Amid the Mughal Empire's zenith, Maratha nationalism blossomed as they sought an independent

state based on shared language, culture, and homeland. This quest led to the creation of an
independent Hindu state in South India, under Shivaji's leadership, marking a significant shift in
power dynamics. Motivated by their nationalism, Maratha leaders aspired to unify India under one
government, challenging the Delhi monarchs and aspiring to establish Hind-pad-padshahi. The last
quarter-century of Aurangzeb's rule witnessed a fierce struggle against the Marathas in the Deccan.
Their era concluded with the pivotal defeat in the third Battle of Panipat in 1761. Maratha history
comprises two phases: the first, spanning the mid-seventeenth century to Aurangzeb's demise, and
the latter marked by Peshwa rule. Geography, politics, society, religion, and culture all shaped their
ascendancy as a formidable challenger to Mughal authority in India.

The region of Maharashtra naturally comprised mostly of mountains and rocky undulations. The
Sahyadri mountain range lie in the north to south region and satpuras – Vindhyas range is located in
the east to west directions. According to M.G Ranade, “the small peaks, undulated rocky terrains
and the rivers Godavari and Krishna provide a special geographical characteristic to this region.”

The Bhakti movement's expansion throughout Maharashtra gave the Marathas a sense of unity.
Prior to the political awakening, Maharashtra had experienced social and religious awakening. Social
equality was also advocated by the saints of the 15th and 16th centuries who focused on the Bhakti
cult. Maharashtrian saints like Tukaram, Ramadas, Vamanpandit, and Eknath were the driving force
behind both religious and social enlightenment. The author of the book Dasbodh, Samarth Ramdas
(1608–82), was Shivaji's teacher and taught him the karma (action) philosophy. It urged spreading
the "Maharatha Dharma" and uniting all Marathas. Maharatha dharma was a liberal religion that
upheld women's status, discouraged caste discrimination, valued Bhakti above rituals, and restrained
the excesses of polytheism.

Shivaji's life, a captivating saga in Indian history, began in 1630 amidst the tumult of a hill fort in
Shivneri, northern Pune. Early years were fraught with strife and famine as his father, Shahji
Bhonsle, evaded pursuing Mughal forces due to his rebel past. Relocating from fort to fort with his
mother, Jijabai, they finally found stability when Shahji joined Bijapur's service in 1636. In Pune,
Shahji secured grants, including hereditary patil and deshmukh rights, and a mokasa grant for the
Pune region. However, Pune was beset by conflict and famine. Dadaji Kondev, their steward, worked
diligently to rehabilitate the jagir, even resorting to force to pacify resistant deshmukhs. In 1640,
Shivaji married Saibai in Bangalore. In 1642, they returned to Pune after Shivaji's presentation at the
Bijapur court. His education encompassed various disciplines. After his 1644 arrest, he explored the
Ghats and captured Sinhagad. Following Dadaji Kondev's demise in 1647, Shivaji assumed
administration, seizing Torna and Chakan forts, establishing Raigad as his capital, and challenging
rival Maratha clans.

In 1648, Shahji was arrested due to his alleged involvement in a Golconda conspiracy. His son, Shivaji,
worked to secure his release. After Shahji's return, Shivaji consolidated his father's jagir, capturing
forts including Purandar. A retaliatory Bijapur expedition against Purandar failed due to a lack of
siege equipment. Between 1650 and 1655, Shivaji consolidated power in Pune, capitalizing on
Bijapur's internal issues. In 1656, he expanded his territory by defeating the More family, seizing key
forts and mountain passes. Shivaji also recognized naval importance, engaging with European powers
and confronting the Sidi of Janjira. By 1659, he controlled a substantial region with a formidable
army. Surprisingly, Shivaji's emerging polity lacked a distinct "Maharashtra Dharma" vision, adhering
to existing structures without Brahmin advisors. Muslims held crucial roles, making it similar to
neighboring states. Tensions rose with Bijapur, notably with the defeat of Afzal Khan by Shivaji.
Further expansion and Mughal conflicts ensued, yet Shivaji continued to recapture forts and raid
Mughal territories. In 1666, Shivaji narrowly escaped captivity after a tumultuous visit to the Mughal
court in Agra. He briefly sought peace with the Mughals but soon resumed hostilities. From 1674
until his death in 1680, he engaged in southern campaigns, including invasions of Golconda and
acquiring the Vellore fortress. Shivaji's legacy endures as a valiant warrior, strategic genius, and
visionary leader, laying the foundation for the Maratha Empire and inspiring people worldwide.

Shivaji's achievements and strategies were rooted in his historical context. He aimed to promote
social mobility for Maratha soldiers and Brahmin administrators while preserving rural elite families'
power. His key accomplishment was establishing and defending a kingdom in a challenging region
using strategic tactics and forts. His vision combined military prowess and administrative measures
for regional prosperity. In his later years, Shivaji aimed to restore peace and prosperity in war-torn
Maharashtra. His vision included developmental loans, resettlement, and improved tax collection to
rebuild the region. However, he faced challenges in dealing with the Mughals and influential local
families, and his ambitious sardeshmukhi claim remained unfulfilled. During 1660-1670, Shivaji
focused on consolidating power by expanding his estates, recruiting Brahmins for oversight, and
building a larger army. His coronation as a Hindu Kshatriya king solidified his authority over Brahmins
and deshmukh families, elevating his status. The role of women in the Maratha society, who were
respected and given equal rights by Shivaji. He abolished the practice of sati and encouraged widow
remarriage. He also appointed some women as his personal guards and spies. Some of his female
relatives, such as his mother Jijabai, his wife Saibai, and his daughter-in-law Tarabai, played an active
role in the Maratha politics and warfare.

Grant Duff views “the rise of the Maratha power as a

result of the conflagration in the forests of Sahyadri
along with the Mughal factor.”
J.N. Sarkar and G.S. Sardesai strongly believe “the rise
of the Marathas as a Hindu reaction against the fanatical
religious policy of Aurangzeb.”
Andre Wink is of the view that “it was because of the
growing Mughal pressure on the Deccan Sultans.”

Satish Chandra postulates a view “that Shivaji by

curtailing the powers of the big landed intermediaries,
i.e., Deshmukhs and by introducing necessary reforms
created political space for petty landholders to have a
say in the political management.”

Irfan Habib sees “a connection between the rise of the

Maratha power and the rebellious mood of the
oppressed peasantry.”

CONCLUSION
Shivaji was a visionary leader who established the strong Maratha
empire, which threatened the Mughal hegemony in India. The
social and religious reformers who championed Hindu unity and
pride in their language and culture had an impact on him. He also
built a powerful army and government by utilising the natural
and people resources of his area. The local populace, particularly
the peasants who gained from his reforms and initiatives,
supported him. In addition, he granted women equal rights and
acknowledged their place in his culture. He represented the
Marathas' tenacity and defiance and was a real hero to them.