Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire. He was the first Chhatrapati of the Marathas who established Hindavi Swarajya or “self-rule of the Hindavi people”.
According to the Samvat Hindu calendar, Shivaji was born on Tritiya Tithi of Phalguna Krishna Paksha of Shalivahana Shaka, 1551 in Shivneri Fort (Maharashtra state of India), while according to the Gregorian calendar Shivaji was born on 19 February, 1630. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s full name was Shivaji Bhosle. His father’s name was Shahji and mother’s name was Jijabai. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a skilled ruler as well as a military strategist and a brave warrior.
Shivaji died on 3 April 1680 in his Raigad fort. But there is a difference of opinion among historians regarding the death of Shivaji. Some historians believe that his death was natural but some historians say that he was given poison, after drinking which he developed dysentery of blood and could not be saved.
How did Shivaji get the title of ‘Chhatrapati’?
There is a long story behind Shivaji Maharaj getting the title of Chhatrapati. In fact, during the reign of Aurangzeb, Shivaji’s kingdom was expanding very rapidly. This expansion was irritating in Aurangzeb’s eyes because it was the biggest thorn in the face of Aurangzeb’s imperialist policy. Due to this expansion, the influence of Aurangzeb’s rule in the Deccan region was decreasing day by day. For this reason, Aurangzeb spread a web of friendship to trap Shivaji. He sent Jaisingh and Dilip Khan to Shivaji to sign the Treaty of Purandar. Under this treaty, Shivaji Maharaj had to give 24 forts to Aurangzeb.
After the Treaty of Purandar, in 1666, Aurangzeb called Shivaji Maharaj to his court in Agra. After being called here, he was fraudulently imprisoned. After this Shivaji understood that the Purandar Treaty was only a deception. After this, with his fighting skills and powerful strategy, he defeated Aurangzeb and his army and regained control over all the 24 forts. Due to his bravery, he was honored with the title of Chhatrapati in Raigarh Fort on 6 June 1674. His coronation was done by Pandit Gagabhatta of Kashi.
