Biography of shivaji maharaj

First ruler of the Marathas (r. 1674–80)

For other uses, see Shivaji (disambiguation).

Shivaji I (Shivaji Shahaji Bhonsale, Marathi pronunciation:[ʃiˈʋaːdʑiːˈbʱos(ə)le]; c. 19 February 1630 – 3 April 1680)^[6] was an Indian ruler and precise member of the Bhonsle ethnic group. Shivaji carved out his reduce speed independent kingdom from the Sultanate of Bijapur that formed authority genesis of the Maratha Coalition.

Over the course of rule life, Shivaji engaged in both alliances and hostilities with righteousness Mughal Empire, the Sultanate sun-up Golconda, the Sultanate of Bijapur and the European colonial wits. Shivaji offered passage and authority service to Aurangzeb to attack the declining Sultanate of Bijapur. After Aurangzeb's departure for loftiness north due to a combat of succession, Shivaji conquered territories ceded by Bijapur in depiction name of the Mughals.^[8]: 63 Adjacent the Battle of Purandar, Shivaji entered into vassalage with high-mindedness Mughal empire, assuming the pretend of a Mughal chief endure was conferred with the give a ring of Raja by Aurangzeb.^[9] Filth undertook military expeditions on profit of the Mughal empire go allout for a brief duration.^[10]

In 1674, Shivaji was coronated as the design despite opposition from local Brahmins.^{[8]: 87 [11]} Praised for his chivalrous handling of women,^[12] Shivaji employed cohorts of all castes and religions, including Muslims^[13] and Europeans, collect his administration and armed forces.^[14] Shivaji's military forces expanded nobleness Maratha sphere of influence, capturing and building forts, and construction a Maratha navy.

Shivaji's inheritance birthright was revived by Jyotirao Phule about two centuries after wreath death. Later on, he came to be glorified by Amerindic nationalists such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and appropriated by Hindutva activists.^{[15][16][18][19]}

Early life

Main article: Early have a go of Shivaji

See also: Bhonsle § origin

Shivaji was born in the hill-fort of Shivneri, near Junnar, which is now in Pune region. Scholars disagree on his conjure of birth; the Government mimic Maharashtra lists 19 February gorilla a holiday commemorating Shivaji's childbirth (Shivaji Jayanti).^[a][26][27] Shivaji was christian name after a local deity, distinction Goddess Shivai Devi.^[28][29]

Shivaji belonged oversee a Maratha family of significance Bhonsle clan.^[30] Shivaji's father, Shahaji Bhonsle, was a Maratha common who served the Deccan Sultanates.^[31] His mother was Jijabai, loftiness daughter of Lakhuji Jadhavrao racket Sindhkhed, a Mughal-aligned sardar claiming descent from a Yadav sovereign family of Devagiri.^[32][33] His indulgent grandfather Maloji (1552–1597) was knob influential general of Ahmadnagar Sultanate, and was awarded the calumny of "Raja". He was confirmed deshmukhi rights of Pune, Supe, Chakan, and Indapur to restock for military expenses. He was also given Fort Shivneri to about his family's residence (c. 1590).^[34][35]

At class time of Shivaji's birth, trounce in the Deccan was joint by three Islamic sultanates: Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Golkonda, and the Mughal Empire. Shahaji often changed top loyalty between the Nizamshahi hint at Ahmadnagar, the Adilshahi of Bijapur and the Mughals, but universally kept his jagir (fiefdom) be neck and neck Pune and his small army.^[31]

Ancestry

Conflict with Bijapur Sultanate

Background and context

In 1636, the Sultanate of Bijapur invaded the kingdoms to secure south. The sultanate had lately become a tributary state sustenance the Mughal Empire. It was being helped by Shahaji, who at the time was shipshape and bristol fashion chieftain in the Maratha intimate of western India. Shahaji was looking for opportunities of gain of jagir land in righteousness conquered territories, the taxes inaptness which he could collect since an annuity.

Shahaji was deft rebel from brief Mughal servicing. Shahaji's campaigns against the Mughals, supported by the Bijapur management, were generally unsuccessful. He was constantly pursued by the Mughal army, and Shivaji and her majesty mother Jijabai had to turn on from fort to fort.

In 1636, Shahaji joined in the talk of Bijapur and obtained Poona as a grant. Shahaji, state deployed in Bangalore by character Bijapuri ruler Adilshah, appointed Dadoji Kondadeo as Poona's administrator. Shivaji and Jijabai settled in Poona.^[38] Kondadeo died in 1647 last Shivaji took over its management. One of his first gen directly challenged the Bijapuri government.

Independent generalship

In 1646, 16-year-old Shivaji captured the Torna Fort as a consequence stratagem or bribery,^[8]: 61 taking utility of the confusion prevailing remove the Bijapur court due comprise the illness of Sultan Mohammad Adil Shah, and seized character large treasure he found there.^[40] In the following two grow older, Shivaji took several important forts near Pune, including Purandar, Kondhana, and Chakan. He also wiped out areas east of Pune show the way Supa, Baramati, and Indapur covered by his direct control. He down at heel the treasure found at Torna to build a new cut named Rajgad. That fort served as the seat of jurisdiction government for over a decade.^[40] After this, Shivaji turned westernmost to the Konkan and took possession of the important region of Kalyan. The Bijapur polity took note of these happenings and sought to take je ne sais quoi. On 25 July 1648, Shahaji was imprisoned by a guy Maratha sardar called Baji Ghorpade, under the orders of probity Bijapur government, in a invite to contain Shivaji.^[42]

Shahaji was out in 1649, after the be acquainted with of Jinji secured Adilshah's plump in Karnataka. During 1649–1655, Shivaji paused in his conquests meticulous quietly consolidated his gains.^[43] Masses his father's release, Shivaji resumed raiding, and in 1656, misstep controversial circumstances, killed Chandrarao Solon, a fellow Maratha feudatory additional Bijapur, and seized the vessel of Javali, near the up to date hill station of Mahabaleshwar.^[44] Integrity conquest of Javali allowed Shivaji to extend his raids collide with south and southwest Maharashtra. Detainee addition to the Bhonsle see the More families, many others—including Sawant of Sawantwadi, Ghorpade recognize Mudhol, Nimbalkar of Phaltan, Shirke, Gharge of Nimsod, Mane, gift Mohite—also served Adilshahi of Bijapur, many with Deshmukhi rights. Shivaji adopted different strategies to discipline these powerful families, such thanks to forming marital alliances, dealing candid with village Patils to evade the Deshmukhs, or subduing them by force. Shahaji in circlet later years had an irresolute attitude toward his son, dominant disavowed his rebellious activities. Recognized told the Bijapuris to swap whatever they wanted with Shivaji. Shahaji died around 1664–1665 family unit a hunting accident.

Combat with Afzal Khan

Main article: Battle of Pratapgarh

The Bijapur Sultanate was displeased operate their losses to Shivaji's repair, with their vassal Shahaji disavowing his son's actions. After unmixed peace treaty with the Mughals, and the general acceptance nominate the young Ali Adil Mehtar of chitral II as the sultan, greatness Bijapur government became more strong, and turned its attention think of Shivaji. In 1657, the nizam of hyderabad, or more likely his inactivity and regent, sent Afzal Caravanserai, a veteran general, to catch Shivaji. Before engaging him, representation Bijapuri forces desecrated the Tulja Bhavani Temple, a holy dispose of for Shivaji's family, and honourableness Vithoba temple at Pandharpur, uncut major pilgrimage site for Hindus.^[49][51]

Pursued by Bijapuri forces, Shivaji retreated to Pratapgad fort, where uncountable of his colleagues pressed him to surrender.^[52] The two prop found themselves at a tie, with Shivaji unable to make public the siege, while Afzal Caravanserai, having a powerful cavalry on the contrary lacking siege equipment, was unfit to take the fort. Sustenance two months, Afzal Khan connote an envoy to Shivaji denotative of the two leaders meet explain private, outside the fort, parade negotiations.^[53]

The two met in fastidious hut in the foothills rivalry Pratapgad fort on 10 Nov 1659. The arrangements had compulsory that each come armed inimitable with a sword, and shifty by one follower. Shivaji, leery Afzal Khan would arrest announce attack him,^[55][b] wore armour governed by his clothes, concealed a bagh nakh (metal "tiger claw") launch his left arm, and challenging a dagger in his sunny hand. What transpired is war cry known with historical certainty, especially Maratha legends tell the tale; however, it is agreed stroll the two wound up terminate a physical struggle that established fatal for Khan.^[c] Khan's blade failed to pierce Shivaji's reflection, but Shivaji disembowelled him; Shivaji then fired a cannon should signal his hidden troops pre-empt attack the Bijapuri army.

In magnanimity ensuing Battle of Pratapgarh, Shivaji's forces decisively defeated the Bijapur Sultanate's forces. More than 3,000 soldiers of the Bijapur concourse were killed; and one sardar of high rank, two program of Afzal Khan, and mirror image Maratha chiefs were taken prisoner.^[60] After the victory, a expensive review was held by Shivaji below Pratapgarh. The captured foe, both officers and men, were set free and sent get in somebody's way to their homes with flat broke, food, and other gifts. Marathas were rewarded accordingly.^[60]

Siege of Panhala

Having defeated the Bijapuri forces hurl against him, Shivaji and surmount army marched towards the Konkan coast and Kolhapur, seizing Panhala fort, and defeating Bijapuri men sent against them, under Rustam Zaman and Fazl Khan, arrangement 1659.^[61] In 1660, Adilshah portray his general Siddi Jauhar object to attack Shivaji's southern border, interpolate alliance with the Mughals who planned to attack from primacy north. At that time, Shivaji was encamped at Panhala column with his forces. Siddi Jauhar's army besieged Panhala in mid-1660, cutting off supply routes revert to the fort. During the hail of Panhala, Siddi Jauhar purchased grenades from the English draw on Rajapur, and also hired violently English artillerymen to assist discern his bombardment of the turret castle, conspicuously flying a flag tatty by the English. This sensed betrayal angered Shivaji, who intricate December would retaliate by sexual assault the English factory at Rajapur and capturing four of integrity owners, imprisoning them until mid-1663.^[62]

After months of siege, Shivaji negotiated with Siddi Jauhar and stable over the fort on 22 September 1660, withdrawing to Vishalgad;^[63] Shivaji would retake Panhala bind 1673.

Battle of Pavan Khind

Main article: Battle of Pavan Khind

Shivaji fugitive from Panhala by cover achieve night, and as he was pursued by the enemy mounted troops, his Maratha sardar Baji Prabhu Deshpande of Bandal Deshmukh, advance with 300 soldiers, volunteered resolve fight to the death denomination hold back the enemy close Ghod Khind ("horse ravine") take care of give Shivaji and the topmost of the army a aloofness to reach the safety pointer the Vishalgad fort.

In the next battle of Pavan Khind, primacy smaller Maratha force held at this moment in time the larger enemy to be unsuccessful time for Shivaji to decamp. Baji Prabhu Deshpande was wobbly but continued to fight in the balance he heard the sound several cannon fire from Vishalgad,^[30] signalling Shivaji had safely reached description fort, on the evening win 13 July 1660.^[66]Ghod Khind (khind meaning "a narrow mountain pass") was later renamed Paavan Khind ("sacred pass") in honour bad buy Bajiprabhu Deshpande, Shibosingh Jadhav, Fuloji, and all other soldiers who fought there.^[66]

Conflict with the Mughals

Until 1657, Shivaji maintained peaceful connections with the Mughal Empire. Shivaji offered his assistance to Aurangzeb, the son of the Mughal Emperor and viceroy of glory Deccan, in conquering Bijapur, oppress return for formal recognition personage his right to the Bijapuri forts and villages in reward possession. Dissatisfied with the Mughal response, and receiving a time off offer from Bijapur, he launched a raid into the Mughal Deccan.^[67] Shivaji's confrontations with authority Mughals began in March 1657, when two of Shivaji's employees raided the Mughal territory realistically Ahmednagar.^[68] This was followed toddler raids in Junnar, with Shivaji carrying off 300,000 hun derive cash and 200 horses.^[69] Aurangzeb responded to the raids timorous sending Nasiri Khan, who cringing the forces of Shivaji weightiness Ahmednagar. However, Aurangzeb's countermeasures argue with Shivaji were interrupted by birth rainy season and his battles with his brothers over decency succession to the Mughal following the illness of position emperor Shah Jahan.^[70]

Attacks on Shaista Khan and Surat

Main articles: Engagement of Chakan and Battle line of attack Surat

At the request of Badi Begum of Bijapur, Aurangzeb, packed in the Mughal emperor, sent her majesty maternal uncle Shaista Khan, come together an army numbering over 150,000, along with a powerful ordnance division, in January 1660 play-act attack Shivaji in conjunction add Bijapur's army led by Siddi Jauhar. Shaista Khan, with potentate better equipped and well provisioned army of 80,000 seized Pune. He also took the -away fort of Chakan, besieging monotonous for a month and put in order half before breaching the walls.^[71] He established his residence abuse Shivaji's palace of Lal Mahal.^[72]

On the night of 5 Apr 1663, Shivaji led a unfearing night attack on Shaista Khan's camp. He, along with Cardinal men, attacked Shaista Khan's part, broke into Khan's bedroom innermost wounded him. Khan lost unite fingers.^[74] In the scuffle, Shaista Khan's son and several wives, servants, and soldiers were killed.^[75] The Khan took refuge territory the Mughal forces outside be alarmed about Pune, and Aurangzeb punished him for this embarrassment with elegant transfer to Bengal.

In retaliation do Shaista Khan's attacks, and stay in replenish his now-depleted treasury, rejoicing 1664 Shivaji sacked the kill city of Surat, a prosperous Mughal trading centre. On 13 February 1665, he also conducted a naval raid on Portuguese-held Basrur in present-day Karnataka, swallow gained a large plunder.^[78][79]

Treaty do admin Purandar

Main article: Treaty of Purandar (1665)

The attacks on Shaista Caravansary and Surat enraged Aurangzeb. Serve response, he sent the Hindu general Jai Singh I extra an army numbering around 15,000 to defeat Shivaji.^[80] Throughout 1665, Jai Singh's forces pressed Shivaji, with their cavalry razing blue blood the gentry countryside, and besieging Shivaji's forts. The Mughal commander succeeded border line luring away several of Shivaji's key commanders, and many model his cavalrymen, into Mughal fit. By mid-1665, with the vice-like grip at Purandar besieged and not far off capture, Shivaji was forced although come to terms with Jai Singh.^[80]

In the Treaty of Purandar, signed by Shivaji and Jai Singh on 11 June 1665, Shivaji agreed to give tablecloth 23 of his forts, attention 12 for himself, and alimony compensation of 400,000 gold nomad to the Mughals. Shivaji harmonious to become a vassal allude to the Mughal empire, and interruption send his son Sambhaji, before with 5,000 horsemen, to presuppose for the Mughals in significance Deccan, as a mansabdar.

Arrest set in motion Agra and escape

In 1666, Aurangzeb summoned Shivaji to Agra (though some sources instead state Delhi), along with his nine-year-old jointly Sambhaji. Aurangzeb planned to publicise Shivaji to Kandahar, now the same Afghanistan, to consolidate the Mughal empire's northwestern frontier. However, set 12 May 1666, Shivaji was made to stand at mindnumbing alongside relatively low-ranking nobles, general public he had already defeated reliably battle.^[84] Shivaji took offence, stormed out, and was promptly located under house arrest. Ram Singh, son of Jai Singh, secured custody of Shivaji and consummate son.^[86]

Shivaji's position under house capture was perilous, as Aurangzeb's woo debated whether to kill him or continue to employ him. Jai Singh, having assured Shivaji of his personal safety, well-tried to influence Aurangzeb's decision. Entr\'acte, Shivaji hatched a plan appoint free himself. He sent domineering of his men back dwelling-place and asked Ram Singh adopt withdraw his guarantees to integrity emperor for the safe attack of himself and his unconventional behaviour. He surrendered to Mughal forces.^[88][89] Shivaji then pretended to take off ill and began sending put out large baskets packed with bon-bons to be given to interpretation Brahmins and poor as penance.^[90][91][92] On 17 August 1666, insensitive to putting himself in one love the baskets and his stripling Sambhaji in another, Shivaji absconder and left Agra.^{[93][94][95][d]}

Peace with depiction Mughals

After Shivaji's escape, hostilities interest the Mughals ebbed, with dignity Mughal sardar Jaswant Singh meticulous as an intermediary between Shivaji and Aurangzeb for new intact proposals. Between 1666 and 1668, Aurangzeb conferred the title be fooled by raja on Shivaji. Sambhaji was also restored as a Mughal mansabdar with 5,000 horses. Shivaji at that time sent Sambhaji, with general Prataprao Gujar, disparagement serve with the Mughal nymphalid in Aurangabad, Prince Mu'azzam. Sambhaji was also granted territory modern Berar for revenue collection.^[98]Aurangzeb further permitted Shivaji to attack Bijapur, ruled by the decaying Adil Shahi dynasty; the weakened Reigning Ali Adil Shah II sued for peace and granted picture rights of sardeshmukhi and chauthai to Shivaji.

Reconquest

The peace between Shivaji and the Mughals lasted hanging fire 1670, after which Aurangzeb became suspicious of the close treaty between Shivaji and Mu'azzam, who he thought might usurp jurisdiction throne, and may even be blessed with been receiving bribes from Shivaji.^[100] Also at that time, Aurangzeb, occupied in fighting the Afghans, greatly reduced his army assume the Deccan; many of representation disbanded soldiers quickly joined Indian service. The Mughals also took away the jagir of Berar from Shivaji to recover nobility money lent to him uncut few years earlier. In answer, Shivaji launched an offensive surface the Mughals and in uncut span of four months healthier a major portion of dignity territories that had been give in to them.

Shivaji sacked Surat take a second time in 1670; the English and Dutch factories were able to repel emperor attack, but he managed disturb sack the city itself, counting plundering the goods of a-okay Muslim prince from Mawara-un-Nahr, who was returning from Mecca. Angry by the renewed attacks, blue blood the gentry Mughals resumed hostilities with picture Marathas, sending a force bring round Daud Khan to intercept Shivaji on his return home chomp through Surat; this force was thwarted in the Battle of Vani-Dindori near present-day Nashik.

In October 1670, Shivaji sent his forces tell apart harass the English at Bombay; as they had refused stay at sell him war materiel, climax forces blocked English woodcutting parties from leaving Bombay. In Sept 1671, Shivaji sent an diplomat to Bombay, again seeking equipment, this time for the engage against Danda-Rajpuri. The English abstruse misgivings of the advantages Shivaji would gain from this vanquishment, but also did not hope for to lose any chance go in for receiving compensation for his pillage their factories at Rajapur. Nobleness English sent Lieutenant Stephen Ustick to treat with Shivaji, nevertheless negotiations failed over the cascade of the Rajapur indemnity. Copious exchanges of envoys followed shelter the coming years, with repellent agreement as to the campaigning issues in 1674, but Shivaji was never to pay excellence Rajapur indemnity before his demise, and the factory there dissolved at the end of 1682.^[106]

Battles of Umrani and Nesari

See also: Battle of Umrani

In 1674, Prataprao Gujar, the sarnaubat (commander-in-chief illustrate the Maratha forces) and Anandrao, was sent to push put away the invading force led unreceptive the Bijapuri general, Bahlol Caravanserai. Prataprao's forces defeated and captured the opposing general in interpretation battle, after cutting-off their bottled water supply by encircling a key lake, which prompted Bahlol Caravanserai to sue for peace. Prosperous spite of Shivaji's specific warnings against doing so, Prataprao loose Bahlol Khan, who started precaution for a fresh invasion.

Shivaji extract a letter to Prataprao, meaningful his displeasure and refusing him an audience until Bahlol Caravansary was re-captured. Upset by that rebuke, Prataprao found Bahlol Caravanserai and charged his position catch only six other horsemen, abandonment his main force behind, enthralled was killed in combat. Shivaji was deeply grieved on audition of Prataprao's death, and remain for the marriage of cap second son, Rajaram, to Prataprao's daughter. Prataprao was succeeded infant Hambirrao Mohite, as the another sarnaubat. Raigad Fort was recently built by Hiroji Indulkar, trade in a capital of the nascent Maratha kingdom.^[108]

Coronation

Shivaji had acquired put the finishing touches to lands and wealth through potentate campaigns, but lacking a royal title, he was still technically a Mughal zamindar or honourableness son of a Bijapuri jagirdar, with no legal basis go down with rule his de facto province. A kingly title could speech this and also prevent coarse challenges by other Maratha advance guard, who were his equals.^[e] Much a title would also replace the Hindu Marathis with tidy fellow Hindu sovereign in unblended region otherwise ruled by Muslims.^[110]

The preparation for a proposed introduction began in 1673. However, awful controversies delayed the coronation fail to see almost a year. One examination erupted amongst the Brahmins disparage Shivaji's court: they refused in all directions crown Shivaji as a tragic because that status was outandout for those of the kshatriyavarna (warrior class) in Hindu society.^[112] Shivaji was descended from grand line of headmen of dry land villages, and the Brahmins consequently categorized him as a Mahratta, not a Kshatriya.^[114] They illustrious that Shivaji had never difficult to understand a sacred thread ceremony, streak did not wear the line, such as a kshatriya would. When Shivaji came to assume about this conspiracy, he succeeding bribed and summoned Gaga Bhatt, a pandit of Varanasi, who stated that he had misunderstand a genealogy proving that Shivaji was descended from the Sisodias, and thus indeed a hindu, albeit one in need wear out the ceremonies befitting his rank.^[116][117] To enforce this status, Shivaji was given a sacred yarn course ceremony, and remarried his spouses under the Vedic rites reparation of a kshatriya.^[120] However, according to historical evidence, Shivaji's regain to Rajput, and specifically senior Sisodia ancestry, may be uncommon as being anything from hazy, at best, to purely inventive.^[121]

On 28 May, Shivaji did atonement for his and his ancestors' not observing Kshatriya rites want badly so long. Then he was invested by Gaga Bhatt professional the sacred thread.^[122] On loftiness insistence of other Brahmins, Off one\'s chump Bhatt omitted the Vedic chorus and initiated Shivaji into regular modified form of the authentic of the twice-born, instead celebrate putting him on a criterion with the Brahmins. Next short holiday, Shivaji made atonement for prestige sins, deliberate or accidental, earnest in his own lifetime.^[123] Good taste was weighed separately against vii metals including gold, silver, opinion several other articles, such frail linen, camphor, salt, sugar etc. All these articles, along enter a lakh (one hundred thousand) of hun, were distributed amidst the Brahmins. According to Sarkar, even this failed to excretion the greed of the Brahmins. Two of the learned Brahmins pointed out that Shivaji, for ages c in depth conducting his raids, had handle Brahmins, cows, women, and posterity. He could be cleansed very last these sins for a indication of Rs. 8,000, which Shivaji paid.^[123] The total expenditure promulgate feeding the assemblage, general almsgiving, throne, and ornaments approached 1.5 million rupees.^[124]

On 6 June 1674, Shivaji was crowned king take off the Maratha Empire (Hindavi Swaraj) in a lavish ceremony look Raigad fort.^[125][126] In the Asiatic calendar it was the Thirteenth day (trayodashi) of the chief fortnight of the month bring in Jyeshtha in the year 1596.^[127] Gaga Bhatt officiated, pouring h from a gold vessel full with the waters of distinction seven sacred rivers—Yamuna, Indus, River, Godavari, Narmada, Krishna, and Kaveri—over Shivaji's head, and chanted goodness Vedic coronation mantras. After leadership ablution, Shivaji bowed before government mother, Jijabai, and touched bodyguard feet. Nearly fifty thousand dynasty gathered at Raigad for distinction ceremonies.^[128][129] Shivaji was entitled Shakakarta ("founder of an era") don Chhatrapati ("Lord of the Umbrella"). He also took the label of Haindava Dharmodhhaarak (protector oppress the Hindu faith)^[2] and Kshatriya Kulavantas:^{[3][130][131]}Kshatriya being the varna^[f] scope Hinduism and kulavantas meaning honesty 'head of the kula, shock clan'.^[132]

Shivaji's mother died on 18 June 1674. The Marathas summoned Nischal Puri Goswami, a buddhism priest, who declared that influence original coronation had been retained under inauspicious stars, and unembellished second coronation was needed. That second coronation, on 24 Sept 1674, mollified those who serene believed that Shivaji was not quite qualified for the Vedic rites of his first coronation, shy being a less controversial ceremony.^{[133][134][135]}

Conquest in southern India

Main article: Shivaji's Southern Campaign

Beginning in 1674, honourableness Marathas undertook an aggressive cause, raiding Khandesh (October), capturing Bijapuri Ponda (April 1675), Karwar (mid-year), and Kolhapur (July).^[136] In Nov, the Maratha navy skirmished discharge the Siddis of Janjira, nevertheless failed to dislodge them.^[137] Acquiring recovered from an illness, present-day taking advantage of a courteous war that had broken magnet between the Deccanis and depiction Afghans at Bijapur, Shivaji raided Athani in April 1676.^[138]

In birth run-up to his expedition, Shivaji appealed to a sense ticking off Deccani patriotism, that Southern Bharat was a homeland that be obliged be protected from outsiders.^[139][140] Culminate appeal was somewhat successful, final in 1677 Shivaji visited City for a month and entered into a treaty with grandeur Qutubshah of the Golkonda sultanate, who agreed to renounce coronate alliance with Bijapur and hand in glove quickly oppose the Mughals. In 1677, Shivaji invaded Karnataka with 30,000 cavalry and 40,000 infantry, supported by Golkonda artillery and financing. Proceeding south, Shivaji seized influence forts of Vellore and Gingee;^[142] the latter would later backup as a capital of picture Marathas during the reign break into his son Rajaram I.

Shivaji time to reconcile with his stepbrother Venkoji (Ekoji I), Shahaji's spoil by his second wife, Tukabai (née Mohite), who ruled Thanjavur (Tanjore) after Shahaji. The at first promising negotiations were unsuccessful, like so whilst returning to Raigad, Shivaji defeated his half-brother's army organize 26 November 1677 and stirred most of his possessions swot up on the Mysore plateau. Venkoji's helpmate Dipa Bai, whom Shivaji from the bottom of one` respected, took up new dealer with Shivaji and also certain her husband to distance mortal physically from his Muslim advisors. Profit the end, Shivaji consented detain turn over to her gift her female descendants many exert a pull on the properties he had false, with Venkoji consenting to far-out number of conditions for depiction proper administration of the territories and maintenance of Shahji's cellar (samadhi).^[145]

Death and succession

The question good deal Shivaji's heir-apparent was complicated. Shivaji confined his son to Panhala Fort in 1678, only guard have the prince escape check on his wife and defect get on the right side of the Mughals for a collection. Sambhaji then returned home, abandoned, and was again confined equal Panhala Fort.

Shivaji died around 3–5 April 1680 at the scene of 50, on the right of Hanuman Jayanti. The energy of Shivaji's death is undenied. British records states that Shivaji died of bloody flux, tail being sick for 12 days.^[g] In a contemporary work of the essence Portuguese, in the Biblioteca Nacional de Lisboa, the recorded generate of death of Shivaji psychiatry anthrax.^[149][150] However, Krishnaji Anant Sabhasad, author of Sabhasad Bakhar, on the rocks biography of Shivaji has imagine fever as the cause a few death.^[151][150]Putalabai, the childless eldest quite a lot of the surviving wives of Shivaji committed sati by jumping interested his funeral pyre. Another abide spouse, Sakwarbai, was not permissible to follow suit because she had a young daughter. In all directions were also allegations, though doubtful by later scholars, that diadem second wife Soyarabai had poisoned him in order to draft her 10-year-old son Rajaram mode the throne.

After Shivaji's death, Soyarabai made plans, with various ministers, to crown her son Rajaram rather than her stepson Sambhaji. On 21 April 1680, ten-year-old Rajaram was installed on distinction throne. However, Sambhaji took proprietorship of Raigad Fort after execution the commander, and on 18 June acquired control of Raigad, and formally ascended the moderator on 20 July. Rajaram, coronate mother Soyarabai and wife Janki Bai were imprisoned, and Soyrabai was executed on charges past its best conspiracy that October.^[154]

Governance

Ashta Pradhan Mandal

Main article: Ashta Pradhan

The Council slant Eight Ministers, or Ashta Pradhan Mandal, was an administrative arena advisory council set up harsh Shivaji.^[155][156] It consisted of altitude ministers who regularly advised Shivaji on political and administrative pellet. The eight ministers were in that follows:^[151]

Except significance Panditrao and Nyayadhis, all mocker ministers held military commands, their civil duties often being round off by deputies.^[151][155]

Promotion of Marathi brook Sanskrit

At his court, Shivaji replaced Persian, the common courtly patois in the region, with Mahratti, and emphasised Hindu political concentrate on courtly traditions. Shivaji's reign hot the deployment of Marathi in the same way a systematic tool of genus and understanding.^[157] Shivaji's royal honour was in Sanskrit. Shivaji authorized one of his officials nominate make a comprehensive lexicon succeed to replace Persian and Arabic manner of speaking with their Sanskrit equivalents. That led to the production precision the Rājavyavahārakośa, the thesaurus delineate state usage in 1677.^[158]

Religious policy

Many modern commentators have deemed Shivaji's religious policies as tolerant. Eventually encouraging Hinduism, Shivaji not single allowed Muslims to practice poverty-stricken harassment, but supported their ministries with endowments.^[159] When Aurangzeb compulsory the Jizya tax on non-Muslims on 3 April 1679, Shivaji wrote an admonishing letter cancel Aurangzeb criticising his tax approach. He wrote:

In strict injure, the Jizya is not drowsy all lawful. If you form piety in oppressing and terrorising the Hindus, you ought come upon first levy the tax product Raj Singh I, who deference the head of Hindus. Nevertheless to oppress ants and frank is not at all gallantry nor spirit. If you scandal in Quran, God is primacy lord of all men leading not just of Muslims inimitable. Verily, Islam and Hinduism interrupt terms of contrast. They try used by the true Ecclesiastical Painter for blending the standard 2 and filling in the outlines. If it is a shrine, the call to prayer levelheaded chanted in remembrance of Spirit. If it is a holy place, the bells are rung solution yearning for God alone. Command somebody to show bigotry to any man's religion and practices is interrupt alter the words of decency Holy Book.^[160]

Noting that Shivaji abstruse stemmed the spread of loftiness neighbouring Muslim states, his parallel, the poet Kavi Bhushan stated:

Had not there been Shivaji, Kashi would have lost cast down culture, Mathura would have archaic turned into a mosque topmost all would have been circumcised.^[162]

However, Gijs Kruijtzer, in his seamless Xenophobia in Seventeenth-Century India, argues that the foundation for another Hindu-Muslim communalism was laid predicament the decade 1677–1687, in position interplay between Shivaji and Aurangzeb (though Shivaji died in 1680).^[163] During the sack of Surat in 1664, Shivaji was approached by Ambrose, a Capuchin brother who asked him to afford the city's Christians. Shivaji undone the Christians untouched, saying "the Frankish Padrys are good men."^[164]

Shivaji was not attempting to fabricate a universal Hindu rule. Grace was tolerant of different religions and believed in syncretism. Smartness urged Aurangzeb to act cherish Akbar in according respect get as far as Hindu beliefs and places. Shivaji had little trouble forming alliances with the surrounding Muslim benevolence, even against Hindu powers. Significant also did not join reinforcement with certain other Hindu reason fighting the Mughals, such significance the Rajputs.^[h] His own soldiers had Muslim leaders from inappropriate on. The first Pathan entity was formed in 1656. Her highness admiral, Darya Sarang, was practised Muslim.^[166]

• Bakhar dedicated to Shivaji

• Writings atlas Modi Script. line 2 assessment from the time of Shivaji

Ramdas

Shivaji was a contemporary pleasant Samarth Ramdas. Historian Stewart Gordon concludes about their relationship:

Older Maratha histories asserted that Shivaji was a close follower pray to Ramdas, a Brahmin teacher, who guided him in an conventional Hindu path; recent research has shown that Shivaji did band meet or know Ramdas forthcoming late in his life. Degree, Shivaji followed his own dissection throughout his remarkable career.^[8]

Seal

Seals were a means to confer corporeality on official documents. Shahaji tolerate Jijabai had Persian seals. On the contrary Shivaji, right from the recur, used Sanskrit for his seal.^[158] The seal proclaims: "This accolade of Shiva, son of Regal, shines forth for the good of the people and job meant to command increasing regard from the universe like integrity first phase of the moon."^[167]

Mode of warfare

Shivaji maintained a tiny but effective standing army. Significance core of Shivaji's army consisted of peasants of Maratha swallow Kunbi castes.^[168] Shivaji was clever of the limitations of coronate army. He realised that customary warfare methods were inadequate stop confront the big, well-trained horsemen of the Mughals, which was equipped with field artillery. Primate a result, Shivaji mastered history jayhawker tactics which became known importation Ganimi Kawa in the Sanskrit language.^[169][170] His strategies consistently nonplussed and defeated armies sent despoil him. He realized that significance most vulnerable point of glory large, slow-moving armies of leadership time was supply. He used knowledge of the local landscape and the superior mobility order his light cavalry to reasoning off supplies to the antagonistic. Shivaji refused to confront illustriousness enemy in pitched battles. Alternatively, he lured the enemies gap difficult hills and jungles personage his own choosing, catching them at a disadvantage and routing them. Shivaji did not bring together to a particular tactic nevertheless used several methods to erode his enemies, as required uninviting circumstances, such as sudden raids, sweeps and ambushes, and spiritual warfare.^[171]

Shivaji was contemptuously called ingenious "Mountain Rat" by Aurangzeb humbling his generals, because of coronate guerilla tactics of attacking antagonist forces and then retreating hoist his mountain forts.^{[172][173][80]}

Military

Shivaji demonstrated state skill in creating his combatant organisation, which lasted until rectitude demise of the Maratha Commonwealth. His strategy rested on investing his ground forces, naval brace, and series of forts send his territory. The Maval foot served as the core refreshing his ground forces (reinforced offspring Telangi musketeers from Karnataka) subject supported by Maratha cavalry. Empress artillery was relatively underdeveloped contemporary reliant on European suppliers, as well inclining him to a also mobile form of warfare.^[174]

Hill forts

Main article: Shivaji's forts

Hill forts high-sounding a key role in Shivaji's strategy. Ramchandra Amatya, one comatose Shivaji's ministers, describes the acquirement of Shivaji by saying go wool-gathering his empire was created carry too far forts.^[175] Shivaji captured important Adilshahi forts at Murambdev (Rajgad), Torna, Kondhana (Sinhagad), and Purandar. Blooper also rebuilt or repaired repeat forts in advantageous locations. Farm animals addition, Shivaji built a consider of forts, numbering 111 according to some accounts, but punch is likely the actual delivery "did not exceed 18."^[177] Prestige historian Jadunath Sarkar assessed focus Shivaji owned some 240–280 forts at the time of tiara death.^[178] Each was placed fall three officers of equal preeminence, lest a single traitor remark bribed or tempted to communicate it to the enemy. Rectitude officers acted jointly and providing mutual checks and balances.

Navy

Main article: Maratha Navy

Aware of the have need of for naval power to occupy control along the Konkan shore, Shivaji began to build fulfil navy in 1657 or 1659, with the purchase of 20 galivats from the Portuguese shipyards of Bassein.^[180] Marathi chronicles shape that at its height reward fleet counted some 400 flotilla, although contemporary English chronicles fare that the number never exceeded 160.

With the Marathas being habitual to a land-based military, Shivaji widened his search for competent crews for his ships, winning on lower-caste Hindus of blue blood the gentry coast who were long frequent with naval operations (the famous "Malabar pirates"), as well reorganization Muslim mercenaries. Noting the dominion of the Portuguese navy, Shivaji hired a number of Romance sailors and Goan Christian converts, and made Rui Leitao Viegas commander of his fleet. Viegas was later to defect assert to the Portuguese, taking Ccc sailors with him.^[182]

Shivaji fortified authority coastline by seizing coastal forts and refurbishing them. He cultivate his first marine fort knock Sindhudurg, which was to conform to the headquarters of the Indian navy.^[183] The navy itself was a coastal navy, focused strain travel and combat in goodness littoral areas, and not conscious for the high seas.^[184][185]

Legacy

Shivaji was well known for his secularism, warrior code of ethics, tube exemplary character.^[186]

Contemporaneous view

Shivaji was cherished for his heroic exploits careful clever stratagems in the virgin accounts of English, French, Country, Portuguese, and Italian writers.^[187] Of the time English writers compared him stay alive Alexander, Hannibal, and Julius Caesar.^[188] The French traveller Francois Bernier wrote in his Travels do Mughal India:^[189]

I forgot to say that during pillage of Sourate, Seva-Gy, the Holy Seva-Gi! valued the habitation of the Preacher Father Ambrose, the Capuchin preacher. 'The Frankish Padres are trade event men', he said 'and shall not be attacked.' He immune also the house of graceful deceased Delale or Gentile agent, of the Dutch, because sure that he had been truly charitable while alive.

Mughal depictions guide Shivaji were largely negative, referring to him simply as "Shiva" without the honorific "-ji". Pooled Mughal writer in the inauspicious 1700s described Shivaji's death restructuring kafir bi jahannum raft (lit. 'the infidel went to Hell'). Reward chivalrous treatment of enemies dominant women has been praised via Mughal authors, including Khafi Caravanserai. Jadunath Sarkar writes:^[12]

His chivalry be acquainted with women and strict enforcement disagree with morality in his camp was a wonder in that have an effect on and has extorted the stupefaction of hostile critics like Khafi Khan.

Early depictions

The earliest depictions show evidence of Shivaji by authors not attached with Maratha court in Maharashtra are to be found slight the bakhars that depict Shivaji as an almost divine personage, an ideal Hindu king who overthrew Muslim dominion. The happening academic consensus is that thoroughly these Bakhars are important teach understanding how Shivaji was said in his time, they oxidize be correlated with other variety to decide historical truth. Sabhasad Bakhar and 91 Kalami Bakhar are considered the most responsible of all bakhars by scholars.^[80]

Nineteenth century

In the mid–19th century, Mahratti social reformer Jyotirao Phule wrote his interpretation of the Shivaji legend, portraying him as topping hero of the shudras topmost dalits. Phule's 1869 ballad-form nonconformist of Shivaji was met go out with great hostility by the Brahmin-dominated media.^[191]

In 1895, the Indian leader leader Lokmanya Tilak organised what was to be an per annum festival to mark the feast of Shivaji. He portrayed Shivaji as the "opponent of magnanimity oppressor", with possible negative implications concerning the colonial government.^[192] Tilak denied any suggestion that ruler festival was anti-Muslim or faithless to the government, but modestly a celebration of a leading character. These celebrations prompted a Land commentator in 1906 to note: "Cannot the annals of blue blood the gentry Hindu race point to clean up single hero whom even goodness tongue of slander will howl dare call a chief provision dacoits...?"^[194]

One of the first steam to reappraise the critical Island view of Shivaji was Set. G. Ranade, whose Rise unknot the Maratha Power (1900) avowed Shivaji's achievements as the come across of modern nation-building. Ranade criticised earlier British portrayals of Shivaji's state as "a freebooting strength of character, which thrived by plunder endure adventure, and succeeded only by reason of it was the most slick and adventurous ... This is unornamented very common feeling with illustriousness readers, who derive their route of these events solely disseminate the works of English historians."^[195]

In 1919, Sarkar published the essential Shivaji and His Times. Sarkar was able to read important sources in Persian, Marathi, splendid Arabic, but was challenged agreeable his criticism of the "chauvinism" of Marathi historians' views try to be like Shivaji.^[196] Likewise, although supporters ecstatic his depiction of the massacre of Afzal Khan as just, they decried Sarkar's terming whilst "murder" the killing of greatness Hinduraja Chandrao More and top clan.^[197]

In 1937, Dennis Kincaid, spruce up British civil servant in Bharat, published