Why in News? 

• April 3^rd marks the 345^th death anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India, who passed away on this date in 1680 at Raigad Fort. 

Key Points: 

• Birthplace: Shivaji Maharaj was born in Shivneri Fort, Poona, in 1630. 
• Founder of Maratha Empire: He is remembered for establishing the Maratha Empire in western India. 
• Coronation: In 1674, he crowned himself at Raigad and began a new era known as the 'Rajyabhisheka Era'. 
• Council of Ministers: Shivaji formed a council of eight ministers called Ashtapradhan, which played a key role in the administration of his empire. 
• Maratha Naval Force: In 1654, he established the Maratha naval force near Kalyan, building several fortified naval bases along the western coastline to safeguard his empire. 
• Guerrilla Warfare Tactics: Shivaji was a master of guerrilla warfare tactics and notably defeated Afzal Khan in 1659.