Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the Maratha Empire and one of the greatest warriors in Indian history. He challenged the Mughal and Bijapur Sultanates, introduced guerrilla warfare tactics, and established a strong naval and administrative system.
Basic Information on Shivaji Maharaj
- Full Name: Shivaji Bhonsale I
- Born: 19 February 1630 CE
- Birthplace: Shivneri Fort, Maharashtra
- Dynasty: Bhonsale
- Father: Shahaji Bhonsale (General under Bijapur Sultanate)
- Mother: Jijabai
- Coronation: 1674 CE (Raigad Fort, Crowned as Chhatrapati)
- Major Battles: Battle of Pratapgad (1659), Battle of Surat (1664), Battle of Purandar (1665), Escape from Agra (1666)
- Religious Policy: Tolerant, protected all religions
- Major Achievements: Established the Maratha Empire, pioneered Guerrilla Warfare, built a strong navy
- Death: 3 April 1680 CE (Raigad Fort)
Shivaji’s Early Life and Rise
- Born at Shivneri Fort (Maharashtra), raised by mother Jijabai with Hindu warrior values.
- Father Shahaji served Bijapur Sultanate, but Shivaji aspired to create an independent kingdom.
- At age 16, started capturing forts (Torna Fort, 1645) from Bijapur.
- Formed a disciplined army (Mavalas) and adopted guerrilla warfare tactics.
Military Campaigns and Battles
1. Battle of Pratapgad (1659) – Defeated Afzal Khan
- Bijapur sent Afzal Khan to kill Shivaji.
- Shivaji used deception, killed Afzal Khan, and won Pratapgad Fort.
2. Battle of Surat (1664) – Attacked Mughal Wealth
- Raided Surat, looted Mughal treasury without harming common people.
- Mughals suffered a huge financial loss.
3. Battle of Purandar (1665) – Treaty with Mughals
- Aurangzeb sent Mirza Raja Jai Singh to defeat Shivaji.
- Shivaji signed the Treaty of Purandar, surrendered 23 forts to Mughals.
4. Escape from Agra (1666) – Shivaji’s Clever Strategy
- Aurangzeb invited Shivaji to Agra, planning to imprison him.
- Shivaji escaped hidden in fruit baskets, returned to Maharashtra.
5. Battle of Sinhagad (1670) – Retook Forts from Mughals
- Shivaji’s commander Tanaji Malusare recaptured Sinhagad Fort but lost his life.
- Shivaji later recaptured all 23 forts lost in the Treaty of Purandar.
Coronation and Foundation of the Maratha Empire (1674)
- Crowned as Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort (1674 CE).
- Declared himself an independent Hindu king.
- Started Swarajya (Self-rule) for Marathas.
Administration and Governance of Shivaji
1. Ashta Pradhan (Eight Ministers System)
Shivaji established a council of ministers for effective governance.
| Position | Minister Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Peshwa | Prime Minister | Managed administration |
| Amatya | Finance Minister | Handled revenue and accounts |
| Sachiv | Secretary | Managed royal correspondence |
| Sumant | Foreign Minister | Managed diplomacy |
| Senapati | Military Chief | Controlled army |
| Nyayadhish | Chief Justice | Handled justice |
| Panditrao | Religious Head | Managed religious affairs |
| Mantri | Intelligence Minister | Collected confidential reports |
2. Strong Military System
- Guerrilla Warfare (Ganimi Kava) – Used surprise attacks, hit-and-run tactics.
- Fort Strategy – Built and controlled more than 300 forts.
- Strict discipline – No plundering of temples or harming civilians.
3. Shivaji’s Navy – Father of the Indian Navy
- First Indian ruler to build a strong naval force.
- Protected Konkan coast from Portuguese, Siddis, and Mughals.
- Built naval bases at Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Jaigarh.
Shivaji’s Relations with Other Powers
1. Bijapur Sultanate
- Initially served under Bijapur as his father Shahaji was a general.
- Later fought against Bijapur and captured forts.
2. Mughals (Aurangzeb)
- Fought several wars against Mughals.
- Raided Surat (1664), escaped from Agra (1666), recaptured Purandar (1670).
3. Rajputs and Hindu Kings
- Maintained friendly relations with Rajputs like Maharana of Mewar.
- Opposed Jai Singh of Amber (who sided with Aurangzeb).
4. Siddis, Portuguese, and British
- Fought Siddis of Janjira, who controlled coastal areas.
- Resisted Portuguese and British naval expansion.
Death of Shivaji and Legacy
- Died on 3 April 1680 at Raigad Fort (possibly due to illness).
- Succeeded by his son Sambhaji (1681–1689).
- His legacy continued through the Marathas, later under Peshwas.
Comparison: Shivaji vs. Aurangzeb
| Feature | Shivaji Maharaj | Aurangzeb |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Policy | Tolerant, protected all religions | Orthodox Sunni Islam |
| Military Strategy | Guerrilla Warfare, Strong Navy | Large Standing Army |
| Relations with Hindus | Allied with Rajputs, Hindu kings | Opposed Sikhs, Rajputs, and Marathas |
| Administration | Ashta Pradhan system | Mansabdari System |
| Treatment of Common People | Did not harm civilians | Heavy taxation, forced conversions |
Key Facts for Quick Revision
- Shivaji founded the Maratha Empire (1674) at Raigad Fort.
- Used Guerrilla Warfare tactics (Ganimi Kava).
- Defeated Afzal Khan in the Battle of Pratapgad (1659).
- Raided Surat (1664), escaped from Aurangzeb’s captivity (1666).
- Established a strong navy, built forts along the Konkan coast.
- Implemented Ashta Pradhan (8 Minister System).
- Died in 1680, but his legacy continued under the Marathas.
MCQs on Shivaji Maharaj
1. Where was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj born?
A) Raigad Fort
B) Sindhudurg
C) Shivneri Fort
D) Pratapgad
✅ Answer: C) Shivneri Fort
2. Which Mughal emperor imprisoned Shivaji in Agra?
A) Babur
B) Akbar
C) Jahangir
D) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: D) Aurangzeb
3. Which battle led to the death of Bijapur general Afzal Khan?
A) Battle of Purandar
B) Battle of Pratapgad
C) Battle of Surat
D) Battle of Panipat
✅ Answer: B) Battle of Pratapgad
4. What was the name of Shivaji’s administrative council?
A) Diwan-i-Khas
B) Mansabdari System
C) Ashta Pradhan
D) Raj Sabha
✅ Answer: C) Ashta Pradhan
5. What was the capital of Shivaji’s empire?
A) Agra
B) Delhi
C) Raigad
D) Pune
✅ Answer: C) Raigad
Subjective Questions for Further Revision
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Shivaji Maharaj, and what were his major achievements?
- What was Guerrilla Warfare (Ganimi Kava), and why was it effective?
- How did Shivaji escape from Aurangzeb’s court in Agra?
- Describe the Ashta Pradhan System.
- Why is Shivaji called the Father of the Indian Navy?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss Shivaji’s military strategies and major battles.
- Explain the administrative reforms of Shivaji Maharaj.
- Compare Shivaji and Aurangzeb in terms of rule and policies.
- How did Shivaji establish the Maratha Empire?
- Describe Shivaji’s relations with the Mughals, Bijapur, and foreign powers.