Shivaji 1

Shivaji
Chhatrapati Shivaji Shahaji Bhosle
छत्रपती शिवाजी राजे भोसले
Chhatrapati

Reign 1642–1680

Coronation 6 June 1674

Full name Shivaji Shahaji Bhosle

Marathi शिवाजी राजे भोसले

Titles Kshatriya Kulavantas

Born [1] [2]

19 February 1630

Birthplace Shivneri Fort, near Pune, India

Died 3 April 1680, Tuesday

Place of death Raigad Fort

Successor Sambhaji

Wives Sai bai (Nimbalkar)

Soyarabai (Mohite)
Putalabai (Palkar)
Kashibai (Jadhav)
Sagunabai (Shirke)
Lakshmibai (Vichare)
Sakavaarbai (Gaikwad)
[3] [4]
Gunvantibai (Ingale)

Offspring Sambhaji, Rajaram, and six daughters Sakhubai Nimbalkar, Ranubai Jadhav, Ambikabai Mahadik, Deepabai,
Rajkunvarbai Shirke, Kamlabai Palkar.

Father Shahaji

Mother Jijabai

Religious Hinduism
beliefs

Shivaji Bhosle (Marathi: शिवाजी भोसले [ʃiʋaˑɟiˑraˑɟeˑ bʱoˑs(ə)leˑ]; 19 February 1630 – 3 April 1680), with the royal title
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Marathi: छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज) was a Maratha king [5] from the Bhosle dynasty who
founded the Maratha empire.[6] [7] Shivaji led a resistance to free the Marathas from Sultanate of Bijapur, and
establish the rule of the Hindus ("Hindavi Swarajya"). He created an independent Maratha kingdom with Raigad as
its capital,[7] and fought against the Mughals to defend his kingdom successfully.[6] He was crowned as Chhatrapati
of the Maratha Kingdom in 1674.[6] [7]
Shivaji 2

He achieved the re-establishment of Maratha rule on their homeland after being ruled and dominated by various
Muslim dynasties for few hundred years. He established a competent and progressive civil rule with the help of well
regulated and disciplined military and well structured administrative organizations. The prevalent practices of
treating women as war booty, destruction of religious monuments, slavery and forceful religious conversions were
firmly opposed under his administration. Shivaji was a religious Hindu, and showed respect toward other religions.[8]
He also innovated rules of military engagement of that era. He pioneered "Shiva sutra" or Ganimi Kava (guerrilla
tactics), which leveraged strategic factors like demographics, speed, surprise and focused attack to defeat his bigger
and more powerful enemies.[8]

Early life
The earliest descriptions of Shivaji's birth and boyhood
are found in the works composed several years after his
death. By that time, several folk tales and stories had
developed around his legend.[9]
Shivaji was born in the hill-fort of Shivneri near the
city of Junnar. While Jijabai was pregnant, she had
prayed the local deity "Shivai" for the good of her
expected child. Shivaji was named after this local
deity.[9]
There are no contemporary records of Shivaji's exact
birthdate and boyhood.[9] The birthdates of Shivaji
given by various records include: Shivaji's birthplace on Shivneri Fort

• the 3rd day of the dark half of Phalguna, 1551 of

Saka calendar (Friday, 19 February 1630).[2] This date is accepted by the Maharashtra state government as the
official birthdate of Shivaji.[10]
• the second day of the light half of Vaisakha in the year 1549 of Saka calendar.[2] (Thursday, 6 April 1627), or
other dates near this day.[9] [11]
Shivaji's father Shahaji Bhosale was the chieftain of a hardy band of warrior class mercenaries that served the
Deccan Sultanates. His mother was Jijabai, the daughter of Lakhujirao Jadhav of Sindkhed. During the period of
Shivaji's birth, the power in Deccan was shared by three Islamic Sultanates - Bijapur, Ahmednagar, and Golconda.
Shahaji kept changing his loyalty between the Nizamshahi of Ahmadnagar, Adil Shah of Bijapur and the Mughals,
but always kept his jagir (fiefdom) at Pune and his small army with him. Gomaji Naik Pansambal, a trusted master of
state-Craft, was deputed by Lakhuji Yadavrao (Jadhav) to look after Jijabai. He remained with Jijabai and Shivaji
throughout his life. He also was a master of sword. But most importantly, he advised Shivaji in making certain
crucial decisions which had far reaching effects on the character of the Maratha empire.
When Shivaji was a novice, a troop of Pathans - Afghan mercenaries - had approached Shivaji requesting enlistment
in his service. Shivaji was hesitant, but Gomaji advised him to accept them into the service. This resulted in the
secular character of the Maratha armed forces. All the communities enjoyed respect and fair treatment in his
kingdom. Gomaji also taught the art of swordsmanship to Shivaji, and especially the effective use of lance, the
characteristic Maratha weapon.
According to Tarikh-i-Shivaji, Shahaji placed his jagir (Land holdings / Fiefdom) in the Latur region under Dadoji
Konddev, who had shown good administrative skills as the kulkarni (land-steward) of Malthan. He asked Kondev to
bring Jijabai and Shivaji from Shivneri to Pune, and appointed him as his guardian. Dadoji Konddeo trained Shivaji
personally, and also appointed other excellent teachers for him. In a short time, Shivaji became a skilled swordsman,
strategist and an accomplished horseman, trained rigorously by Maratha warriors like Baji Pasalkar.
Shivaji 3

At the age of 12 ,Shivaji was taken to Banglore where he was formally trained further. At age of 14, he returned to
Pune with a rajmudra (Soveriegn seal) & council of ministers.
Shivaji was extremely devoted to his mother Jijabai. Jijabai led a
deeply religious, near ascetic life in virtual isolation. This religious
environment had a profound influence on Shivaji. He carefully studied
the two great Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, by listening to
recitations and story-tellings. The morality and spiritual messages of
the epics made a great impression on him. He was deeply interested in
religious teachings, and sought the company of Hindu and Sufi (a
Muslim sect) saints throughout his life.[9]

As the administrator of Shahaji's jagir (fiefdom), Dadoji Konddeo was

accorded complete control over the Maval region. He won over most
of the local Maval deshpande (chiefs), and subdued others. Shivaji
drew his earliest trusted comrades and a large number of his soldiers
from this region, including Yesaji Kank, Baji Pasalkar and Tanaji
Malusare. In the company of his Maval comrades, a young Shivaji
wandered over the hills and forests of the Sahyadri range, hardening
Shivaji Maharaj with Jijamata
himself and acquiring first-hand knowledge of the land. By 1639, he
commanded a hardy and loyal band of officers and soldiers.They were
alos called Mard Maratha's.

Confrontation with the Regional Sultanates

In 1645, at the age of 16, Shivaji 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 had captured forts in the Western Ghats and along the Konkan coast. In a bid to contain
Shivaji, Adilshah imprisoned Shivaji's father in 1648-49 and sent an army led by Farradkhan against Shivaji's elder
brother Sambhaji at Bangalore and another army led by Fattekhan against Shivaji at Purandhar. Both Bhosle brothers
defeated the invading armies. Shivaji petitioned Emperor Shahjahan's son, Dara Shikoh, who was Governor of
Deccan, pledging his loyalty to the Mughals to seek his support in securing the release of his father. The Mughals
recognised Shivaji as a Mughal Sardar and pressured Adilshah to release Shahaji. In return Shivaji had to cede a fort
and Sambhaji had to cede Bangalore city and a fort to Adilshah.
Shivaji 4

Battles

Pratapgad

Adilshah sent general Afzal Khan to destroy Shivaji in an effort to put

down what he saw as a regional revolt. Afzal Khan desecrated Hindu
temples at Tuljapur and Pandharpur hoping to draw Shivaji to the
plains to retaliate with his limited military resources and thus lead him
and his budding military power to easy destruction by the numerically
bigger, better-armed and more professional Bijapur army. Shivaji,
upon carefully weighing his options, strategically decided to confront
and surprise Afzal Khan on his home turf under the guise of diplomatic
negotiations. Shivaji sent a letter to Afzal Khan stating that he was not
eager for confrontation and sought some type of understanding. A
meeting was arranged between Afzal Khan and Shivaji at the foothills
of Fort Pratapgad.[8]

Expecting certain skulduggery from Afzal Khan, Shivaji armed himself

with the concealable weapons bichhwa (dagger) and wagh nakh (tiger
Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle (statue at
claws) and wore a chilkhat (chain-mail armour) under his clothing for
Raigad)
the meeting. What transpired during the meeting was not recorded by
scribes, but folklore has it that Afzal Khan pretended to graciously
embrace Shivaji as per custom and attempted to stab Shivaji in the back with a kataar (a short waist-holstered
dagger). Shivaji's agility, strength and his armour in addition to being prepared helped him survive this attack.
Shivaji drew his wagh nakh and counter-attacked, disemboweling Afzal Khan. Following Shivajis counterattack on
Khan, Khans private secretary, Krishnaji Bhaskar Kulkarni attacked Shivaji with his sword. But Shivaji's bodyguard
Jiva Mahale saved Shivaji. In Marathi language people say ˜Hota Jiva Mhanun Wachala Shiva" (Because of Jiva;
Shivaji survived the attack.) Shivaji slew Krishnaji Bhaskar Kulkarni and Afzal Khan was also killed.

In the ensuing Battle of Pratapgarh fought in the dense forest of Javli

on 10 November 1659, Shivaji's armies attacked Vijapur's (Afzal
Khan's) forces and engaged them in swift flanking maneuvers.
Soon after the slaying of Afzal Khan, Shivaji sped up the slope towards
the Pratapgarh fort 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 vegetated valley, to immediately
attack Afzal Khan's forces.[8] Maratha troops under Kanhoji Jedhe
attacked 1,500 musketeers and routed them at the foothills of the fort.
Then in a rapid march, a section of Adilshahi forces commanded by
Bagh nakh (वाघ नख)
Musekhan was attacked. Musekhan was wounded and subsequently
fled, abandoning his soldiers who were subsequently decimated by the
Maratha troops.

Commander Moropant Pingale led the infantry to the left flank of the Adilshahi troops. Adilshah's artillery was
rendered ineffective by the sudden attack at close quarters. At the same time commander Ragho Atre swiftly
attacked Adilshahi cavalry before it was fully prepared for battle and almost completely wiped it out. Shivaji's
cavalry headed by Netaji Palkar rushed towards Wai in hot pursuit of retreating Adilshahi forces who were
attempting to join reserve forces stationed there. The retreating forces of Afzal Khan were engaged in battle and
were routed.[8]
Shivaji 5

This clear and unambiguous victory made Shivaji 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 as a major threat to
the mighty Mughal Empire. Soon thereafter Shivaji, Shahaji and Netaji Palkar (the chief of the Maratha cavalry)
decided to attack and defeat the Adilshahi kingdom at Bijapur. But things did not go as planned as Shahaji's health
deteriorated and they were forced to postpone this attack. However, Netaji Palkar undertook this mission with
smaller scale attacks and military harassment of the Adilshahi kingdom.
Subsequently, the Sultan of Bijapur sent an elite Pashtun army comprising mainly Afghani mercenaries to subdue
and defeat Shivaji before he could substantially expand his army. In the ensuing battle, Bijapur's Pashtun army was
soundly defeated by the Maratha troops. This intense and bloody battle ended in the unconditional surrender of the
Bijapuri forces to Shivaji.

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, commanded by Bijapur's renowned Abyssinian general
Rustamjaman.[12] With a cavalry of 5,000 Marathas, Shivaji attacked them near Kolhapur on 28 December 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 attacked the flanks. This battle lasted for several hours and at the end Bijapuri forces were soundly defeated
and Rustamjaman ignominiously fled the battlefield.[8] Adilshahi forces lost about 2,000 horses and 12 elephants to
the Marathas.[12] This victory alarmed the mighty Mughal empire who now derisively referred to Shivaji 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, Aurangzeb sent his maternal uncle (brother of late Queen Mumtaz
Mahal) Shaista Khan, with an army numbering over 100,000 along with a powerful artillery division in January 1660
to defeat Shivaji. 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.[12] Khan was an experienced commander who had defeated Shahaji in the same region
in 1636.[8] 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 to add to the empire (he intended to deceive the
Adilshah), after Shivaji's expected defeat by Jauhar. Shivaji now prepared to face a combined attack of Mughals and
Adilshahi forces.[12]
Shivaji 6

Siege of Panhala
Per the terms of the Mughal-Adilshahi plan, Adil Shah in 1660 sent
Siddi Jauhar, an accomplished general to attack Shivaji on his southern
borders, preceding the expected major Mughal attack from the north.
He ordered his army of 40,000 north to Kolhapur to confront and
defeat Shivaji as a part of their grand alliance with the Mughal emperor
Aurangzeb. He secured the support of local chieftains such as
Jasvantrao Dalvi of Palavani and Suryarao Surve of Sringarpur to
defeat Shivaji.[8] At that time, Shivaji was camped at the Panhala fort
near present day Kolhapur with 8,000 Marathas.

Siddi Jauhar's army besieged Panhala on 2 March 1660, cutting off

M.V. Dhurandhar's painting of Shivaji.
to Shirwal.[12]
supply routes to the fort.[12] Helping with siege were 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 of the
Maratha forces was on a mission away from Panhala harassing and
attacking Adilshahi territory and was not able to come to the aid of
Shivaji. At this point of time, Shaista Khan had moved from Baramati

Panhala was a formidable fort and Adilshahi army was repulsed repeatedly by effective cannon fire and heavy
rock-pelting.[12] Siddi Jauhar approached Henry Revington, the British chief at the Rajapur port to seek long-range
and more powerful cannons. Henry decided to help him in return for future favours, and began pounding Panhala
fort. In spite of this Marathas continued defending Panhala and persevered in keeping Siddi Jauhar at bay.[12]
Marathas even raided the Adilshahi camp a few times but without much success. However, in one such raid,
Tryambak Bhaskar and Kondaji Farzand presented themselves as allies of the British and Adlishahi forces. 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.[12]
Jauhar did not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the siege around Panhala was unyielding, he personally took
utmost care that no one in his army was complacent. He even braved the tumultuous monsoon season and continued
the siege even during heaviest downpours.[12] On hearing about the ever tightening siege of Panhala, Netaji Palkar
returned from Bijapur and attacked the Adilshahi forces surrounding Panhala. He tried to break the siege but his
smaller forces were pushed back by a much larger Adilshahi army.[12]
Thereafter, Shivaji decided to escape to a nearby fort Vishalgad, where he could regroup his soldiers. He then sent
misleading messages to Siddi Jauhar indicating that he was willing to negotiate and was looking for accommodation
and mutual understanding. With this news, Adilshahi soldiers relaxed somewhat and Shivaji escaped under the cover
of a stormy night on 12 July 1660.[12]
Meanwhile Jauhar's soldiers captured a small group of Marathas apparently including Shivaji only to realize he was a
look-alike named Shiva Kashid dressed like Shivaji and sent out to create a diversion and facilitate the real Shivaji's
escape. Siddi Johar's soldiers realized that the imposter was Shivaji's barber and that Shivaji and his army were
headed to Vishalgad, immediately thereafter a massive chase was undertaken to intercept Shivaji and deal with him
and his army, once and for all.[8]
Shivaji 7

Pavan Khind
Observing that enemy cavalry was fast closing in on them, Shivaji 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 (6.4 km) south of Vishalgad) to give Shivaji and the rest
of the army a chance to reach the safety of the Vishalgad fort.[8] [12]
In the ensuing Battle of Pavan Khind, Baji Prabhu Deshpande fought
relentlessly. He was almost fatally wounded but he held on and
continued the fight until he heard the sound of cannon fire from
Vishalgad, signalling Shivaji had safely reached the fort. The result of
this intense and heroic battle was the death of 300 Marathas and 1,286
of Adilshah's troops who were engaged in an fierce, up close, face to
face, hand to hand, steel on steel combat,[8] allowing Shivaji to reach
the fort safely on 13 July 1660. .[12] Thereafter a truce was made
between Shivaji and Adilshah through Shahaji, acknowledging and
formally recognizing the independence of Shivaji's Kingdom.
Statue of Shivaji Maharaj in Mumbai

In addition, as the terms of this accord, Panhala Fort was awarded to

Siddi Johar.[8] 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 for their knowledge of the region, rock climbing skills, martial qualities).[12] A small memorial stands even
today in the pass in recognition of the heroism of Bajiprabhu and his men.

This treaty remained in force until the death of Shahaji. Thereafter the Marathas became a formal and recognized
power in the Deccan. Suspecting treachery, the loyal, steadfast, dedicated and horourable Siddi Jauhar was
reportedly poisoned to death by the Adilshah for alleged disloyalty in allowing Shivaji to emerge victorious against
the sultanate.[12]

Clash with the Mughals

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's control in the Konkan region on 3 February 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 sought to surprise
Shivaji.[12] But instead Shivaji surprised them at a pass known as 'Umber Khind'(in a dense forest, near present-day
Pen), and attacked them from all sides. Marathas hidden in the dense forest executed a well co-ordinated ambush
attack on the Mughal army.[12] Shivaji himself took the forward position with an elite cavalry unit. The other three
sides were flanked by Shivaji's light infantry.
In a well co-ordinated movement of light infantry and cavalry, Shivaji prevailed over the attackers. A Maratha lady
commander, Raibagan, who co-led 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.[8] [12] Within four hours into the
attack the enemy accepted defeat and surrendered all the 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's terms and his long standing policy towards women and unarmed civilians.[8]
Shivaji 8

Shaista Khan
Shaista Khan was ordered by Aurangzeb to attack Shivaji per the Mughal-Adilshahi accord. Shaista Khan, with his
better equipped and provisioned army of 100,000 that was many times the size of the Maratha forces, seized Pune
and the nearby fort of Chakan. At the 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 burj (outer wall) was blown up with explosives. This created an opening to the fort allowing
hordes of Mughals to breach the exterior portion of the fort. Firangoji, himself led the Maratha counter attack against
a larger Mughal army.[8] [12] Eventually, the fort was lost with the capture of Firangoji, who then was brought before
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 home and Shivaji awarded him a fort named Bhupalgad.[12]
Shaista Khan pressed his advantage of larger, better provisioned and heavily armed Mughal army and made inroads
into some of the Maratha territory. Although he held Pune for 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.[8]
Shaista Khan kept a tight security in Pune. However, Shivaji planned an attack on Shaista Khan amidst tight security.
In April 1663, a wedding party had obtained special permission for a procession; Shivaji planned an attack using the
wedding party as cover. The Marathas disguised themselves as the bridegroom'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 Lal Mahal.[8]
Chimanaji Deshpande- one of the childhood friends of Shivaji 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's Maratha soldiers and the Maratha soldiers of the Mughal
army. Thus, taking advantage of this situation, Shivaji, along with a few of his trusted men, infiltrated the Mughal
camp.
After overpowering and slaying of the palace guards, the Marathas broke into the mansion by breaching an outer
wall. Chimnaji and Netaji Palkar entered first along with Babaji Deshpande, another of Shivaji's long time loyal
associates, they approached Shaista Khan's quarters. Shivaji then personally confronted Shaista Khan in a 'face to
face' attack. Meanwhile, perceiving danger, one of Shaista's wives turned off the lights. Shivaji pursued Shaista Khan
and severed three of his fingers with his sword (in the darkness) as he fled through an open window. Shaista Khan
narrowly escaped death and lost his son and many of his guards and soldiers in the raid.[8]
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.

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
depleted treasury and also as a revenge for the capture and looting of Maratha territory by Shaista Khan. (Surat was
again sacked by Shivaji in 1670.)[8]
Aurangzeb was enraged and sent Mirza Raja Jai Singh I with an army numbering well over 100,000 to defeat
Shivaji. Mirza planned and executed his battle stratergies so well with his vast army that the Mughal forces under
him made significant gains and captured many Maratha forts. Shivaji thus, decided to surrender for the time-being
and come to terms with Aurangzeb rather than lose more forts and men.
In the ensuing treaty of Purander, signed between Shivaji and Jai Singh on 11 June 1665, Shivaji agreed to give up
23 of his forts and pay compensation of 400,000 rupees to the Mughals. He also agreed to let his son Sambhaji
become a Mughal Sardar, serve the Mughal court of Aurangzeb and fight with Mughals against Bijapur. He actually
fought along side Raja Jai Singh's Mughal forces against Bijapur's forces for a few months. His commander, Netaji
Shivaji 9

Palkar, joined Mughals, was rewarded very well for his bravery, converted to Islam, changed his name to Quli
Mohammed Khan in 1666 and was sent to the Afghan frontier to fight the restive tribes. He returned to Shivaji's
service after ten years in 1676 and was accepted back as a Hindu on Shivaji's order.

Trip To Agra and Escape

In 1666, Aurangzeb summoned Shivaji to Agra, along with his nine-year-old son Sambhaji, on the occasion of his
fiftieth birthday. Aurangzeb's plan was to send Shivaji to Kandahar, modern day Afghanistan to consolidate the
Mughal Empire's north-western frontier. However in the court, on 12 May 1666, Aurangzeb made Shivaji stand
behind mansabdārs (military commanders) of his court.[8] Shivaji took offense at this seeming insult and stormed out
of court and was promptly placed under house arrest, under the watch of Faulad Khan, Kotwal of Agra. From his
spies, Shivaji learned that Aurangzeb planned to move his residence to Raja Vitthaldas's Haveli and then to possibly
kill him or send him to fight in the Afghan frontier. As a result Shivaji 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.[8] After several days and weeks
of sending out boxes containing sweets, Shivaji and his nine year old son Sambhaji hid themselves in two of the
boxes and managed to escape. Shivaji and his son fled to the Deccan disguised as sadhus (holy men). After the
escape, rumours of Sambhaji's death were intentionally spread by Shivaji himself in order to deceive the Mughals
and to protect Sambhaji.[8]
Dr. Ajit Joshi in a book Agryahun Sutka, concluded that Shivaji 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.[13] However, according to Mr. Ranjit Desai, author of the Marathi book Shriman Yogi (later translated to
English as Shivaji the Great), Shivaji disguised himself as one of the servants who used to carry boxes of sweets
which were being sent out as gifts.
The method Shivaji used to escape is still not clear, to this day.

Preparing for War and Battle of Sinhagad

In the years 1667–69, Shivaji adopted a low profile and began to actively build up his army. His army now consisted
of about 40,000 cavalry, 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 Shivaji was on a war footing and aimed to
directly take on the combined might of the Mughal empire. In January 1670, Shivaji launched a multi-pronged
assault on Mughal garrisons in the Deccan. Within six months he had regained most of his previously held territory
and more.[8] From 1670 to 1674 Shivaji expanded his kingdom to include the major portions of modern-day
Maharashtra and far in to the south including parts of modern-day Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Shivaji 10

Kondana fort, on the outskirts of Pune, was still under Mughal control.
Uday Bhan Rathod, the fort keeper, led an army of about 1,500 Rajputs
and Mughals for the protection of the fort. On 4 February 1670 Shivaji
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 plans were underway. However, putting his duty for
the Maratha Kingdom over his family he said "Aadhi lagin
Kondanyache, mag majhya Raibache" (First Kondana's marriage, and
then my son Raiba's).[8]

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.
Bust of Tanaji on Sinhagad 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.[8] 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 stanch the bleeding. Tanaji being grievously 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 aged 83, 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. Legend and folk lore
has it that, after the fall of Tanaji, the mavlas panicked and made a hasty retreat. Seeing this, Suryaji commented,
"Why are you running like sheep? I have cut the ropes and all the escape routes are gone. Now we either fight or
die." Marathas now out of any other options, charged the Mughal defenders fiercely and succeeded in capturing the
fort.[8]
When Shivaji 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 sacrifice and bravery.[8]

Battle of Nesari
In 1674, Prataprao Gujar, the then Commander-in chief of the Maratha forces, was sent to push back the invading
force led by the Adil Shahi general, Bahlol Khan. Shivaji had directed Prataprao to finish off Bahlol Khan, who had
proved to be treacherous in the past. The Maratha army surrounded the camp of Bahlol Khan at the village of Nesari.
Prataprao's forces defeated and captured the opposing general in the battle after cutting-off their water supply by
encircling a strategically located lake, which prompted Bahlol khan to sue for peace. In spite of Shivaji's specific
warnings against doing so Prataprao released Bahlol Khan. Days after his release Bahlol Khan started preparing for a
fresh invasion.[14]
Shivaji 11

When Shivaji heard of Prataprao's decision he was greatly displeased and sent a letter to Prataprao refusing him
audience until Bahlol Khan was re-captured. Prataprao realised the full extend of his strategic error and was so upset
about it, that he now desperately wanted to redeem himself. In the ensuing days, he learnt of Bahlol Khan having
camped nearby. Prataprao decided to confront Bahlol Khan at Nesari near Kolhapur.
The potential battle would have had Gujar with 1,200 troops facings Khan with 15,000. Given the uneven match
Prataprao reasoned that there was no point in leading his 1,200 cavalrymen into a suicide charge. So in a fit of
desperation and anguish and in an over-reaction to Shivaji's letter, he left by himself, without asking his cavalry to
accompany him. It was his personal honor at stake, not his army's. On seeing their leader head to certain death six
other Maratha sardars joined him in the charge, they attacked the enemy camp and were cut down before they could
reach Bahlol Khan.
Anandrao Mohite, though, stayed back. The seven Maratha officers were Prataprao Gujar, Visaji Ballal, Dipoji
Rautrao, Vithal Pilaji Atre, Krishnaji Bhaskar, Siddi Hilal and Vithoji. It was an impulsive and seeemingly irrational
decision, and the loss of Prataprao Gujar was a big loss to the Marathas. Anandrao Mohite managed to withdraw the
army to safer areas.[15]
This event was retold in the Marathi poem "Saat" (Seven). The poem was written by a well known poet, Kusumagraj
and was also sung by the great Indian songtress Lata Mangeshkar.
Shivaji's army then avenged the death of their general, by defeating Bahlol Khan and capturing his jagir (fiefdom)
under the leadership of Anaji and Hambirao Mohite. Shivaji was deeply grieved on hearing of Pratprao's death. He
arranged for the marriage of his second son, Rajaram, to the daughter of Prataprao Gujar, who was later to be the
Queen of the Maratha Empire, Maharani Tarabai. Anandrao Mohite became Hambirrao Mohite, the new
Sarnaubat(Commander-in-chief of the Maratha forces).

Coronation and Southern Expedition

Shivaji was formally crowned Chhatrapati (Chief, or King of the
Kshatriyas), on 6 June 1674 at Raigad fort, and given the title
Kshatriya Kulavantas Sinhasanadheeshwar Chhatrapati Shivaji
Mahārāj. Pandit Gaga Bhatt, a renowned Brahmin from Varanasi,
officially presided over the ceremony declaring that Shivaji's lineage
was a bonafide and recognized Kshatriya.[8] [16] [17] [18] He was
bestowed with the Jaanva, (in Hindi- Janeu, the sacred thread), with the
Vedas and was bathed in an abhisheka. Shivaji had insisted on an
Indrabhishek ritual, which had fallen into disuse since the 9th century.
Chhattrapati Shivaji, founder of the Maratha
Shivaji then had the title of "shakakarta" conferred upon him.
Confederacy
His mother Jijabai died on 18 June 1674 within a few days of the
coronation. This was considered a bad omen. Therefore a second coronation was carried out in September 1674, this
time according to the Bengal school of Tantricism and presided over by Nischal Puri.
In October 1674, the Marathas raided Khandesh. On 17 April 1675 Shivaji captured Phonda from Bijapuris. Karwar
was occupied by mid 1675 and Kolhapur in July 1675. There were naval skirmishes with the Siddis of Janjira in
November 1675. In early 1676, Peshwa Pingale engaged Raja of Ramnagar in battle en route to Surat. Shivaji raided
Athni in March 1676. By the end of 1676, Shivaji besieged Belgaum and Vayem Rayim in current day northern
Mysore.
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 and 20,000 infantry).[8] He captured the forts at Vellore and Jinji that belonged to the sultanate of
Bijapur and are in modern-day Tamilnadu. In the run-up to this expedition Shivaji appealed to a sense of Deccani
patriotsm (that is the idea that the "Deccan" or Southern India was a homeland that should be protected from
Shivaji 12

outsiders).[19] His appeal was somewhat successful and he entered into a treaty with the Qutubshah of the Golconda
sultanate that covered the eastern Deccan. Shivají's conquests in the south 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 his stepbrother Vyankoji (his father 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 but then no
concrete result was obtained.[8] On return to Raigad, Shivaji seized most of Ekoji’s possessions in the Mysore
plateau. Ekoji's wife brought reconciliation between the two brothers so they were not enemies and maintained the
status quo of co-existing independently.

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.[20] Shivaji 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.[8] The Maratha navy held its own against the British, Portuguese
and Dutch.[21]

Shivaji 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.[8] Statue at Raigad commemorating
Shivaji's coronation
Shivaji's approach to leadership was that of a champion for his people, he
sought independence and self rule for his Vatan (Homeland). The Maratha's
respected and looked up to his high ideals and noble character and were unwavering in their dedication to achieving
these goals. Their loyalty and determination helped Shivaji to withstand, to cope and to finally overcome succeeding
waves of, well co-ordinated and unrelenting enemy attacks and invasions spanning several decades. An example of
this is how readily his men like Baji Prabhu Despande and others volunteered to face even the likelihood of certain
death at Ghod Khind to help Shivaji continue the fight of independence - eliciting such heroism from followers
cannot be mandated, it can only be inspired by, purity of character, noble and awe inspiring leadership and a truly
shared vision for homeland.
He was also 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-manoeuvering, time and again, his vastly bigger
and highly 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 Jinji, Tamil Nadu.[8] 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.
Shivaji 13

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.
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 the regional sultanates. He overcame and
succeeded in the face of an unprecedented level of difficulties and challenges unrelentingly posed by his enemies.[8]
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.[8]
A Maratha folklore tells of an event when Shivaji was presented a beautiful Muslim princess (daughter of amir of
Kalyan, Maharashtra) as a trophy by one of his captains. Shivaji was reported to have told this lady that if his mother
was as strikingly beautiful as she was, perhaps he would have been handsome as well. He wished her well and
allowed her to return to her family unharmed and under his protection. In that instance, the true nobility of his
character was plainly revealed to all that were present there.

Military
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).[22] His
Mavala army's war cry was 'Har Har Mahadev' (Hail Lord
Shiva).[8] Shivaji was responsible for many significant 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. Pratapgad
• Creation of part time soldiers from peasants who worked for
eight months in their fields and supported four months in war for which they were paid.
• Highly mobile and light infantry and cavalry were his innovations and they excelled in commando tactics;
• The introduction of a centralized intelligence department, (Bahirjee Naik was the foremost spy who provided
Shivaji with enemy information in all of Shivaji's campaigns, Vishwas Nana Dighe played an important role
during the Battle of Pratapgad, and Vishwasrao Musekar provided important intelligence during the siege of
Panhala)
• A potent and effective navy.
• 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 'Vaghnakh'. '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.[8]
Shivaji realized the importance of having a secure coastline and protecting the western Konkan coastline from the
attacks of Siddi’s fleet.[8] [23] [24] His strategy was to build a strong navy to protect and bolster his kingdom, he was
also concerned about the growing dominance of foreign British India naval forces in Indian waters and actively
sought to resist it. For this very reason he is also referred to as the “Father of Indian Navy”.[25]
Shivaji 14

Forts of Shivaji
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 be bribed/tempted to deliver it to the
enemy. The officers (Sabnis, Havladar, Sarnobhat) acted jointly and provided mutual checks balance. Shivaji had
control of 360 forts when he died.

Marathi Language
Chhatrapati Shivaji made preparations for effective use of Marathi language his mother tongue. He started
Rajvyavharkosh (translation: dictionary for administration of kingdom) and Encyclopedia of Marathi words.

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 continued this trait and developed it further. He named his forts as
Sindhudurg, Prachandgarh, Suvarndurg etc. He named the 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.[26] After his death, Sambhaji, who was himself a
Sanskrit scholar (his verse - Budhbhushanam), continued it. Serfoji II from the Thanjavur branch of the Bhosale
continued the tradition by printing by modern methods, first book in Marathi Devnagari.
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: - Shivaji had taken a sacred oath and was on mission to defeat foreign
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

Religion
Shivaji 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.[27] He also visited Mouni
Maharaj at Patgaon (Bhudargad Taluka near Gargoti) in Kolhapur district.
Maharaj and Samarth Ramdas are said to have first met in 1674. Shivaji said to have requested Ramdas to shift his
residence to a fort named Parali & establish his permanent monastery there. The fort was subsequently renamed
Sajjangad. Shivaji frequently visited Ramdas to seek his blessings & advice regarding religious issues.
Shivaji allowed his subjects freedom of religion and opposed forced conversion.[8] [28]
The first thing Shivaji did
after a conquest was to promulgate protection of mosques and Muslim tombs.
He commanded the respect and fealty of the Muslims under his command by his fair treatment of his friends as well
as enemies.[8] 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.[8]
Shivaji Maharaj applied a humane and liberal policy to the women of his state.[29] There are many instances in
folklore which describe Shivaji'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:'[29] [30] [31]
Shivaji 15

“
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.
”
Death and succession
It is said that he died due to contracting intestinal
anthrax. 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.[27]

A few months after Shivaji Maharaj's death,

Aurangzeb's son, Prince Akbar, rebelled against
his father and was sheltered by Sambhaji.[27] [32]
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. He
marshalled the immense amount of resources
available to the Mughal empire and focused it
toward the annihilation of the Maratha nation.
And this marked the beginning of the 27 year war
in which Aurangzeb failed to achieve a complete
victory against the Marathas. However he was
able to capture, torture and kill Sambhaji.[27] This Political Map of South Asia around 1758 AD

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.

In the following months and years the tide of the war began to turn.[33] 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.[33]
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 empire's treasury, other 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's death, they were
themselves finally overtaken and dominated by their formerly implaccable enemy - the indominatable Maratha
nation.
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.[34] 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 strengthened by Madhavrao Peshwa and the two Maratha sardars,
Shivaji 16

namely Shinde,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
prism, 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) ”
Legacy
Because of his struggle against an imperial power, Shivaji 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 India 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 School of Naval Engineering of the Indian Navy is named as INS Shivaji.

“
Shivaji was the greatest Hindu king that India had produced within the last thousand years; one who was the very incarnation of lord Siva,
about whom prophecies were given out long before he was born; and his advent was eagerly expected by all the great souls and saints of
Maharashtra as the deliverer of the Hindus from the hands of the Mlecchas, and as one who succeeded in the reestablishment of Dharma
which had been trampled under foot by the depredations of the devastating hordes of the Moghals. ”
—Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda also said the following: "Shivaji was one of the greatest national saviours who emancipated our
society and our Dharma when they were faced with the threat of total destruction. He was a peerless hero, a pious
and God-fearing king and verily a manifestation of all the virtues of a born leader of men described in our ancient
scriptures. He also embodied the deathless spirit of our land and stood as the light of hope for our future."

Depiction in popular culture

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

Films
• '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)
• Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy, a Marathi film released in 2009
Shivaji 17

Literature
• Chatrapati Shivaji: biography authored by Setu Madhavrao Pagdi (Devanagari: सेतु माधवराव पगडी) (1910–1994) a
historian from India.'Chhatrapati Shivaji' is a comprehensive biography of Shivaji Maharaj covering all the
chronological historic events with supportive reference from various literature chronicles(Bakhars)available in
various languages i.e. English, Marathi, Urdu Hindi, Persian manuscripts etc. All the factual aspects related to
Shivaji Maharaj are described with due importance. The events covered give a realistic idea of Shivaji's life,
performance and struggle for freedom(Swarajya). Shivaji's childhood, Afzalkhan episode, shaistekhan, relation
with Jaising, visit to Agra, war with the Mughals, Coronation, Campaign of Jinjir and the last two years before
death of Shivaji are also property illustrated.
• 'Sriman yogi': novel written on Shivaji Maharaj's life by Ranjit Desai.
• Shivaji The Great: English translation of 'Shriman Yogi' by Dr. V. D. Katamble
• 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 [35]
• '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
• 'Jay Dev, Jay Dev Jay Jay Shivraya' and 'He Hindu Nrusinha Prabho Shivaji Raja' composed by Vinayak
Damodar Savarkar, performed by Lata Mangeshkar and Hridayanath Mangeshkar.[36] [37]

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

Associates
Some of Shivaji's close associates were also his primary army chieftains, and have entered folklore along with him.
Notable ones include: Antaji Konde-Deshmukh, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande, Chimanaji
Deshpande, Dhanaji Jadhav, Firangoji Narsala, Gomaji Naik, Hambirrao Mohite, Kanhoji Jedhe, Murarbaji
Deshpande, Netaji Palkar, Prataprao Gujar, Rango Narayan Orpe, Santaji Ghorpade, and Tanaji Malusare.
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 Santaji Ghorpade, Dhanaji Jadhav, and
Kanhoji Angre.
Shivaji 18

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
Orientales mêlé de plusieurs 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." ”
• Cosme da Guarda says in "Life of the Celebrated Sevaji":

“
Such was the good treatment Shivaji accorded to people and such was the honesty with which he observed the capitulations that none looked
upon him without a feeling of love and confidence. By his people he was exceedingly loved. Both in matters of reward and punishment he was
so impartial that while he lived he made no exception for any person; no merit was left unrewarded, no offence went unpunished; and this he
did with so much care and attention that he specially charged his governors to inform him in writing of the conduct of his soldiers, mentioning
in particular those who had distinguished themselves, and he would at once order their promotion, either in rank or in pay, according to their
merit. He was naturally loved by all men of valor and good conduct." ”
References
[1] Official date accepted by the Government of Maharashtra, "Finally, single Shiv Jayanti" (http:/ / timesofindia. indiatimes. com/ city/ pune/
Finally-single-Shiv-Jayanti/ articleshow/ 36498512. cms). Pune: The Times of India. 4 February 2003. . Retrieved 2010-01-27.
[2] Previously disputed, Bhawan Singh Rana (2005). Chhatrapati Shivaji. A.H.W. Sameer series. Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd.. p. 11.
ISBN 9788128808265.
[3] Bhawan Singh Rana (2005-01-01). Chhatrapati Shivaji (http:/ / books. google. com/ ?id=HsBPTc3hcekC). Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd..
p. 18. ISBN 8128808265. .
[4] Raṇajita Desāī; V. D. Katamble (2003). Shivaji the Great (http:/ / books. google. com/ ?id=N5mIVt_Zd-0C). Balwant Printers Pvt. Ltd..
p. 193. ISBN 8190200003. .
[5] "Gutenberg connection" (http:/ / www. indianexpress. com/ news/ Gutenberg-connection/ 587696). Indianexpress.com. 2010-03-07. .
Retrieved 2010-09-27.
[6] http:/ / www. jstor. org/ pss/ 2053980
[7] http:/ / www. jstor. org/ pss/ 4407933
[8] Purandare, Babasaheb. Raja Shivachhatrapati.
[9] Jadunath Sarkar (1919). Shivaji and His Times (Second ed.). London: Longmans, Green and Co..
[10] "Finally, single Shiv Jayanti" (http:/ / timesofindia. indiatimes. com/ city/ pune/ Finally-single-Shiv-Jayanti/ articleshow/ 36498512. cms).
Pune: The Times of India. 4 February 2003. . Retrieved 2010-01-27.
[11] N. Jayapalan (2001). History of India. Atlantic Publishers & Distri. p. 211. ISBN 9788171569281.
[12] Raja ShivChhatrapati. Producer-Nitin Desai. Star Pravah.
[13] "Agryahun Sutka (Escape from Agra) by Dr. Ajit Joshi" (http:/ / www. agraescape. itgo. com). Shivapratap Prakashan, Pune. 1997. .
Retrieved 2010-11-12.
[14] Desāī, Raṇajita; V. D. Katamble (2003). Shivaji the Great (http:/ / books. google. com/ ?id=N5mIVt_Zd-0C& pg=PA665& dq="Prataprao+
Gujar"). Balwant Printers Pvt. Ltd.. p. 665. ISBN 9788190200004. . Retrieved 2008-09-22.
[15] Ranade, Mahadeo Govind (2006). Rise of the Marathapower (http:/ / books. google. com/ ?id=tmhYdpc_HkUC& pg=PA35&
vq="Prataprao+ Gujar"& dq="Prataprao+ Gujar"). Read Books. p. 35. ISBN 9781406736427. . Retrieved 2008-09-22.
[16] Those Supermen In History,By Ramachandra Guha, A Washington Itinerary (Telegraph, K.P. NAYAR , 16 June 2001) retrieved on
04/07/2009 from [www.telegraphindia.com/1010616/editoria.htm]
[17] As per Dr. R. C. Dhere, Shivaji was Hattikara-Dhangar. Yadav is Kul Gotra of Shepherds. Dhangars of Karnataka and Goa are also called as
Gavali. In old Kannada lexicon Hattikara means Govali or Cowherd. Today Hattikara/Hatkar and Dhangar are exclusively used for Shepherd
Caste of Maharashtra. Holkars are also Hatkar-Dhangar. See Dr. R. C. Dhere, Shikar Shingnapurcha ShriShambhu Mahadeo, 2001, Pune,
(Marathi), Pg. 276, 277, 288, 297, 307, 312, 338, 384, 221, 143, 127, 78, 67, 45, 2
Shivaji 19

[18] Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, at the time of his Coronation, presented compelling evidence that he belonged to the Gahlot(i.e.
Sisodiya/Ranas of Mewar) Clan which is present in Dhangar clan system even today. The Bhonsale in the Maratha clan system of Maratha
caste shows Guru: Shankkayan, and Gotra: Kaushika
[19] Gijs Kruijtzer, Xenophobia in Seventeenth-Century India (http:/ / hdl. handle. net/ 1887/ 13850) (Leiden: Leiden University Press, 2009),
153–190.
[20] Kamat, K. L.. "Short Bio: Maratha King Shivaji" (http:/ / www. kamat. com/ kalranga/ maharashtra/ shivaji. htm). Kamat's Potpourri. .
Retrieved 2006-11-19.
[21] "Indian Naval Hospital Ship INHS Dhanvantari" (http:/ / indiannavy. nic. in/ history. htm). Indiannavy.nic.in. 2010-08-25. . Retrieved
2010-09-27.
[22] Kasar (2005). Rigveda to Raigarh making of Shivaji the great. Manudevi Prakashan.
[23] edited by Om Prakash. (2001) (in Prakash). Encyclopaedic History of Indian Freedom Movement (http:/ / books. google. com/
?id=o5vHbY3VPyEC). Anmol Publications. p. 274. ISBN 8126109386. .
[24] Sarkar, Sir Jadunath (1920) (in Sarkar). Shivaji and His Times (http:/ / books. google. com/ ?id=7xNFAAAAIAAJ). Longmans, Green and
co. p. 294. .
[25] Setumadhavarao S. Pagadi. (1993) (in Pagadi). SHIVAJI (http:/ / books. google. com/ ?id=UVFuAAAAMAAJ). NATIONAL BOOK
TRUST. p. 21. ISBN 8123706472. .
[26] Majumdar, R.C. (ed.) (2007). The Mughul Empire, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, ISBN 81-7276-407-1, pp.609,634
[27] Patil, Vishwas. Sambhaji, Mehta Publishing House, Pune (2006) ISBN 81-7766-651-7.
[28] Mughal Rule in India By Stephen Meredyth Edwardes, Herbert Leonard Offley Garrett,ISBN 81-7156-551-4, 9788171565511
[29] Zakaria, Rafique, "Communal Rage in Secular India", Popular Prakashan, Mumbai (2003)
[30] Central Chronicle Letter (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20071021045952/ http:/ / centralchronicle. com/ 20060216/ 1602321. htm) D.
Pande. Retrieved on 2007-03-07
[31] Book Review (http:/ / india. indymedia. org/ en/ 2003/ 09/ 7762. shtml) IMC India. Retrieved on 2007-03-07
[32] Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency (http:/ / books. google. com/ ?id=4bMIAAAAQAAJ& pg=PA145& dq=SHIVAJI+ –+ Father+ Of+
The+ Indian+ Navy#PPA145,M1). Government Central Press. 1883. p. 145. .
[33] Tendulkar, Mahesh. Runzunjar Senapati Santaji Ghorpade.
[34] Patil, Vishwas. Panipat.
[35] http:/ / www. shivchhatrapati. com/ sources. php?type=poems& id=kavi_bhushan
[36] From Aathavanitli Gani (http:/ / www. aathavanitli-gani. com/ Song Html/ 93. htm,)
[37] From Aathavanitli Gani (http:/ / www. aathavanitli-gani. com/ Song Html/ 194. htm,)

Further reading
• Babasaheb Purandare. Raja Shivachhatrapati.
• Jysingrao Bhausaheb Pawar. Shivchatrapati- Ek Magowa.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji: Coronation Tercentenary Commemoration Volume. Bombay. 1974–75.
• Duff, Grant (1826). History of Marhattas (http://books.google.com/books?id=FKQ9AAAAMAAJ). London:
Oxford University Press.
• V.D.Katamble. Shivaji the Great. Pune: Balwant Printers.
• Kasar, D.B. (2005). Rigveda to Raigarh - Making of Shivaji the Great. Mumbai: Manudevi Prakashan.
• Vishwas Patil (2006). Sambhaji. Pune: Mehta Publishing House. ISBN 81-7766-651-7.
• Joshi, Ajit (1997). Agryahun Sutka. Marathi, Pune: Shivapratap Prakashan.
• Parulekar, Shyamrao (1982). Yashogatha Vijaya durg. Vijaydurg.
• Jyotirao Phule (1869). Chatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle Yanche Powade. Marathi.
• Jadunath Sarkar. Shivaji and his times. Calcutta.
• Rafique Zakaria (2003). Communal Rage in Secular India. Mumbai: Popular Prakashan.
• Mahesh Tendulkar. Runzunjar Senapati Santaji Ghorpade.
• Vishwas Patil. Panipat.
• Ranjit Desai. Swami.
Article Sources and Contributors 20

Article Sources and Contributors

Shivaji  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=402477139  Contributors: 02saladi, 24 chatterjee, AMbroodEY, Abecedare, Abhi301294, Abhinav Parulekar, Ackulkarni,
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Huuray 02, IRP, Idleguy, Imc, Imursnikhil, IndianGeneralist, Iranway, Iridescent, Ishan, Ism schism, Itai, Izwalito, J.delanoy, JahaalChakravarti, Janardankelkar, Jaraalbe, Jasrajva, Jayesh Patil,
Jeev, Jeff G., Jjjsixsix, JoanneB, Joel7687, John of Reading, Jojhutton, Jovianeye, Joy1963, Jpbowen, Jusdafax, K-UNIT, K1Bond007, KNM, Kanags, Kasar, Katalaveno, KathrynLybarger,
Katya0133, KaustubhKhare, Kaustubhjavle, Kbi911, Kechi, Kedar Borhade, Kesangh, Ketborg, Killerrock, Kimchi.sg, Kimiko, Knucmo2, Koavf, Kuldip D. Gandhi, Kumar53, Kurundwad,
Kwamikagami, Kww, L1CENSET0K1LL, Lalitpatil, LarRan, Lcarsdata, LeaveSleaves, Lex Rex, LilHelpa, Linguisticgeek, LondonIndian, Longhair, LordSimonofShropshire, M pravin, Mac
Davis, Magioladitis, Maha Mantri, Mahawiki, Mahesh Babu, Makarandms, Malcolm Farmer, Mamta dhody, Mandar.mulherkar, Mandarax, Manmk, Manny77, Mard-maratha, Martarius, Mav,
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MlleDiderot, Modulatum, Moocha, Mr Tan, Mr pand, Mrdrift, Mrh30, Mrkelkar, Mskadu, Muhandes, Mukul2u, MukundP, Musaabdulrashid, Nachiket, Natarajanganesan, New Rock Star, Nexxt
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Prashanttapre, QuartierLatin1968, Queenprapti, Rahulvb, Rahulx1, Rajendra1971, Rajeshwarc, Rakka The Great, Rama's Arrow, Randhirreddy, RandomP, Rangyamax, Rao Ravindra, Raskanazi,
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RamTirtha, Swaq, Swaraj001, SwirlBoy39, Szhaider, Tabletop, Taketa, Tejas gokhale01, The Patroller, The Thing That Should Not Be, The Wednesday Island, TheHyksos, TheShepherds,
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Yuvasachin, Zaham007 cpa, Zakksez, Zenguru, Александър, 2417 anonymous edits

Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors

Image:Shivaji1.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Shivaji1.jpg  License: unknown  Contributors: Original uploader was AMbroodEY at en.wikipedia. Later version(s)
were uploaded by New Rock Star, Veyonica at en.wikipedia.
Image:Shivneri Shiv Mandir.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Shivneri_Shiv_Mandir.JPG  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Bharath12345, 1 anonymous edits
Image:Shivaji jijamata.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Shivaji_jijamata.JPG  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Bharath12345
Image:RaigadFort5.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:RaigadFort5.jpg  License: GNU Free Documentation License  Contributors: Original uploader was
Swapnaannjames at en.wikipedia Later version(s) were uploaded by Redtigerxyz at en.wikipedia.
Image:Wagh nakhi Tiger Claws Weapon.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Wagh_nakhi_Tiger_Claws_Weapon.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Mskadu
Image:Shivaji-Dhurandhar.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Shivaji-Dhurandhar.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Redtigerxyz
Image:Shivaji Statue.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Shivaji_Statue.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0  Contributors: Aditya Bhelke
Image:Tanaji.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Tanaji.JPG  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Bharath12345, 1 anonymous edits
File:Shivaji_and_the_Marathas.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Shivaji_and_the_Marathas.JPG  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Altruism
Image:Raigad Shivaji Side.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Raigad_Shivaji_Side.JPG  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Sng
Image:Pratapgarh.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Pratapgarh.JPG  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Bharath12345, Satori Son, 2 anonymous edits
Image:South Asia 1758 AD.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:South_Asia_1758_AD.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Original uploader was Kalchiron at
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