About Shivaji

Shivaji Bhosle, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle (Marathi) (February 19, 1627 to March 4, 1680) was the founder of Maratha empire in western India in 1674. Using guerrilla tactics superbly suited to the rugged mountains and valleys of the region, he annexed a portion of the then dominant Mughal empire and the Sultanate of Bijapur. He is considered a great hero in India particularly in the present-day state of Maharashtra, and stories of his exploits have entered into folklore.

Family background
Shivaji started his rise to power in what is now the state of Maharashtra in the Deccan, close to the power centres of South-Central India.

The land of Maharashtra was ruled by a local dynasty, the Satavahanas from 300 BC to 230 AD. After which, it constantly swayed into many different kingdoms.

In 1292, Ala-ud-din Khilji defeated the Yadavas of Devagiri, but the Yadavas continued to rule till 1310. But a branch of the Yadavas ruled parts of Konkan and Khandesh regions for a century thereafter. While the Maratha capital fell to invaders, the regional lords held their sway.

In 1453, an invasion of Bahamani in the region of Vishalgarh resulted in a defeat of Yadavas. Over time, an understanding evolved between the sultanates, regional lords and their erstwhile master Yadavas. The Yadavas became a vassal of Bahamani. In 1492, the Bahamani sultanate broke into five kingdoms called Shahi.

In 1565, the allied Deccan sultanates had vanquished the Vijayanagara Empire at Talikota. By the time Shivaji began his military career, power in the region was shared by three Sultanates - Bijapur, Ahmednagar, and Golconda. Most of the Marathas continued as soldiers and noblemen of the Sultanates. Indeed, the sultanates engaged in a continuous game of mutual alliances and aggressions.

Like his ancestors, Shahaji (Shivaji's father) was a major player in the Mughal Wars. At that time, Shahaji played the role of a regent for the young Nizam. Together with the prime minister of Nizamshah, Malik Amber, he put up a stiff resistance to the advancing forces of the Mughal emperor and defeated them.

However, tired of the unsettled conditions, Shahaji Raje left Nizamshah's service and joined Adilshah of Bijapur, who gave him the title of 'Sar Lashkar'. Emperor Shah Jahan again attacked the Kingdom of Nizamshah. At this critical hour, Shahaji Raje returned to the service of Nizamshah. Meanwhile Lakhuji Jadavrao was murdered. This prompted Shahaji to raise the banner of independence.

Early life
It was during this period that Shivaji was born. He was born in independent country as proclaimed by his father. Perhaps, that was the main contributing reason for his life long fight for independence. The actual date of Shivaji's birth was under controversy but now settled on date as 19 February 1627. He was born in Shivneri Fort, Junnar, 60 kilometres north of Pune and about 100 kilometres east of Mumbai. He was named Shiva, after the local Goddess Shivai, to whom his mother Jijabai had prayed for a son. Jijabai had several other sons before Shivaji who did not survive, except for Sambhaji who was with Shahaji in the South.

Shahaji attempted to build on the ruins of the Nizamshahi kingdom of Ahmednagar, but was defeated by a combined force of the Mughals and Adilshah in 1636. He was forced to leave the region around Pune. He was inducted by Adilshah of Bijapur and was offered a distant jagir at present-day Bangalore. But he was allowed to keep his old land tenures and holdings in Pune.

Foundation of empire
Under these circumstances, Shahaji appointed the young Shivaji under the care of his mother Jijabai to manage the Pune holdings. A small council of ministers was appointed to assist Shivaji in the administration which included Shamrao Nilkanth as Peshwa, Balkrishna Pant as Muzumdar, Raghunath Ballal as Sabnis and Sonopant as Dabir. Apart from these ministers, military commanders Kanhoji Jedhe and Baji Pasalkar were appointed to look after Shivaji's training. Assuming administrative responsibility in 1644, Shahaji got Lal Mahal built at Pune.

A royal seal was handed over to Shivaji which reads in Sanskrit: "This is the royal seal of Shivaji, son of Shahaji. This royal seal is for welfare of people. This seal (the rule of the seal) will grow like the new moon grows." Thus Shivaji started his career as an independent young prince of a small kingdom on a mission. Shivaji used the title of Raja (king) only after Shahji died.

His parents made an indelible impression on him with stories from Mahabharata and Ramayana, readings from other holy texts such Bhagwat Gita, etc and a rigorous education at home. Shahaji's failed attempts at political independence, his exceptional military capabilities and achievements, his knowledge of Sanskrit, Hindu ethos and patronage of the arts, his war strategies and peacetime diplomacy, all inspired and informed him.

Furthermore,his mother, having lost her father and three brothers to an underhanded plot hatched by the Nizamshah, pointed out the negative outcomes and potential for bitter experiences at the hand of wayward and callous alien rulers. Instilling in Shivaji a natural love for self-determination and aversion to external political domination.

Her piety and commitment to indigenous culture and her recounting of tales from the great Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana, made him peerless (as confirmed by even otherwise inimical chroniclers, Khafi Khan especially) in his tolerant attitude towards other religions and treatment of women and non-combatants.

Shahaji's vision, Jijabai's teachings and motivation, and the able training by military commanders such as Gomaji Naik, Baji Pasalkar were the greatest influences which groomed Shivaji into a brave and fearless military leader as well as a responsible administrator. Young Shivaji, the prodigy that he was, wasted no time in applying what he had learned.

Confrontation with the local Sultanates
At the age of 19 Shivaji carried out his first military action by attacking and capturing Torna fort of the Bijapur kingdom, in 1646. By 1647 he had captured Kondana and Rajgad forts and had complete control of the Pune region.

By 1659 Shivaji had captured forts in the Western Ghats and along the Konkan coast. In a bid to sabotage this move of the Marathas under Shivaji's able leadership, Adilshah had Shahaji arrested by underhanded and deceitful means, and he sent one army against Sambhaji, Shivaji's elder brother at Banglore (with Farradkhan at its head) and another against Shivaji at Purandhar (with Fattekhan at its head). However both brothers defeated the invading armies securing the release of their father. Afzal Khan was then sent to destroy Shivaji, in an effort to put down what was seen by Bijapur as a regional revolt.

Battle of Pratapgarh
Shivaji acutely aware of the danger facing him, prepared carefully and deligently for this encounter, he secretly armed himself with sharp metal razor weapon called Wagh Nakh (Tiger Claw) prior to a meeting arranged by Afzul Khan. Afzal Khan embraced him before the commencement of supposed negotiations and then surreptitiously proceeeded to stab him with a Khanjjar (Small Sword) hidden in his clothes. Shivaji survived the attack unscathed, protected by body armour he wore under his clothes, in response Shivaji counter attacked Afzul Khan with 'Wagh Nakh'and 'Bichwa' spilling his blood and entrails on the ground.

Thereupon, Afzul Khan's associate/lawyer Krishnaji Bhaskar Kulkarni attacked Shivaji with a sword but Shivaji struck him down with a single stroke of Dandpatta( medieval weapon). Afzul Khan was stunned and managed to stumble out of the tent to get help but was beheaded by Shivaji's associates Sambhaji Kavji and Jiva Mahale prior to getting help or raising an alarm.

Enraged by the bloody outcome of Shivaji's encounter with Afzal Khan, the Bijapur army looked to take revenge. In the ensuing battle of Pratapgarh which was fought on November 30, 1659 Shivaji's armies routed Bijapur's forces and emerged victorious. This victory made Shivaji the hero of Maratha folklore and a legendary figure among his people.

All contemporary powers of the Indian subcontinent were shocked with the outcome of this decisive battle. Immediately after the battle, Shivaji in the brilliant and lightning moves of cavalry conquered the area between Pune right up to the Panhala fort (near Kohlapur)stretching over 200 km.

Subsequently, Bijapur sent an imposing and elite Pashtun army to subdue and defeat Shivaji. In the resulting war of Panhalgadh, Bijapur's Pashtun/Afghani army was decimated by the Marathas, who killed thousands of Pashtuns. This crushing defeat of the Muslim forces in the Deccan raised the hopes and confidence of the Hindus across India and helped to coalese the Maratha nation as a united force under Shivaji's able leadership. It was now an emerging power that would come under close scrutiny of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Battle of Kolhapur
To counter the loss at Pratapgad and to defeat the nascent Maratha power, another army, this time numbering at over 10,000 was sent against Shivaji, commanded by renowned Bijapuri general Rustemjaman. With cavalry of 5000 Marathas, Shivaji attacked them near Kolhapur on 28 December, 1659. In a swift movement, Shivaji lead a full frontal attack at the center of the enemy forces while other two portions of his cavalry attacked the flanks. The hand to hand combat was ferocious, the action was interspersed with the Maratha war cry - 'Haar Haar Mahadev' (Hail to Lord Shiva) and 'Allahu Akbhar' (God is Great) the Muslim war cry. In a bloody pitched battle, the Bijapuri forces were crushed and Rustemjaman fled.

Shivaji's Mavali/Maratha soldiers clearly demonstrated their courage and martial tendency by fearlessly attacking in a pitched battle the combined and formidable Bijapur army made up of elite forces of Arab, Abyssinian, Persian and Afghan mercenaries. This news made the mighty Mughal empire more alarmed at the successes of the upstart Maratha Shivaji, who was now derisively called 'Mountain Rat' by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He was now prepared to bring the full might and resources of the Mughal Empire to bear down on the growing Maratha threat, he was not one to tolerate any challenge to his rule.

Battle of Pavan Khind
In 1660, Adil Shah sent Siddi Johar - an Abyssinian general of great repute. He was eager to put down Shivaji once and for all and he committed all the manpower and war-materiel available to him in his kingdom.

At that time Shivaji was camped at the fort Panhala with a small part part of his army, near present day Kolhapur, on the borders of his dominion. Siddi Johar's very large and intimidating army camped near Panhala, cutting off supply routes to the fort. Shivaji, in a bold move, decided to escape to a nearby fort Vishaalgad, where he could regroup his soldiers to fight a decisive battle.

Shivaji sent misleading messages to Siddi Johar indicating that he was willing to negotiate and was looking for accommodation, understanding and mercy. With this news Adilshahi soldiers relaxed somewhat, and Shivaji escaped on that stormy night. However, Johar's soldiers captured a small group of the Marathas apparently including Shivaji, only to realize he was a look-alike dressed like Shivaji sent out to create a diversion and facilitate the real king's escape. But it did not take much time for Siddi Johar's soldiers to figure out that the imposter was Shivaji's barber and that Shivaji and his army were headed to Vishaalgad.

A large enemy cavalry, in hot pursuit of Shivaji might have easily overtaken and captured him had they been able to catch up with him. This eventuality was avoided by Shivaji in a last minute rear-guard defensive move. Baji Prabhu Deshpande, a brave Sardar along with 300 soldiers, volunteered to fight to the death to hold back the enemy at Ghod Khind.

In the resulting battle of Pavan Khind, Baji Prabhu fought relentlessly, at times with swords in both hands. He was almost fatally injured but he held on for precious minutes and only succumbed to his injuries after hearing cannon fire from Vishaalgad, signalling Shivaji had reached safety of the fort. Ghod Khindi was covered with blood of 300 Marathas who willingly gave up their lives and fought to the last man for the cause of freedom, along with that of 1286 of Adilshah's brave and elite troops. Baji Prabhu Deshpande and his men's bravery, sacrifice and heroic stand at Pavan Khindi is a very popular story in the annals of Maratha history. And has been recited as a folk lore in Maharashtra in many awe-inspiring renditions.

A truce was made between Shivaji and Adilshahi through Shahaji, acknowledging and formally recognizing the independence of Shivaji's Kingdom. Also, as the terms of peace, the fort at Panhala was awarded to Siddi Johar.

This remained the situation until the death of Shahaji, when Shivaji was free to deal with the Mughals. Thus the Marathas became an emerging power in the Deccan. Ghod Khind (khind = "narrow pass in mountainous terrain") was renamed Pavan Khind (Sacred Pass) in honor of Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the soldiers who selflessly fought and died to save their king and country. A small memorial stands even today in the pass in recognition of the heroism of Bajiprabhu and his men.

This battle was one of the last serious challenges to Shivaji from the regional sultanates, from now on the attention of the mighty Mughal empire would be firmly fixed on danger posed by the emerging Maratha nation under the leadership of Shivaji and his potential challenge to their Supremacy in India.

Clash with the Mughals
With the death of Muhammad Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur, Aurangzeb and his amir Mir Jumla began to take over the Adil Shahi holdings. In 1657 Aurangzeb attacked Golconda and Bijapur. Shivaji, using guerrilla tactics, took control of three Bijapuri forts formerly controlled by his father. With these victories, Shivaji assumed defacto leadership of many independent Maratha clans. He was bequeathed the sobriquet of "mountain-rat (pahadi chuha)" by his opponents for his frequent guerilla-style raids. The Marathas harried the flanks of the warring Bijapuris and Mughals, gaining weapons, forts, and territories. During the war of succession, Shivaji's small and ill-equipped army survived an all out Bijapuri attack, and Shivaji mortally wounded the Bijapuri general, Afzul Khan after the general had, in another famous act of treachery, attempted to stab Shivaji in the back in an unarmed meeting between the two leaders. With this event, the Marathas transformed into a powerful military force, capturing more and more Bijapuri and Mughal territory.

Shahiste Khan
In 1660, Aurangzeb sent Shaista Khan, his maternal uncle with a large army to defeat Shivaji in the Deccan. Within three years in 1663, Shivaji had lost most of his conquests to a relentless attack by a well-trained, well supplied and vastly larger Mughal army.

Shaista Khan, seized Pune and the fort of Chakan. His vast army was more than a match for Shivaji's troops and he was an experienced commander who had defeated Shahaji in this region in 1636. Although he held Pune for almost a year, he had little further success. He had set up his residence at Lal Mahal in the city of Pune.

Shivaji planned a daring attack on Shaista Khan. One day in April 1663, a wedding party had obtained special permission for a procession and Shivaji planned an attack on that very night. The Marathas disguised as the bridegroom’s procession members entered Pune. Since many Maratha Sardar's served in the Mughal army, Shivaji and his men cleverly made their way through the rings of Mughal defenses around Lal Mahal.

After overpowering and disposing of the palace guards they broke into the mansion by breaking through a wall. Shivaji confronted Shaista Khan and with a slash of his sword he severed three of Shaista Khan's fingers as he scampered and attempted to flee Shivaji's attack via an open window, the Khan escaped by jumping out of an open window and was taken to a safe place by the servant maids. Shaista Khan lost his son, many of his guards, and soldiers in the raid.

Shaista Khan left Pune heading North after barely surviving this daring attack. An angered Aurangzeb transferred him to distant Bengal as a punishment for his embarrassing defeat in Pune.

Trip To Agra and Escape
In 1666, Aurangzeb summoned Shivaji to Agra, along with his six year old son Sambhaji on the occasion of his fiftieth birthday. In the court,on 12 May 1666, Aurangzeb made Shivaji stand behind mansabdar's (Commanders)of his court,considered as an insult by him . Offended, by this petty gesture, Shivaji stormed out of court and was promptly placed under house arrest, under the watch of Fulad Khan, Kotwal of Agra.

From his spies, Shivaji learned that Aurangzeb planned to shift him to Raja Vitthaldas's Haveli and then to kill him. Shivaji then feigned sickness and requested and sent back all his accomplices to Deccan. On his request,he was allowed to send sweets to saints, fakirs,temples in Agra as an offering for getting well.

After several days of sending out boxes containing sweets, Shivaji disguised himself as a palanquin bearer and managed to escape out without being recognized. Sambhaji had been smuggled out a couple of days earlier. Sambhaji was free in the Agra City disguised as Aurangzeb's Panchahajari Mansabdar, thereafter, Shivaji and his son fled to the Deccan to the safety of their homeland.

In the years 1667-69, Shivaji adopted a low profile and began to build up his army. The Mughals had the impression that he was now a spent force and would not cause them any more trouble. However, Shivaji was busy preparing for an all out war by increasing the size of his army, acquiring arms, horses, and other war materials. Then in January 1670 Shivaji's forces launched a concerted multi-proged attack on Mughal garrisons in Maharashtra.

The force of the assault was overwhelming and within six months Shivaji had regained most of his old territory. His army was much larger now: about 40,000 cavalry, backed by 60,000 infantry, a strong navy and a potent artillery. From 1670 to 1674 Shivaji continued to actively and aggressively expand his territory at the expense of the Mughals who were facing the depletion of their treasuries and were stretched to their limits. In 1674, Shivaji had himself coronated the king of Maharashtra and took the title of 'Chatrapati' and proceeded to lay the ground work for an efficient and effective administrative system. He also recaptured the Chakan fort from Mughals.

Battle of Sinhagad
One fort on the outskirts of Pune, Kondana, was still under the control of a Mughal general. On February 4, 1670 Shivaji deputed one of his most senior and trusted generals, Tanaji Malusare, to head a mission to capture Kondana. In the Battle of Sinhagad, the fort was scaled during the dead of the night from the side that was least guarded and most difficult to climb.

Tanaji cutoff the ropes to deny any chance of retreat for his soldiers, who now were acutely aware of their 'do or die' predicament, and attacked the foe with great determination. Tanaji lead his band and was front and center of the attack, and set upon the defenders with ferocity. By morning a complete victory was secured, however, it was only with loss of the brave, loyal and courageous Tanaji. This battle is quite popular in Marathi folklore and is retold as a reminder of the glory that was the Maratha war of Independence.

When Shivaji learned that he had lost his loyal and trusted friend, he said "Gad ala puun sinha geyla", meaning We have won the fort, but lost the Lion. Thenceforth Kondana fort has been called Sinhagad (the Lion fort).

Coronation
Shivaji was formally crowned Chhatrapati ("Chhatrapati= Chief, head or King of Kshatriyas", representing the protection he bestowed on his people) on June 6, 1674 at the Raigad fort, and given the title Kshatriya Kulavantas Sinhasanadheeshwar Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Pandit Gaga Bhatt, a reknown Brahmin from Varanasi, officially presided over the ceremony declaring that Shivaji's ancestor's were truly Kshatriyas who descended from the solar line of the Ranas of Mewar. He was bestowed with the Zaanva, in hindi the Janeu (sacred thread), with the Vedas and was bathed in an abisheka. Shivaji had insisted on an Indrabhishek ritual, which had fallen into disuse since the 9th century.

Thus Shivaji become a “shakkarta” (he started his own calendar). A few days later a second ceremony was carried out, this time according to the Bengal school of Tantricism and presided over by Nischal Puri. Henry Oxinden (later Acting President of the Bombay Presidency) from the British East India Company was present at the ceremony.

Southern expedition (Dakshin digvijaya)
At the end of 1676, Shivaji launched a wave of conquests in southern India with a massive force of 50,000 (30,000 cavalry & 20,000 infantry). The first major alliance made by the monarch was with Abul Hasan, the Qutb Shahi Sultan of Golconda. They began a campaign against the Bijapur Karanatak, including the Shivaji's own half-brother, Vyankoji Bhonsla. He defeated and captured the forts at Vellore and Gingee in modern-day Tamilnadu. These victories proved quite crucial during future wars. Jinjee served as Maratha capital for 9 years during 27 years of war.

Death and succession
Shivaji died at 12 noon, 3rd April, in 1680 at Raigad, after running a fever for three weeks. The funeral ceremony was arranged in Raigad in presence of Rajaram and Soyarabai. After Shivajis death, his elder son Sambhaji and Tarabai (wife of Rajaram), fought for control of the kingdom. After a brief struggle Sambhaji was crowned king.

Aurangzeb's son, Prince Akbar, rebelled against his father and was sheltered by Sambhaji. Aurangzeb and his entourage moved to the Deccan in 1681 to coordinate the assault on the Marathas. Initially successful, the Moghul forces were dealt a fatal blow by Maratha forces' lightning fast and highly mobile tactics initially adopted by Shivaji.

A broken, defeated Aurangzeb retreated in sickness from the Deccan in 1705. The final Moghul withdrawal came two years later. He had spent most of his resources and man power trying to defeat the Marathas and ended up weaking the once mighty Mughal Empire. Auranzeb's hiers never again challenged the Marathas and finally were overtaken and dominated by the Peshwas' Maratha Sardars within hundred years of Shivaji's death.

This war of 27 years, a tribute to Shivaji's genius, in which even after his death, Maratha people fought as a part of his army to expel Aurangzeb out of the Deccan to preserve the Maratha self-rule swarajya and expand upon Shivaji's goals and achievements.

Shivaji's leadership and successes contributed significantly to stiffening up of Hindu assertiveness and resurgence in post Islamic India. He was the first of many great Indian leaders and the most successful in the fight for freedom, for Swaraj.

Shivaji's rule
Shivaji was an able administrator and established a government that included such modern concepts as cabinet (Ashtapradhan mandal), foreign affairs (Dabir) and internal intelligence. Shivaji established an effective civil and military administration. He also built a powerful navy and erected new forts like Sindhudurg and strengthened old ones like Vijayadurg on the west coast. The Maratha navy held its own against the British, Portuguese and Dutch till Maratha internal conflict brought their downfall in 1756.

Shivaji is well known for his benevolent attitude towards his subjects. He believed that there was a close bond between the state and the citizens. He encouraged all socio-economic groups to participate in the ongoing political changes. To this day he is remembered as a just and welfare-minded king. He brought revolutionary changes in military, fort architecture, society and politics.

Shivaji occupies a special place in the hearts of Marathi peoples and many others in India due in part to his, well documented high moral code of conduct and his unrelenting drive toward the liberation of India from alien power of the Mughals and the Nizams. He faced daunting challenges such as repeated invasions by huge enemy armies, notably the Mughals and the regional Sultanates, that would have defeated a lesser leader.

Shivaji coped and survived and eventually emerged triumphant by using innovative tactics including hit-and-run, strategic expansion of territories and forts, by constantly keeping on the move, by being highly mobile and by always keeping one step ahead of his pursuers.

In the earlier years of his leadership he commanded a small force of loyal followers, they had few resources and lacked much military hardware and equipment and made do with what was available and whatever he was able to capture from his enemies. Compared to the hardy but ill equipped army of Shivaji, the Mughals sported a numerically superior and fully armed and well supplied professional army. However the Mughal army was much slower than the Marathas and thus were vulnerable to hit-and-run tactics.

Shivaji brilliantly overcame disadvantages of size and resources by adopting intelligent stratergies and tactics, including taking advantage of their intimate familiarity of the mountainous and rugged Maharashtra terrain, by being highly mobile and lightning fast, and by adopting hit-and-run tactics.

He was unrelenting in the expansion of his kingdom and the liberation of vast Maratha territories within and outside of Maharastra. He was a particularly troublesome thorn in the side of the mighty Mughal empire and helped to precipitate its eventual downfall.

His strong warrior code of ethics and deep seated and uncompromising spiritual values directed him to offer protection to houses of worship, non combatants, women and children. He always showed respect to holy men and places of worship of all denominations and religions.

His behaviour, was noted by those around him, to be always of the highest moral caliber, he clearly and unambiguously embodied the virtues and ideals of a true nobleman.

As a result of of Shivaji's selfless service to his peoples and nation, his impeccable conduct, and his unparalleled courage and daring, he struck a deep chord with his followers and the citizenary. The high level of loyalty and respect he earned from his followers and subjects sets him apart from any other Indian king or chieftan in the post Islamic Indian history. Even today he is venerated in India and especially in the state of Maharashtra with awe and admiration and is viewed as a hero of epic proportions.

Revolution in military organisation
Shivaji's genius is most evident in his military organisation which lasted till the demise of the Maratha empire. He was one of the pioneers of commando actions (though the term "commando" is modern). Shivaji was responsible for a lot of changes in military organization. These include -

  * A standing army belonging to the state called paga;
  * Horses belonged to the state; nobody in his army was allowed to own horses;
  * Creation of part time soldiers from peasants who used to work for eight months in the field and supported four months in war. This light infantry was his innovation and they are the one who excelled in commando like actions;
  * The introduction of an intelligence department, a navy, and regular chain-of-command;
  * Introduction of field craft viz. Guerilla warfare, commando actions, flank attacks;
  * Innovation of weapons and innovative use of traditional weapons like tiger claw. 'Vita' was a weapon invented by Shivaji;
  * Militarisation of almost the entire society, including all classes, with the entire population of settlements and villages near forts involved in their defense.

Forts
Shivaji constructed a chain of 300 or more forts running over a thousand kilometres across the rugged Western Ghats.

Shivaji and Sanskrit
The house of Shivaji was one of the Indian royal families who were well acquainted with Sanskrit and promoted it. The root can be traced from Shahaji who supported Jayram Pindye and many like him. Shivaji's seal was prepared by him.

Shivaji continued this trait and developed it further. He named his forts as Sindhdurg, Prachandgarh, Suvarndurg etc. He named Ashta Pradhan (council of ministers) as per Sanskrit nomenclature viz. Nyayadhish, Senapati etc. He had kept a provision for learning the Vedas. He got Rajya Vyavahar Kosh (a political treatise) prepared.

After his death Sambhaji, who was himself a Sanskrit scholar (his verse - Budhbhushanam), continued it. His grandson Shahu spent his entire childhood in Mughal captivity, which affected his taste. But even he showered gifts on learned Brahmins. Serfoji II from the Thanjavur branch of the Bhosle continued the tradition by printing the first book in Marathi Devnagari.

Sambhaji issued one danapatra (donation plaque) which is in Sanskrit composed by himself in which he writes about his father as:

  1. Yavanarambha gritat mlechakshaydiksha: It means shivaji has taken oath and was on mission to finish off invaders
  2. Dillindraman pradhvanspatu: who has defeated the Mughal king of Delhi
  3. Vijayapuradhishwar prathtarmanya bhujchachayay: Whose help was sought by Adilshahi King of Vijapur

Shivaji and religion
Shivaji was a deeply spiritual Hindu, and respected all religions within the region. Shivaji had great respect for Warkari saints like Tukaram and Sufi Muslim pir Shaikh Yacub Baba Avaliya of Konkan .

Saint Ramdas (Samartha Ramdas) is considered to be his spiritual Guru. Samartha Ramdas guided him on various issues. Samarth Ramdas provided him with great knowledge of Hindu traditions and also taught him practical ways to practice the phylosophy. Samartha Ramdas is considered to "Yogi Raja" ( The king of Yogis)and Shivaji Maharaj is considered to be "Raja Yogi" ( Yogi amongst Kings). Even though Ramdas is not always credited as Shivaji Maharaj's Guru, the truth is their relationship was always very special and of great significance in foundation of Hindavi Swarajya ( The Maratha Rule in Maharashtra).

He also visited Mouni Maharaj temple and samadhi at Patgaon (Bhudargad Taluka near to Gargoti) in Kolhapur district. Shahaji had donated a huge piece of land to Shaha-Sharif Durga of Ahmednagar.

Shivaji allowed his subjects freedom of religion and opposed forced conversion. The first thing Shivaji did after a conquest was to promulgate protection of mosques and Muslim tombs. One-third of his army was Muslim, as were many of his commanders: his most trusted general in all his campaigns was Haider Ali Kohari; Darya Sarang was chief of armoury; Ibrahim Khan and Daulat Khan were prominent in the navy; and Siddi Ibrahim was chief of artillery.

Shivaji had respect for the Sufi tradition of Islam. Shivaji used to pray at the mausoleum of the great Sufi Muslim saint Baba Sharifuddin. He also visited the abode of another great Sufi saint, Shaikh Yacub of the Konkan, and took his blessings. He called Hazrat Baba of Ratnagiri bahut thorwale bhau, meaning "great elder brother".

Kafi Khan, the Mughal historian and Bernier, a French traveler, spoke highly of his religious policy. He also brought back converts like Netaji Palkar & Bajaji in Hinduism. He also prohibited slavery in his kingdom.

Shivaji applied a humane and liberal policy to the Muslim women of his state. There are many instances in folklore ,which describes Shivaji's respect for women, irrespective of their religion, nationality, or creed.

Shivaji's sentiments can be seen in an admonishing letter he wrote to Aurangzeb, in which he wrote: "Verily, Islam and Hinduism are terms of contrast. They are used by the true Divine Painter for blending the colours and filling in the outlines. If it is a mosque, the call to prayer is chanted in remembrance of him. If it is a temple, the bells are rung in yearning for him alone."

Remembering Shivaji
Because of his struggle against an imperial power, Shivaji became an icon of freedom fighters in the Indian independence struggle that followed two centuries later. He is remembered as a just and wise king and his rule is called one of the six golden ages in Indian history.

School texts in Maharashtra glorify Shivaji's period and he is considered the founder of the modern Marathi nation; his policies were instrumental in forging a distinct Maharashtrian identity. Indeed, Marathi Hindus, Brahmins, Dalits, Muslims, Christians and Buddhists, all consider him as a hero. A popular quotation:

"Maratha tituka milavava
Maharashtra Dharma vadhavava"

translates "Bring as many people into Maratha domain as possible; and grow the Maharashtra Nation"

A political party, the Shiv Sena, claims to draw inspiration from Shivaji.

The Maratha Light Infantry, one of the oldest and distinguished regiments of the Indian Army has "Bol Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai" as its battle cry.

The World Heritage site of Victoria Terminus and Sahar International Airport in Mumbai were renamed Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport respectively in Shivaji's honour, as have many public buildings and spaces in Maharashtra in recent years. The Interstate Bus Terminal of New Delhi has also been named after Shivaji.

In the novel The Ark, the Indian ship is named Shivaji

Movies, poems, books etc on Shivaji and his associates
Shivaji is a source of inspiration for a number of artists, directors, actors, writers, shahir (ballad composer), poets and orators. In Marathi, Bhalaji Pendharkar directed on the movie, 'Raja Shivaji' in which the main role was played by the famous Marathi actor Chandrakant Mandhare. Apart form this movie, 'Maratha titka melawawa','Gad ala pan sing gela' and many more movies specially in Marathi were made on his and his associates' life.

Sriman yogi is a novel written on Shivaji's life by Ranjit Desai. Kusumgraj has composed a famous poem on Shivaji's general Prataprao Gujar' Vedat Marathe vir daudale sat'. Lata Mangeshkar and Hridayanath Mangeshkar have brought out a musical tale of Shivaji'Raja Shivchatrapati' authored by Babasaheb Purandare.

Marathi playwright Vasant Kanetkar wrote 'Raigadala Jevha Jaag Yete' (When Raigad awakes), a play based on the complex relationship between Shivaji and Sambhaji. Shahir like Tulsidas and Agandas had written heroic ballads on him. Kavi Bhushan has composed in Hindi, a famous work 'Shivraj Bhushan'.

One of the most famous and authentic poem depicting his character and rule is the work of Samarth Ramdas. The saint writes that he is a shriman yogi, means he is not only a ruler but a ruler-like Yogi who controls his passion and works for the welfare of ordinary folk. That indeed was Shivaji's character.

Associates of Shivaji
Some of Shivaji's close associates were also his primary army chieftains, and have entered folklore along with him. These include Tanaji Malusare, Baji Pasalkar, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Firangoji Narsala, Murarbaji, Haider Ali Kohari, Prataprao Gujar, Kanhoji Jedhe, Kondaji Farjand, Balaji Avji Chitnis, Netaji Palkar and Lay Patil Koli, and Khando Ballal Under Shivaji, many men of talent and enterprise rose into prominence .They carried forward his mission and ensured defeat of Mughals in the war of 27 years. These include Ramchandrapant amtya, Santaji Ghorpade, Dhanaji Jadhav, Parsoji Bhosale, Harji raje Mahadik and Kanhoji Aangre.

Accounts of contemporary foreign travellers
Many foreign travellers who visited India during Shivaji's time wrote about him.

  * The Abbe Carre was a French traveller who visited India around 1670; his account was published as Voyage des Indes Orienteles mele de plusiers histories curieuses at Paris in 1699. Some quotes: "Hardly had he won a battle or taken to town in one end of the kingdom than he was at the other extremity causing havoc everywhere and surprising important places. To this quickness of movement he added, like Julius Caesar, a clemency and bounty that won him the hearts of those his arms had worsted." "In his courage and rapidity he does not ill resemble that great king of Sweden, Gustavus Adolphus."

  * The French traveller Francois Bernier wrote in his Travels in Mughal India. "I forgot to mention that during pillage of Sourate, Seva-ji, the Holy Seva-ji! Respected the habitation of the reverend father Ambrose, the Capuchin missionary. 'The Frankish Padres are good men', he said 'and shall not be attacked.' He spared also the house of a deceased Delale or Gentile broker, of the Dutch, because assured that he had been very charitable while alive."