Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

The Boy Who Dreamed of Swaraj

Born in the hill fort of Shivneri in 1630, Shivaji was raised by his mother Jijabai and his father Shahaji, a Maratha general serving under the Bijapur Sultanate. From childhood, he was fed stories of Hindu epics and the valour of his ancestors. At age 15, he took control of the Torna Fort, his first conquest, setting the stage for a lifelong mission: Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule of the Hindu people).

The Guerrilla Master

Shivaji’s military innovation was ganimi kava (guerrilla tactics): lightning raids, use of rugged terrain, and a mobile cavalry that struck before the enemy could react. He built a network of over 300 forts, each a strategic node. His naval force, the first Indian navy to challenge European powers, protected the Konkan coast.

Turning Points

• 1659: Assassination of Afzal Khan – In a dramatic face-off, Shivaji killed the Bijapur general with hidden tiger claws (wagh nakh), turning the tide against a superior force.
• 1664: Sack of Surat – Raided the Mughal port city, sending a message to Aurangzeb that no corner of the empire was safe.
• 1666: Escape from Agra – Held under house arrest by Aurangzeb, Shivaji escaped in a fruit basket, a legendary feat of cunning.
• 1674: Coronation at Raigad – Formally crowned as Chhatrapati, establishing a sovereign Maratha state with a council of eight ministers (Ashta Pradhan).

The Administrator

Shivaji was not just a warrior. He introduced:

• Revenue reforms: Direct collection from peasants, abolishing intermediaries.
• Naval expansion: Built warships and dockyards at Kalyan, Bhiwandi, and Vijaydurg.
• Religious tolerance: Protected mosques and granted land to Muslim saints.
• Women’s safety: Strict laws against harassment of women in his kingdom.

The Final Years

After a brief illness, Shivaji died in 1680 at Raigad, possibly due to dysentery or poisoning. His death left a succession crisis, but his legacy endured: the Maratha Empire would expand to become the dominant power in 18th-century India.

Why He Matters

Shivaji is not just a historical figure; he is a symbol of resistance, self-rule, and inclusive governance. His life is a masterclass in turning adversity into opportunity, and his administrative blueprint influenced later Indian leaders.