Chhatrapati Shivaji, the great Maratha king

Shivaji Maharaj was born with a great aim and that is to establish “Hindavi Swarajya” which means freedom for every Indian from invaders.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630, in Shivneri fort in Pune, to Jijabai Bhonsale and Shahaji Bhonsale. Shivaji Maharaj was born with a great aim and that is to establish “Hindavi Swarajya” which means freedom for every Indian from invaders. The seeds of Swarajya were sown by his father in him, while his mother was his idol and teacher. He was king for the people. He was a quick learner and very determined. At the young age of 15, he conquered his first fort which is Torna.

Shivaji was a master in guerrilla warfare techniques and knew how important forts are. He became a nightmare to the Mughals and Nizams. His loyal ministers were Baji Prabhu Deshapande, Yesaji Kank, Tanhaji Malusare, Netaji Palkar and Gomaji Naik, who taught him many things and helped him win many forts. He is known to commit very few mistakes in his life and one of them is the “treaty of Purandar”, signed between Shivaji Raje and Mirza Raje where he lost 23 forts, but later conquered almost 200 forts. He killed Afzal Khan with tiger claws and is remembered for his bravery.

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He was married to Saibai, Soyarabai and Putlabai. He died in 1680 due to stress and bad health. The next heir to his throne was his elder son Sambhaji Maharaj, who was just like his father but more dangerous and conquered many more places. Sambhaji Raje was captured by Aurangazeb and tortured for 40 days and was killed.

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