Foundation and Rise of Shivaji

Who Are the Marathas?

The Marathas are a Marathi-speaking warrior group native to the Deccan plateau (present-day Maharashtra). Before their political rise, a strong cultural foundation was laid by Bhakti Saints like Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, and Ramdas, who promoted social unity and devotion.

The Rise of Shivaji (Born 1630)

Born to Shahji Bhonsle and Jijabai, Shivaji grew up in Pune. While his father served the Deccan Sultanates, Shivaji envisioned a sovereign kingdom (Swarājya).

• At age 16: He began capturing neglected forts in the Pune region, challenging the established Sultanates.

Conflict with Bijapur: Afzal Khan (1659)

To crush Shivaji, the Bijapur Sultanate sent their veteran general, Afzal Khan.

• Strategy: Shivaji engaged in psychological warfare and agreed to a private meeting at the foot of Pratapgad Fort.
• The Encounter: Anticipating treachery, Shivaji wore armor under his clothes and concealed a Wāgh nakh (tiger-claw weapon). When Afzal Khan attacked, Shivaji killed him.
• Result: The Maratha army, hidden in the dense forests, routed the leaderless Bijapur forces using guerrilla tactics.

Conflict with the Mughals

Shivaji’s growing power alarmed the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

1. Shaista Khan and the “Surgical Strike”

• Mughal noble Shaista Khan occupied Pune.
• The Raid: Shivaji infiltrated the camp at night with a small band of soldiers, entering the Lal Mahal. Shaista Khan barely escaped, losing his fingers. This daring raid forced the Mughals to retreat.

2. The Sack of Surat

• Surat was a wealthy Mughal trading port. Shivaji sacked it twice to obtain funds for his army, challenging Mughal prestige.

3. Treaty of Purandar & Agra Escape

• Aurangzeb sent Jai Singh (a Rajput general) to defeat Shivaji.
• Treaty: Shivaji was forced to sign the Treaty of Purandar, surrendering many forts.
• Agra Visit (1666): Shivaji visited Aurangzeb’s court but was insulted and placed under house arrest.
• The Great Escape: Shivaji famously escaped by hiding in baskets of sweets meant for distribution to holy men.

Coronation (1674)

Shivaji was crowned Chhatrapati (Sovereign King) at Raigad Fort in 1674.

• He adopted the title Kshatriya Kulavantas.
• Started a new era: Rājyābhiṣheka shaka.
• Dakshin Digvijaya: He later expanded his kingdom into South India (Tamil Nadu/Karnataka), creating a strategic depth against Mughals.