Introduction

• The glory of the rise of the Marathas is attributed to Shivaji, but the background for their rise was prepared before his emergence.
• Dr. Ishwani Prasad affirms that Shivaji’s rise was not solely due to his bravery and courage but also the geographical situation and the support of the people of the region.
• The geographical conditions of Maharashtra contributed to the rise of the Marathas. The hilly range of the Deccan protected them from invaders.
• The problems of livelihood in Maharashtra made the Marathas strong, industrious, and self-confident.
• The secret of the Marathas’ guerilla warfare lay in the valleys and caves of Maharashtra, which acted as strongholds.
• J.N. Sarkar mentions that nature imbued the Marathas with toleration, clarity, and social equality.
• There was no difference among the Marathas in terms of social status, and their women were complementary and helpful in their patriotism and strength.

Shivaji (AD 1627-1680)

• Historians have conflicting opinions about the date of birth of Shivaji.
• V.K. Rajware and B.G. Tilak in Shiva Charitra Pradeep mention that Shivaji was born in A.D. 1627.
• Other historians like J.N. Sarkar consider 19th March A.D. 1630 as his birth date.
• Shivaji was born in the hilly fort of Shivner, near Junnar, to Jija Bai (his mother) and Shahji Bhonsle (his father).
• Shahji Bhonsle married another woman, Tuka Bai Mohite, which led to Shivaji being raised by his mother and grandfather, Dadaji Kondeva.
• Shivaji was fearless from childhood, with significant influences from Jija Bai, Guru Samarth Ram Das, and Dadaji Kondeva in shaping his character and personality.
• He became skilled in religious scriptures and military tactics early on.
• At twelve years old, Shahji Bhonsle handed over the Jagir of Poona to Shivaji.
• In A.D. 1641, Shivaji married Sai Bai Nimbalkar in Bangalore.
• Joudali played a significant role in Shivaji’s rise, where Nawalis lived, and Shivaji organized them with his military ability to conquer forts.
• A.D. 1646 was a critical year for Bijapur, with law and order issues, anarchy, and insecurity.
• Shivaji took advantage of this situation and gained early victories.
• It is uncertain whether Shivaji aimed to establish a Hindu kingdom in the Deccan or just sought to satisfy his own ambitions.
• Dadaji Kondeva opposed this ambition, but he passed away in A.D. 1641, giving Shivaji the opportunity to follow his own path without interference.