Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

In 1627, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born in the fort of Shivneri, near Pune in Maharashtra. His father, Shahaji Bhonsle, was a general in Adilshahi of Bijapur. At that time, he was brought up by his mother, Jijabai, who taught him good values and wisdom. In 1638 Shahaji Raje was captured by Bijapur general Afzal Khan and brought to Bijapur as a prisoner along with his family, where he remained till 1645, when it fell into Maratha hands as a result of their victory over Sultanate forces at Talikota and Rangoonwadi. During this period, both Jijabai and Saibai died due to illness (malaria) while they were going from Satara towards Poona for some religious function, leaving behind young Shivaji alone with his three brothers – Sambhaji, Rajaram & Shambhuji. They were then minors under the tutelage of their uncle Yesubai & grandmother Tarabai, respectively.

Shivaji Maharaj married Saibai Chauhanika in 1640 but did not have any son during her lifetime, which caused him great distress because, according to then-prevailing customs, only a son could inherit property after the father’s death without any dispute between heirs or family members, so he adopted Tanaji Malusare as a son who proved himself worthy successor after the death of Sambhaji(1680).

After attaining a majority in 1645 and taking over the reins of administration from his grandmother Tarabai, Shivaji Maharaj began to consolidate his power in Maharashtra by defeating the Mughals and other Muslim rulers. He fought battles against Mughal forces led by Afzal Khan at Pratapgad (1659) and against Adilshahi forces led by Siddhi Johar at Kolhapur (1661). In 1674 he captured Bijapur city, which was then under the control of the Adilshahi dynasty but later on handed it over to his grandson Shahu as a token of gratitude for helping him fight against Aurangzeb, who was trying to capture it back.