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. The Maratha Empire was located in the Western Deccan Plateau with its capital in Pune, Raigad Fort located in the present-day Maharashtra. The Marathas were a group of Marathi speaking warrior class Hindus who are credited for ending Mughal rule over most of the Indian subcontinent. Their motive was to throw away the invading rulers who were seen as external forces which operated an empire in India and to establish a new Hindu kingdom using the agenda of Hindavi Swarajya; "self rule of Hindu people" through independence from foreign rule. The Marathas completely opposed and restricted any form of foreign invasion and authority; resulting in regional strain and conflicts with Adil Shahi dynasty and Mughal dynasty as they were seen as invaders.

The Maratha Empire under the leadership of Shivaji gained more territory with political expansion, in this course of time the Maratha state expanded territory through military empire building. Maratha expeditions were supported by a strong military force led by Shivaji and his chiefs. The Maratha Kingdom flourished under the rulership of Chhatrapati Shivaji as administrative and political reforms were brought into the region. In this time period the Maratha Empire ruled the Deccan entirely after the fall of Delhi Sultanates and Mughals. Then, the Maratha kingdom gradually expanded territories from Central India to Northern and Southern India, spreading the Maratha dominance almost all over India. The Maratha conquests were started by Shivaji in 1659 from the victory at the Battle of Pratapgad against Bijapur. The battle was fought between the Marathas led by Shivaji and Adilshahi troops led by the Adilshahi general Afzal Khan. The battle was won by the Marathas as Afzal Khan was killed by Shivaji with his weapon named as the tiger claws. To further elaborate about the Marathas during the Shivaji era; they established Navy and forts on the Konkan coast side of Maharashtra and Naval forces with ships and cannons were deployed around the region creating a strong fort. With this contribution and defence innovation Chhatrapati Shivaji is credited to be the "Father of the Indian Navy". The Maratha Navy also protected the Konkan territory in Goa. The Navy was also used by the Marathas for guarding the trade and commerce in the sea route, regulating goods including export and import in the market under the territory of the Maratha Empire. It is also remarkable to notice that there were 13 major Muslim commanders or Soldiers in Shivaji's army making the Maratha army inclusive in nature. Tanaji Malusare and Kondaji Farzand were prominent figures during the reigning period of Shivaji, as they both were warriors in the Maratha army and contributed significantly in the battles giving importance to the aspirations of Shivaji in the form of establishing Swarajya in India. Even though Chhatrapati Shivaji had a short span of life as he passed away at the age of 50, still he went on to be known as a great king of the people and a visionary who established the Maratha Empire as a symbol of resistance and courage.

-Mukund T