CHATRAPATI SIVAJI

A few centuries ago, some self respecting men stood up against 
Mughal rule. Shivaji Raje Bhosle was prominent amongst them.

Shivaji was son of Shahaji Bhosle, a general in court of Adilshah of Bijapur. Shivaji was born in 1630 on the fort Shivneri in Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra. His mother Jijabai, a brave, proud and wise lady, brought him up. She appointed Dadoji Konddev who trained Shivaji in martial arts as well as state administration.

Shivaji along with his Marathas captured forts and established his independent rule. So Adilshah of Bijapur sent his giant general Afzal Khan who tried to strangulate Shivaji by cunning. But a well prepared Shivaji used hidden steel claws to kill the enemy.

Later Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb sent his uncle Shaiste 
Khan with army. But with his usual guerilla tactics, Shivaji over came this trouble too. This infuriated Aurangazeb and he sent vast army under Raja Jai Singh. Shivaji had to surrender and sign Purandar treaty by which he had to give most of his territory and forts to the Mughal Emperor.

Shivaji was then called to Agra where he was treated insultingly by Aurangazeb and was kept under house arrest. But Shivaji escaped from there disguise. After that he lay low and collected his army. Once again he led military campaigns and recaptured his entire lost kingdom.

In 1647 he was officially coronated as Chatrapati or the king of Hindavi Swaraj. Later he expanded his rule upto Jinji and Vellor in south. He was a good administrator and tolerant towards all the religions. He built many forts and even water forts on the west coast line.

He later developed a knee problem and died in 1680.