31-Dec-2024

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

History

Why in News? 

  • The Indian Army has installed a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on Pangong Lake's banks, honoring his legacy and symbolizing courage and leadership. 

 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Key Points 

Early Life 

  • Born: 19th February 1630, Shivneri Fort, Pune, Maharashtra. 
  • Parents: Shahaji Bhonsle (Maratha general) and Jijabai (devout influence). 
  • Early Achievement: Gained control of Torna and Kondana Forts in 1645 as a teenager. 

Conflict with Mughals 

  • Raided Mughal territories near Ahmednagar and Junnar (1657). 
  • Defeated Mughal forces under Shaista Khan in Pune (1659). 
  • Sacked the Mughal port of Surat (1664). 
  • Signed the Treaty of Purandar (1665), relinquishing forts and agreeing to meet Aurangzeb. 

 Important Battle 

Battle of Pratapgad, 1659 
  • Fought at the fort of Pratapgad near the town of Satara, Maharashtra, between the forces of the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Adilshahi general Afzal Khan. 

Battle of Pavan Khind, 1660 
  • Fought at a mountain pass in the vicinity of fort Vishalgad, near the city of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, between the Maratha Sardar Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Siddi Masud of Adilshahi. 

Sacking of Surat, 1664 
  • Fought near the city of Surat, Gujarat, between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Inayat Khan, a Mughal captain. 

Battle of Purandar, 1665 
  • Fought between the Mughal Empire and Maratha Empire. 

Battle of Sinhagad, 1670 
  • Fought on the fort of Sinhagad near the city of Pune, Maharashtra between Tanaji Malusare, a commander of Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj and Udaybhan Rathod, fortkeeper under Jai Singh I who was a Mughal Army Chief. 

Battle of Kalyan, 1682-83 
  • Bahadur Khan of the Mughal Empire defeated the Maratha army and took over Kalyan. 

Battle of Sangamner, 1679 
  • Fought between the Mughal Empire and Maratha Empire. This was the last battle in which the Maratha King Shivaji fought. 

Arrest and Escape 

  • Arrested during a meeting with Aurangzeb in Agra (1666). 
  • Made a legendary escape in disguise with his son Sambhaji. 
  • Recovered lost territories from the Mughals by 1670. 

Titles and Achievements 

  • Adopted titles: Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas, Haindava Dharmodhhaarak. 
  • Expanded the Maratha kingdom into a dominant power. 

Death 

  • Passed away in 1680, cremated at Raigad Fort.