Although after this incident, Shivaji remained dormant for some time he rose yet again against the Mughals in the year 1670 with the Battle of Sinhagad. Upon this, Shivaji decided to negotiate with the Mughal Emperor and what followed is popularly known in history as Shivaji’s trip to an astonishing escape from Agra, where he was kept a prisoner by Aurangzeb.

But a temporary pause was put in Shivaji’s successful ventures by the brave Hindu General Jai Singh, sent by the emperor. Although Emperor Aurangzeb tried to capture all the forts and territories under Shivaji he could not achieve much success due to Shivaji’s clever leadership qualities and guerrilla tactics. This was followed by many other battles against the Sultanate of Bijapur, in warfares such as Battle of Kolhapur, Battle of Pavan Khind, Battle of Vishaalgad and others.Ĭhhatrapati Shivaji is most famous for his valour to challenge the mighty Mughal Empire, at the time ruled by Aurangzeb. He won it through sheer planning, speed and excellent generalship. His major breakthrough came with the Battle of Pratapgarh against Afzal Khan, the general of the Sultanate of Bijapur, which made him a hero of the Marathas overnight. With this recognition, there was no looking back. Born on 19th February 1680 at the Shivneri Fort to a valiant Maratha regent Shahaji Raje and a dedicated mother Jijabai, Shivaji was a descendant of the 96 Maratha Clans who was well known as brave fighters or ‘Kshatriyas’.Ī young boy of 16 is not known to win battles, but his mother’s teachings, father’s struggle and pride in the motherland gave the young Shivaji his first achievement as an able warrior and leader with the seizure of the Torna Fort which was initially under the Bijapur Kingdom.

Shivaji maharaj family tree