Shivaji Empire

The rise of the Maratha power in Maharashtra received impetus and strength after the great Chhatrapati Shivaji, took the reigns in his hands and founded the Shivaji Empire. In the early 17th century there was a sudden rise in the power of the Marathas. Their causes were upheld by the Yadavas who gradually formed alliance with the Bahmani rulers due to their inability to defend their kingdom from the Bahmani invasions. There were basically two power centres after the bhahmani kingdom was divided into – Bijapur, Ahmednagar and Golconda. They were the southern kingdoms and the Mughal rulers under the rule of the Emperor Shah Jahan.

Family Background of Shivaji and Early Life: Shivaji belonged to the Bhosale family and his father, Shahaji Raje, was a soldier in the battle between the Mughal and the kings of Nizamshah. After leaving his services Shahaji joined Adil Shah of Bijapur which was to play a very important role in the future, of carving out the Shivaji Empire.

Shivaji, the son of Jijabai and Shahaji, born in the year 1630, was brought up in the guidance of his mother who instilled in him many qualities, required to be a leader, a good human being and an able ruler. His early military expeditions were against the Sultanates of Bijapur, the most important battle being that of the Pratapgarh in the year 1659 which established the power of Shivaji in the eyes of the Marathas.

Battles fought with the Mughals: the battles which Shivaji fought with the Mughal, especially with Shaista Khan, have been engraved in the chapters of history as examples of bravery and intelligence. The Battle of Umberkhind in 1661, the attack on the Mughal camp in Pune and the Battle of Surat were enough to rouse the anger of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Shivaji lost his Purandhar fort which was later reclaimed during the years 1670 to 1674.

Coronation of Shivaji: Shivaji was crowned the king of the Marathas or the Chhatrapati in the year 1674. By that time Shivaji’s Empire had grown and so had the strength of his army. Shivaji Empire has spread itself to the south also with the capture of the forts of Vellore and Jinji which are located in present day Tamil Nadu.

Death of Shivaji and the rule of Sambhaji and Rajaram: Shivaji died in the year 1680 and left his kingdom in the able hands of Sambhaji who had a brief period of struggle with the Mughal emperor. Sambhaji’s death in the year 1700 had appeared to be the end of Shivaji Empire, especially as Rajaram was forced to flee to the southern states. but Tarabai, the widow of Rajaram enthrones her son Shahu who put up a brave stand in front of Aurangzeb.