Shivaji 1

Shivaji

Chhatrapati Shivaji Shahaji Bhosleछत्रपती शिवाजी राजे भोसले

Chhatrapati

Reign 1642–1680

Coronation 6 June 1674

Full name Shivaji Shahaji Bhosle

Marathi शिवाजी राजे भोसले

Titles Kshatriya Kulavantas

Born 19 February 1630[1] [2]

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)Gunvantibai (Ingale) [3] [4]

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

Father Shahaji

Mother Jijabai

Religiousbeliefs

Hinduism

Shivaji Bhosle (Marathi: शिवाजी भोसले [ʃiʋaˑɟiˑraˑɟeˑ bʱoˑs(ə)leˑ]; 19 February 1630 – 3 April 1680), with the royal titleChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Marathi: छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज) was a Maratha king [5] from the Bhosle dynasty whofounded the Maratha empire.[6] [7] Shivaji led a resistance to free the Marathas from Sultanate of Bijapur, andestablish the rule of the Hindus ("Hindavi Swarajya"). He created an independent Maratha kingdom with Raigad asits capital,[7] and fought against the Mughals to defend his kingdom successfully.[6] He was crowned as Chhatrapatiof 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 variousMuslim dynasties for few hundred years. He established a competent and progressive civil rule with the help of wellregulated and disciplined military and well structured administrative organizations. The prevalent practices oftreating women as war booty, destruction of religious monuments, slavery and forceful religious conversions werefirmly 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 (guerrillatactics), which leveraged strategic factors like demographics, speed, surprise and focused attack to defeat his biggerand more powerful enemies.[8]

Early life

Shivaji's birthplace on Shivneri Fort

The earliest descriptions of Shivaji's birth and boyhoodare found in the works composed several years after hisdeath. By that time, several folk tales and stories haddeveloped around his legend.[9]

Shivaji was born in the hill-fort of Shivneri near thecity of Junnar. While Jijabai was pregnant, she hadprayed the local deity "Shivai" for the good of herexpected child. Shivaji was named after this localdeity.[9]

There are no contemporary records of Shivaji's exactbirthdate and boyhood.[9] The birthdates of Shivajigiven by various records include:

• the 3rd day of the dark half of Phalguna, 1551 ofSaka calendar (Friday, 19 February 1630).[2] This date is accepted by the Maharashtra state government as theofficial 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), orother dates near this day.[9] [11]

Shivaji's father Shahaji Bhosale was the chieftain of a hardy band of warrior class mercenaries that served theDeccan Sultanates. His mother was Jijabai, the daughter of Lakhujirao Jadhav of Sindkhed. During the period ofShivaji'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 ofstate-Craft, was deputed by Lakhuji Yadavrao (Jadhav) to look after Jijabai. He remained with Jijabai and Shivajithroughout his life. He also was a master of sword. But most importantly, he advised Shivaji in making certaincrucial 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 enlistmentin his service. Shivaji was hesitant, but Gomaji advised him to accept them into the service. This resulted in thesecular character of the Maratha armed forces. All the communities enjoyed respect and fair treatment in hiskingdom. Gomaji also taught the art of swordsmanship to Shivaji, and especially the effective use of lance, thecharacteristic Maratha weapon.According to Tarikh-i-Shivaji, Shahaji placed his jagir (Land holdings / Fiefdom) in the Latur region under DadojiKonddev, who had shown good administrative skills as the kulkarni (land-steward) of Malthan. He asked Kondev tobring Jijabai and Shivaji from Shivneri to Pune, and appointed him as his guardian. Dadoji Konddeo trained Shivajipersonally, 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 toPune with a rajmudra (Soveriegn seal) & council of ministers.

Shivaji Maharaj with Jijamata

Shivaji was extremely devoted to his mother Jijabai. Jijabai led adeeply religious, near ascetic life in virtual isolation. This religiousenvironment had a profound influence on Shivaji. He carefully studiedthe two great Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, by listening torecitations and story-tellings. The morality and spiritual messages ofthe epics made a great impression on him. He was deeply interested inreligious teachings, and sought the company of Hindu and Sufi (aMuslim sect) saints throughout his life.[9]

As the administrator of Shahaji's jagir (fiefdom), Dadoji Konddeo wasaccorded complete control over the Maval region. He won over mostof the local Maval deshpande (chiefs), and subdued others. Shivajidrew his earliest trusted comrades and a large number of his soldiersfrom this region, including Yesaji Kank, Baji Pasalkar and TanajiMalusare. In the company of his Maval comrades, a young Shivajiwandered over the hills and forests of the Sahyadri range, hardeninghimself and acquiring first-hand knowledge of the land. By 1639, hecommanded a hardy and loyal band of officers and soldiers.They werealos called Mard Maratha's.

Confrontation with the Regional SultanatesIn 1645, at the age of 16, Shivaji carried out his first military action by attacking and capturing Torna Fort of theBijapur kingdom. By 1647 he had captured Kondana and Rajgad forts and had control of much of the southern Puneregion. By 1654 Shivaji had captured forts in the Western Ghats and along the Konkan coast. In a bid to containShivaji, Adilshah imprisoned Shivaji's father in 1648-49 and sent an army led by Farradkhan against Shivaji's elderbrother Sambhaji at Bangalore and another army led by Fattekhan against Shivaji at Purandhar. Both Bhosle brothersdefeated the invading armies. Shivaji petitioned Emperor Shahjahan's son, Dara Shikoh, who was Governor ofDeccan, pledging his loyalty to the Mughals to seek his support in securing the release of his father. The Mughalsrecognised Shivaji as a Mughal Sardar and pressured Adilshah to release Shahaji. In return Shivaji had to cede a fortand Sambhaji had to cede Bangalore city and a fort to Adilshah.

Shivaji 4

Battles

Pratapgad

Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle (statue atRaigad)

Adilshah sent general Afzal Khan to destroy Shivaji in an effort to putdown what he saw as a regional revolt. Afzal Khan desecrated Hindutemples at Tuljapur and Pandharpur hoping to draw Shivaji to theplains to retaliate with his limited military resources and thus lead himand his budding military power to easy destruction by the numericallybigger, better-armed and more professional Bijapur army. Shivaji,upon carefully weighing his options, strategically decided to confrontand surprise Afzal Khan on his home turf under the guise of diplomaticnegotiations. Shivaji sent a letter to Afzal Khan stating that he was noteager for confrontation and sought some type of understanding. Ameeting was arranged between Afzal Khan and Shivaji at the foothillsof Fort Pratapgad.[8]

Expecting certain skulduggery from Afzal Khan, Shivaji armed himselfwith the concealable weapons bichhwa (dagger) and wagh nakh (tigerclaws) and wore a chilkhat (chain-mail armour) under his clothing forthe meeting. What transpired during the meeting was not recorded byscribes, 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-holstereddagger). 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 onKhan, Khans private secretary, Krishnaji Bhaskar Kulkarni attacked Shivaji with his sword. But Shivaji's bodyguardJiva 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.

Bagh nakh (वाघ नख)

In the ensuing Battle of Pratapgarh fought in the dense forest of Javlion 10 November 1659, Shivaji's armies attacked Vijapur's (AfzalKhan's) forces and engaged them in swift flanking maneuvers.

Soon after the slaying of Afzal Khan, Shivaji sped up the slope towardsthe Pratapgarh fort with his lieutenants and ordered cannons to befired. This was a signal to his infantry, which had been strategicallyplaced under the cover of the densely vegetated valley, to immediatelyattack Afzal Khan's forces.[8] Maratha troops under Kanhoji Jedheattacked 1,500 musketeers and routed them at the foothills of the fort.Then in a rapid march, a section of Adilshahi forces commanded byMusekhan was attacked. Musekhan was wounded and subsequentlyfled, abandoning his soldiers who were subsequently decimated by theMaratha troops.

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

Shivaji 5

This clear and unambiguous victory made Shivaji a hero of Maratha folklore and a legendary figure among hispeople. The large quantities of captured weapons, horses, armour and other materials helped to strengthen thenascent and emerging Maratha army. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, now identified Shivaji as a major threat tothe 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 healthdeteriorated and they were forced to postpone this attack. However, Netaji Palkar undertook this mission withsmaller scale attacks and military harassment of the Adilshahi kingdom.Subsequently, the Sultan of Bijapur sent an elite Pashtun army comprising mainly Afghani mercenaries to subdueand defeat Shivaji before he could substantially expand his army. In the ensuing battle, Bijapur's Pashtun army wassoundly defeated by the Maratha troops. This intense and bloody battle ended in the unconditional surrender of theBijapuri forces to Shivaji.

Kolhapur

To counter the loss at Pratapgad and to defeat the newly emerging Maratha power, another army, this timenumbering over 10,000, was sent against Shivaji, commanded by Bijapur's renowned Abyssinian generalRustamjaman.[12] With a cavalry of 5,000 Marathas, Shivaji attacked them near Kolhapur on 28 December 1659. Ina swift movement, Shivaji led a full frontal attack at the center of the enemy forces while other two portions of hiscavalry attacked the flanks. This battle lasted for several hours and at the end Bijapuri forces were soundly defeatedand Rustamjaman ignominiously fled the battlefield.[8] Adilshahi forces lost about 2,000 horses and 12 elephants tothe 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 ofthe 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 MumtazMahal) Shaista Khan, with an army numbering over 100,000 along with a powerful artillery division in January 1660to 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 regionin 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 theAdilshah), after Shivaji's expected defeat by Jauhar. Shivaji now prepared to face a combined attack of Mughals andAdilshahi forces.[12]

Shivaji 6

Siege of Panhala

M.V. Dhurandhar's painting of Shivaji.

Per the terms of the Mughal-Adilshahi plan, Adil Shah in 1660 sentSiddi Jauhar, an accomplished general to attack Shivaji on his southernborders, preceding the expected major Mughal attack from the north.He ordered his army of 40,000 north to Kolhapur to confront anddefeat Shivaji as a part of their grand alliance with the Mughal emperorAurangzeb. He secured the support of local chieftains such asJasvantrao Dalvi of Palavani and Suryarao Surve of Sringarpur todefeat Shivaji.[8] At that time, Shivaji was camped at the Panhala fortnear present day Kolhapur with 8,000 Marathas.

Siddi Jauhar's army besieged Panhala on 2 March 1660, cutting offsupply routes to the fort.[12] Helping with siege were Baji Ghorpadeand Siddi Masud from the west, Sadat khan and Bhai khan from thenorth, Rustam Zaman and Bade khan from the east, Siddi Jauhar andFazal Khan from the south. Netaji Palkar, the Commander of theMaratha forces was on a mission away from Panhala harassing andattacking Adilshahi territory and was not able to come to the aid ofShivaji. At this point of time, Shaista Khan had moved from Baramati

to Shirwal.[12]

Panhala was a formidable fort and Adilshahi army was repulsed repeatedly by effective cannon fire and heavyrock-pelting.[12] Siddi Jauhar approached Henry Revington, the British chief at the Rajapur port to seek long-rangeand more powerful cannons. Henry decided to help him in return for future favours, and began pounding Panhalafort. 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. Theycame down to the Adilshahi camp and met Henry Revington and his associates. They managed to kill one Britishofficer 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 tookutmost care that no one in his army was complacent. He even braved the tumultuous monsoon season and continuedthe siege even during heaviest downpours.[12] On hearing about the ever tightening siege of Panhala, Netaji Palkarreturned from Bijapur and attacked the Adilshahi forces surrounding Panhala. He tried to break the siege but hissmaller 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 sentmisleading messages to Siddi Jauhar indicating that he was willing to negotiate and was looking for accommodationand mutual understanding. With this news, Adilshahi soldiers relaxed somewhat and Shivaji escaped under the coverof 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 alook-alike named Shiva Kashid dressed like Shivaji and sent out to create a diversion and facilitate the real Shivaji'sescape. Siddi Johar's soldiers realized that the imposter was Shivaji's barber and that Shivaji and his army wereheaded to Vishalgad, immediately thereafter a massive chase was undertaken to intercept Shivaji and deal with himand 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 PrabhuDeshpande, a Maratha sardar along with 300 soldiers, volunteered to fight to the death to hold back the enemy atGhod Khind (a mountain pass in Gajapur which is 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Vishalgad) to give Shivaji and the restof the army a chance to reach the safety of the Vishalgad fort.[8] [12]

Statue of Shivaji Maharaj in Mumbai

In the ensuing Battle of Pavan Khind, Baji Prabhu Deshpande foughtrelentlessly. He was almost fatally wounded but he held on andcontinued the fight until he heard the sound of cannon fire fromVishalgad, signalling Shivaji had safely reached the fort. The result ofthis intense and heroic battle was the death of 300 Marathas and 1,286of Adilshah's troops who were engaged in an fierce, up close, face toface, hand to hand, steel on steel combat,[8] allowing Shivaji to reachthe fort safely on 13 July 1660. .[12] Thereafter a truce was madebetween Shivaji and Adilshah through Shahaji, acknowledging andformally recognizing the independence of Shivaji's Kingdom.

In addition, as the terms of this accord, Panhala Fort was awarded toSiddi Johar.[8] Ghod Khind (khind = " a narrow mountain pass") was renamed Pavan Khind (Sacred Pass) in honorof Bajiprabhu Deshpande, Shibosingh Jadhav, Fuloji, people from Bandal community and all other soldiers whofought in Ghod Khind (People from Bandal community were specially selected by Shivaji while escaping fromPanhala for their knowledge of the region, rock climbing skills, martial qualities).[12] A small memorial stands eventoday 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 recognizedpower in the Deccan. Suspecting treachery, the loyal, steadfast, dedicated and horourable Siddi Jauhar wasreportedly poisoned to death by the Adilshah for alleged disloyalty in allowing Shivaji to emerge victorious againstthe sultanate.[12]

Clash with the Mughals

Conquest of KonkanAn Uzbek general, Kartalab Khan, was sent by Shaista Khan on a mission to attack and reduce the number of fortsunder 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 surpriseShivaji.[12] But instead Shivaji surprised them at a pass known as 'Umber Khind'(in a dense forest, near present-dayPen), and attacked them from all sides. Marathas hidden in the dense forest executed a well co-ordinated ambushattack on the Mughal army.[12] Shivaji himself took the forward position with an elite cavalry unit. The other threesides 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 ladycommander, Raibagan, who co-led the Mughal forces, analyzed the situation and realised that defeat was imminentand advised Kartalab Khan to accept defeat and initiate a compromise with Shivaji.[8] [12] Within four hours into theattack the enemy accepted defeat and surrendered all the supplies, arms and assets. The Mughal army suffered highcasualties. The defeated army was allowed a safe passage. Kartalab Khan and Raibagan were released with honour inaccordance with Shivaji's terms and his long standing policy towards women and unarmed civilians.[8]

Shivaji 8

Shaista KhanShaista Khan was ordered by Aurangzeb to attack Shivaji per the Mughal-Adilshahi accord. Shaista Khan, with hisbetter equipped and provisioned army of 100,000 that was many times the size of the Maratha forces, seized Puneand the nearby fort of Chakan. At the time, Firangoji Narsala was the killedar (Commander) of fort Chakan, whichwas defended by 300–350 Maratha soldiers. They were able to withstand the Mughal attack on the fort for one and ahalf month. Then, a burj (outer wall) was blown up with explosives. This created an opening to the fort allowinghordes of Mughals to breach the exterior portion of the fort. Firangoji, himself led the Maratha counter attack againsta larger Mughal army.[8] [12] Eventually, the fort was lost with the capture of Firangoji, who then was brought beforeShaista Khan, who, appreciating his bravery, offered him a jahagir (military commission) on the condition that hejoin the Mughal forces, which Firangoji declined. Admiring his loyalty, Shaista Khan pardoned Firangoji and set himfree. 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 inroadsinto some of the Maratha territory. Although he held Pune for almost a year, he had little further success. He had setup 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 thewedding 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 apersonal bodyguard. According to Babasaheb Purandare, since Mughal army also consisted of Maratha soldiers, itwas difficult for someone to distinguish between Shivaji's Maratha soldiers and the Maratha soldiers of the Mughalarmy. Thus, taking advantage of this situation, Shivaji, along with a few of his trusted men, infiltrated the Mughalcamp.After overpowering and slaying of the palace guards, the Marathas broke into the mansion by breaching an outerwall. Chimnaji and Netaji Palkar entered first along with Babaji Deshpande, another of Shivaji's long time loyalassociates, they approached Shaista Khan's quarters. Shivaji then personally confronted Shaista Khan in a 'face toface' attack. Meanwhile, perceiving danger, one of Shaista's wives turned off the lights. Shivaji pursued Shaista Khanand severed three of his fingers with his sword (in the darkness) as he fled through an open window. Shaista Khannarrowly 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 angeredAurangzeb transferred him to distant Bengal as a punishment for bringing embarrassment to the Mughals with hisignoble defeat in Pune.

Surat and Mirza Raja Jai SinghIn 1664 Shivaji invaded Surat, an important and wealthy Mughal trading city, and looted it to replenish his nowdepleted treasury and also as a revenge for the capture and looting of Maratha territory by Shaista Khan. (Surat wasagain 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 defeatShivaji. Mirza planned and executed his battle stratergies so well with his vast army that the Mughal forces underhim made significant gains and captured many Maratha forts. Shivaji thus, decided to surrender for the time-beingand 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 QuliMohammed Khan in 1666 and was sent to the Afghan frontier to fight the restive tribes. He returned to Shivaji'sservice after ten years in 1676 and was accepted back as a Hindu on Shivaji's order.

Trip To Agra and EscapeIn 1666, Aurangzeb summoned Shivaji to Agra, along with his nine-year-old son Sambhaji, on the occasion of hisfiftieth birthday. Aurangzeb's plan was to send Shivaji to Kandahar, modern day Afghanistan to consolidate theMughal Empire's north-western frontier. However in the court, on 12 May 1666, Aurangzeb made Shivaji standbehind mansabdārs (military commanders) of his court.[8] Shivaji took offense at this seeming insult and stormed outof court and was promptly placed under house arrest, under the watch of Faulad Khan, Kotwal of Agra. From hisspies, Shivaji learned that Aurangzeb planned to move his residence to Raja Vitthaldas's Haveli and then to possiblykill 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 ensuringthe safety of his army and deceiving Aurangzeb. Thereafter, on his request, he was allowed to send daily shipmentsof sweets and gifts to saints, fakirs, and temples in Agra as offerings for getting well.[8] After several days and weeksof sending out boxes containing sweets, Shivaji and his nine year old son Sambhaji hid themselves in two of theboxes and managed to escape. Shivaji and his son fled to the Deccan disguised as sadhus (holy men). After theescape, rumours of Sambhaji's death were intentionally spread by Shivaji himself in order to deceive the Mughalsand to protect Sambhaji.[8]

Dr. Ajit Joshi in a book Agryahun Sutka, concluded that Shivaji most likely disguised himself as a Brahmin priestafter performance of religious rites at the haveli grounds and escaped by mingling in within the departing priestlyentourage.[13] However, according to Mr. Ranjit Desai, author of the Marathi book Shriman Yogi (later translated toEnglish as Shivaji the Great), Shivaji disguised himself as one of the servants who used to carry boxes of sweetswhich 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 SinhagadIn the years 1667–69, Shivaji adopted a low profile and began to actively build up his army. His army now consistedof about 40,000 cavalry, 60,000 infantry, a strong navy and a potent artillery. The Mughals had the impression thathe was now a spent force and would not cause them any more trouble. But Shivaji was on a war footing and aimed todirectly take on the combined might of the Mughal empire. In January 1670, Shivaji launched a multi-prongedassault on Mughal garrisons in the Deccan. Within six months he had regained most of his previously held territoryand more.[8] From 1670 to 1674 Shivaji expanded his kingdom to include the major portions of modern-dayMaharashtra and far in to the south including parts of modern-day Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Shivaji 10

Bust of Tanaji on Sinhagad fort

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 Rajputsand Mughals for the protection of the fort. On 4 February 1670 Shivajideputed 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 forthe Maratha Kingdom over his family he said "Aadhi laginKondanyache, mag majhya Raibache" (First Kondana's marriage, andthen my son Raiba's).[8]

The Maratha army under Tanaji Malusare assigned to capture the fortwas much smaller than the Mughal army posted at the fort. TanajiMalusare surveyed the fort and its defenses for some days. The fortwas well guarded. One very sheer cliff caught Tanaji's eye. This sidewas least guarded as one could not possibly imagine climbing the fortfrom this steep side. Tanaji decided to scale this cliff to enter the fort.The legend is that, he used a monitor lizard (known as a ghorpad inMarathi) named "Yeshwanti" with a rope tied around its body forclimbing this cliff on a moonless night.[8] The lizard was made to climb to the top of the fort. As is the characteristicfeature of this lizard, it braced and lodged itself in a tight corner of the fort. Then a soldier climbed to the top andthrew ropes for others to climb.

Meanwhile Tanaji's brother Suryaji moved close to the gates of the fort, namely Kalyān Darwāja, with another 300Mavalas. The gates were soon opened and once inside, all his soldiers joined Tanaji in the surprise attack. Tanaji andUday Bhan came face to face and a fierce fight ensued. Uday Bhan broke Tanaji's shield with a single blow, Tanajiwas not deterred and continued to fight by wrapping his turban around his left hand for protection, to cover up hiswounds and stanch the bleeding. Tanaji being grievously wounded, staggerred back and fell. Seeing their leadermortally wounded and dying before them, the Maratha soldiers started to back-up and retreat, Suryaji and ShelarMama 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 lorehas 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 ordie." Marathas now out of any other options, charged the Mughal defenders fiercely and succeeded in capturing thefort.[8]

When Shivaji reached the fort after the victory, he was deeply bereaved at the loss of his good friend Tanaji. Hesadly commented "Gadh ala puhn sinha gela" (The fort was won but the lion was lost). Thereafter Kondana Fort wasrenamed Sinhagad (Lion Fort) to honour Tanaji Malusare's sacrifice and bravery.[8]

Battle of NesariIn 1674, Prataprao Gujar, the then Commander-in chief of the Maratha forces, was sent to push back the invadingforce led by the Adil Shahi general, Bahlol Khan. Shivaji had directed Prataprao to finish off Bahlol Khan, who hadproved 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 byencircling a strategically located lake, which prompted Bahlol khan to sue for peace. In spite of Shivaji's specificwarnings against doing so Prataprao released Bahlol Khan. Days after his release Bahlol Khan started preparing for afresh invasion.[14]

Shivaji 11

When Shivaji heard of Prataprao's decision he was greatly displeased and sent a letter to Prataprao refusing himaudience until Bahlol Khan was re-captured. Prataprao realised the full extend of his strategic error and was so upsetabout it, that he now desperately wanted to redeem himself. In the ensuing days, he learnt of Bahlol Khan havingcamped 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 matchPrataprao reasoned that there was no point in leading his 1,200 cavalrymen into a suicide charge. So in a fit ofdesperation and anguish and in an over-reaction to Shivaji's letter, he left by himself, without asking his cavalry toaccompany him. It was his personal honor at stake, not his army's. On seeing their leader head to certain death sixother Maratha sardars joined him in the charge, they attacked the enemy camp and were cut down before they couldreach Bahlol Khan.Anandrao Mohite, though, stayed back. The seven Maratha officers were Prataprao Gujar, Visaji Ballal, DipojiRautrao, Vithal Pilaji Atre, Krishnaji Bhaskar, Siddi Hilal and Vithoji. It was an impulsive and seeemingly irrationaldecision, and the loss of Prataprao Gujar was a big loss to the Marathas. Anandrao Mohite managed to withdraw thearmy to safer areas.[15]

This event was retold in the Marathi poem "Saat" (Seven). The poem was written by a well known poet, Kusumagrajand 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. Hearranged for the marriage of his second son, Rajaram, to the daughter of Prataprao Gujar, who was later to be theQueen of the Maratha Empire, Maharani Tarabai. Anandrao Mohite became Hambirrao Mohite, the newSarnaubat(Commander-in-chief of the Maratha forces).

Coronation and Southern Expedition

Chhattrapati Shivaji, founder of the MarathaConfederacy

Shivaji was formally crowned Chhatrapati (Chief, or King of theKshatriyas), on 6 June 1674 at Raigad fort, and given the titleKshatriya Kulavantas Sinhasanadheeshwar Chhatrapati ShivajiMahārāj. Pandit Gaga Bhatt, a renowned Brahmin from Varanasi,officially presided over the ceremony declaring that Shivaji's lineagewas a bonafide and recognized Kshatriya.[8] [16] [17] [18] He wasbestowed with the Jaanva, (in Hindi- Janeu, the sacred thread), with theVedas and was bathed in an abhisheka. Shivaji had insisted on anIndrabhishek ritual, which had fallen into disuse since the 9th century.Shivaji then had the title of "shakakarta" conferred upon him.

His mother Jijabai died on 18 June 1674 within a few days of thecoronation. This was considered a bad omen. Therefore a second coronation was carried out in September 1674, thistime 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. Karwarwas occupied by mid 1675 and Kolhapur in July 1675. There were naval skirmishes with the Siddis of Janjira inNovember 1675. In early 1676, Peshwa Pingale engaged Raja of Ramnagar in battle en route to Surat. Shivaji raidedAthni in March 1676. By the end of 1676, Shivaji besieged Belgaum and Vayem Rayim in current day northernMysore.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 Golcondasultanate 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 reconcilewith his stepbrother Vyankoji (his father Shahaji's son from his second wife, who came from the Mohite family) whoruled Thanjavur after Shahaji. They had talks, Venkoji (Ekoji I) showed signs of uniting with Shivaji but then noconcrete result was obtained.[8] On return to Raigad, Shivaji seized most of Ekoji’s possessions in the Mysoreplateau. Ekoji's wife brought reconciliation between the two brothers so they were not enemies and maintained thestatus quo of co-existing independently.

Rule

Statue at Raigad commemoratingShivaji's coronation

Shivaji Maharaj was an able administrator who established a government thatincluded modern concepts such as cabinet (Ashtapradhan mandal), foreignaffairs (Dabir) and internal intelligence.[20] Shivaji established an effectivecivil and military administration. He also built a powerful navy and erectednew forts like Sindhudurg and strengthened old ones like Vijaydurg on thewest coast.[8] The Maratha navy held its own against the British, Portugueseand Dutch.[21]

Shivaji is well known for his benevolent attitude towards his subjects. Hebelieved that there was a close bond between the state and the citizens. Heencouraged all accomplished and competent individuals to participate in theongoing political/military struggle. He is remembered as a just andwelfare-minded king. He brought revolutionary changes in militaryorganisation, fort architecture, society and politics.[8]

Shivaji's approach to leadership was that of a champion for his people, hesought independence and self rule for his Vatan (Homeland). The Maratha'srespected and looked up to his high ideals and noble character and were unwavering in their dedication to achievingthese goals. Their loyalty and determination helped Shivaji to withstand, to cope and to finally overcome succeedingwaves of, well co-ordinated and unrelenting enemy attacks and invasions spanning several decades. An example ofthis is how readily his men like Baji Prabhu Despande and others volunteered to face even the likelihood of certaindeath at Ghod Khind to help Shivaji continue the fight of independence - eliciting such heroism from followerscannot be mandated, it can only be inspired by, purity of character, noble and awe inspiring leadership and a trulyshared 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 ofstrategic battle plans and formations, whereby he succeeded in out-manoeuvering, time and again, his vastly biggerand highly determined enemies. Towards the end of his reign he had built up the Maratha forces to be over onehundred thousand strong. He was able to effectively keep the Mughal forces in check and on the defensive whileexpanding his kingdom southwards to Jinji, Tamil Nadu.[8] Shivaji Maharaj's kingdom served as a Hindu bulwarkagainst Mughal powers within India. His brilliant strategic and tactical maneuvering on battlefields, acutemanagement and administrative skills helped him to lay the foundations of the future Maratha empire in India.

Shivaji 13

CharacterDuring his long military career and various campaigns his strong religious and warrior code of ethics, exemplarycharacter 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 alldenominations and religions.He boldly risked his life, his treasure, his personal well being and that of his family, to openly challenge hisimmensely larger enemies to defend and achieve freedom and independence for his country. He unflinchingly defiedoverwhelming odds stacked against him by the mighty Mughal Empire and the regional sultanates. He overcame andsucceeded 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 byhis 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 ofKalyan, Maharashtra) as a trophy by one of his captains. Shivaji was reported to have told this lady that if his motherwas as strikingly beautiful as she was, perhaps he would have been handsome as well. He wished her well andallowed her to return to her family unharmed and under his protection. In that instance, the true nobility of hischaracter was plainly revealed to all that were present there.

Military

Pratapgad

Shivaji's genius is most evident in his military organisation, whichlasted till the demise of the Maratha empire. He was one of thepioneers of commando actions, "Ganimi Kava" a term used forsuch a warfare, (though the term "commando" is modern).[22] HisMavala army's war cry was 'Har Har Mahadev' (Hail LordShiva).[8] Shivaji was responsible for many significant changes inmilitary organization. These include -

• A standing army belonging to the state called paga;• All war horses belonged to the state; responsibility for their

upkeep rested on the Sovereign.• Creation of part time soldiers from peasants who worked for

eight months in 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 roleduring the Battle of Pratapgad, and Vishwasrao Musekar provided important intelligence during the siege ofPanhala)

• 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 theattacks of Siddi’s fleet.[8] [23] [24] His strategy was to build a strong navy to protect and bolster his kingdom, he wasalso concerned about the growing dominance of foreign British India naval forces in Indian waters and activelysought to resist it. For this very reason he is also referred to as the “Father of Indian Navy”.[25]

Shivaji 14

Forts of ShivajiShivaji constructed a chain of 300 or more forts running over a thousand kilometres across the rugged WesternGhats. Each were placed under three officers of equal status lest a single traitor be bribed/tempted to deliver it to theenemy. The officers (Sabnis, Havladar, Sarnobhat) acted jointly and provided mutual checks balance. Shivaji hadcontrol of 360 forts when he died.

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

Promotion of SanskritThe house of Shivaji Maharaj was one of the Indian royal families who were well acquainted with Sanskrit andpromoted it. The root can be traced from Shahaji who supported Jayram Pindye and many like him. ShivajiMaharaj's seal was prepared by him. Shivaji continued this trait and developed it further. He named his forts asSindhudurg, Prachandgarh, Suvarndurg etc. He named the Ashta Pradhan (council of ministers) as per Sanskritnomenclature viz. Nyayadhish, Senapati etc. He got Rajya Vyavahar Kosh (a political treatise) prepared. HisRajpurohit Keshav Pandit was himself a Sanskrit scholar and poet.[26] After his death, Sambhaji, who was himself aSanskrit scholar (his verse - Budhbhushanam), continued it. Serfoji II from the Thanjavur branch of the Bhosalecontinued 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 writesabout his father as:1. Yavanarambha gritat mlechakshaydiksha: - Shivaji had taken a sacred oath and was on mission to defeat foreign

invaders2. Dillindraman pradhvanspatu: One who has defeated the Mughal Emperor of Delhi3. Vijayapuradhishwar prathtarmanya bhujchachayay: One whose help was sought by Adilshahi King of Vijaypur

ReligionShivaji was a devout Hindu and he respected all religions within the region. Shivaji Maharaj had great respect forWarkari saints like Tukaram and Sufi Muslim pir Shaikh Yacub Baba Avaliya of Konkan.[27] He also visited MouniMaharaj 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 hisresidence to a fort named Parali & establish his permanent monastery there. The fort was subsequently renamedSajjangad. 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 didafter 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 wellas 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 infolklore 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

Political Map of South Asia around 1758 AD

It is said that he died due to contracting intestinalanthrax. The funeral ceremony was arranged inRaigad in presence of his son Rajaram, and wifeSoyarabai. After Shivaji Maharaj's death, his elderson Sambhaji and Soyarabai, fought for control ofthe kingdom. After a brief struggle Sambhaji wascrowned king.[27]

A few months after Shivaji Maharaj's death,Aurangzeb's son, Prince Akbar, rebelled againsthis father and was sheltered by Sambhaji.[27] [32]

Thereafter, in 1681, Aurangzeb, his army,entourage and the royal court moved in mass tothe Deccan to wage an all out war for thecomplete destruction of Maratha power. Hemarshalled the immense amount of resourcesavailable to the Mughal empire and focused ittoward the annihilation of the Maratha nation.And this marked the beginning of the 27 year warin which Aurangzeb failed to achieve a completevictory against the Marathas. However he wasable to capture, torture and kill Sambhaji.[27] Thisput the Maratha kingdom in a disarray and underthe overpowering Mughal assault the endangered Maratha capital was forced to be moved and evacuated fromRaigad 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 hugebut 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 severalserious body blows by able Maratha generals like Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav. They effectively employedlightning 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 Mughalwithdrawal came two years later. He had spent most of his empire's treasury, other remaining resources andmanpower 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 werethemselves finally overtaken and dominated by their formerly implaccable enemy - the indominatable Marathanation.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 200,000Marathas died during this decades long epic struggle for dominance of the Indian sub-continent. It would bepertinent to also quote another noted historian, Bamber Gascoigne, who wrote thus about the significance of theadvent 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 centuryprism, Aurangzeb on the one side and Shivaji on the other come to be seen as key figures in the development of India. What Shivaji beganGandhi could complete …… and what Aurangzeb stood for would lead to the establishment of the separate state of Pakistan." (The GreatMoghuls, London: Constable) ”

LegacyBecause of his struggle against an imperial power, Shivaji became an icon of freedom fighters in the Indianindependence struggle that followed two centuries later. He is remembered as a just and wise king and his rule iscalled 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 wereinstrumental 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 WorldHeritage site of Victoria Terminus and Sahar International Airport in Mumbai were renamed Chatrapati ShivajiTerminus and Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport respectively in Shivaji Maharaj's honour, as have many publicbuildings 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 ofMaharashtra as the deliverer of the Hindus from the hands of the Mlecchas, and as one who succeeded in the reestablishment of Dharmawhich 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 oursociety and our Dharma when they were faced with the threat of total destruction. He was a peerless hero, a piousand God-fearing king and verily a manifestation of all the virtues of a born leader of men described in our ancientscriptures. He also embodied the deathless spirit of our land and stood as the light of hope for our future."

Depiction in popular cultureShivaji is a source of inspiration for a number of artists, directors, actors, writers, shahirs (ballad composers), poetsand 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 thechronological historic events with supportive reference from various literature chronicles(Bakhars)available invarious languages i.e. English, Marathi, Urdu Hindi, Persian manuscripts etc. All the factual aspects related toShivaji 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, relationwith Jaising, visit to Agra, war with the Mughals, Coronation, Campaign of Jinjir and the last two years beforedeath 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 ofRaja Shivaji is played by Dr. Amol Kolhe

AssociatesSome 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, ChimanajiDeshpande, Dhanaji Jadhav, Firangoji Narsala, Gomaji Naik, Hambirrao Mohite, Kanhoji Jedhe, MurarbajiDeshpande, 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 missionand ensured the defeat of the Mughals in the War of 27 years. These include Santaji Ghorpade, Dhanaji Jadhav, andKanhoji Angre.

Shivaji 18

Accounts of contemporary foreign travellersMany 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 andsurprising important places. To this quickness of movement he added, like Julius Caesar, a clemency and bounty that won him the hearts ofthose 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, theCapuchin missionary. 'The Frankish Padres are good men', he said 'and shall not be attacked.' He spared also the house of a deceased Delale orGentile 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 lookedupon him without a feeling of love and confidence. By his people he was exceedingly loved. Both in matters of reward and punishment he wasso impartial that while he lived he made no exception for any person; no merit was left unrewarded, no offence went unpunished; and this hedid with so much care and attention that he specially charged his governors to inform him in writing of the conduct of his soldiers, mentioningin particular those who had distinguished themselves, and he would at once order their promotion, either in rank or in pay, according to theirmerit. 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 ShepherdCaste 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 Marathacaste 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. . Retrieved2010-09-27.

[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 ContributorsShivaji  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=402477139  Contributors: 02saladi, 24 chatterjee, AMbroodEY, Abecedare, Abhi301294, Abhinav Parulekar, Ackulkarni,Adam.J.W.C., AdityaRachakonda, Adityakesarkar, Ak15, Akaihyo, Akarkera, Allison Tragedy, Allstarecho, Alok kumar, Alren, Altruism, Altzinn, Amitkkarpe, AnEditor007, Anandbharti,Anantkokane, Andonic, Anikulkarni, Anish7, Anna Lincoln, Anonymous anonymous, Anthony Appleyard, Argyll Lassie, Arjun024, Arvind Iyengar, Aryaman95, Asdafgysd, AshLin, AshayArekar, Ashishvirkar, Ashwin1989, Asksudu, Asro 21, Atmamatma, AtulSabnis, Avinash21st, AzaToth, Bakasuprman, Bantu c, BecauseWhy?, Belasd, Belovedfreak, Betterthanbond, Bhadani,Bhagtacha nagya, Bharath12345, Bharatveer, Biederman, Birdsmight, Bks233, Bobblewik, Bobo192, Bongwarrior, Branstu, BrokenSegue, Bryan Derksen, Bsm3477, Byomkesh Bakshi, CJLLWright, CarolGray, Catmoongirl, Celticskid55, Ch'rihaan, Chancemill, Chris the speller, Cjrother, Closedmouth, Cmahale, Cmdrjameson, Cmichael, Contactnida, Cooliomccool, Cosmic.joke,Curryfranke, Czeror, Danny Yee, Darrendeng, Dbenbenn, Dbkasar, Dbkasar1, DeadEyeArrow, Debresser, Deconstructhis, Deepak, Deepak D'Souza, Deeptrivia, Descendall, Devil12345, Deville,Dewan357, Doniago, Donrub, Drmies, Dunshi, Eklavyaa, ElvenHighKing, Energyworm, Enviroboy, EoGuy, EofE, Eric Shalov, Etherialemperor, Everyking, Evil saltine, Fang 23, Fconaway,Firebat08, Fleiger, Frankie816, Freedom skies, GDibyendu, Gaius Cornelius, Gararan, Gaurav, Gdo01, Genawam, Geniac, Gentledude, George Burgess, Ghirlandajo, Gilliam, Gimmetrow,Gnanapiti, GraemeL, Greatrocky, Greelight, Gurkhaboy, Gurubrahma, Hamad, Hammad1, Hanuman Das, Harshadahire, Hemanshu, Hkelkar, Holy Warrior Tej, Hrisforu, Hsarpotdar1, Husond,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, MacDavis, Magioladitis, Maha Mantri, Mahawiki, Mahesh Babu, Makarandms, Malcolm Farmer, Mamta dhody, Mandar.mulherkar, Mandarax, Manmk, Manny77, Mard-maratha, Martarius, Mav,Maverick Leonhart, MaximvsDecimvs, Mayuresh Deshpande, Mboverload, Meewarrior, Mephistophelian, Merfles, Merlion444, Milind.dumbare, Mimihitam, Mirlen, Mkamat, Mkrestin,MlleDiderot, Modulatum, Moocha, Mr Tan, Mr pand, Mrdrift, Mrh30, Mrkelkar, Mskadu, Muhandes, Mukul2u, MukundP, Musaabdulrashid, Nachiket, Natarajanganesan, New Rock Star, Nexxt1, Nick Number, Nikkul, Nileshkale, Nilnone, Nirojansakthivel, Nirvana888, Nishkid64, Nkv, Nobleeagle, Noor Aalam, Npindia, Nv8200p, Oatmeal batman, Orlady, Orson mike, Otisjimmy1,Pallab1234, Palwan, Pankajkhamkar, Patel.arundhati, Patilkedar, Paul August, Pburka, PhilKnight, Pizzadeliveryboy, Pkhagah, Pkulkarni, Prakashkadam, Prasad47, PrasadhBaapaat,Prashanttapre, QuartierLatin1968, Queenprapti, Rahulvb, Rahulx1, Rajendra1971, Rajeshwarc, Rakka The Great, Rama's Arrow, Randhirreddy, RandomP, Rangyamax, Rao Ravindra, Raskanazi,Ravichandar84, RayAYang, Recognizance, Red Director, RedWolf, Redtigerxyz, Relata refero, Rhasabnis, Risker, Rjwilmsi, Robina Fox, Rockydgreat, RogDel, Rohitthakral, Rsrikanth05,Rugved1989, Rukmanandbankar, Rushikeshshinde, SSBATC, ST47, Sabalkavade, Sagardudhe, Sahyadri, Saiswa, Salilb, Sam Hocevar, Sameerghag, Sampatsamshodhak, Sampi, Sanfuhrer,Sanjaybaburao, Sankalpdravid, Sanket ar, Sanketkingkong, Santhemant, Sarangrb, Sarayuparin, Sarkar2, Satkartateacher, Savaneah, Sawai Raja, Sawantve, Shahu423, Shallowthinker, Shanes,Shank40, Sharnak, Shivashree, Shoessss, Shrinivasvaze, Shyamsunder, Siddhant, Signalhead, Sindhian, Sintaku, Skokatay, Skud, Slashgod, Smitgade1, SoSaysChappy, Soetermans, Sonali rmr,Soumitra911, Southernstar, SpikedZebra, Spundun, Ss59861, Stateofart, Static Universe, Steven Zhang, Sujitjadhav, Sukh, Sunil54, Surachit, Surazeus, Susan118, Sushant Bhadkamkar, SwamiRamTirtha, Swaq, Swaraj001, SwirlBoy39, Szhaider, Tabletop, Taketa, Tejas gokhale01, The Patroller, The Thing That Should Not Be, The Wednesday Island, TheHyksos, TheShepherds,Thebigdig, Thiseye, Tim1357, TimBentley, Tinalube, Tintin1107, Tom Radulovich, Tommy2010, Trainra, Trakesht, Traxs7, Tuncrypt, UnknownForEver, Unsigned1, Utcursch, V j, Versus22,Veyonica, Vijaydurg, Vikasapte, Vishal1976, Vivek12345, Vivo78, Viz, Vkvora2001, WereSpielChequers, WhisperToMe, Wifione, WikHead, Wiki dr mahmad, WikiLeon, Wizzard OfOsmania, Wokvaibhav, Woohookitty, Wtmitchell, Xezbeth, Xsaurabhx, YH1975, Yashthe8thwonder, YellowMonkey, Yodadude, Yoga sawant, Yogesh Khandke, Yun-Yuuzhan (lost password),Yuvasachin, Zaham007 cpa, Zakksez, Zenguru, Александър, 2417 anonymous edits

Image Sources, Licenses and ContributorsImage: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 editsImage:Shivaji jijamata.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Shivaji_jijamata.JPG  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Bharath12345Image:RaigadFort5.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:RaigadFort5.jpg  License: GNU Free Documentation License  Contributors: Original uploader wasSwapnaannjames 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: MskaduImage:Shivaji-Dhurandhar.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Shivaji-Dhurandhar.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: RedtigerxyzImage:Shivaji Statue.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Shivaji_Statue.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0  Contributors: Aditya BhelkeImage:Tanaji.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Tanaji.JPG  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Bharath12345, 1 anonymous editsFile:Shivaji_and_the_Marathas.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Shivaji_and_the_Marathas.JPG  License: Public Domain  Contributors: AltruismImage:Raigad Shivaji Side.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Raigad_Shivaji_Side.JPG  License: Public Domain  Contributors: SngImage:Pratapgarh.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Pratapgarh.JPG  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Bharath12345, Satori Son, 2 anonymous editsImage: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 aten.wikipedia

LicenseCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unportedhttp:/ / creativecommons. org/ licenses/ by-sa/ 3. 0/