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Hello friends, First of all thanks for visiting my blog. I am passionate for Shivaji Maharaj, & I m sharing a little knowledge with you. So kindly, help me if i m wrong anywhere. Thanks

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Few Months Before Shivaji Maharaj's Birth..

Very few months before Shivaji Maharajs birth, Shahji Raje left Jijabai on Shivneri fort with the permission of Vishwasrao (Vishwas rao were the close relative Of shahaji raje). Vishwas rao was the Head of the Shivaneri fort at that time (किल्लेदार). Actully, Lakhuji jadhavrao & Vishwas rao was their when he left her on Shivneri. Lakhuji jadhav rao was their with his daughter on Shivaneri for some days. Jijabai was prgenent of 6 months. Lakhuji Jadhav rao prayed to god ( SHIVAI DEVI) for a birth of Son to her daughter. After few days Lakhuji rao went to Nijamshahi.
Days was going.. Those days Jijabai wake up early in the morning , and routine was going on. Daily Jijabai goes to Shivai Temple for darshan. Lakshmi Bai was the lady to take care of Jijabai on th fort.
On that day, Vishwas rao was their and he was very serious.. Jijabai Asked him , What Happen ? and.......
ख़बर तिताकीशी चांगली नाहीये ...
का ? काय झाल ... ?
शहाजी राजानी विजापुर च मुलुख मारण्याचा प्रयत्न केला, म्हणुन विजापुर करा न नि मुरार जगदेवाला आपल्या पुण्यावर चाल करून पाठवला, मुरार जगदेवानी पुण्याची राख रांगोली केलि, पुण्यावर गाढवाचा नांगर फिरवला।
Shahaji Raje bhosale battled with Vijapurkar, so Adilshahi Sardar Murar Jagdev came to Pune, And he destroyed Pune Villge which was the most closest city for Bhosale Family. Pune dist. was the Jahagiri of Bhosale khandan. Murar Jagdev was got the first enemy of Swarajya of Shahaji Raje Bhosale. But Shahaji Raje was the safe and he was at Faltan with Naik raje Nimbalkar.
Jijabai cried alot when she was preganent. Before the birth of Shivaji raje, Jijabai & Bhosale family saw very bad days of their life.
Sudden in few days, second bad news came to Shivneri and that was, The wife of Kheloji Raje Bhosale (Cousin of Shahaji Raje Bhosale) were kidnapped by Mahabat Khan at Nashik near Godavari river . Mahabat khan was the Sardar of Monghals at the time of Shahajahan. From that day Jijabai got vry upset. Even from that day, She stoped the darshan of Shivai Devi. Jijabai got very seek. So bad days were going on.. Now she was pregenant of 8 months.

एक बातमीने सगला थांबल तर देव कशाला म्हणायचा ? ? ? देवाने परीक्षा घ्यायची ठरवला की हे असा व्हायचच.... म्हणुनच काय तर थोड्याच दिवसात जिजाबाई ना अजुन एक मोठ्या धक्क्या ला समोर जाव लागल.... ते म्हणतात ना.... जेव्हा देव पृथ्वीवर जन्मा घेत असतो तेव्हा असली वादळ उठायाचिच... श्री भगवान रामा ने जन्म घेतला तेव्हा दशरथ राजा ला राक्षसं सही युद्ध करावा लागल, कृष्णा ने जन्म घेतला तर सक्खा मामा त्याच्या जिवावर बेतला... न इथे तर साक्षात् रौद्र शिवाजी राजा जन्माला येतोय.... मग तर हे सगळ होणारच होत...
In few days, one more bad news came.. and that was... Lakhuji Jadhav rao & his 3 sons killed by Daulatabad's Sultan... Jijabai's father was killed, her brothers were killed... So badddd news that was.
दौलाताबदे च्या सुलताना च्या दर्शनाला लखुजी जाधव राव त्यांच्या तीन मुला न सह गेले होते.... आधी कट शिजला आहे याची त्याना कल्पनाच नव्हती.... लखुजी , व त्यांची मुले.... अचलोजी, राघोजी आणि यशवंतराव.... हे तिघे सुलताना समोर उभे होते..... मुजरे झाले व सुलतान भर दरबार मधून उठून निघून गेला.... हे सुलतानी वर्तन लखुजी रावा ना नविन होता.... काहीच अर्थ लागत नव्हता आणि तोच........ आणि तोच तलवारी उपसल्या गेल्या, प्रतिकार करण्याची पूर्ण संधि सुद्धा लाभली नाही.... सुलतानी दरबार चार जाधवांच्या इमानदार रक्ताने न्हाऊंन निघाला होता... रक्ताची होली खेलली जात होती... आई जवळ राहिलेला बहद्दुर्जी तेवढा वाचला होता...
Besides the photo of Lakhuji Jadhava raos gadhi's piture.



After knowing of this news, Jijabai's reaction was...
विश्वासराव.... आबा गेले.... आमच्या पुण्यावर स्वकियां नि नांगर फिरवला.... ज्यांचा दरबार च आम्ही चाकर... त्यानी आमच्या पोरी उचलून न्याव्या ..... आणि ज्यांच्या जिवावर सुलतानी उभी रहावी... त्या जाधावा न ची कत्तल सुलातनी दरबारी व्हावी... आणि एकदम जिजाबाई किन्चाल्ल्या ...


" विश्वासराव , या जगामध्ये देव आहे का हो ? ? ? " ....


No one had the answer of this question. What the days were going ... day bay day Jijabai was covering from this bad days...

END OF THE TOPIC

Next Topic: Shivaji Maharaj's Birth

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Shahaji Raje tried to standing up an Indipendent Maratha Kingdom.

At various points of time MAHARAJA SHAHAJI allied himself with the Adilshah of Bijapur, the Nizamshah of Ahmednagar and the Mughals. His ultimate ambition was to set up an independent MARATHA kingdom. He tried on two occasions, first one after the brutal murder of his father-in-law Lakhuji Rao Jadhav (father of Jijabai) and second in 1636. The second attempt was a formidable challenge.
In the meantime, Jahan Khan, the wazir of Nizam killed Nizam on the reasoning that the Nizam was an incapable and unwise ruler, who couldn’t take appropriate decisions and was easily deceived by some people. Jahan Khan greeted MAHARAJA SHAHAJI with open hands and asked MAHARAJA SHAHAJI to join him. MAHARAJA SHAHAJI started leading Nizam’s forces. However, at that time, the Mughal forces on the order of Shah Jahan had slain all the men in relation to Nizam and also killed two pregnant women. This was done to finish off the Nizamshahi, as there wouldn’t be any Male heir to the throne of the Nizam. However, MAHARAJA SHAHAJI, in order to protect Nizamshahi decided to crown a child named Murtuza, who was in relation with Nizam, as the next Nizam. MAHARAJA SHAHAJI assured Murtuza’s mother that he wouldn’t be harmed and vouched for his safety.
Shahajahan dispatched a force of 48,000 to reduce MAHARAJA SHAHAJI, Nizam and his ally Adilshah. Under such mounting attack Adilshah sued for peace. With the withdrawal of Adilshah's support, MAHARAJA SHAHAJI could not hold much against the Mughals. His possessions were reduced quickly. In the fort of Mahuli he was besieged. Portuguese did not offer any help from naval side due to fear of the Mughals. In this war, MAHARAJA SHAHAJI fighted upto the last. But, unfortunately Nizam Murtaza, the little kid, was being kidnapped by Mughals and for the purpose of saving the life of Nizam, it became necessary for MAHARAJA SHAHAJI to make compromise. This compromise finished Nizamshahi. MAHARAJA SHAHAJI, on the condition of protecting the life of little Mourtaza Nizam at any condition, handed him over to Shahajahan. Nizam was taken away by Shah Jahan to Delhi. He was inducted into Adilshahi. As a precaution Shahajahan ensured that Shahaji was posted in deep south so as not to pose any challenge to Mughals. He finally became one of the top generals in the Adilshah's army, accepting a Jagir in his court, being based in Bangalur (Present day Bangalore in Karntaka). This is one phase of Shahaji's life.
In 1638, a large Bijapur army led by Ranadulla Khan and accompanied by Shahaji defeated Kempe Gowda III and Bangalore was given to Shahaji as a jagir. Shahaji successfully led the Bijapur army to many victories against the Rajas of southern India. Instead of punishing or executing them, Shahaji reprieved all the Rajas. The Rajas thus developed healthy relations with Shahaji and offered military support to Shahaji whenever required
Jivdhangadh , Shivaneri, Mahuligadh & Pemgadh were the vitnesses till 1636 /37 for Shahaji raje's active things for Independent Maratha Kingdom.
END OF THE TOPIC
Next Topic: Few Months Before Shivaji Maharaja's Birth

Friday, August 7, 2009

The Battle Of Bhatavadi

The battle of Bhatavdi is very intresting topic of Shahaji Raje Bhosales's life. After this battle only, all the sultanats cames to know about Shahaji Raje. This battle was very important for Shahaji raje. This battle was the turning point of Shahji Raje's Life. This battle is happened in the year of 1624, on 25th October may be. This battle was fought at Bhatavadi, 10 Miles far from Ahmednagar & at that time Shahji raje Bhosale were the Sardar for NIJAMSHAHI.
Actully the Nijamshahi & Adilshahi was the enemy of each other. and always Adilshahi get poored in the battels. Malikambar was the Chief Commanding of an Nijamshahi Army at that time & the surprising thing is that, Ali Adilshaha Ibrahim's loving wife ( the queen) was the spy of Malikambar. When Ali Adilshaha Ibrahim cames to know all this through his Senapati ( Cheif Commanding Of An Adilshahi Army) Mulla Mohommad, Adilshaha killed her wife.
Here the Moghals ( Delhi) were also traditional enemy of Nijamshahi. Adilshaha decide to take oportunity to finish the nijamshahi with help of Moghals. He asked Moghalai King Jahangirdar to help him for this battle. Jahangir also got ready to help him and sudden he send his 1,20,000 Army towards adilshahi to help him. and adilshahi army was near about 80,000. Thus, a massive army of 200,000 (2 lakhs) walked on Ahmednagar. On the other hand, Maharaja Shahaji had an army of 20,000 at his disposal. Maharaja Shahaji had assigned 10,000 of these, the task of protecting and defending the Ahmednagar fort and town. The remaining 10,000 were with Maharaja Shahaji.


In this battle so many maratha saradar's were their to help Adilshahi. Like, Sharifji Raje ( Shahaji's Brother), Vithoji raje's son Khelkarn, Mallarav, Mambaji raje, Nagojirao, Parasoji, Trambyakraj, Hambir rav Chavan, Mudhoji Faltankar, ballal, tipad, Sundararaj, as well as muslim sardar's were Yakut Khan, Mansur Khan, Johar khan, Hamidkhan, Ataskhan, Fatte khan, Adamkhan, and many more were their to help Nijamashahi in the under of Malikambar & Shahaji Raje.
Such a huge army required huge amount of food and water. Thus, both Mughal and Adil forces were encamped on the bank of the Mehkari River. It flowed North-South. The river had a dam to conserve water, as Ahmednagar experienced water shortage. However, during this period, there had been good amount of rainfall. The river had abundant water and was filled to the brim. Maharaja Shahaji came up with a brilliant idea. With utmost care, cracks were developed in the dam. It was the time of night; the whole Mughal and Adil encampment was fast asleep. Suddenly, water started gushing out of the dam from each of the cracks. Mughals and Adils were clueless about what was happening. It was, as if a huge wall of irate water was running over the Mughals and Adils.
Everyone started running helter-skelter to save their lives. There was chaos and confusion. The whole encampment was flooded with water. Clothes, rations, arms, ammunitions, cannons and cattle everything drowned. Dead elephants were seen floating in the water. Many were taken as prisoners. As many as 25 renowned, Mughal and Adil chiefs were imprisoned by Maharaja Shahaji. The Adilshahi Army's Chief Cammanding Officer ( Senapati) mulla mohommad were killed by Malikambar. This was the huge success for Shahaji raje Bhosale, after which Maharaja Shahaji became well known worldwide.


After this battle Malikambar also came to know about Bhosale family's power. He did a succesful try to break this power. He did a katt against very Brave, Smart, & Powerful Shahji raje Bhosale. Malikambar did a commander to Vithoji Raje's both son. Very Sharp brained Shahaji raje get known about all this immidiately and he leaved Nijamshahi. When Shahaji Raje leaved Nijamshahi, Adilshahi offered Shahaji raje that come to us. Shahaji Raje went to Adilshahi & becames a " Farzand " (someone placed much higher than a chief commanding an army of 10,000). Now Shahaji Raje called as "Farzand Shahaji Raje Bhosale" ( फरजंद शहाजी राजे भोसले).
When Shahji raje were showing his ability in Adilshahi, here the Malikamber ( Nijamshahi's Chief Cammanding Officer, Senapati) got expired in the age of 80 on the date of 10th May, 1625.
END OF THE TOPIC

Next Topic: Shahaji Raje Tried to setting up an independant Maratha Kingdom.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

SHAHAJI RAJE BHOSALE

Full Name: Shahaji Maloji Bhosale
Born : 2nd March 1595
Died:1665
Place Of Death: Basawapattan , near banglore
Successor: Shivaji raje (Son of Jijabai) founded Marath Empior, Ekoji Raje ( Son of Tukabai) became raja of Tanjore
Wives : Jijabai, Tukabai, Narasabai
Offspring: Sambhaji, Shivaji, Ekoji, Koyaji, Santaji
Royal House: BHOSALE
Fathers Name: Maloji Babaji Bhosale
Mothers Name: Deepabai Vanagoji Nimbalkar ( before marrage)


Shahaji Raje Bhosale(Marathi: शहाजी राजे भोसले) was the eldest son of Maloji Raje Bhosale of Verul (present-day Ellora, Maharashtra). He brought the house of Bhosale into prominence. The princely states of Kolhapur andSatara are Bhosale legacies. If Shivaji the great was the founder of the Maratha Empire, it was his father Shahaji who started the Marathas on that path.
By the late sixteenth century in central India, while religious and racial bigotry continued to be a feature of many Islamic rulers, cold realism dictated that capable locals from the majority Hindu community needed to be given positions of responsibility. One of the Islamic rulers of the age was Ibrahim Adil Shah of Bijapur, who appointed Hindus to key positions and changed the official court language from Persian to Marathi.
Maloji was childless for a long time. Two sons were born to him after seeking blessings from a famous Sufi pir of the time, named Shah Sharif. In honour of the pir, Maloji named his sons Shahaji and Sharifji. Maloji was a capable soldier and eventually became an independent Jagirdar in the court of Adil Shah.



When Maloji Raje expired, Shahji raje was only 6 years old.

Earlier, Shahaji raje was getting younger.. Days after days he was looking very smart & handsome. Actully when Shahaji raje was only 5 years old, at that time on day of SHIMGA (रंगपंचमी) Maloji raje & Lakhuji Jadhavrao was celebrating the festival of SHIMGA & at that time Lakhuji Jadhavrao asked maloji , that he is intrested to do new relation between Maloji & Lakhuji. That means he wants to marry Jija bai ( Lakhuji jadhavrao's Daughter) with Shahaji raje. Maloji raje also agrred the same & both were aprooved this marriage.
After 5 years from the death of Malojiraje, Lakhuji Jadhav rao give his daughter (JIJABAI) to Shahajiraje Bhosale & Both were married

(शहाजी राजे भोसले व जाधव राव यांची कन्या जिजाबाई जा उभयांताचे लग्न इ 1६०५ मार्गशीष शुद्ध ५ शके १५२७, विस्ववासु नम संवत्सर फसली सन १०१५ या साली केले)

Actually Maloji raje & Lakhuji Jadhavarao was very close relatives as per the following hierarchy.
JIJABAI
Jijabai was very pretty young female, Very sweet, honest & beautiful lady. She was very honest.. and very respectful. She is like GANGA ( River & God for Hindu) for everyone on this earth. Shahaji raje & Jijabai loves each other very much. In very few days they both got their first Son SAMBHAJI (Shivaji Maharaja's Elder Brother). Jijabai gave birth to Sambhaji in the year of 1614 , at Verul Ghrushneshwar.

ABOUT SHAHAJE RAJE
Maharaja Shahaji was an extremely ambitious and capable general. At a young age, Maharaja Shahaji had achieved a lot. He was well known not only for his military and leadership skills but also as a Man who kept his word. Maharaja Shahaji had not lost a single battle in his entire life which made him the prominent Maratha legend who was treated even at par with Nizam & Adilshah.
Maharaja Shahaji had defeated quite a number of eminent commanders of Mughals, Adilshah and Nizamshah. Maharaja Shahaji was prominent in the whole of Hindustan (India) for he had not lost a single battle in his lifetime and had always prevailed no matter what the circumstances. Mughal, Adil, Nizam Sultanates were leaving no stone unturned to get Maharaja Shahaji on their side. When Maharaja Shahaji was serving in the Adilshahi court, he was awarded the title of Farzand (someone placed much higher than a chief commanding an army of 10,000) which was equivalent to the designation of a Prince. Thus, Maharaja Shahaji was highly revered in the Adilshahi court.
When Shah Jahan revolted against his father Jehangir, he had come to Maharaja Shahaji for help. Maharaja Shahaji had sheltered and protected Shah Jahan for about 8 months, during which Mughal forces weren’t able to catch hold of Shah Jahan.
END OF THE TOPIC

Next Topic : Battle of Bhatvadi & Shahaji Raje Setting Up an independent MARATHA KINGDOM

Monday, August 3, 2009

History Before Shivaji Maharaja's Birth.



Shivaji Maharaj was the youger of two sons of Shahaji Bhosale & Jijabai. Shahaji Raje Bhosale(Marathi: शहाजी राजे भोसले) was the eldest son of Maloji Raje Bhosale of Verul (present-day Ellora, Maharashtra). He brought the house of Bhosale into prominence. The princely states of Kolhapur andSatara are Bhosale legacies. If Shivaji the great was the founder of the Maratha Empire, it was his father Shahaji who started the Marathas on that path.
By the late sixteenth century in central India, while religious and racial bigotry continued to be a feature of many Islamic rulers, cold realism dictated that capable locals from the majority Hindu community needed to be given positions of responsibility. One of the Islamic rulers of the age was Ibrahim Adil Shah of Bijapur, who appointed Hindus to key positions and changed the official court language from Persian to Marathi.
Maloji was childless for a long time. Two sons were born to him after seeking blessings from a famous Sufi pir of the time, named Shah Sharif. In honour of the pir, Maloji named his sons Shahaji and Sharifji. Maloji was a capable soldier and eventually became an independent Jagirdar in the court of Adil Shah.
The hierarchy of Bhosale Gharana is like following..


Actully Malakaranji Raje Bhosale was the father of Babaji Raje Bhosale and he missed when he were swimming in the lake near Chasakman. Babaji raje Bhosale was very young at that time. Babaji was unmarried at that time. Then after Babaji & Babaji's mother leaved chasakman & shifted to the Verul Ghrushneshwar ( Located near Devgiri, 5 KM Far) where they were PATIL. After some days Babaji Raje got married & after marrage he shifted near to Bhima rever, Village PATAS PARAGANE PURANDAR. Babaji got the Patilaki for 3 villages , thats DEVULGAV, MAUJE KHANAVATE & KASABE. Then again Babaji shifted to Verul Ghrushaneshwar. Those days his wife was preganent. She deliverd first son. The first son of Babaji was MALOJI RAJE BHOSALE. Maloji raje borned at Verul in 1552 Year. Again Babaji's wife deliverd second son & his name was VITHOJI RAJE BHOSALE.
Then after Babaji Raje Bhosale leaved verul and shifted to Deulgav with his Mother, Wife & His two sons. After some days Babaji raje Bhosale expired.
After the complition of age 18 , Maloji & Vithoji went to VANGPAL (Vanagoji Nimbalkar of Faltan) for work. At that time Vangoji fighted with Adilshahi Sultanat & controlling Faltan. So he called as a "FALTAN GRAMI VANAGPAL BARA VAJIRANCHA KAAL "
Maloji & Vithoji entered in the miletry of Vangoji Nimbalkar as a soldiers. Vangoji were on the battle at that time with their 12000 Soldiers Army on KOLHAPUR Prant. Vangoji was near at Rankala Lake (Kolhapur). In that battle Maloji & Vithoji played ultimate role. Because of only Maloji & Vithoji, Vijapur army ran away & didnt turned back again to Nimbalkars.
Nijamshaha Padshaha Daulatabadkar heard this brave story of Both brothers Maloji & Vithoji. He wrote a letter to both of him. At that time both brothers were at Devulgav with their mother. Maloji & Vithoji got the letters & meet the padshah (king) . Padshaha meet them both with highly respect. Maloji & Vithoji becomes a SARDAR of Nijamshaha. Both were the got 1500 Soldiers each ( called Mansab मनसब in marathi) Maloji & Vithoji becomes a SARDAR in very younger age.
Maloji & Vithoji was unmarried. Vanagoji Naik Nimbalkar ( where maloji worked first) invited Maloji Vithoji & His Mother to faltan. Vanagoji asked Maloji to marry with his elder daughter MHALASABAI also called DEEPABAI. Maloji was ready to marry with her & both were married. After Maloji's marrage, Vithoji also got married.
Very long years after Deepabai got preganent. After few days she deliverd a Son. His name was SHAHAJI BHOSALE. His only Shivaji Maharaj's Father SHAHAJI RAJE BHOSALE. Shahaji raje born at Verul Ghrushneshwar on 2nd March, 1595 (शहाजी राजा चा जन्म फाल्गुन अमावस्या संपताना, चैत्र शु १, प्रतिपदारंभ, सूर्योदय, मन्मथ, नाम संवत्सर, शके १५१७। रविवार दिनांक २ मार्च इ स १५९५ रोजी जाहला)
After some years Maloji raje went to Indapur for battle, with order of Nijamshaha. In that battle he got brave death (वीरमरण). At that Shahaji Raje Bhosale were only 6 years old.
END OF THE TOPIC
Next topic. SHAHAJI RAJE BHOSALE





॥ क्षत्रियकुलावतंस सिंहसनाधिश्वर गोब्राह्मण प्रतिपालक हिंदूपतपातशाहा

श्रीमंत श्री छत्रपति शिवाजी महाराज की जय ॥
आस्ते कदम महाराज.... आस्ते कदम.....

REIGN: 1664 - 1680

CORONATION: JUNE 6, 1674

FULL NAME: SHIVAJI SHAHAJI BHOSALE

BORN: FEBRUARY 19, 1627

BIRTH PLACE: SHIVNERI FORT, PUNE DIST.

DIED: APRIL 3, 1680

PLACE OF DEATH: RAIGAD, RAIGAD DIST. ( CAPITAL OF MARATHA EMPIRE)

WIVES: SAIBAI, SOYARABAI, PUTALABAI, KASHIBAI, SAGUNABAI, MANJULABAI, SAKVARBAI, GUNVANTABAI

OFFSPRING: SAMBHAJI, RAJARAM, & SIX DAUGHTERS

FATHERS NAME: SHAHAJI MALOJI BHOSALE

MOTHERS NAME: JIJABAI LAKHUJI JADAHAV (BEFORE MARRAGE)

Shivaji Raje Bhosle (February 19, 1627 – April 3, 1680), commonly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Marathi: छत्रपती शिवाजीराजे भोसले) laid the foundations of the Maratha Empire. Shivaji Maharaj was younger of the two sons of Shahaji Bhosle and Jijabai. His father, Shahaji was a Maratha general who rendered military services at various times against the Bijapur Sultanate, Deccan sultanates and the Mughals। Shivaji Maharaj espoused the ideology of Hindavi Swarajya (Indian Self Rule) and took a solemn oath in a Hindu temple with his friends and soldiers to directly challenge the foreign rule of the Bijapur Sultanate and ultimately the mighty Mughal empire. Shivaji Maharaj succeeded in establishing control of a well defended segment of the present state of Maharastra in western India, during his lifetime.
Shivaji Maharaj’s ideology of Hindavi Swarajya and subsequent expansion of the Maratha Empire, was partly responsible for re-establishment of Hindu rule and its re-emergent assertiveness throughout the mainland of present day India after being ruled and dominated by various Muslim dynasties for several centuries। The ideology of Hindavi Swarajya was in part the inspiration that propelled the succeeding generation of Marathas to establish independent kingdom in India prior to their eventual defeat by the British Empire. This ideology was neither directed against Islam nor aimed toward propagation of Hinduism. Shivaji's vision was for a united India, that would not yield to attacks by oppressive rulers.
Shivaji Maharaj established and set up a competent civil rule with the help of well regulated and disciplined military and well structured administrative organizations. The then prevalent practices of treating women as war booty, destruction of religious monuments, slavery and forceful religious conversions were firmly opposed under his administration. Shivaji Maharaj himself was a religious, devout and tolerant Hindu who worshipped with deep faith. Shivaji Maharaj innovated rules of military engagement of that era. He pioneered Ganimi Kava (in
Marathi), or guerrilla tactics, which leveraged various factors like demographics, speed, surprise and focused attack. In comparison to his enemies, Shivaji Maharaj had a smaller army and thereby was obliged to wage guerilla warfare to help overcome this great imbalance.
A large portion of his kingdom was a coastline and he secured it with a potent navy under his commander, Daryasarang Daulat Khan & Maynak Bhandari . He was very successful in keeping foreign naval ships, particularly Portuguese and British, under check. For his foresight of establishing one of the first large scale naval presence he is referred to as the "Father of Indian Navy".Building and securing seaside and land based forts played an important role in Shivaji Maharaj’s military history. Shivaji's attention to coastal and naval defence delayed the eventual establishment of British rule and trade along India's west coast.

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