CHHATRAPATHI SHIVAJI

Early Life and Background
Shivaji I, also known as Shivaji Shahaji Bhonsale (c. 19 February 1630 – 3 April 1680), was a prominent Indian ruler and founder of the Maratha kingdom. Born in the hill-fort of Shivneri near Junnar, now in Pune district, he was named after the local deity, Goddess Shivai Devi. Shivaji belonged to the Bhonsle clan of the Marathas. His father, Shahaji Bhonsle, was a Maratha general who served various Deccan Sultanates, while his mother, Jijabai, was the daughter of Lakhuji Jadhavrao, a Mughal-aligned sardar. Shivaji’s grandfather, Maloji Bhonsle, was a notable general in the Ahmadnagar Sultanate and held several jagirs, including Pune and Shivneri Fort.

Rise to Power
Shivaji carved out an independent kingdom by challenging the Sultanate of Bijapur and later expanding Maratha influence. His relationships with major powers like the Mughal Empire, the Sultanates of Bijapur, Golconda, and European colonial forces were marked by both alliances and hostilities. He initially offered his service to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb to help invade Bijapur but later conquered territories ceded by Bijapur in the Mughal name. Despite entering vassalage under Aurangzeb after the Battle of Purandar and briefly serving as a Mughal chief, Shivaji maintained his autonomy and resumed his campaign to expand his kingdom.

Administration and Military Achievements
Shivaji’s reign was characterized by efficient administration and an inclusive approach. He employed individuals from all castes and religions, including Muslims and Europeans, in his government and military. Known for his chivalrous treatment of women, Shivaji also focused on building a strong navy and strategically captured and constructed forts to fortify Maratha influence. His policies and military strategy laid the foundation for the Maratha Confederacy, which later became a formidable power in India.

Coronation and Opposition
In 1674, Shivaji was coronated as king, despite facing opposition from local Brahmins. This marked the establishment of his formal rule over the Maratha kingdom. His leadership and vision earned him respect not only among his contemporaries but also from future generations. Two centuries after his death, his legacy was revived by social reformers like Jyotirao Phule and later glorified by nationalists like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Hindutva activists.

Death and Controversies
Shivaji passed away between 3–5 April 1680 at the age of 50, with conflicting accounts of his cause of death. British records suggest he succumbed to a bloody flux, while a Portuguese account mentions anthrax. Some Indian sources, including Krishnaji Anant Sabhasad’s biography, attribute his death to fever. His eldest wife, Putalabai, committed sati, while another wife, Soyarabai, was accused of poisoning him to place her 10-year-old son Rajaram on the throne, although this claim is doubted by historians.

Succession Struggles
After Shivaji’s death, a succession struggle ensued. Soyarabai initially crowned her son Rajaram as king, but Shivaji’s elder son Sambhaji took control of Raigad Fort and ascended the throne in 1680. Sambhaji imprisoned Rajaram, Soyarabai, and her allies, later executing Soyarabai for conspiracy. This turbulent period marked the beginning of internal power struggles within the Maratha kingdom, which nevertheless continued to expand under Sambhaji’s leadership.