Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: The Brave Warrior and Enlightened Ruler of the Maratha Empire

History of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a great warrior and king who founded the Maratha Empire in western India during the 17th century. He is known for his bravery, military strategy and administrative skills. Shivaji Maharaj was born on 19 February 1630 in the fort of Shivneri in Maharashtra, India. Some scholars consider his birth as 20 April 1627. 

Shivaji's early education was under the protection of Mata Jijabai. His mother was a woman of religious instinct, the religious instinct of the mother had a deep impact on him. His grandfather Kondev also contributed a lot in making Shivaji a great warrior and in improving his talent. His grandfather had given him both military and administrative education. The credit for making Shivaji a staunch Hindutva person goes to his mother Jijabai and his grandfather Kondev. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was married on 14 May 1640 with Saibai Nimbalkar.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's main aim was to protect Hindu religion, cow protection and Brahmins. For this reason, Shivaji Maharaj entered the field as a protector of Hindu religion and declared war against the Mughal rulers. Shivaji began his military career at the age of 16 by capturing the Torna fort in Pune. He then captured several other forts in the Western Ghats region including Raigad, Purandar and Sinhagad. He formed his own army of dedicated soldiers called "Mawle" and started expanding his kingdom. Shivaji's growing empire led to his conflict with the Mughal Empire, however, Shivaji managed to sign a treaty with the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1666, which gave him control over several forts and territories in Maharashtra.

In 1674, Shivaji was crowned as the Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire at Raigad Fort. He was the first Indian ruler to establish a navy and promoted the use of guerrilla warfare in battles. Shivaji was a skilled warrior. His skilled military talent had forced even a powerful ruler like Aurangzeb to think. Shivaji's gorilla strategy is world famous. The murder of Afzal Khan, the attack on Shaista Khan and the escape from the lair of a strong ruler like Aurangzeb are the reflection of his genius and extraordinary intelligence. Shivaji met Aurangzeb in Agra where he and his son were arrested by Aurangzeb. But on the strength of their sharp intelligence, they escaped from there by hiding in fruit baskets. For this reason, this incident was called an influential incident of Mughal-Maratha relations.

For twenty consecutive years, on the strength of his indomitable courage, bravery and war-skills, Shivaji established his father's land as an independent and powerful state. After this Shivaji's coronation took place on June 6, 1674. Shivaji considered the service of the Jaan community as his religion. He provided equal opportunities to the people of all classes and sects during his administrative period. Many historians are of the opinion that Shivaji was not only a fearless soldier and a successful conqueror, but he was also an enlightened ruler of his kingdom. Shivaji had elected 8 ministers for the successful operation of his state, which are called Ashta-Pradhan.

Shivaji was known for his administrative skills and implemented several reforms in his kingdom, including the system of "chauth" and "sardeshmukhi", taxes imposed on neighboring territories. He also introduced a system of revenue collection and a code of conduct for his soldiers.

Chhatrapati Shivaji's last time passed in great pain and mental agony. Domestic confusion and problems were a major reason for his unhappiness. He was very worried about the behavior of his elder son Sambhaji. Due to this grief, Shivaji Maharaj died on 3 April 1680 at the age of 50. After that his eldest son Sambhaji was chosen as his successor.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a great ruler who played an important role in the history of India. The credit goes to Shivaji for putting an end to the conflict between different castes of Maharashtra and tying them together. He is still a revered figure in Maharashtra and his legacy continues to inspire many.