Maratha King Shivaji
First Online: February 15, 2002
Page Last Updated: November 16, 2024
© K. L. Kamat
Maratha King Shivaji
The rise of Shivaji and the Marathas is an important factor in the history of India. Shivaji (1627-1680 A.D.) was the founder of the Maratha kingdom. He was greatly inspired by the heroes of Hindu mythologies and he considered it his mission to liberate India from the Islamic rulers. At a young age, he conquered the forts of Torna, Raighad, and Purandar. He used the guerrilla tactics to confront even the mightiest of the empires (that of Moghul emperor Aurangjeb) India had known. He imposed a land tax called Chauth on the kingdoms he conquered and used it to build a powerful Hindu army. Shivaji was a brave and able administrator, and established a government that included such modern concepts as cabinet (Ashtapradhan mandal), foreign affairs (Dabir), and internal intelligence.
Timeline of Shivaji's Life
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| Year | Historical Event |
| 1627 | Shivaji born in the hill fort of Shivner. |
| 1643-47 | Shivaji overran the hill forts of Kondana, Torana and Raigarh. |
| 1647 | Shivaji's Guardian Dadaji Khondev died. |
| 1656 | Shivaji conquered Javli from Chandra Rao More. |
| 1657 | Shivaji came into conflict with the Moghuls for the first time by making raids into Ahmednagar. |
| 1659 | Afzal Khan of Bijapur was killed by Shivaji. |
| 1660 | Moghul Governor Shaista Khan occupied Pune |
| 1663 | Shivaji made an attack on Shaistakhan's harem and wounded him. |
| 1664 | Shivaji raided and looted Surat. |
| 1665 | Jai Singh besieged the fort of Purandar and forced Shivaji to sign the treaty of Purandar. |
| 1666 | Shivaji escaped from Agra. |
| 1670 | Shivaji attacked Surat for the second time. |
| 1674 | Shivaji crowned himself at Raighad and assumed the title of Maharaja Chhatrapati. |
| 1676 | Shivaji's last campaign against Jijapuri Karnataka. Captured Jinji and Vellore. |
| 1680 | Shivaji died. |
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See Also:
- Education of Royalty in India
- Dynasties of the Deccan
- When the Mogus Ruled. . -- Chronology of the Mogul dynasty, including important kings, the span of their kingdoms, and period artifacts. Includes references and links.
- History Potpourri -- Social and political history of India; includes history of freedom struggle, history of drinking, history of education, dynasties, and religious movements
- Search for Shivaji in Kamat PictureSearch
