Shivaji Bhonsle was a king, an Indian warrior and an influential person. He was the first crowned Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire. Shivaji Maharaj was a great warrior who was engaged in both the alliances and hostilities with the Mughal Empire, Sultanate of Bijapur, and Sultanate of Golkonda as well as the English, French and Portuguese colonial powers. Shivaji was a great warrior. He had a very strong military force and he won several wars during his time. He revived the ancient Hindu political traditions and court conventions that promoted the use of the Sanskrit and Marathi language.
Shivaji Maharaj was born in the hill-fort of Shivneri, near the city of Junnar which is now known as Pune district. 19th February is a Government holiday in Maharashtra, commemorating Shivaji’s birth. Shivaji was named after God Shiva and his father’s name was Shahaji Bhonsle, who was a Maratha general and served the Deccan Sultanates. His mother’s name was Jijabai. Shivaji was deeply religious and was devoted to his mother Jijabai. His studies of the Hindu epics influenced him with the lifelong Hindu values. He was extremely devoted to the religious teachings. The education and training of young Shivaji was in the administration of Dadoji Konddeo.
Most of the soldiers of Shivaji who fought with him like his friends, came from the Maval Region. Shivaji travelled the hills and forests of the Sahyadri range with his Maval friends thus gaining skills and familiarity with the land. Shivaji was stationed at Bangalore in 1639 with his elder brothers and half-brother for formal training. In 1640, he married Saibai from the prominent Nimbalkar family.
By Vishakha
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