Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a Maratha warrior and statesman who founded the Maratha Empire in western India in the early 17th century. He is considered to be one of the greatest warriors in Indian history and was a key figure in the resistance to Mughal rule in India.
Shivaji was born in the hill fortress of Shivneri in 1627, the son of Shahaji Bhosale, a Maratha general who served the Deccan Sultanates. From a young age, Shivaji displayed a strong sense of military strategy and was well-versed in the art of guerilla warfare. He also had a deep sense of nationalism and worked to establish a Hindu state in the face of Mughal expansion.
Shivaji’s military successes and administrative skills led to the expansion of the Maratha Empire, which eventually included much of western and central India. He is credited with establishing the Maratha navy and modernizing the Maratha army, and his rule saw significant social and economic reforms.
Shivaji is remembered as a heroic figure in Indian history and is celebrated for his bravery, intelligence, and vision. He is revered as the founder of the Maratha Empire and is celebrated as a symbol of resistance against foreign rule.