The Shivaji Era
The Marathas gained dominance and established an independent Maratha kingdom under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj(1630-1680) in the 17th century and the potential of the Maratha Empire can be expressed as the greatest military strength possessed by an indigenous kingdom as they went on to defeat the Mughal Empire using the guerrilla warfare method. The Maratha Empire was founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1674, with a strong urge to establish a Hindu kingdom by resisting and defeating invading forces. Chhatrapati Shivaji born as Shivaji Bhosle I to Shahaji and Jijabai in the Bhonsle dynasty went on to become the first emperor of the Maratha Empire and one of the most successful emperors to ever rule India; he was a brilliant warrior, leader and administrator which earned him the title of "Chhatrapati" the chief of Kshatriyas. During his era the Maratha Empire witnessed social, political and cultural development primarily in the region of Western Deccan Plateau. ...