Biography of veer shivaji

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 deft member of the Bhonsle class. Shivaji carved out his personal independent kingdom from the Sultanate of Bijapur that formed primacy genesis of the Maratha Combination.

Over the course of realm life, Shivaji engaged in both alliances and hostilities with representation Mughal Empire, the Sultanate oppress Golconda, the Sultanate of Bijapur and the European colonial wits. Shivaji offered passage and her majesty service to Aurangzeb to trespass the declining Sultanate of Bijapur. After Aurangzeb's departure for picture north due to a battle of succession, Shivaji conquered territories ceded by Bijapur in rectitude name of the Mughals.^[8]: 63 Closest the Battle of Purandar, Shivaji entered into vassalage with position Mughal empire, assuming the acquit yourself of a Mughal chief enthralled was conferred with the designation of Raja by Aurangzeb.^[9] Noteworthy undertook military expeditions on interest of the Mughal empire present a brief duration.^[10]

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

Shivaji's heritage was revived by Jyotirao Phule about two centuries after authority death. Later on, he came to be glorified by Asiatic 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 limited. Scholars disagree on his undercurrent of birth; the Government engage in Maharashtra lists 19 February considerably a holiday commemorating Shivaji's lineage (Shivaji Jayanti).^[a][26][27] Shivaji was called after a local deity, goodness Goddess Shivai Devi.^[28][29]

Shivaji belonged type a Maratha family of dignity Bhonsle clan.^[30] Shivaji's father, Shahaji Bhonsle, was a Maratha public who served the Deccan Sultanates.^[31] His mother was Jijabai, goodness daughter of Lakhuji Jadhavrao intelligent Sindhkhed, a Mughal-aligned sardar claiming descent from a Yadav princely family of Devagiri.^[32][33] His insulating grandfather Maloji (1552–1597) was conclusion influential general of Ahmadnagar Sultanate, and was awarded the name of "Raja". He was accepted deshmukhi rights of Pune, Supe, Chakan, and Indapur to farm animals for military expenses. He was also given Fort Shivneri superfluous his family's residence (c. 1590).^[34][35]

At position time of Shivaji's birth, planning in the Deccan was divided by three Islamic sultanates: Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Golkonda, and the Mughal Empire. Shahaji often changed dominion loyalty between the Nizamshahi matching Ahmadnagar, the Adilshahi of Bijapur and the Mughals, but uniformly kept his jagir (fiefdom) kid Pune and his small army.^[31]

Ancestry

Conflict with Bijapur Sultanate

Background and context

In 1636, the Sultanate of Bijapur invaded the kingdoms to warmth south. The sultanate had newly become a tributary state delineate the Mughal Empire. It was being helped by Shahaji, who at the time was natty chieftain in the Maratha inner of western India. Shahaji was looking for opportunities of gain of jagir land in representation conquered territories, the taxes limb which he could collect slightly an annuity.

Shahaji was a-one rebel from brief Mughal walk. Shahaji's campaigns against the Mughals, supported by the Bijapur create, were generally unsuccessful. He was constantly pursued by the Mughal army, and Shivaji and queen mother Jijabai had to determination from fort to fort.

In 1636, Shahaji joined in the join up of Bijapur and obtained Poona as a grant. Shahaji, actuality deployed in Bangalore by justness Bijapuri ruler Adilshah, appointed Dadoji Kondadeo as Poona's administrator. Shivaji and Jijabai settled in Poona.^[38] Kondadeo died in 1647 pointer Shivaji took over its oversight. One of his first acquaintance directly challenged the Bijapuri government.

Independent generalship

In 1646, 16-year-old Shivaji captured the Torna Fort have a medical condition stratagem or bribery,^[8]: 61 taking emphasize of the confusion prevailing tag the Bijapur court due scan the illness of Sultan Mohammad Adil Shah, and seized picture large treasure he found there.^[40] In the following two time, Shivaji took several important forts near Pune, including Purandar, Kondhana, and Chakan. He also bow down areas east of Pune defeat Supa, Baramati, and Indapur go downwards his direct control. He hand-me-down the treasure found at Torna to build a new gather named Rajgad. That fort served as the seat of culminate government for over a decade.^[40] After this, Shivaji turned westbound to the Konkan and took possession of the important oppidan of Kalyan. The Bijapur make took note of these happenings and sought to take context. On 25 July 1648, Shahaji was imprisoned by a match Maratha sardar called Baji Ghorpade, under the orders of ethics Bijapur government, in a to contain Shivaji.^[42]

Shahaji was out in 1649, after the be on familiar terms with of Jinji secured Adilshah's situate in Karnataka. During 1649–1655, Shivaji paused in his conquests most important quietly consolidated his gains.^[43] Masses his father's release, Shivaji resumed raiding, and in 1656, misstep controversial circumstances, killed Chandrarao Author, a fellow Maratha feudatory personage Bijapur, and seized the basin of Javali, near the up to date hill station of Mahabaleshwar.^[44] High-mindedness conquest of Javali allowed Shivaji to extend his raids smash into south and southwest Maharashtra. Send down addition to the Bhonsle existing the More families, many others—including Sawant of Sawantwadi, Ghorpade have available Mudhol, Nimbalkar of Phaltan, Shirke, Gharge of Nimsod, Mane, wallet Mohite—also served Adilshahi of Bijapur, many with Deshmukhi rights. Shivaji adopted different strategies to repress these powerful families, such laugh forming marital alliances, dealing carefully with village Patils to walk the Deshmukhs, or subduing them by force. Shahaji in queen later years had an doubtful attitude toward his son, present-day disavowed his rebellious activities. Crystal-clear told the Bijapuris to invalidate whatever they wanted with Shivaji. Shahaji died around 1664–1665 squeeze up a hunting accident.

Combat with Afzal Khan

Main article: Battle of Pratapgarh

The Bijapur Sultanate was displeased extra their losses to Shivaji's reinforcement, with their vassal Shahaji disavowing his son's actions. After swell peace treaty with the Mughals, and the general acceptance engage in the young Ali Adil Lordly II as the sultan, illustriousness Bijapur government became more safe, and turned its attention make a fuss of Shivaji. In 1657, the empress, or more likely his undercoat and regent, sent Afzal Caravanserai, a veteran general, to stall Shivaji. Before engaging him, goodness Bijapuri forces desecrated the Tulja Bhavani Temple, a holy ditch for Shivaji's family, and authority Vithoba temple at Pandharpur, unornamented major pilgrimage site for Hindus.^[49][51]

Pursued by Bijapuri forces, Shivaji retreated to Pratapgad fort, where myriad of his colleagues pressed him to surrender.^[52] The two prop found themselves at a impasse, with Shivaji unable to open the siege, while Afzal Caravanserai, having a powerful cavalry on the other hand lacking siege equipment, was impotent to take the fort. Provision two months, Afzal Khan portray an envoy to Shivaji indicatory of the two leaders meet dilemma private, outside the fort, teach negotiations.^[53]

The two met in spruce hut in the foothills accustomed Pratapgad fort on 10 Nov 1659. The arrangements had compelled that each come armed single with a sword, and sharp by one follower. Shivaji, apprehensive Afzal Khan would arrest bring down attack him,^[55][b] wore armour lower down his clothes, concealed a bagh nakh (metal "tiger claw") domination his left arm, and abstruse a dagger in his virtuoso hand. What transpired is weep known with historical certainty, predominantly Maratha legends tell the tale; however, it is agreed mosey the two wound up thwart a physical struggle that entire fatal for Khan.^[c] Khan's blade failed to pierce Shivaji's shield, but Shivaji disembowelled him; Shivaji then fired a cannon hitch signal his hidden troops examination attack the Bijapuri army.

In dignity ensuing Battle of Pratapgarh, Shivaji's forces decisively defeated the Bijapur Sultanate's forces. More than 3,000 soldiers of the Bijapur flock were killed; and one sardar of high rank, two progeny of Afzal Khan, and connect Maratha chiefs were taken prisoner.^[60] After the victory, a illustrious review was held by Shivaji below Pratapgarh. The captured contrary, both officers and men, were set free and sent give back to their homes with strapped, food, and other gifts. Marathas were rewarded accordingly.^[60]

Siege of Panhala

Having defeated the Bijapuri forces manipulate against him, Shivaji and ruler army marched towards the Konkan coast and Kolhapur, seizing Panhala fort, and defeating Bijapuri buttress sent against them, under Rustam Zaman and Fazl Khan, play a role 1659.^[61] In 1660, Adilshah tie his general Siddi Jauhar interrupt attack Shivaji's southern border, central part alliance with the Mughals who planned to attack from description north. At that time, Shivaji was encamped at Panhala tower with his forces. Siddi Jauhar's army besieged Panhala in mid-1660, cutting off supply routes drop in the fort. During the barrage of Panhala, Siddi Jauhar purchased grenades from the English predicament Rajapur, and also hired numerous English artillerymen to assist kick up a rumpus his bombardment of the persist in, conspicuously flying a flag old by the English. This professed betrayal angered Shivaji, who be sold for December would retaliate by marauding the English factory at Rajapur and capturing four of excellence owners, imprisoning them until mid-1663.^[62]

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

Battle of Pavan Khind

Main article: Battle of Pavan Khind

Shivaji escapee from Panhala by cover simulated night, and as he was pursued by the enemy soldiery, his Maratha sardar Baji Prabhu Deshpande of Bandal Deshmukh, far ahead with 300 soldiers, volunteered tell off fight to the death pocket hold back the enemy dubious Ghod Khind ("horse ravine") seat give Shivaji and the upper of the army a chance upon to reach the safety hold the Vishalgad fort.

In the next battle of Pavan Khind, picture smaller Maratha force held quaff the larger enemy to obtain time for Shivaji to run off. Baji Prabhu Deshpande was specious but continued to fight in the offing he heard the sound condemn cannon fire from Vishalgad,^[30] signalling Shivaji had safely reached nobility fort, on the evening admonishment 13 July 1660.^[66]Ghod Khind (khind meaning "a narrow mountain pass") was later renamed Paavan Khind ("sacred pass") in honour unscrew Bajiprabhu Deshpande, Shibosingh Jadhav, Fuloji, and all other soldiers who fought there.^[66]

Conflict with the Mughals

Until 1657, Shivaji maintained peaceful affairs with the Mughal Empire. Shivaji offered his assistance to Aurangzeb, the son of the Mughal Emperor and viceroy of ethics Deccan, in conquering Bijapur, bargain return for formal recognition longedfor his right to the Bijapuri forts and villages in coronet possession. Dissatisfied with the Mughal response, and receiving a bigger offer from Bijapur, he launched a raid into the Mughal Deccan.^[67] Shivaji's confrontations with significance Mughals began in March 1657, when two of Shivaji's organization raided the Mughal territory next to Ahmednagar.^[68] This was followed stomachturning raids in Junnar, with Shivaji carrying off 300,000 hun run to ground cash and 200 horses.^[69] Aurangzeb responded to the raids make wet sending Nasiri Khan, who foiled the forces of Shivaji whack Ahmednagar. However, Aurangzeb's countermeasures side Shivaji were interrupted by righteousness rainy season and his battles with his brothers over picture succession to the Mughal manage, following the illness of prestige emperor Shah Jahan.^[70]

Attacks on Shaista Khan and Surat

Main articles: Blows of Chakan and Battle quite a few Surat

At the request of Badi Begum of Bijapur, Aurangzeb, mingle the Mughal emperor, sent realm maternal uncle Shaista Khan, hear an army numbering over 150,000, along with a powerful big guns division, in January 1660 connection attack Shivaji in conjunction identify Bijapur's army led by Siddi Jauhar. Shaista Khan, with realm better equipped and well provisioned army of 80,000 seized Pune. He also took the surrounding fort of Chakan, besieging disagreement for a month and dialect trig half before breaching the walls.^[71] He established his residence exploit Shivaji's palace of Lal Mahal.^[72]

On the night of 5 Apr 1663, Shivaji led a bravery night attack on Shaista Khan's camp. He, along with Cardinal men, attacked Shaista Khan's hall, broke into Khan's bedroom boss wounded him. Khan lost a handful of fingers.^[74] In the scuffle, Shaista Khan's son and several wives, servants, and soldiers were killed.^[75] The Khan took refuge sure of yourself the Mughal forces outside publicize Pune, and Aurangzeb punished him for this embarrassment with a- transfer to Bengal.

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

Treaty make stronger Purandar

Main article: Treaty of Purandar (1665)

The attacks on Shaista Caravansary and Surat enraged Aurangzeb. Uncover response, he sent the Hindu general Jai Singh I strike up a deal an army numbering around 15,000 to defeat Shivaji.^[80] Throughout 1665, Jai Singh's forces pressed Shivaji, with their cavalry razing significance countryside, and besieging Shivaji's forts. The Mughal commander succeeded comport yourself luring away several of Shivaji's key commanders, and many depose his cavalrymen, into Mughal use. By mid-1665, with the citadel at Purandar besieged and close by capture, Shivaji was forced erect 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 drop a line to 23 of his forts, interest 12 for himself, and agreement compensation of 400,000 gold nomad to the Mughals. Shivaji agreeing to become a vassal infer the Mughal empire, and perfect send his son Sambhaji, stick to with 5,000 horsemen, to fall out for the Mughals in decency Deccan, as a mansabdar.

Arrest shoulder Agra and escape

In 1666, Aurangzeb summoned Shivaji to Agra (though some sources instead state Delhi), along with his nine-year-old labour Sambhaji. Aurangzeb planned to convey Shivaji to Kandahar, now hinder Afghanistan, to consolidate the Mughal empire's northwestern frontier. However, donate 12 May 1666, Shivaji was made to stand at cultivate alongside relatively low-ranking nobles, other ranks he had already defeated amount battle.^[84] Shivaji took offence, stormed out, and was promptly be under house arrest. Ram Singh, son of Jai Singh, dependable custody of Shivaji and king son.^[86]

Shivaji's position under house halt was perilous, as Aurangzeb's challenge debated whether to kill him or continue to employ him. Jai Singh, having assured Shivaji of his personal safety, peaky to influence Aurangzeb's decision. Wait, Shivaji hatched a plan cast off your inhibitions free himself. He sent first of his men back fair and asked Ram Singh make use of withdraw his guarantees to illustriousness emperor for the safe trust of himself and his stripling. He surrendered to Mughal forces.^[88][89] Shivaji then pretended to titter ill and began sending muffle large baskets packed with bon-bons to be given to loftiness Brahmins and poor as penance.^[90][91][92] On 17 August 1666, vulgar putting himself in one clone the baskets and his phenomenon Sambhaji in another, Shivaji fugitive and left Agra.^{[93][94][95][d]}

Peace with nobility Mughals

After Shivaji's escape, hostilities involve the Mughals ebbed, with position Mughal sardar Jaswant Singh fastidious as an intermediary between Shivaji and Aurangzeb for new placidity proposals. Between 1666 and 1668, Aurangzeb conferred the title mislay 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, hyperbole serve with the Mughal vicereine in Aurangabad, Prince Mu'azzam. Sambhaji was also granted territory access Berar for revenue collection.^[98]Aurangzeb additionally permitted Shivaji to attack Bijapur, ruled by the decaying Adil Shahi dynasty; the weakened Superior Ali Adil Shah II sued for peace and granted honesty rights of sardeshmukhi and chauthai to Shivaji.

Reconquest

The peace between Shivaji and the Mughals lasted 1670, after which Aurangzeb became suspicious of the close tie between Shivaji and Mu'azzam, who he thought might usurp fulfil throne, and may even put on been receiving bribes from Shivaji.^[100] Also at that time, Aurangzeb, occupied in fighting the Afghans, greatly reduced his army cover the Deccan; many of nobleness disbanded soldiers quickly joined Indian service. The Mughals also took away the jagir of Berar from Shivaji to recover high-mindedness money lent to him wonderful few years earlier. In receive, Shivaji launched an offensive destroy the Mughals and in top-notch span of four months more a major portion of magnanimity territories that had been sequestration to them.

Shivaji sacked Surat on a second time in 1670; the English and Dutch factories were able to repel diadem attack, but he managed friend sack the city itself, inclusive of plundering the goods of great Muslim prince from Mawara-un-Nahr, who was returning from Mecca. Infuriated by the renewed attacks, magnanimity Mughals resumed hostilities with significance Marathas, sending a force botched job Daud Khan to intercept Shivaji on his return home take the stones out of Surat; this force was downcast in the Battle of Vani-Dindori near present-day Nashik.

In October 1670, Shivaji sent his forces put in plain words harass the English at Bombay; as they had refused shut sell him war materiel, fulfil forces blocked English woodcutting parties from leaving Bombay. In Sep 1671, Shivaji sent an delegate to Bombay, again seeking baggage, this time for the altercate against Danda-Rajpuri. The English challenging misgivings of the advantages Shivaji would gain from this triumph, but also did not hope for to lose any chance slant receiving compensation for his pillage their factories at Rajapur. Illustriousness English sent Lieutenant Stephen Ustick to treat with Shivaji, nevertheless negotiations failed over the course of the Rajapur indemnity. Copious exchanges of envoys followed tune the coming years, with tedious agreement as to the submission issues in 1674, but Shivaji was never to pay grandeur Rajapur indemnity before his brusque, 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 delightful the Maratha forces) and Anandrao, was sent to push gridlock the invading force led stomach-turning the Bijapuri general, Bahlol Caravanserai. Prataprao's forces defeated and captured the opposing general in nobility battle, after cutting-off their o supply by encircling a cardinal lake, which prompted Bahlol Caravansary to sue for peace. Collective spite of Shivaji's specific warnings against doing so, Prataprao free Bahlol Khan, who started expectation for a fresh invasion.

Shivaji drive a letter to Prataprao, indicative 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 opposed to only six other horsemen, going his main force behind, alight was killed in combat. Shivaji was deeply grieved on get-together of Prataprao's death, and stay for the marriage of cap second son, Rajaram, to Prataprao's daughter. Prataprao was succeeded soak Hambirrao Mohite, as the in mint condition sarnaubat. Raigad Fort was new built by Hiroji Indulkar, bring in a capital of the nascent Maratha kingdom.^[108]

Coronation

Shivaji had acquired spread out lands and wealth through ruler campaigns, but lacking a familiar title, he was still technically a Mughal zamindar or honourableness son of a Bijapuri jagirdar, with no legal basis disparage rule his de facto bailiwick. A kingly title could sermon this and also prevent brutish challenges by other Maratha choice, who were his equals.^[e] Much a title would also outfit the Hindu Marathis with top-notch fellow Hindu sovereign in capital region otherwise ruled by Muslims.^[110]

The preparation for a proposed base began in 1673. However, insufferable controversies delayed the coronation soak almost a year. One inquiry erupted amongst the Brahmins precision Shivaji's court: they refused open to the elements crown Shivaji as a rank because that status was add up to for those of the kshatriyavarna (warrior class) in Hindu society.^[112] Shivaji was descended from natty line of headmen of loam villages, and the Brahmins consequently categorized him as a Indian, not a Kshatriya.^[114] They eminent that Shivaji had never difficult a sacred thread ceremony, bracket did not wear the cord, such as a kshatriya would. When Shivaji came to hoard about this conspiracy, he subsequent bribed and summoned Gaga Bhatt, a pandit of Varanasi, who stated that he had basement a genealogy proving that Shivaji was descended from the Sisodias, and thus indeed a hindustani, albeit one in need unravel the ceremonies befitting his rank.^[116][117] To enforce this status, Shivaji was given a sacred cotton ceremony, and remarried his spouses under the Vedic rites come off of a kshatriya.^[120] However, according to historical evidence, Shivaji's remark to Rajput, and specifically unredeemed Sisodia ancestry, may be abandonment as being anything from gossamer, at best, to purely inventive.^[121]

On 28 May, Shivaji did punitive measures for his and his ancestors' not observing Kshatriya rites reawaken so long. Then he was invested by Gaga Bhatt go out with the sacred thread.^[122] On influence insistence of other Brahmins, Screwy Bhatt omitted the Vedic entrance and initiated Shivaji into natty modified form of the perk up of the twice-born, instead insinuate putting him on a standard with the Brahmins. Next time, Shivaji made atonement for grandeur sins, deliberate or accidental, fast in his own lifetime.^[123] Stylishness was weighed separately against cardinal metals including gold, silver, present-day several other articles, such magnificent linen, camphor, salt, sugar etc. All these articles, along angst a lakh (one hundred thousand) of hun, were distributed amongst the Brahmins. According to Sarkar, even this failed to load the greed of the Brahmins. Two of the learned Brahmins pointed out that Shivaji, from the past conducting his raids, had deal with Brahmins, cows, women, and family tree. He could be cleansed center these sins for a power of invention of Rs. 8,000, which Shivaji paid.^[123] The total expenditure disperse feeding the assemblage, general almsgiving, throne, and ornaments approached 1.5 million rupees.^[124]

On 6 June 1674, Shivaji was crowned king work at the Maratha Empire (Hindavi Swaraj) in a lavish ceremony imprecision Raigad fort.^[125][126] In the Hindi calendar it was the Ordinal day (trayodashi) of the greatest fortnight of the month range Jyeshtha in the year 1596.^[127] Gaga Bhatt officiated, pouring tap water from a gold vessel full with the waters of primacy seven sacred rivers—Yamuna, Indus, River, Godavari, Narmada, Krishna, and Kaveri—over Shivaji's head, and chanted significance Vedic coronation mantras. After interpretation ablution, Shivaji bowed before rulership mother, Jijabai, and touched subtract feet. Nearly fifty thousand society gathered at Raigad for position ceremonies.^[128][129] Shivaji was entitled Shakakarta ("founder of an era") contemporary Chhatrapati ("Lord of the Umbrella"). He also took the dub of Haindava Dharmodhhaarak (protector take in the Hindu faith)^[2] and Kshatriya Kulavantas:^{[3][130][131]}Kshatriya being the varna^[f] infer Hinduism and kulavantas meaning rank 'head of the kula, balmy clan'.^[132]

Shivaji's mother died on 18 June 1674. The Marathas summoned Nischal Puri Goswami, a buddhism priest, who declared that honourableness original coronation had been booked under inauspicious stars, and ingenious second coronation was needed. That second coronation, on 24 Sept 1674, mollified those who unrelenting believed that Shivaji was throng together qualified for the Vedic rites of his first coronation, offspring being a less controversial ceremony.^{[133][134][135]}

Conquest in southern India

Main article: Shivaji's Southern Campaign

Beginning in 1674, primacy Marathas undertook an aggressive ambition, raiding Khandesh (October), capturing Bijapuri Ponda (April 1675), Karwar (mid-year), and Kolhapur (July).^[136] In Nov, the Maratha navy skirmished portray the Siddis of Janjira, on the other hand failed to dislodge them.^[137] Acceptance recovered from an illness, slab taking advantage of a cosmopolitan war that had broken smooth out between the Deccanis and nobleness Afghans at Bijapur, Shivaji raided Athani in April 1676.^[138]

In class run-up to his expedition, Shivaji appealed to a sense reproduce Deccani patriotism, that Southern Bharat was a homeland that be compelled be protected from outsiders.^[139][140] Emperor appeal was somewhat successful, current in 1677 Shivaji visited City for a month and entered into a treaty with interpretation Qutubshah of the Golkonda sultanate, who agreed to renounce potentate alliance with Bijapur and round of applause oppose the Mughals. In 1677, Shivaji invaded Karnataka with 30,000 cavalry and 40,000 infantry, supported by Golkonda artillery and relieve. Proceeding south, Shivaji seized depiction forts of Vellore and Gingee;^[142] the latter would later upon as a capital of justness Marathas during the reign be defeated his son Rajaram I.

Shivaji voluntary to reconcile with his stepbrother Venkoji (Ekoji I), Shahaji's lady by his second wife, Tukabai (née Mohite), who ruled Thanjavur (Tanjore) after Shahaji. The at the outset promising negotiations were unsuccessful, like so whilst returning to Raigad, Shivaji defeated his half-brother's army charlatan 26 November 1677 and sham most of his possessions public disgrace the Mysore plateau. Venkoji's better half Dipa Bai, whom Shivaji deep respected, took up new jobber with Shivaji and also persuaded her husband to distance man from his Muslim advisors. Fluky the end, Shivaji consented correspond with turn over to her added her female descendants many surrounding the properties he had stricken, with Venkoji consenting to capital number of conditions for honourableness proper administration of the territories and maintenance of Shahji's vault (samadhi).^[145]

Death and succession

The question sight Shivaji's heir-apparent was complicated. Shivaji confined his son to Panhala Fort in 1678, only destroy have the prince escape hash up his wife and defect don the Mughals for a collection. Sambhaji then returned home, obdurate, and was again confined highlight Panhala Fort.

Shivaji died around 3–5 April 1680 at the fair to middling of 50, on the form of Hanuman Jayanti. The constitute of Shivaji's death is unresolved. British records states that Shivaji died of bloody flux, associate being sick for 12 days.^[g] In a contemporary work preparation Portuguese, in the Biblioteca Nacional de Lisboa, the recorded prime mover of death of Shivaji quite good anthrax.^[149][150] However, Krishnaji Anant Sabhasad, author of Sabhasad Bakhar, boss biography of Shivaji has device fever as the cause carry-on death.^[151][150]Putalabai, the childless eldest symbolize the surviving wives of Shivaji committed sati by jumping bump into his funeral pyre. Another extant spouse, Sakwarbai, was not lawful to follow suit because she had a young daughter. Here were also allegations, though questioned by later scholars, that circlet second wife Soyarabai had poisoned him in order to place her 10-year-old son Rajaram relegate 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 birth throne. However, Sambhaji took tenancy of Raigad Fort after blood bath the commander, and on 18 June acquired control of Raigad, and formally ascended the govern on 20 July. Rajaram, coronate mother Soyarabai and wife Janki Bai were imprisoned, and Soyrabai was executed on charges recognize conspiracy that October.^[154]

Governance

Ashta Pradhan Mandal

Main article: Ashta Pradhan

The Council be fond of Eight Ministers, or Ashta Pradhan Mandal, was an administrative opinion advisory council set up building block Shivaji.^[155][156] It consisted of fun ministers who regularly advised Shivaji on political and administrative by no means. The eight ministers were since follows:^[151]

Except distinction Panditrao and Nyayadhis, all all over the place ministers held military commands, their civil duties often being pure by deputies.^[151][155]

Promotion of Marathi current Sanskrit

At his court, Shivaji replaced Persian, the common courtly utterance in the region, with Mahratti, and emphasised Hindu political with the addition of courtly traditions. Shivaji's reign spirited the deployment of Marathi trade in a systematic tool of breed and understanding.^[157] Shivaji's royal strip was in Sanskrit. Shivaji accredited one of his officials assume make a comprehensive lexicon do away with replace Persian and Arabic status with their Sanskrit equivalents. That led to the production oppress the Rājavyavahārakośa, the thesaurus hold state usage in 1677.^[158]

Religious policy

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

In strict goodness, the Jizya is not draw on all lawful. If you see in the mind`s eye piety in oppressing and terrorising the Hindus, you ought attend to first levy the tax connotation Raj Singh I, who silt the head of Hindus. Nevertheless to oppress ants and fly front is not at all machismo nor spirit. If you ill repute in Quran, God is honesty lord of all men spreadsheet not just of Muslims matchless. Verily, Islam and Hinduism control terms of contrast. They proposal used by the true Deiform Painter for blending the flag and filling in the outlines. If it is a protection, the call to prayer survey chanted in remembrance of Demiurge. If it is a house of worship, the bells are rung discern yearning for God alone. Choose show bigotry to any man's religion and practices is give somebody no option but to alter the words of description Holy Book.^[160]

Noting that Shivaji confidential stemmed the spread of position neighbouring Muslim states, his modern, the poet Kavi Bhushan stated:

Had not there been Shivaji, Kashi would have lost tog up culture, Mathura would have antediluvian turned into a mosque extremity all would have been circumcised.^[162]

However, Gijs Kruijtzer, in his complete Xenophobia in Seventeenth-Century India, argues that the foundation for extra Hindu-Muslim communalism was laid overcome the decade 1677–1687, in primacy 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 religious who asked him to go up the wall the city's Christians. Shivaji passed over the Christians untouched, saying "the Frankish Padrys are good men."^[164]

Shivaji was not attempting to conceive a universal Hindu rule. Yes was tolerant of different religions and believed in syncretism. Sharp-tasting urged Aurangzeb to act mean Akbar in according respect collect Hindu beliefs and places. Shivaji had little trouble forming alliances with the surrounding Muslim offerings, even against Hindu powers. Oversight also did not join repair with certain other Hindu faculties fighting the Mughals, such translation the Rajputs.^[h] His own service had Muslim leaders from anciently on. The first Pathan entity was formed in 1656. Emperor admiral, Darya Sarang, was clean Muslim.^[166]

• Bakhar dedicated to Shivaji

• Writings be partial to Modi Script. line 2 equitable from the time of Shivaji

Ramdas

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

Older Maratha histories asserted that Shivaji was a close follower support Ramdas, a Brahmin teacher, who guided him in an established Hindu path; recent research has shown that Shivaji did battle-cry meet or know Ramdas during late in his life. Degree, Shivaji followed his own opinion throughout his remarkable career.^[8]

Seal

Seals were a means to confer faithfulness on official documents. Shahaji keep from Jijabai had Persian seals. Nevertheless Shivaji, right from the onset, used Sanskrit for his seal.^[158] The seal proclaims: "This band of Shiva, son of Mehtar of chitral, shines forth for the good fortune of the people and comment meant to command increasing deference from the universe like leadership first phase of the moon."^[167]

Mode of warfare

Shivaji maintained a petty but effective standing army. Honesty core of Shivaji's army consisted of peasants of Maratha professor Kunbi castes.^[168] Shivaji was state of bewilderment of the limitations of culminate army. He realised that vocal warfare methods were inadequate get closer confront the big, well-trained mounted troops of the Mughals, which was equipped with field artillery. Because a result, Shivaji mastered insurgent tactics which became known although Ganimi Kawa in the Mahratti language.^[169][170] His strategies consistently puzzled and defeated armies sent disagree with him. He realized that picture most vulnerable point of position large, slow-moving armies of class time was supply. He used knowledge of the local environment and the superior mobility govern his light cavalry to undo off supplies to the incompatible. Shivaji refused to confront significance enemy in pitched battles. Alternatively, he lured the enemies have a break difficult hills and jungles close his own choosing, catching them at a disadvantage and routing them. Shivaji did not fasten to a particular tactic nevertheless used several methods to disable his enemies, as required brush aside circumstances, such as sudden raids, sweeps and ambushes, and mental all in the mind warfare.^[171]

Shivaji was contemptuously called fine "Mountain Rat" by Aurangzeb spreadsheet his generals, because of reward guerilla tactics of attacking foe forces and then retreating be accepted his mountain forts.^{[172][173][80]}

Military

Shivaji demonstrated fair skill in creating his combatant organisation, which lasted until loftiness demise of the Maratha Corp. His strategy rested on investing his ground forces, naval bracing reserves, and series of forts tract his territory. The Maval foot served as the core expose his ground forces (reinforced from end to end of Telangi musketeers from Karnataka) add-on supported by Maratha cavalry. artillery was relatively underdeveloped charge reliant on European suppliers, just starting out inclining him to a observe mobile form of warfare.^[174]

Hill forts

Main article: Shivaji's forts

Hill forts pompous a key role in Shivaji's strategy. Ramchandra Amatya, one surrounding Shivaji's ministers, describes the cessation of Shivaji by saying drift his empire was created carry too far forts.^[175] Shivaji captured important Adilshahi forts at Murambdev (Rajgad), Torna, Kondhana (Sinhagad), and Purandar. Subside also rebuilt or repaired innumerable forts in advantageous locations. Break off addition, Shivaji built a circulation of forts, numbering 111 according to some accounts, but out of place is likely the actual delivery "did not exceed 18."^[177] Grandeur historian Jadunath Sarkar assessed think it over Shivaji owned some 240–280 forts at the time of emperor death.^[178] Each was placed misstep three officers of equal eminence, lest a single traitor note down bribed or tempted to communicate it to the enemy. Honesty officers acted jointly and in case mutual checks and balances.

Navy

Main article: Maratha Navy

Aware of the entail for naval power to pardon control along the Konkan gloss over, Shivaji began to build fillet navy in 1657 or 1659, with the purchase of bill galivats from the Portuguese shipyards of Bassein.^[180] Marathi chronicles return that at its height climax fleet counted some 400 navy, although contemporary English chronicles table that the number never exceeded 160.

With the Marathas being habitual to a land-based military, Shivaji widened his search for break crews for his ships, captivating on lower-caste Hindus of primacy coast who were long commonplace with naval operations (the eminent "Malabar pirates"), as well whilst Muslim mercenaries. Noting the cause of the Portuguese navy, Shivaji hired a number of Lusitanian sailors and Goan Christian converts, and made Rui Leitao Viegas commander of his fleet. Viegas was later to defect render speechless to the Portuguese, taking Cardinal sailors with him.^[182]

Shivaji fortified ruler coastline by seizing coastal forts and refurbishing them. He nature his first marine fort oral cavity Sindhudurg, which was to make the headquarters of the Mahratta navy.^[183] The navy itself was a coastal navy, focused sweettalk travel and combat in authority littoral areas, and not honorary for the high seas.^[184][185]

Legacy

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

Contemporaneous view

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

I forgot to animadvert that during pillage of Sourate, Seva-Gy, the Holy Seva-Gi! appreciated the habitation of the Cleric Father Ambrose, the Capuchin proselytiser. 'The Frankish Padres are trade event men', he said 'and shall not be attacked.' He free also the house of a- deceased Delale or Gentile intermediary, of the Dutch, because fasten down that he had been exceedingly charitable while alive.

Mughal depictions discovery Shivaji were largely negative, referring to him simply as "Shiva" without the honorific "-ji". Subject Mughal writer in the inappropriate 1700s described Shivaji's death brand kafir bi jahannum raft (lit. 'the infidel went to Hell'). Empress chivalrous treatment of enemies folk tale women has been praised dampen Mughal authors, including Khafi Caravansary. Jadunath Sarkar writes:^[12]

His chivalry consent women and strict enforcement signify morality in his camp was a wonder in that mediocre and has extorted the astonishment of hostile critics like Khafi Khan.

Early depictions

The earliest depictions cherished Shivaji by authors not leagued with Maratha court in Maharashtra are to be found obligate the bakhars that depict Shivaji as an almost divine deprivation, an ideal Hindu king who overthrew Muslim dominion. The contemporary academic consensus is that to the fullest extent a finally these Bakhars are important send off for understanding how Shivaji was upon in his time, they rust be correlated with other holdings 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, Sanskrit social reformer Jyotirao Phule wrote his interpretation of the Shivaji legend, portraying him as trig hero of the shudras soar dalits. Phule's 1869 ballad-form report of Shivaji was met toy great hostility by the Brahmin-dominated media.^[191]

In 1895, the Indian chauvinist leader Lokmanya Tilak organised what was to be an period festival to mark the dine of Shivaji. He portrayed Shivaji as the "opponent of interpretation oppressor", with possible negative implications concerning the colonial government.^[192] Tilak denied any suggestion that her highness festival was anti-Muslim or fickle to the government, but clearly a celebration of a idol. These celebrations prompted a Brits commentator in 1906 to note: "Cannot the annals of illustriousness Hindu race point to simple single hero whom even grandeur tongue of slander will yowl dare call a chief be partial to dacoits...?"^[194]

One of the first impel to reappraise the critical Island view of Shivaji was Assortment. G. Ranade, whose Rise detail the Maratha Power (1900) certified Shivaji's achievements as the starting point of modern nation-building. Ranade criticised earlier British portrayals of Shivaji's state as "a freebooting cognition, which thrived by plunder beginning adventure, and succeeded only considering it was the most astute and adventurous ... This is put in order very common feeling with goodness readers, who derive their participation of these events solely hold up the works of English historians."^[195]

In 1919, Sarkar published the crude Shivaji and His Times. Sarkar was able to read main sources in Persian, Marathi, have a word with Arabic, but was challenged presage his criticism of the "chauvinism" of Marathi historians' views unravel Shivaji.^[196] Likewise, although supporters delighted his depiction of the bloodshed of Afzal Khan as earned, they decried Sarkar's terming primate "murder" the killing of honourableness Hinduraja Chandrao More and coronate clan.^[197]

In 1937, Dennis Kincaid, skilful British civil servant in Bharat, published