Shivaji is remembered as the greatest Maratha ruler. Chhatrapati Shivaji was not only a great warrior, but also an able administrator. He set up the Maratha empire after successfully annexing Maratha territories and forts captured by the Mughal rulers. Shivaji lived from 1627 - 1680, and his valor is still revered all over India.
The birth of a hero - Shivaji Early life
Shivaji was born in 1627 on 10th April in Shivner. Born to Shahji his father, and Jijabai his mother, he was named after Lord Shiva. He was brave from his childhood, and dreamt of having his own empire when he was an adolescent of about 16 years. When he was just 20 years of age he attacked and captured the Torna fort in Bijapur kingdom.
A valiant conquerer - Warrior Shivaji
Shivaji led the Maratha army to many memorable victories. He annexed the forts of Rajgad and Kondana from the Mughals in areas around Pune. He also captured forts and territories on the Konkan coast, west of the Western Ghats. Adil Shah of Bijapur, in an effort to stop the advances of Shivaji arrested Shahji,
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Shivaji's father by deceit. Shivaji and his elder brother Sambhaji marched against Adil Shah's army, defeated him and released their father Shahji.
The kingdom of Chhatrpati Shivaji Maharaj, 'Hindavi Swaraj', extended from Attock (in present day Pakistan) in the north west, to Cuttack in Orissa in the east, and from the Vindhya Range in the north to Hyderabad in the south.
Undisputed administrator - Shivaji as Ruler
Shivaji, in addition to being a master warrior, was also an able administrator. For effective administration he formed the 'Asthapradhan Mandal'. For looking after external affairs he formed the 'Dabir'. King Shivaji was very tolerant towards his subjects and instructed his ministers to treat his subjects in a kind manner. Chhatrapati Shivaji was inspired by his mentor Dadaji Konddev, and mother Jijabai. He was motivated by the teachings of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar, both Bahkti saints.
This great Maratha warrior and king breathed his last in 1680 after an illness of three weeks.
Shivaji is a national hero, and an important historic character in Indian history.
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