Explore the rise of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Marathas. Learn about Shivaji's early career, conflicts with Bijapur and the Mughals, and his enduring legacy in Indian history.

The rise of the Marathas in 17th-century India transformed them from local auxiliaries into a regional power. Under Shivaji, the Marathas resisted the Mughals and Bijapur, laying the foundation for a powerful kingdom. This era is highly significant for students studying medieval Indian history and exam preparation.

The Rise of the Marathas: Local Influence to Regional Power in 17th-Century India

• The Marathas evolved from local auxiliaries to an independent power under Shivaji.

  Their story begins with small military roles under Ahmadnagar and Bijapur, gradually expanding into a strong regional kingdom through strategic conquests and resistance against larger empires.

  • (i) Marathas initially held positions in administrative and military systems of Ahmadnagar and Bijapur.
  • (ii) Malik Ambar used them as auxiliaries in his army.
  • (iii) Influential families like the Mores, Ghatages, and Nimbalkars held authority but lacked large states.
  • (iv) Shahji Bhonsale and his son Shivaji laid the foundation of a strong Maratha state.

• Early Career of Shivaji: Forging a Kingdom

  Shivaji began his career by capturing hill forts and consolidating his father’s jagir, laying the foundation of an independent Maratha power.

  • Initial Conquests and Jagir Control

    • (i) At 18, Shivaji captured forts like Rajgarh, Kondana, and Torna.
    • (ii) In 1647, after the death of his guardian Dadaji Kondadeo, he gained full control of his jagir.
    • (iii) His conquests expanded further with the capture of Javli in 1656 from Chandra Rao More.

• Conflict with Bijapur and the Mughals: Navigating Alliances

  Shivaji’s growing power brought him into conflict with both Bijapur and the Mughals, where he relied on diplomacy, strategy, and military skill.

  • Strategies and Key Conflicts

    • (i) The Mughal invasion of Bijapur in 1657 helped Shivaji avoid Bijapuri retaliation.
    • (ii) Shivaji initially negotiated with Aurangzeb but soon raided Mughal territories.
    • (iii) In 1659, he killed Afzal Khan during a meeting, defeating his army.

• Shivaji’s Legend and Continued Struggles: Symbol of Resistance

  Through daring exploits, Shivaji became a symbol of resistance against imperial powers, inspiring followers and expanding Maratha prestige.

  • Heroic Exploits and Mughal Encounters

    • (i) His fame attracted people and Afghan mercenaries to his side.
    • (ii) Shaista Khan invaded Maratha dominions and occupied Poona in 1660.
    • (iii) In 1663, Shivaji infiltrated Shaista Khan’s camp and attacked him at night, killing his son and captain.
    • (iv) In 1664, Shivaji raided Surat, seizing immense treasure.

• Summary: Rise of the Marathas and Shivaji’s Legacy

  The Marathas, under Shivaji, rose from local auxiliaries to a formidable regional power by resisting both Bijapur and the Mughals. His conquests, daring exploits, and administrative vision shaped the foundation of the Maratha Empire. For students, this phase is crucial for understanding Indian resistance and the emergence of new political powers in the 17th century.