Shivaji

19 February 1630 – 3 April 1680

Shivaji Bhonsle (1630-1680) was an Indian warrior-king who founded the Maratha Empire, carving out an independent kingdom from the declining Adil Shahi sultanate and in defiance of the Mughal Empire. A master of guerrilla warfare and fort-based strategy, he was formally crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad in 1674. He established a progressive civil administration and remains one of the most celebrated figures in Indian history.

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Life events

Born at Shivneri Fort near Junnar
19 February 1630

He was born at the hill fort of Shivneri to Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general, and Jijabai.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Captured Torna Fort, his first conquest
c. 1646

As a teenager he seized the fort of Torna from the Bijapur sultanate, beginning the creation of an independent Maratha domain.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Killed Bijapur general Afzal Khan at Pratapgad
10 November 1659

At a parley below Pratapgad fort he killed the Bijapuri commander Afzal Khan, and his army then routed the Bijapur forces.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Night raid on Mughal general Shaista Khan in Pune
5 April 1663

In a daring night attack on Lal Mahal in Pune, he wounded the Mughal viceroy Shaista Khan and forced his recall from the Deccan.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Sacked the wealthy Mughal port city of Surat
January 1664

His forces raided Surat, one of the Mughal Empire's richest ports, seizing substantial treasure.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Signed the Treaty of Purandar with the Mughals
11 June 1665

Besieged by Mughal general Jai Singh I, he agreed to surrender 23 forts and accept Mughal suzerainty.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Escaped from house arrest at Agra
17 August 1666

Detained at Aurangzeb's court in Agra, he escaped, by tradition concealed in large baskets, and made his way back to the Deccan.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Crowned Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire at Raigad Fort
6 June 1674

In a grand ceremony at Raigad he was formally enthroned as Chhatrapati, founding a sovereign Maratha state.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Led the southern campaign into the Carnatic
1677 – 1678

He conducted a major expedition into southern India, capturing forts including Gingee and Vellore and expanding Maratha power.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died at Raigad Fort
3 April 1680

He died of illness at his capital Raigad around the age of fifty and was succeeded by his son Sambhaji.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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