Shivaji Maharaj is one of the great national heroes of India.

He created an independent and sovereign state in Maharashtra

which was based on justice, welfare of the people and tolerance to all faiths. The aims, objectives and Rajnitee of the Maratha
Swaraj under Chhatrapati Shivaji provided a new direction to contemporary politics of India. In course of time, his
movement assumed, the form of an all-India struggle; a struggle which was to change the political map of India.
Shivaji Maharaj was born at the Shivneri fort near Junnar in Pune district on 19th February 1630. Shivaji’s mother, Jijabai
was the daughter of Lakhuji Jadhavrao of Sindkhed. His father Shahajiraje Bhosale was a prominent sardar in the Deccan.
At the time of Shivaji Maharaj’s birth, most of the territory in Maharashtra was under the possession of the Nizamshah of
Ahmednagar and the Adilshah of Bijapur. In the coastal belt of Konkan there were two sea powers, the Portuguese and the
Siddi. The British and the Dutch who were engaged in expanding their trade also had their factories on the coast. The
Mughals, since the period of Emperor Akbar 1 wanted to expand their power in the South. The Mughals launched a
campaign to conquer the Nizamshahi Kingdom. The Adilshah of Bijapur allied with the Mughals in this campaign.
Shahahajiraje tried to save the Nizamshahi, but he could not withstand the combined might of the Mughals and the
Adilshahi. The Nizamshahi kingdom came to an end in A.D. 1636. Thereafter Shahajiraje became a sardar of the Adilshah of
Bijapur and was posted in Karnataka. The region comprising Pune, Supe, Indapur and Chakan parganas located between the
Bhima and Nira rivers which was vested in Shahajiraje as a jagir was continued by the Adilshah. Shahaijiraje was also
assigned a jagir of Banglore. Veermata Jijabai and Shivajiraje, stayed for a few years with Shahajiraje at Banglore till
Shivajiraje was twelve years old. Shahajiraje entrusted the administration of the Pune jagir to Shivajiraje and Veermata
Jijabai. Shivajiraje grew up amidst the hills and valleys of Pune region under the guidance of his mother Jijabai.

Foundation of Swaraj
A number of small spurs run eastward from the sahyadris in the Pune region. The extremely rugged valleys enclosed by these
are usually known as the Mavals or Khores each named after stream running through it, or after the principal village.
Collectively they are known as the Mavals. The inhabitants of this region who are called the Mavalas, were an extremely
hardy people. Shivaji Maharaj started the work of founding the Swaraj in this region which is full of hills and valleys and is
not easily accessible. He skillfully utilized the geographical features of Maval region for the purpose of the foundation of the
Swaraj. He created a feeling of trust and affection in minds of the people. Many associates, companions and Mavalas joined
him in his work of founding Swaraj. The objective of Shivaji Maharaj in founding the Swaraj is clearly expressed in his
official seal or Mudra which is in Sanskrit. Through this Mudra, Shivaji Maharaj assured his people that the ‘ever-increasing
like the crescent-moon, the kingdom of Shivaji, son of Shahaji, will always seek the welfare of the people’.

The Royal Seal of Shivaji Maharaj

In the medieval period, forts carried much significance. With a firm hold over a fort, one could defend as well as control the
surrounding area and could rule the land. In case of an enemy’s invasion, it was possible to protect the people taking shelter
in the fort. The forts situated within the jagir of Shivaji Maharaj were not under his control, but were under the control of
Adilshah.. Therefore an attempt to capture the forts meant to challenge the Adilshahi power. Shivaji Maharaj decided to
acquire the forts that were within his own jagir. He captured the forts of Murumbdev (Rajgad), Torna, Kondhana, Purandar
and laid the foundation of the Swaraj. Shivaji Maharaj was steadily but cautiously aiming at extending and consolidating his
power. Those sardars who appreciated his aim were brought to his side, but some sardars in the Adilshahi opposed him. It
was necessary to bring them under control for the purpose of founding the Swaraj.

The Capture of Javali

The region of Javali in Satara district was important from strategic point of view. Many routes to the Konkan were through
Javali. For the expansion of the Swaraj in the Konkan, it was essential to control that region. The region of Javali was ruled
by Chandrarao More, a powerful sardar in the Adilshahi. Shivaji Maharaj attacked Javali and captured it in A.D. 1656. Then
he also captured Rairi. This strong fort, later under the name of Raigad, was to become the capital of Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji
Maharaj built the Pratapgad fort in the Javali valley to protect the newly conquered territory and to control the Paar pass.
The victory at Javali led to the expansion of the Swaraj in Konkan. Shivaji Maharaj then crossed the Ghats and descended
into Konkan. He captured Kalyan and Bhivandi on the Konkan coast which were under the control of Adilshahi. Shivaji
Maharaj also captured forts like Mahuli, Lohagad, Tunga, Tikona, Visapur, Songad, Karnala, Tala and Ghosala, in the
Konkan. Shivaji Maharaj was able to command the coast line because of his acquisition of this territory in the Konkan. He
came in contact with the Portuguese, the British and the Siddi powers on the western coast. The Siddi controlled the fort of
Janjira and the areas around, including Danda-Rajpuri. Wherever in future these powers created obstacles in the work of
expanding the Swaraj, Shivaji Maharaj tried to curb their activities.

The Establishment of Maratha Navy

When Shivaji Maharaj became master of a long coastal strip, he deemed it necessary to undertake the construction of a Navy.
Shivaji Maharaj realized that the one who had a navy, controlled the sea. To protect his own territory from the Siddi's
depredations, to protect the merchant ships and ports in order to secure and enhance revenue incomes derived from
maritime trade and customs duty, he concentrated on building the Navy. There were four hundred ships of various kinds in
the Navy. They included battleships like Gurab, Galbat and Pal.

Defeat of Afzal Khan and Battle of Javali

Shivaji Maharaj had openly challenged the Adilshahi by capturing forts in his jagir and the territory in north Konkan. At that
time the Badi Sahiba was looking after the administration of Adilshahi. She sent Afzal Khan, a powerful and an experienced
Adilshahi General to curb Shivaji Maharaj. Afzal Khan set out from Bijapur sometime in May 1659. To isolate Shivaji
Maharaj, Ali Adilshah issued Farmans to the Deshmukhs in the Mavals, ordering them to join Afzal Khan. Besides this, Afzal
Khan made efforts to seek the support of the Deshmukhs. A meeting between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan took place on
10th November 1659 at the foot of Pratapgad. At the meeting Afzal Khan attempted treachery. In retaliation, Shivaji Maharaj
killed Afzal Khan. The Marathas destroyed Afzal Khan’s army in the dense forests of Javali. Shivaji Maharaj secured a large
booty from Afzal Khan's camp which enabled him to consolidate and strengthen his position.

The Expedition of Siddi Jauhar

Shivaji Maharaj intended to capture as much of Adilshahi province and forts as possible. Thereafter, he captured from the
Adilshah forts of Panhala, Vasantgad and Khelna. He renamed Khelna as Vishalgad. In A.D. 1660, to check the rapid
progress of Shivaji Maharaj, the Adilshah sent Siddi Jauhar, the Sardar of Karnul region, with a large army against Shivaji
Maharaj. The Adilshah gave Siddi the title of ‘Salabatkhan’. In these circumstances, Shivaji Maharaj took shelter in Panhala
fort. Siddi’s soldiers led siege to the fort for about five months. Shivaji Maharaj found himself trapped inside the fort. Netoji
Palkar made attempts to raise the siege by 4 attacking Siddi’s army from outside. But Siddi showed no signs of relenting.
Shivaji Maharaj opened overtures with him. This led to slackness in the siege round Panhalgad. Taking advantage of the
situation Shivaji Maharaj escaped through siege round the Panhala fort and proceeded to Vishalgad. Siddi Jauhar’s army
pursued Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj stationed Baji Prabhu Deshpande at the foot of Vishalgad and entrusted the
responsibility of stopping the Siddi’s army. Baji Parabhu Deshpande checked Siddi’s army at the Ghod pass near Gajapur. He
fought with the greatest valour. Baji Prabhu died a hero’s death in this battle. While going to Vishalgad, Shivaji Maharaj also
crushed the opposition of the Adilshahi sardars- Dalvi of Palwan and Surve of Shringarpur. Maharaj reached Vishalgad
safely. While Shivaji Maharaj was trapped at Panhala, the Mughal army invaded the Swaraj. Shivaji Maharaj realized that it
would not be prudent to fight two enemies at the same time. Therefore Shivaji Maharaj entered into a treaty with the
Adilshah. As per the treaty, he returned the fort of Panhala to the Adilshah.

Conflict with the Mughals: Shaista Khan’s Invasion

For expansion of the Swaraj, conflict with the Mughals was inevitable. Emperor Aurangzeb appointed Shaista khan, to the
viceroyalty of the Deccan, ordering him to invade and annex Shivaji Maharaj’s dominions. Shaista khan left Ahmednagar in
February 1660 and arrived in Pune on 10th May 1660. He decided to capture the fort of Chakan to obtain supplies. Though
the killedar of the fort of Chakan- Firangoji Narsala offered a strong resistance to Shaista khan’s army, the Mughals captured
the fort of Chakan. Shaista khan captured Swaraj's territories -Pune, Supe. He set up his camp at Lal Mahal in Pune. The
Mughal army began to ravage the regions around Pune. Shaista khan adopted the strategy to occupy as much of Shivaji
Maharaj’s dominions as possible. Forces were dispatched to invade the Konkan region below the Ghats. Kalyan and
Bhiwandi were captured by the Mughal army. Shaista Khan appointed Kartalabkhan on an expedition to the North Konkan.
Shivaji Maharaj humbled the Khan in Umbarkhind. Shivaji Maharaj left Netoji Palkar to defend the North Konkan and he
himself marched southwards and captured Dabhol, Chiplun, Sangameshwar, Rajapur, Palavani and Shringarpur. Two years
had passed but Shaista khan still would not think of leaving Pune. Naturally, this had an adverse effect on the population.
With a view to driving Shaista khan out of Pune, Shivaji Maharaj devised a bold plan. On 5th April 1663, Shivaji Maharaj
raided Lal Mahal. In this raid, Shaista khan lost his fingers. He left Pune and shifted his camp to Aurangabad. The successful
attack on Shaista khan resulted in an immense increase in Shivaji Maharaj's prestige and fame. It also had an impact on the
people and their faith in capabilities of Maharaj was strengthened even further.

The Surat Campaign

In three years time, Shaista Khan had ravaged the territories of the Swaraj. It was necessary to make up this loss. Surat was
the richest and most prosperous port of the Mughal Empire on the west coast. Europeans i.e. the British, the Dutch and the
French had their factories there. Shivaji Maharaj devised a plan of attack on Surat. The Subhedar of Surat could not put up
any resistance to the Marathas. Shivaji Maharaj obtained an enormous wealth from Surat. Surat campaign was a stunning
blow to emperor Aurangzeb’s prestige.
Soon after his return from Surat, Shivaji Maharaj embarked upon a vigorous naval program. Shivaji Maharaj had realized
the importance of sea forts. Sea forts would provide protection to the navy and keep in check the Siddi of Janjira and the
Portuguese. He built Suvarnadurg. In 1664 he commenced the construction of Sindhudurg at Malvan. About the same time
he strengthened a fort named Vijaydurg. He also built a fort named Padmadurg on a small island in front of Rajpuri in order
to counter the Siddi power.

The Fort of Sindhudurg

Jaisingh’s campaign against Shivaji Maharaj

With a view to crush growing power of Shivaji Maharaj, Aurangzeb sent Jaisingh of Ambar, an experienced and powerful
Mughal Sardar. He left Delhi on 30th Septmeber 1664 and reached Pune on 3rd March 1665. Jaisingh's strategy was to
isolate Shivaji Maharaj from his neighboring powers so that he would get neither help nor support from them, to prevent
him from breaking out into the Mughal territory, to devastate his homeland and capture his forts. As per this strategy he was
trying to provoke the Adilshahi against Shivaji Maharaj. Jaisingh was simultaneously instigating local rulers in the
Karnataka against the Adilshah, so that the latter would be unable to help Shivaji Maharaj. To the Portuguese of Goa and
Vasai, the Dutch of Vengurla, the British of Surat and the Siddis of Janjira, Jaisingh suggested that they should start a naval
campaign against Shivaji Maharaj. He also drew up a plan of capturing the forts in possession of Maharaj. Jaisingh and
Dilerkhan led siege to the fort of Purandar. Mughal forces were sent to various parts of Swaraj to devastate the territories of
the Swaraj. Maharaj endeavored to resist the Mughals. When the Mughals put the fort of Purandar under siege, Murarbaji
Deshpande fought with the greatest of courage. He died a hero’s death. Realizing that in this conflict with the Mughals,
Shivaji Maharaj and his subjects had to face great losses, Maharaj began talks for a treaty with Jaisingh. A treaty between
Jaisingh and Maharaj was signed in June 1665 which is known as ‘Treaty of Purandar’. In accordance with the terms of the
treaty, Maharaj ceded twenty-three forts and adjacent areas yielding a revenue of four lakh hons to the Mughals. He also
assured the Mughals of help against the Adilshahi.

Visit to Agra
Jaisingh’s campaign against the Adilshahi proved unsuccessful. Jaisingh and Aurangzeb felt that if the Adilshah, the
Qutubshah and Shivaji Maharaj joined forces against the Mughals, it would be a great setback to the Mughal policies in the
Deccan. Both of them felt that Shivaji Maharaj ought to be kept away at least for sometime from the Deccan politics. Jaisingh
proposed to Shivaji Maharaj that he should visit Agra and meet the Emperor. After making thorough arrangements to ensure
effective administration of his dominions during his absence, Shivaji Maharaj proceeded to Agra with his son Sambhaji and a
few of his trusted people. Shivaji Maharaj set out for Agra on 5th March 1666 and reached on 11th May 1666. Aurangzeb did
not treat Shivaji Maharaj with due honour at his court. Livid with rage, Maharaj walked out of the court instantly. Aurangzeb
then put him under a house arrest. Shivaji Maharaj devised a plan of escaping from his house arrest. He adroitly escaped
from Agra and safely reached Rajgad on 20th November 1666. While returning from Agra, he left Sambhaji at Mathura.
Later, Sambhaji was brought safely to Rajgad.
Offensive against the Mughals
For about four years after his return from Agra, Shivaji Maharaj concentrated his attention on putting the affairs of Swaraj in
order. He re-organized army and carried repairs to forts. In 1670, Shivaji Maharaj followed an offensive policy against the
Mughals. His first aim was to clear his homeland of the Mughals. He also aimed at recapturing the forts and territories ceded
to the Mughals according to the treaty of Purandar. The strategy followed by Shivaji Maharaj was to capture the forts by
sending a well-equipped army on one hand and on the other hand to keep the Mughals unstable by invading the Mughal
territories of the Deccan. Maharaj thus attacked Ahmednagar and Junnar. Sinhgad was the first fort to be recaptured.
Mavala infantry under the command of Tanaji Malusare entered the fort secretly. The fort was defended by Udai Bhan.
Tanaji Malusare fought with greatest valour. He died a hero’s death. The fort was captured on 4th February 1670. Shivaji
Maharaj also recaptured several other forts such as Purandar, Lohgad, Mahuli, Karnala, Rohida one after another. Then
Shivaji Maharaj attacked Surat for the second time. On the way back he fought a battle with the Mughals at Vani- Dindori in
Nashik district. He defeated Daud Khan in the battle. The Marathas under the leadership of Moropant Pingle captured
Trimbakgad. The Maratha army then invaded Baglan, a hilly district which was guarded by nine hill forts, the strongest
among these were of Salher and Mulher, the others being smaller hill forts. The Maratha army not only captured smaller hill
forts of Baglan but also captured Mulher fort and Salher which lay on the border of Khandesh and Gujarat. The capture of
Salher was an event of great strategic importance. Then Salher became a base of operations against the rich provinces of
Gujarat and Khandesh. The Mughals tried to recapture Salher but failed. In 1672, Shivaji Maharaj’s army conquered the
principality of Jawhar and then Ramnagar.

Offensive against the Adilshahi Sultanate

Shivaji Maharaj decided to expand his dominions at the expense of the Adilshahi Sultanate. He captured Panhala fort which
was in the possession of Adilshah on 8th March 1673. Then he captured the fort of Parali near Satara, fort of Satara and forts
like Chandan-vandan, Pandavgad Nandagiri, Kelanja and Tathavda.

Fort Raigad, Capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Coronation
The founding of the Maratha Swaraj involved a relentless struggle for over thirty years. Maharaj realized that now it was
necessary for the Swaraj to win general recognition as a sovereign, independent state. For legal recognition to the Swaraj, a
formal coronation was necessary. On 6th June 1674, Shivaji Maharaj was coroneted at Raigad by Gagabhatt, a learned pandit
of Benaras. Maharaj ascended the throne of the Swaraj. He now became the Chhatrapati of the Swaraj. As a symbol of
sovereignty, Shivaji Maharaj instituted a new era commencing from the date of his coronation. It is known as Rajyabhisheka
shaka. Shivaji Maharaj thus became the founder of a new era. On the occasion of the coronation, special coins were minted-
a gold coin called hon and a copper coin called shivrai with the legend Shri Raja Shivachhatrapati inscribed on them. There
after, all royal correspondence carried the words, 'Kshatriyakulaawatansa Shri Raja Shivachhatrapati'.
 Hon

Shivrai
A dictionary called Rajya-vyavahara-kosha, showing Sanskrit alternatives for Persian word was prepared. Sabhasad, a
contemporary chronicler, while pointing out the significance of the coronation, writes ‘It was no mean achievement for a
Maratha king to become such a great Chhatrapati’. The coronation of Shivaji Maharaj was a revolutionary event in the
history of medieval India. Shivaji Maharaj had his second coronation performed under the guidance of Nischalpuri Gosavi.

The Campaign of the South

After the coronation Shivaji Maharaj marched to the conquest of Phonda near Goa and captured it in April 1675. Then the
Marathas captured Ankola and Shiveshwar which was followed by annexation of Kolhapur. After that Shivaji Maharaj
accomplished 'Dakshin Digvijay'. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj planned to carry his army to the east coast in the South and
conquer the province of Adilshahi Karnataka. He undertook Karnataka expedition in 1677. Karnataka was long famous for its
riches. At the same time it was ill-defended by the Adilshah. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj went to Golkonda to meet the
Qutubshah. He entered into a treaty of friendship with him. In April 1677 he set out for the Adilshahi Karnataka. He
captured Jinjee and proceeded to Vellore. The city withstood a long siege. The eastern portion of the south was mostly held
by nobles of the Adilshahi kingdom. Vyankoji, Shivaji Maharaj’s step brother had carved out a principality for himself at
Thanjavur. At Tirumalvadi, on the northern bank of the Coleroon, Vyankoji met Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji
Maharaj tried to get Vyankoji to participate in the activities of the Swaraj. He did not get any response from Vyankoji. Later,
Maharaj conquered Bangalore, Hoskote in Karnataka, certain other forts such as those at Vellore and also some parts of the
Adilshahi kingdom. Permanent annexation in the south increased Maharaj’s strength and most importantly he was
successful in executing his plan of defence which would help him to resist the armies of Aurangzeb in future. For
administration of the newly conquered province Shivaji Maharaj made excellent arrangements. He appointed Raghunath
Narayan Hanamante, the chief officer to look after these newly conquered territories. After accomplishing the mission of the
south, Shivaji Maharaj returned to Swaraj.
Shivaji Maharaj decided to fortify the island of Khanderi, commanded a key position as it was located near Mumbai. The
British then decided to lay a regular siege to the island. In this naval conflict the English had to withdraw their fleet. This
brought to an end of the naval conflict between Shivaji Maharaj and the British.
Within few months Shivaji Maharaj fell ill. After a short illness he passed away at the Raigad fort on 3rd April 1680.
 The Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj - Raigad

A Peoples’ King
The Swaraj established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj comprised of large areas of Nashik, Pune, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur,
Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Raigad and Thane districts of Maharashtra. It also included parts of Belgaum, Karwar and Dharwad
districts of Karnataka and Jinjee, Vellore and their neighbouring areas in state of Tamil Nadu. He set up an efficient and
sound system for the administration of this Swaraj. The administration was divided into eight departments. A minister was
appointed at the head of every department. His council of eight ministers was known as the Ashta-Pradhan Mandal. Shivaji
Maharaj followed a policy of encouraging agriculture. He paid attention to the welfare of the peasantry. He was also equally
concerned about the growth of trade and protection of industries. Thus he turned the Swaraj into a surajya a state which
sought the welfare of all. He was a great military commander, an outstanding general and a statesman. He had a clear
concept of military organization.
His military organization consisted of infantry, cavalry and navy. Strict discipline, rapid movements, excellent intelligence
service and continuous attention to defence marked his military organization. He used to take utmost care to protect his
subjects especially at the time of enemy invasions. Shivaji Maharaj was also keen to see to it that the soldiers did not in any
way cause any harm to the subjects. He followed a tolerant religious policy. The greatest achievement of Shivaji Maharaj was
to inculcate the spirit of independence in his people. By his great deeds and achievements, Shivaji Maharaj created an
altogether a new order of things. Shivaji Maharaj’s personality and message are as relevant today as they were in the past.