Shivaji

Shivaji Bhosle (c. 1630 – 1680), also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was an Indian warrior-king and a member of the Bhonsle Maratha clan. Shivaji is considered one of the greatest warriors of his time and even today, his legacy continues through stories about him.

Shivaji carved out an independent Maratha empire from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur that formed the genesis of the Maratha Empire. By doing so, Shivaji challenged the Mughal rule in India and established a Hindu polity in a region dominated by Islamic sultanates. His rule promoted indigenous languages and Hindu political traditions.

Shivaji employed guerilla warfare tactics (Shiva sutra or ganimi kava) which leveraged geographical advantages like hills, forests and a detailed understanding of local terrain. His military forces included a navy which allowed him to control coastal regions and maritime trade routes. He implemented an efficient and progressive system of governance known as Ashta Pradhan Mandal, comprising eight ministers responsible for different administrative portfolios. This system ensured a well-organized and efficient state administration.

Shivaji is revered across India as a national hero for his courage, strategic acumen, and his role in resisting foreign rule. He is particularly celebrated in the state of Maharashtra, where his life and achievements are commemorated through various festivals, monuments, and historical sites. His reign established the foundation for a powerful Maratha empire that would later expand across much of the Indian subcontinent.