies attacked Bijapur's (Afzal Khan's) forces and engaged them in swift flanking maneuvers. Immediately after slaying Afzal Khan, Shivaji Maharaj galloped up the slope towards the fortress with his lieutenants and ordered cannons to be fired. This was a signal to his infantry, which had been strategically placed under the cover of the densely covered valley, to immediately attack Afzal Khan's forces.^[6] Maratha troops under Kanhoji Jedhe attacked 1,500 muskeeters and routed them at the foothills of the fort. Then in a rapid march, a section of Adilshahi forces commanded by Musekhan was attacked. Musekhan was wounded and subsequently fled the field, leaving his soldiers to fend for themselves. Commander Moropant Pingale led the infantry on the left flank of the Adilshahi troops. Adilshah's artillery was made ineffective by his sudden attack at close quarters. Commander Ragho Atre swiftly attacked the cavalry before they were prepared for battle and were almost completely wiped out. The cavalry under Netaji Palkar galloped towards Wai in hot pursuit of retreating Adilshahi forces, who were attempting to join the Adilshahi forces stationed there. The retreating forces of Afzal Khan were engaged in battle and were routed.^[6]

Soon thereafter, a decision was made by Shivaji Maharaj, Shahaji and Netaji Palkar(the chief of the Maratha cavalry) to immediately attack and defeat the Adilshahi kingdom at Bijapur. But, things did not go as planned as Shahaji's health deteriorated and he had to postpone the plan of attacking Bijapur. However, Netaji Palkar continued attacking and harassing the Adilshahi kingdom.^[13] This victory made Shivaji Maharaj a hero of Maratha folklore and a legendary figure among his people. The large quantities of captured weapons, horses, armour and other materials helped to strengthen the nascent and emerging Maratha army. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, now identified Shivaji Maharaj as a major threat to the mighty Mughal Empire.

Subsequently, the Sultan of Bijapur sent an elite Pashtun army comprised mainly of Afghani mercenaries to subdue and defeat Shivaji Maharaj before he could substantially expand his army. In the resulting war, Bijapur's Pashtun army was decimated by the Maratha troops. The intense and bloody battle ended in the unconditional surrender of Bijapuri forces to Shivaji Maharaj.

[edit] Battle of Kolhapur

To counter the loss at Pratapgad and to defeat the newly emerging Maratha power, another army, this time numbering over 10,000, was sent against Shivaji Maharaj, commanded by Bijapur's renowned Abyssinian general Rustamjaman.^[13] With cavalry of 5000 Marathas, Shivaji Maharaj attacked them near Kolhapur on December 28, 1659. In a swift movement, Shivaji Maharaj led a full frontal attack at the center of the enemy forces while other two portions of his cavalry attacked the flanks. This battle lasted for several hours and at the end Bijapuri forces were soundly defeated and Rustamjaman ignominiously fled the battlefield.^[6] Adilshahi forces lost about 2000 horses and 12 elephants to the Marathas.^[13] This victory alarmed the mighty Mughal empire who now derisively referred to Shivaji Maharaj as the "Mountain Rat". Aurangzeb the Mughal emperor was now actively preparing to bring the full might and resources of the Mughal Empire to bear down on the potential Maratha threat.

Upon the request of Badi Begum of Bijapur, in January, 1660, Aurangzeb sent his maternal uncle Shaista Khan, with an army numbering over 100,000 along with a powerful artillery division to defeat Shivaji Maharaj. Khan was accompanied by eminent commanders like Turktaj, Hussain, Haider, Naamdar Khan, Kartalab Khan, Uzbek Khan, Fateh Jung and Rajputs namely Bhau Singh, Shyam Singh, Rai Singh Sisodiya, Pradyuman and many more.^[13] Khan was an experienced commander who had defeated Shahaji in the same region in 1636.^[6]. He was ordered to attack the Maratha kingdom in conjunction with Bijapur's army led by Siddi Jauhar. Aurangzeb ordered Shaista Khan to capture the Maratha kingdom (thereby deceiving the Adilshah), after Shivaji's expected defeat by Jauhar. Shivaji now prepared to face a dual attack of Mughals and Adilshahi forces.^[13]

[edit] Seige of Panhala

In 1660, Adil Shah sent Siddi Jauhar, an accomplished general to put down Shivaji Maharaj. He ordered his army of 40,000 north to Kolhapur, Maharashtra to confront and defeat Shivaji Maharaj once and for all. Jasvantrao Dalvi of Palavani and Suryarao Surve of Sringarpur aided Siddi Jauhar to subdue Shivaji Maharaj.^[6] At that time, Shivaji Maharaj was camped at the Panhala fort with 8000 Marathas, near present day Kolhapur, on the southern border of his dominion. Siddi Jauhar's army besieged Panhala on March 2, 1660, cutting off supply routes to the fort.^[13] The fort was besieged by Baji Ghorpade and Siddi Masud from the west, Sadat khan and Bhai khan from the north, Rustam Zaman and Bade khan from the east, Siddi Jauhar and Fazal khan from the south. Netaji Palkar, the Commander-in-chief of the Maratha forces was on a mission away from Panhala harassing and attacking Adilshahi territory and was not able to come to the help of Shivaji Maharaj. At this point of time, Shaista khan had moved from Baramati to Shirwal.^[13]

Panhala was a formidable fort. Adilshahi army was repulsed repeatedly by effective cannon fire and heavy rock-pelting. ^[13] Thus, Siddi Jauhar approached Henry Revington, the British chief at the Rajapur port to seek long-range and advanced cannons. Henry decided to help him in return for future favours, and began pounding Panhala fort. Inspite of this Marathas continued defending Panhala and continued to keep Siddi Jauhar at bay.^[13] Marathas even raided the Adilshahi camp a few times but without much success. However, in one such raid, Tryambak Bhaskar and Kondaji Farzand disguised themselves as a British officer and as an Adilshahi soldier respectively. They came down to the Adilshahi camp and met Henry Revington and his associates. They managed to kill one British officer and injured Henry. Thereafter, they sabotaged the cannons and made them ineffective. Jauhar livid at this, tightened the siege further.^[13] Jauhar did not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the siege around Panhala was unyielding. Jauhar personally took utmost care that no one in his army was complacent. He even made arrangements to counter the tumultuous rains and continued the siege even in heavy rain.^[13] On hearing about the tightening siege of Panhala, Netaji Palkar returned from Bijapur and attacked the Adilshahi forces surrounding Panhala. He tried to break the siege but the smaller Maratha force was pushed back by a much larger Adilshahi army.^[13]

Thereafter, Shivaji Maharaj, decided to escape to a nearby fort Vishalgad, where he could regroup his soldiers and launch a series of attacks on Siddi Jauhar. Shivaji Maharaj sent misleading messages to Siddi Jauhar indicating that he was willing to negotiate and was looking for accommodation, understanding and mercy. In the meantime, Shivaji spread rumours that Shivaji was helping the ambitious Siddi Jauhar with men and money to attack Bijapur. With this news, Adilshahi soldiers relaxed and Shivaji Maharaj escaped under the cover of a stormy night on July 12, 1660 at 2200 hrs.^[13] Johar's soldiers captured a small group of Marathas apparently including Shivaji Maharaj, only to realize he was a look-alike named Shiva Kashid dressed like Shivaji Maharaj, sent out to create a diversion and facilitate the real king's escape. Siddi Johar's soldiers realized that the imposter was Shivaji Maharaj's barber and that Shivaji Maharaj and his army were headed to Vishalgad.^[6]

[edit] Battle of Pavan Khind

Sensing that enemy cavalry was fast closing in on them Shivaji Maharaj sought to avoid defeat and capture. Baji Prabhu Deshpande, a Maratha sardar along with 300 soldiers, volunteered to fight to the death to hold back the enemy at Ghod Khind (a mountain pass in Gajapur which is 4 miles from Vishalgad) to give Shivaji Maharaj and the rest of the army a chance to reach the safety of Vishalgad.^[6][13]

In the ensuing Battle of Pavan Khind, Baji Prabhu Deshpande fought relentlessly. He was almost fatally wounded but he held on and continued to fight until he heard the sound of cannon fire from Vishalgad, signalling Shivaji Maharaj had reached safely to the fort. The result was the death of 300 Marathas and 1286 of Adilshah's troops in this fierce battle.^[6] Shivaji reached the fort on July 13, 1660 at 1800 hrs .^[13] Thereafter a truce was made between Shivaji Maharaj and Adilshah through Shahaji, acknowledging and formally recognizing the independence of Shivaji Maharaj's Kingdom. Also, as the terms of peace, Panhala Fort was awarded to Siddi Johar.^[6]

Ghod Khind (khind = " a narrow mountain pass") was renamed Pavan Khind (Sacred Pass) in honor of Bajiprabhu Deshpande, Shibosingh Jadhav, Fuloji, people from Bandal community and all other soldiers who fought in Ghod Khind (People from Bandal community were specially selected by Shivaji while escaping from Panhala keeping in mind their knowledge of the region, rock cimbing skills, martial qualities).^[13] A small memorial stands even today in the pass in recognition of the heroism of Bajiprabhu and his men. This remained the situation until the death of Shahaji. Henceforth the Marathas became a formal and recognized power in the Deccan. Suspecting his treachery, the loyal Siddi Jauhar was poisoned to death by the Adilshah.^[13]

[edit] Attack on the British, Raja Jaswantrao and Raja Suryarao

Shivaji now turned his attention towards the British at Rajapur fort on the Ratnagiri coast. Prior to the battle of Pratapgad, the Marathas had arrested the British chiefs including Henry but allowed them to go free.^[13] Before the battle, Afzal khan had lend his ships to them, which after the battle, they refused to hand over to the Marathas. Thus they were arrested by the Marathas, they were however let off again by Shivaji Maharaj as Henry and his fellow Britishers assured Shivaji that they would never cross his path and signed a friendship treaty. Despite being reprieved twice by Shivaji, Henry Revington, still did not live up to his word, and bet against the Marathas. Henry not only provided advanced artillery to Siddi Jauhar during the siege of Panhala but also provided men (Artillery observers, etc.) to operate the cannons. Thereafter Shivaji Maharaj concluded that these foreigners were posing as merely traders but in reality they had ambitions of setting up and expanding their own rule.^[13]

Thus, Shivaji decided to attack the Rajapur port, which was one of the few fortified ports British had in those times under the pretext of trading. Shivaji himself marched to the Rajapur port. The British tried to pacify Shivaji by accepting that it was their mistake to help Jauhar and that such a thing would not happen again. Shivaji now could not trust the British and promptly arrested all the Britishers at Rajapur port and captured their vakhaar- commercial property.^[13]

Shivaji now wanted to discipline Jaswantrao Dalvi (Raja of Palwan) and Suryarao Surve (Raja of Sringarpur), who were against Shivaji and had laid seige to Vishalgad(during Jauhar's siege of Panhala) at the behest of Siddi Jauhar. Shivaji marched to Palwan but the fearful Jaswantrao fled and took refuge at Suryarao's Sringarpur. Shivaji then extended the hand of friendship to Suryarao and tried to make him understand that they needed to unite to fight against the foreign powers.^[13] Suryarao agreed and assured Shivaji that he would take full care and look after Shivaji's army stationed near Sringarpur while Shivaji was away. However, Suryarao in an act of treachery attacked the unwary Maratha army. The Maratha army lead by Tanaji Malusare fought Suryarao's men and pushed them back. Furious at the treachery of Suryarao, Shivaji came back and attacked Sringarpur. However, Suryarao fled and Sringarpur was captured by Shivaji.^[6][13]

[edit] Clash with the Mughals

[edit] Conquest Of Konkan

An Uzbek general, Kartalab Khan, was sent by Shaista Khan on a mission to attack and reduce the number of forts under Shivaji Maharaj's control in the Konkan region, on Feb 3, 1661. He left his camp near Pune with 30,000 troops. This time the Mughals did not march openly and took circuitous back country routes, as they seeked to surprise Shivaji Maharaj.^[13] But instead Shivaji Maharaj surprised them at a pass known as 'Umber Khind'(in a dense forest, near present-day Penn), and attacked them from all sides. Marathas hidden in the dense forest executed a well co-ordinated attack on the Mughal army.^[13] Shivaji Maharaj himself took the forward position with an elite cavalry unit. The other three sides were flanked by Shivaji Maharaj's light infantry.

In a well co-ordinated movement of light infantry and cavalry, Shivaji Maharaj prevailed over them. A Maratha lady commander Raibagan who co-lead the Mughal forces analyzed the situation and realised that defeat was imminent and advised Kartalab Khan to accept defeat and initiate a compromise with Shivaji Maharaj.^[6][13] Within 4 hours in to the attack the enemy accepted defeat. They surrendered all of their supplies, arms and assets. The Mughal army suffered high casualties. The defeated army was allowed a safe passage. Kartalab Khan and Raibagan were released with honour in accordance with Shivaji Maharaj's terms and his long standing policy towards women and unarmed civilians.^[6]

[edit] Shaista Khan

In the meantime, Shaista Khan with his better equipped and lumbering army of 100,000 had seized Pune and the nearby fort of Chakan. At that time, Firangoji Narsala was the killedar(Commander) of fort Chakan, which was defended by 300-350 Maratha soldiers. They were able to withstand the Mughal attack on the fort for one and a half month. Then, a buruj(outer wall) was blown up with explosives. This created an opening in the fort allowing hordes of Mughals to breach the fort. Firangoji, himself led the Marathas against a numerically superior Mughal army.^[6][13] Eventually, the fort was lost with the capture of Firangoji. Firangoji was brought in front of Shaista Khan, who, appreciating his bravery, offered him a jahagir (military commission) on the condition that he join the Mughal forces, which Firangoji declined. Admiring his loyalty, Shaista Khan pardoned Firangoji and set him free. Firangoji returned to Shivaji who awarded him a fort named Bhupalgad.^[13]

Shaista Khan with his larger, better provisioned and heavily armed Mughal army made inroads into some of the Maratha territoy. He even captured an Adilshahi fort named Parinda to appease Aurangzeb who was annoyed with Shaista's failure to subdue Shivaji.^[13] Although he held Pune for almost a year, he had little further success. He had set up his residence at Lal Mahal, Shivaji Maharaj's palace, in the city of Pune.^[6] Seeing that Shaista was not able to subdue Shivaji, Aurangzeb sent Maharaja Jaswant Singh(a Rajput- who earlier on the orders of Shah Jahan had stopped Aurangzeb at the river Tapi, when Aurangzeb was trying to ascend the throne of Delhi) to help Shaista Khan.^[13]

Shaista Khan kept a tight security in Pune. However, Shivaji Maharaj planned an attack on Shaista Khan amidst tight security. In April 1663, a wedding party had obtained special permission for a procession; Shivaji Maharaj planned an attack using the wedding party as cover. The Marathas disguised themselves as the bridegroom's procession and entered Pune. Shivaji Maharaj, having spent much of his youth in Pune, knew his way around the city and his own palace of Lal Mahal.^[6] Chimanaji Deshpande- one of the childhood friends of Shivaji Maharaj aided him in this attack offering his services as a personal bodyguard. According to Babasaheb Purandare, since Mughal army also consisted of Maratha soldiers, it was difficult for someone to distinguish between Shivaji Maharaj's Maratha soldiers and the Maratha soldiers of the Mughal army. Thus, taking advantage of this confusion, Shivaji Maharaj, along with a few of his trusted men, infiltrated the Mughal camp.

After overpowering and slaying the palace guards, the Marathas broke into the mansion by breaking through a wall. Chimnaji and Netaji Palkar entered first to provide cover for Shivaji Maharaj. Babaji Deshpande another of Shivaji Maharaj's long time loyal associates offered rear guard protection during the attack. Seeing that Lal Mahal was under attack, Shaista hid in the 'harem'(ladies' section). Shivaji Maharaj then personally confronted Shaista Khan in a 'face to face' attack. Perceiving the danger, one of Shaista's wives quickly put off the lights. Shivaji attacked Shaista and ended up severing three of his fingers with his sword(in the darkness) as Shaista fled through an open window. Shaista Khan narrowly escaped death; lost his son, many of his guards and soldiers in the raid.^[6]

Within twenty-four hours of this attack, Shaista Khan left Pune and headed North towards Agra. An angered Aurangzeb transferred him to distant Bengal as a punishment for bringing embarrassment to the Mughals with his ignoble defeat in Pune.^[4]

[edit] Surat and Mirza Raja Jai Singh

In 1664 Shivaji Maharaj invaded Surat, an important and wealthy Mughal trading city, and looted it to replenish his now depleted treasury and also as a revenge for the capture and looting of Maratha territory by Shaista Khan. In 1670, Surat was again sacked by Shivaji.^[6]

Aurangzeb was enraged and sent Mirza Raja Jai Singh I, with an army numbering well over 100,000 to defeat Shivaji Maharaj. The Mughal forces proved to be unstoppable in the early battles and Shivaji Maharaj decided to come to terms with Aurangzeb. In the treaty of Purander, signed between Shivaji Maharaj and Jai Singh, Shivaji Maharaj agreed to give up 23 of his forts and 400,000 rupees to the Mughals. He also agreed to let his son Sambhaji become a Mughal Sardar and serve the Mughal court of Aurangzeb.

[edit] Trip To Agra and Escape

In 1666, Aurangzeb summoned Shīvajī to Agra, along with his six year old son Sambhajī, on the occasion of his fiftieth birthday. Aurangzeb's plan was to send Shivaji Maharaj to Kandahar, modern day Afghanistan to consolidate the Mughal Empire's north-western frontier. However in the court, on May 12, 1666, Aurangzeb made Shīvajī stand behind mansabdārs (military commanders) of his court.^[6] Shivaji Maharaj took offense at this seeming insult and stormed out of court and was promptly placed under house arrest, under the watch of Fulād Khān, Kotwal of Agra. From his spies, Shīvajī learned that Aurangzeb planned to move his residence to Rājā Vitthaldās's Haveli and then to possibly kill him or send him to fight in the Afghan frontier. As a result Shīvajī planned his escape.

He feigned almost fatal sickness and requested to send most of his contingent back to the Deccan, thereby ensuring the safety of his army and deceiving Aurangzeb. Thereafter, on his request, he was allowed to send daily shipments of sweets and gifts to saints, fakirs, and temples in Agra as offerings for getting well.^[6] After several days and weeks of sending out boxes containing sweets, Shīvajī and his six year old son Sambhaji hid themselves in two of the boxes and managed to escape. Shīvajī and his son fled to the Deccan disguised as sadhus (holy men). After the escape, rumours of Sambhajī's death were intentionally spread by Shīvajī himself in order to deceive the Mughals and to protect Sambhajī.^[6]

Dr. Ajit Joshi in a book Agryahun Sutka, concluded that Shīvajī most likely disguised himself as a Brahmin priest after performance of religious rites at the haveli grounds and escaped by mingling in within the departing priestly entourage.^{[citation needed]} However, according to Mr. Ranjit Desai; author of the Marathi book Shriman Yogi (later translated to English as Shivaji the Great) Shivaji Maharaj disguised himself as one of the servants who used to carry boxes of sweets which were being sent out as gifts.

[edit] Preparing for War and Battle of Sinhagad

In the years 1667-69, Shīvajī adopted a low profile and began to actively build up his army. His army now consisted of about 40,000 cavalry, backed by 60,000 infantry, a strong navy and a potent artillery. The Mughals had the impression that he was now a spent force and would not cause them any more trouble. But Shīvajī was on a war footing and aimed to directly take on the combined might of the Mughal Empire. In January, 1670, Shīvajī launched a multi-pronged assault on Mughal garrisons in Maharashtra. Within six months he had regained most of his previously held territory and more.^[6] From 1670 to 1674 Shīvajī expanded his kingdom to include the major portions of Maharashtra and far in to the south including parts of modern-day Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Kondana fort, on the outskirts of Pune, was still under Mughal control. Uday Bhan Rathod, the fort keeper, led an army of about 1500 Rajputs and Mughals for the protection of the fort. On February 4, 1670 Shīvajī deputed one of his most senior and trusted generals, Tanaji Malusare, to head a mission to capture Kondana. At that time, Tanhaji's son's (Raiba's) wedding was due. However, putting his duty for the Maratha land over his family he said "Aadhi lagn Kondanyacha, mag majhya Raibacha" (First Kondana will be conquered, then Raiba will marry).^[6]

The Maratha army under Tanaji Malusare assigned to capture the fort was much smaller than the Mughal army posted at the fort. Tanaji Malusare surveyed the fort and its defenses for some days. The fort was well guarded. One very sheer cliff caught Tanaji's eye. This side was least guarded as one could not possibly imagine climbing the fort from this steep side. Tanaji decided to scale this cliff to enter the fort. The legend is that, he used a monitor lizard (known as a ghorpad in Marathi named "Yeshwanti" with a rope tied around its body for climbing this cliff on a moonless night.^[6] The lizard was made to climb to the top of the fort. As is the characteristic feature of this lizard, it braced and lodged itself in a tight corner of the fort. Then a soldier climbed to the top and threw ropes for others to climb.

Meanwhile Tanaji's brother Suryaji moved close to the gates of the fort, namely Kalyān Darwāja, with another 300 Mavalas. The gates were soon opened and once inside, all his soldiers joined Tanaji in the surprise attack. Tanaji and Uday Bhan came face to face and a fierce fight ensued. Uday Bhan broke Tanaji`s shield with a single blow, Tanaji was not deterred and continued to fight by wrapping his turban around his left hand for protection, to cover up his wounds and staunch the bleeding. Tanaji being greivously wounded, staggerred back and fell. Seeing their leader mortally wounded and dying before them, the Maratha soldiers started to back-up and retreat, Suryaji and Shelar Mama stepped up and assumed leadership. Shelar Mama an old Sardar in his seventies took charge and faced to challenge Uday Bhan and killed him in short order. Suryaji, then stepped in front and center to rally the troops and led them back on the offensive. The Marathas now re-commenced their attack on the Mughal defenders and succeeded in capturing the fort.^[6]

When Shīvajī reached the fort after the victory, he was deeply bereaved at the loss of his good friend Tanaji. He sadly commented "Gadh ala puhn sinha gela" (The fort was won but the lion was lost). Thereafter Kondana Fort was renamed Sinhagad (Lion Fort) to honour Tanaji Malusare's bravery.^[6]

[edit] Coronation and Southern Expedition

Shīvajī was formally crowned Chhatrapati (Chief, or King of the Kshatriyas), on June 6, 1674 at Raigad fort, and given the title Kshatriya Kulavantas Sinhasanadheeshwar Chhatrapati Shīvajī Mahārāj. Pandit Gaga Bhatt, a renowned Brahmin from Varanasi, officially presided over the ceremony declaring that Shīvajī's lineage was a bonafide and recognized Kshatriya.^[6] The local priests had refused, insinuating that Shivaji was actually descended from Dhangar pastoralists (as he well might have been).^[14][15][16] He was bestowed with the Jaanva, (in Hindi- Janeu, the sacred thread), with the Vedas and was bathed in an abhisheka. Shīvajī had insisted on an Indrabhishek ritual, which had fallen into disuse since the 9th century. Shīvajī then had the title of "shakkarta" conferred upon him. He started his own calendar. A few days later a second ceremony was carried out, this time according to the Bengal school of Tantricism and presided over by Nischal Puri.

After his coronation, at the end of 1676, Shivaji Maharaj launched a wave of conquests in southern India with a massive force of 50,000 (30,000 cavalry & 20,000 infantry).^[6] He captured the forts at Vellore and Jinji near Bijapur, Karnataka, modern-day Tamilnadu. He also signed a friendship treaty with the Kutubshah of Golconda. These victories proved quite crucial during future wars. Jinjee served as Maratha capital for 9 years during the War of 27 years. However, his main intention was to reconcile with Venkoji (Shahaji's son from his second wife, who came from the Mohite family) who ruled Thanjavur after Shahaji. They had talks, Venkoji(Ekoji I) showed signs of uniting with Shivaji Maharaj but then no concrete result was obtained.^[6] However, they weren't enemies and just ruled different kingdoms.

[edit] Rule

Shivaji Maharaj was an able administrator who established a government that included modern concepts such as cabinet (Ashtapradhan mandal), foreign affairs (Dabir) and internal intelligence.^[17] Shivaji Maharaj established an effective civil and military administration. He also built a powerful navy and erected new forts like Sindhudurg and strengthened old ones like Vijaydurg on the west coast.^[6] The Maratha navy held its own against the British, Portuguese and Dutch^[18].

Shivaji Maharaj is well known for his benevolent attitude towards his subjects. He believed that there was a close bond between the state and the citizens. He encouraged all accomplished and competent individuals to participate in the ongoing political/military struggle. He is remembered as a just and welfare-minded king. He brought revolutionary changes in military organisation, fort architecture, society and politics.^[6] Shivaji Maharaj successfully led and marshalled his forces to cope and overcome several major enemy invasions. He was inexorable in expanding the boundaries of his kingdom. His success was driven by his determination to establish a free and independent homeland, and in this goal he was supported by the high level of loyalty, respect and commitment he received from his soldiers, followers and citizens.

He was an innovator and an able commander, he successfully used effective tactics including hit-and-run, strategic expansion of territories and forts, formation of highly mobile light cavalry and infantry units, adaptation of strategic battle plans and formations, whereby he succeeded in out-maneuvering, time and again, his vastly bigger and determined enemies. Towards the end of his reign he had built up the Maratha forces to be over one hundred thousand strong. He was able to effectively keep the Mughal forces in check and on the defensive while expanding his kingdom southwards to Gingee, Tamil Nadu.^[6] Shivaji Maharaj's kingdom served as a Hindu bulwark against Mughal powers within India. His brilliant strategic and tactical maneuvering on battlefields, acute management and administrative skills helped him to lay the foundations of the future Maratha empire in India.

[edit] Character

During his long military career and various campaigns his strong religious and warrior code of ethics, exemplary character and deep seated and uncompromising spiritual values directed him to offer protection to houses of worship, non-combatants, women and children. He always showed respect, defended and protected places of worship of all denominations and religions.

Shivaji Maharaj was once offered a very beautiful young lady as a war booty, by an uninformed Maratha captain. She was the daughter-in-law of a defeated Muslim Amir (local ruler) of Kalyan, Maharashtra. Shivaji Maharaj was reported to have told the lady that her beauty was mesmerizing and that if his mother was as beautiful as her, he would have been as handsome as well. He told her to go back to her family in peace, unmolested and under his protection. His behaviour, was noted by those around him, to be always of the highest moral caliber. He unambiguously embodied the virtues and ideals of a true nobleman.^[6]

He boldly risked his life, his treasure, his personal well being and that of his family, to openly challenge his immensely larger enemies to defend and achieve freedom and independence for his country. He unflinchingly defied overwhelming odds stacked against him by the mighty Mughal Empire and other sultanates. He overcame and succeeded in the face of an unprecedented level of difficulty and challenges posed by his enemies.^[6] He did not spend any resources on projects designed for self-aggrandizement or vanity, instead he was propelled by his deeply held sense of Dharma (sacred duty) to his people and country. His legacy is heroism, selflessness, freedom, independence, brotherhood and unwavering courage, and as such he is a great role model for the ages.^[6]

Shivaji Maharaj did not believe in being treated as royalty, in fact he mingled freely with his subjects to spend time with them to be a better leader and a king. It is reported that he enjoyed simple meals of crushed onion and ‘bhakris’ - a type of Indian peasant bread with his foot soldiers (mavlas). His character could be termed as 'down to earth' and while he took his mission with utmost seriousness he did not seemingly consider his own needs to be above his people's welfare or their security.^[6] As a result of this Shivaji Maharaj struck a deep chord with his followers and the citizenary. And the high level of admiration and respect he earned from his followers and subjects sets him apart from most other Indian kings or chieftains in the recorded Indian history. Even today he is venerated in India and especially in the state of Maharashtra with awe and admiration and is viewed as a hero of epic proportions.^[6]

[edit] Military, Navy and Forts

Shivaji's genius is most evident in his military organisation which lasted till the demise of the Maratha empire. He was one of the pioneers of commando actions, "Ganimi Kava" a term used for such a warfare, (though the term "commando" is modern).^[19] His Mavala army's war cry was 'Har Har Mahadev' (Hail Lord Shiva).^[6] Shivaji was responsible for a lot of changes in military organization. These include -

• A standing army belonging to the state called paga;
• All war horses belonged to the state; responsibility for their upkeep rested on the Sovereign.
• Creation of part time soldiers from peasants who worked for eight months in the field and supported four months in war.
• Highly mobile and light infantry and cavalry were his innovations and they excelled in commando tactics;
• The introduction of a centralized intelligence department, spy system(Bahirjee Naik was the foremost spy who provided Shivaji with enemy information in all of Shivaji's campaigns, Vishwas Nana Dighe was the chief spy during the Battle of Pratapgad, Vishwasrao Musekar was the chief spy during the siege of Panhala), 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' was a weapon invented by Shivaji ;
• Militarisation of almost the entire society, including all classes, with the entire peasant population of settlements and villages near forts actively involved in their defence.^[6]

Shivaji realized the importance of having a secure coastline and protecting the western Konkan coastline from the attacks of Siddi’s fleet.^[20][6][21] He had realized the tactical advantage of having a strong navy and decided to purse this idea. Shivaji was concerned about the growing dominance of British India naval forces over Indian waters and started building his navy forces to tackle this issue. For this very reason he is also referred to as the “Father of Indian Navy”^[22].

Shivaji constructed a chain of 300 or more forts running over a thousand kilometres across the rugged Western Ghats. Each were placed under three officers of equal status lest a single traitor should deliver it to the enemy. The officers (Sabnis, Havladar, Sar-i-naubat) acted jointly and provided mutual checks balance. Shivaji had control of 360 forts when he died.^[6]

[edit] Promotion of Sanskrit

The house of Shivaji Maharaj was one of the Indian royal families who were well acquainted with Sanskrit and promoted it. The root can be traced from Shahaji who supported Jayram Pindye and many like him. Shivaji Maharaj's seal was prepared by him. Shivaji Maharaj continued this trait and developed it further. He named his forts as Sindhudurg, Prachandgarh, Suvarndurg etc. He named Ashta Pradhan (council of ministers) as per Sanskrit nomenclature viz. Nyayadhish, Senapati etc. He got Rajya Vyavahar Kosh (a political treatise) prepared. His Rajpurohit Keshav Pandit was himself a Sanskrit scholar and poet.^[23] After his death, Sambhaji, who was himself a Sanskrit scholar (his verse - Budhbhushanam), continued it. His grandson Shahu spent his entire childhood in Mughal captivity, which affected his taste. But even he showered gifts on learned Brahmins. Serfoji II from the Thanjavur branch of the Bhosale continued the tradition by printing the first book in Marathi Devnagari.^{[citation needed]}

Sambhaji issued one danapatra (donation plaque) which is in Sanskrit composed by himself in which he writes about his father as:

1. Yavanarambha gritat mlechakshaydiksha: It means - Shivaji had taken a sacred oath and was on mission to defeat invaders
2. Dillindraman pradhvanspatu: One who has defeated the Mughal Emperor of Delhi
3. Vijayapuradhishwar prathtarmanya bhujchachayay: One whose help was sought by Adilshahi King of Vijaypur^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Religion

Shivaji Maharaj, after request made by Ramdas, allowed him, an old and ailing person, to stay at Parali Fort. Soon, before his own demise, but after Shivaji's death, Ramdas established his permanent monastery there. The fort was subsequently renamed as "Sajjangad"(Fort of Decent/Holy ones). It is said that Shivaji Maharaj and Ramdas first met in 1674. There are many credible historical references that Sant (Saint) Tukaram was the Spiritual guru of Shivaji Raje.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a devout Hindu and he respected all religions within the region. Shivaji Maharaj had great respect for Warkari saints like Tukaram and Sufi Muslim pir Shaikh Yacub Baba Avaliya of Konkan.^[24] He also visited Mouni Maharaj temple and Samadhi at Patgaon (Bhudargad Taluka near to Gargoti) in Kolhapur district. Shahaji had donated a huge piece of land to Shaha-Sharif Durgah of Ahmednagar(the names "Shahaji", the father of Shivaji Maharaj, and "Sarfoji", the uncle of Shivaji Maharaj, are derived in deference to this Shah Sharifji).

Shivaji Maharaj allowed his subjects freedom of religion and opposed forced conversion.^[6][25] The first thing Shivaji Maharaj did after a conquest was to promulgate protection of mosques and Muslim tombs. Shivaji Maharaj's army consisted of a noticeable number of Muslims. One of his most trusted general in all his campaigns was Haider Ali Kohari; Noor Khan Beg was once the chief of infantry; Ibrahim Khan and Daulat Khan were prominent in the navy; and Siddi Ibrahim was once the chief of artillery.

Shivaji Maharaj had respect for the Sufi tradition of Islam.^[26] Shivaji Maharaj used to pray at the mausoleum of the Sufi Muslim saint Baba Sharifuddin. He also visited the abode of another Sufi saint, Shaikh Yacub of the Konkan, and sought his blessings. He called Hazrat Baba of Ratnagiri bahut thorwale bhau, meaning "great elder brother". He commanded the respect and fealty of the muslims under his command by his fair treatment of his friends as well as enemies.^[6] Kafi Khan, the Mughal historian and Bernier, a French traveler, spoke highly of his religious policy. He also brought back converts like Netaji Palkar and Bajaji in to Hinduism. He prohibited slavery in his kingdom.^[6] Shivaji Maharaj applied a humane and liberal policy to the women of his state.^[26] There are many instances in folklore, which describe Shivaji Maharaj's respect for women, irrespective of their religion, nationality, or creed.

Shivaji's sentiments of inclusivity and tolerance of other religions can be seen in an admonishing letter to Aurangzeb, in which he wrote:

“

"Verily, Islam and Hinduism are terms of contrast. They are used by the true Divine Painter for blending the colours and filling in the outlines. If it is a mosque, the call to prayer is chanted in remembrance of him. If it is a temple, the bells are rung in yearning for him alone."

”

^[26][27][28]

[edit] Death and succession

It is said that he died due to contracting a disease Bloody Flux,^{[citation needed]} Intestinal anthrax.^{[citation needed]} The funeral ceremony was arranged in Raigad in presence of his son Rajaram, and wife Soyarabai. After Shivaji Maharaj's death, his elder son Sambhaji and Soyarabai , fought for control of the kingdom. After a brief struggle Sambhaji was crowned king.^[24]

A few months after Shivaji Maharaj's death, Aurangzeb's son, Prince Akbar, rebelled against his father and was sheltered by Sambhaji.^[24][29] Thereafter, in 1681, Aurangzeb, his army, entourage and the royal court 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 War of 27 years in which Aurangzeb was not able to achieve much, but then, Sambhaji was deceitfully captured.^[24] This put the Maratha kingdom in a disarray and under the overpowering Mughal assault the endangered Maratha capital 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 stamping out the Maratha threat, once and for all, would be achieved. However, in the following months and years the tide of the war began to turn. ^[30]

The Marathas adapted very well to the huge but slow moving Mughal menace and fought Aurangzeb to a stalemate. And towards the end of the second decade, the Marathas gathered more strength and began to turn the tide of the war. The Mughal forces were dealt several serious body blows by able Maratha generals like Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav. They effectively employed lightning fast and highly mobile attacks, tactics initially developed and effectively used by Shivaji Maharaj.^[30] Eventually a broken, defeated Aurangzeb retreated in sickness from the Deccan in 1705. The final Mughal withdrawal came two years later. He had spent most of his remaining resources and manpower trying to defeat the Marathas and ended up significantly weakening the once mighty Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb's heirs never again challenged the Marathas and about seventy years after Shivaji Maharaj's death, they were themselves finally overtaken and dominated by Marathas. In 1751-52, Ahamdiya treaty was signed between the Marathas and Mughals, Balaji Bajirao was the Peshwa and the ruler of the greatly expanded Maratha Kingdom.^[31] Through this treaty, virtually the whole of India came under Maratha suzerainty and Mughal rule was restricted only to Delhi(Mughals remained the nominal heads of Delhi). After Balaji Bajirao, Maratha empire was further strenghtened by Madhavrao Peshwa and the two Maratha sardars, namely Scindia and Holkar.

Sir Jadunath Sarkar, a noted Indian historian and scholar, estimated that about 500,000 Mughal soldiers and 200,000 Marathas died during this decades long epic struggle for dominance of the Indian sub-continent. It would be pertinent to also quote another noted historian, Bamber Gascoigne, who wrote thus about the significance of the advent and enterprise of Shivaji Maharaj:

“

"He (Shivaji) taught the modern Hindus to rise to the full stature of their growth. So, when viewed with hindsight through twentieth century prizm, Aurangzeb on the one side and Shivaji on the other come to be seen as key figures in the development of India. What Shivaji began Gandhi could complete …… and what Aurangzeb stood for would lead to the establishment of the separate state of Pakistan." (The Great Moghuls, London: Constable)

”

[edit] Legacy

Because of his struggle against an imperial power, Shivaji Maharaj became an icon of freedom fighters in the Indian independence struggle that followed two centuries later. He is remembered as a just and wise king and his rule is called one of the six golden ages in Indian history. School texts in Maharashtra describe Shivaji Maharaj's rule as heroic, exemplary and inspiring and he is considered the founder of the modern Marathi nation; his policies were instrumental in forging a distinct Maharashtrian identity and infusing it with strong martial and moral traditions.

A regional sectarian political party, the Shiv Sena, claims to draw inspiration from Shivaji Maharaj. The World Heritage site of Victoria Terminus and Sahar International Airport in Mumbai were renamed Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport respectively in Shivaji Maharaj's honour, as have many public buildings and spaces in recent years. The Interstate Bus Terminal of New Delhi has also been named after Shivaji Maharaj. The School of Naval Engineering of the Indian Navy is named as INS Shivaji.

[edit] Depiction in popular culture

Shivaji Maharaj is a source of inspiration for a number of artists, directors, actors, writers, shahirs (ballad composers), poets and orators.

Film

• 'Raja Shivaji' (Marathi): directed by Bhalaji Pendharkar] and the main role was played by Marathi actor Chandrakant Mandare.
• 'Maratha tituka melawawa' (Marathi)
• 'Gad ala pan sinh gela' (Marathi)
• 'Mee Shivaji Raje Bhosle Bolto-ahe' (Marathi): launched in April 2009. The film tries to convey how Shivaji Maharaj would have responded to the problems faced by the Marathi common man in the present times in the city of Mumbai. Mahesh Manjrekar played the role of Shivaji Maharaj in the film.

Literature

• 'Sriman yogi': novel written on Shivaji Maharaj's life by Ranjit Desai.
• Raja Shivachhatrapati: biography authored by Babasaheb Purandare on his life which was later brought out as Jaanata Raja (जाणता राजा), a musical tale of Shivaji Maharaj's life.

Poetry and music

• 'Shivraj Bhushan' (Hindi) by Kavi Bhushan
• 'Vedat Marathe vir daudale sat': poem composed by Kusumagraj on Shivaji Maharaj's general Prataprao Gujar, performed Lata Mangeshkar and Hridayanath Mangeshkar.
• ballads by Tulsidas and Agandas

Theatre

• 'Raigadala Jevha Jaag Yete' (When Raigad awakes): by Marathi playwright Vasant Kanetkar based on the complex relationship between Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji.

Television

• Raja ShivChhatrapati: TV serial on Star Pravah, a Marathi channel of Star India Network. The serial was launched in November 2008 and is expected to run for more than 100 one-hour episodes.in which the role of raja shivaji is played by dr.amol kolhe

[edit] Associates

Some of Shivaji Maharaj's close associates were also his primary army chieftains, and have entered folklore along with him. These include: Ajitsingh Paigude Deshmukh, Antaji Konde-Deshmukh, Baji Jedhe, Baji Pasalkar, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Balaji Avji Chitnis, Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande, Chimanaji Deshpande, Dhanaji Jadhav, Firangoji Narsala, Fullaji Prabhu Deshpande, Gangadhar Pant, Godaji, Jagtap-Patil, Gomaji Naik, Haider Ali Kohari, Hambirrao Mohite, Hiroji Farjand, Jiva Mahala, Kanhoji Jedhe Deshmukh, Kavaji Kondhalkar, Keso Narayan Deshpande, Kondaji Farjand, Laksmanrow Paigude Deshmukh, Lay Patil Koli, Murarbaji Deshpande, Neelkanthrao Surnaik, Netaji Palkar, Prataprao Gujar, Ramoji Dhmale Deshmukh, Rango Narayan Orpe Sarpotdar, Sambhaji Kavji Kondhalkar, Santaji Ghorpade, Suryaji Kakade, Tanaji Malusare, Yesaji Dabhade, Yesaji Kank

Under Shivaji Maharaj, many men of talent and enterprise rose into prominence. They carried forward his mission and ensured the defeat of the Mughals in the War of 27 years. These include Ramchandrapant amtya, Santaji Ghorpade, Dhanaji Jadhav, Khanderao Dabhade, Parsoji Bhosale, Harji raje Mahadik and Kanhoji Angre.

[edit] Accounts of contemporary foreign travellers

Many foreign travellers who visited India during Shivaji Maharaj's time wrote about him.

• Abbe Carre was a French traveller who visited India around 1670; his account was published as Voyage des Indes Orienteles mele de plusiers histories curieuses at Paris in 1699. Some quotes:

“

"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 and surprising important places. To this quickness of movement he added, like Julius Caesar, 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 the king of Sweden, Gustavus Adolphus."

”

• The French traveller Francois Bernier wrote in his Travels in Mughal India:

“

"I forgot to mention that during pillage of Sourate, Seva-ji, the Holy Seva-ji! Respected the habitation of the reverend father Ambrose, the Capuchin missionary. 'The Frankish Padres are good men', he said 'and shall not be attacked.' He spared also the house of a deceased Delale or Gentile broker, of the Dutch, because assured that he had been very charitable while alive."

”

[edit] References

[edit] Further reading

• Shivchatrapati- Ek Magowa by Dr Jysingrao Bhausaheb Pawar.
• Apte, B.K. (editor), Chhatrapati Shivaji: Coronation Tercentenary Commemoration Volume, Bombay: University of Bombay (1974-75)
• Duff, Grant, History of Marhattas, Oxford University Press, London Link - http://books.google.com/books?id=FKQ9AAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=subject:%22Maratha+(Indic+people)%22#PRA1-PR21,M1.
• V.D.Katamble, Shivaji the Great, Pune : Balwant Printers - English Translation of popular Marathi book "Shrimanyogi".
• Kasar, D.B., Rigveda to Raigarh - Making of Shivaji the Great, Mumbai: Manudevi Prakashan (2005)
• Vishwas Patil - Sambhaji, Mehta Publishing House, Pune (2006) ISBN 81-7766-651-7
• Purandare B. M. (author), Raja Shivachhatrapati, he is the most popular and most enigmatic historian of Maratha times, especially that of Shivaji Maharaj. He is revered throughout Maharashtra as "Shivashahir".
• Sriman Yogi
• Joshi, Ajit, Agryahun Sutka, Marathi, Pune: Shivapratap Prakashan (1997)
• Parulekar, Shyamrao, Yashogatha Vijaya durg, Vijay Durg (1982)
• Jyotirao Phule, Chatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle Yanche Powade, Marathi, (1869)
• Sarkar, Jadunath, Shivaji and his times, Calcutta
• Zakaria, Rafique, Communal Rage in Secular India, Popular Prakashan, Mumbai (2003)
• Work of D. G. Godse
• Mahesh Tendulkar, Runzunjar Senapati Santaji Ghorpade - a book on Santaji Ghorpade.
• Vishwas Patil, Panipat - a book on the third 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

[edit] External links

This article contains Indic text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks or boxes, misplaced vowels or missing conjuncts instead of Indic text.

• Chhatrapathi Shivaji
• ideasnext.com/marathimusic/Powade/index.htm Listen Shivaji's Stories(Powade)
• Great Escape from Agra in 1666
• Read detailed biography of Shivaji Maharaj
• view forts of Shivaji maharaj

Preceded by new state

Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire 1674 – 1680

Succeeded by Sambhaji

v • d • e Maratha Empire Rulers Shivaji - Sambhaji - Raja Ram - Tarabai - Shahu - Ramaraja Peshwas: Balaji Vishwanath - Bajirao - Balaji Bajirao - Madhavrao Ballal - Narayanrao - Raghunathrao - Sawai Madhavrao - Bajirao II - Nana Sahib Battles Battle of Pratapgarh - Battle of Kolhapur - Battle of Pavan Khind - Battle of Surat - Battle of Sinhagad - Battle of Palkhed - Battle of Mandsaur - First Battle of Delhi - Battle of Vasai - Battle of Trichinopolly - Expeditions in Bengal - Third Battle of Panipat - Battle of Rakshabhuvan - Battle of Panchgaon - Battle of Gajendragad - Battle of Patan - Battle of Kharda - Battle of Poona - Battle of Delhi - Battle of Assaye - Battle of Laswari - Battle of Farrukhabad - Battle of Bharatpur - Battle of Khadki - Battle of Koregaon - Battle of Mahidpur Anglo-Maratha Wars (First · Second · Third) Maratha Confederacy Peshwa of Poona - Bhonsle of Nagpur - Gaekwad of Baroda - Sindhia of Gwalior - Holkar of Indore Adversaries Adilshahi - Mughal Empire - Durrani Empire - British Empire Forts Lohagad - Panhala fort - Pratapgad - Raigad - Ratangad - Sindhudurg - Sinhagad

Persondata
NAME	Shivaji
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
SHORT DESCRIPTION	commonly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of Maratha Empire
DATE OF BIRTH	February 19, 1627
PLACE OF BIRTH	Died: April 3, 1680
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH