Indian History and World History (Part-23)

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680) was a Maratha aristocrat of the Bhosale clan who is considered to have been the founder of the Maratha empire.

Shivaji assumed the title of Chhatrapati after his coronation at a place called Raigarh in 1674.

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680) was a Maratha aristocrat of the Bhosale clan who is considered to have been the founder of the Maratha empire.

Shivaji assumed the title of Chhatrapati after his coronation at a place called Raigarh in 1674.

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680) was a Maratha aristocrat of the Bhosale clan who is considered to have been the founder of the Maratha empire.

Shivaji assumed the title of Chhatrapati after his coronation at a place called Raigarh in 1674.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji (1680–1689) was the ruler of the Maratha dynasty. He was the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire, and succeeded him as the second Chhatrapati after his death in 1680.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj – 

• Born: 19 February 1630 at Shivneri Fort, Maharashtra

• Father: Shahaji Bhosale; Mother: Jijabai

• Founded the Maratha Empire in the 17th century

• Known for his guerrilla warfare tactics and swift military strategy

• Built a strong navy and fortified coastal areas (e.g., Sindhudurg Fort)

• Fought against Mughals, Adilshahi, and Nizamshahi rulers

• Coronation: In 1674 at Raigad Fort as the first Chhatrapati

• Promoted Hindu culture and protected temples

• Ensured religious tolerance; respected all religions

• Encouraged administrative reforms and welfare policies

• Died in 1680, succeeded by his son Sambhaji

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is known to have been the first to use guerrilla warfare in India that included tactics like laying ambush, sabotage carrying-out, raids and hit-and-run stactics.

He started guerrilla warfare against the Mughals and other powers in 1645 leading to founder of the Maratha state in 1674, sowing seeds of what would subsequently become the Maratha empire.

Guerrilla Warfare by Shivaji – Key Points

• He called it “Ganimi Kava”, meaning war tactics against a stronger enemy.

• Used small, mobile, and fast-moving units to attack and retreat quickly.

• Terrain Advantage: He used the hills, forests, and forts of the Western Ghats to his advantage.

• Targeted enemy supply lines, outposts, and camps, avoiding open battles.

• His tactics inspired future Indian freedom fighters like Mangal Pandey, Rani Laxmibai, and even Maoist movements much later.

Chauth and Sardeshmukh were associated with the taxation system of the Marathas.

Chauth:

• Meaning: "One-fourth" (¼ or 25%) of the revenue or produce.

• Purpose: Levied on non-Maratha territories (e.g., Mughal or Deccan areas) in return for protection from Maratha raids.

• Not a legal tax initially – it was a tribute forced by military pressure.

• Became formalized under Shivaji and later under Peshwas.

• Helped expand Maratha influence without direct rule.

Sardeshmukhi:

• Meaning: An additional 10% tax (on top of Chauth).

• Claimed by the Marathas as the hereditary right of the “Sardeshmukh” (chief head of the region).

• It was a legitimized tax, unlike Chauth, often linked with Shivaji’s claim to traditional leadership in the Deccan.

• Imposed only after recognition of Maratha authority over a region.

The Council of Ministers during the time of Shivaji Maharaj was known as Ashta Pradhan. The translation of Ashta Pradhan in English is "Council of Eight".

List of the Ashta Pradhan with Roles

The Marathas are credited to a large extent for ending the Mughal rule in India.

The Maratha Empire existed from 1647 to 1818.

Bajirao I was known as the Fighter Peshwa.

1. Baji Rao was a general of the Maratha Empire in India.
2. He served as Peshwa (Prime Minister) to the fifth Maratha Chhatrapati (Emperor) Shahu from 1720 until his death.
3. He is also known by the name Bajirao Ballal

Bajirao I (1720–1740) was not a ruler or king, but he was the Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Maratha Empire.

Key Facts about Bajirao I:

• He belonged to the Bhat family, a Chitpavan Brahmin family.

• Appointed Peshwa in 1720 by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.

• Served as the chief military leader and expanded the Maratha Empire significantly.

• Famous for never losing a single battle in his lifetime.

• Played a key role in taking Maratha power beyond the Vindhyas into North India.