1. Chhatrapati Sambhaji was captured by Mughal forces in 1689 AD and executed on the orders of Emperor Aurangzeb. Sambhaji was brought before Aurangzeb and reportedly offered his life if he converted to Islam, which he vehemently refused. His defiant martyrdom became a powerful symbol. Instead of extinRead more

    Chhatrapati Sambhaji was captured by Mughal forces in 1689 AD and executed on the orders of Emperor Aurangzeb. Sambhaji was brought before Aurangzeb and reportedly offered his life if he converted to Islam, which he vehemently refused. His defiant martyrdom became a powerful symbol. Instead of extinguishing the Maratha state, his death fueled the Maratha War of Independence (1689–1707), compelling the Mughals into a disastrous 27-year campaign in the Deccan.

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  2. The capital of Shivaji's independent Maratha state was the imposing hill fort of Raigad. Chosen for its naturally defensible location high in the Sahyadri mountains, Raigad was transformed by Shivaji into a sophisticated administrative and political hub. Its deep treasury, extensive granaries and stRead more

    The capital of Shivaji’s independent Maratha state was the imposing hill fort of Raigad. Chosen for its naturally defensible location high in the Sahyadri mountains, Raigad was transformed by Shivaji into a sophisticated administrative and political hub. Its deep treasury, extensive granaries and strong fortifications made it the ideal centre from which the Chhatrapati could govern the kingdom, demonstrating the Maratha reliance on strong, fortified positions for their political base.

     

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  3. Jijabai, Shivaji's mother, was his most significant and profound influence. She was instrumental in shaping his character and political ideology. She taught him the Hindu epic stories and instilled in him a deep sense of justice and the importance of Swaraj (self-rule). Along with his guardian, DadaRead more

    Jijabai, Shivaji’s mother, was his most significant and profound influence. She was instrumental in shaping his character and political ideology. She taught him the Hindu epic stories and instilled in him a deep sense of justice and the importance of Swaraj (self-rule). Along with his guardian, Dadaji Kondadev (who trained him in administration), Jijabai provided the moral and religious conviction that underpinned Shivaji’s lifelong mission to liberate the Maratha homeland from foreign rule.

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  4. The Third Battle of Panipat (1761 AD) was fought between the Maratha Confederacy forces (commanded by Sadashivrao Bhau, on behalf of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao) and the army of the Afghan invader, Ahmad Shah Abdali. Fought over control of North India, the battle resulted in a catastrophic defeat for theRead more

    The Third Battle of Panipat (1761 AD) was fought between the Maratha Confederacy forces (commanded by Sadashivrao Bhau, on behalf of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao) and the army of the Afghan invader, Ahmad Shah Abdali. Fought over control of North India, the battle resulted in a catastrophic defeat for the Marathas, leading to the loss of thousands of soldiers and key leaders. The battle shattered Maratha military prestige and created a power vacuum in North India, which was eventually exploited by the British.

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  5. The 'Ashtapradhan' (literally, Eight Ministers) was the council of ministers formalized by Shivaji to efficiently administer his expanding Maratha Kingdom. The eight key posts included the Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance Minister), Sachiv (Secretary) and Sumant (Foreign Affairs). The counciRead more

    The ‘Ashtapradhan’ (literally, Eight Ministers) was the council of ministers formalized by Shivaji to efficiently administer his expanding Maratha Kingdom. The eight key posts included the Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance Minister), Sachiv (Secretary) and Sumant (Foreign Affairs). The council was a purely consultative body; all ministers held their office at the pleasure of the Chhatrapati, ensuring a strong central executive authority, unlike the later period where the Peshwa became supreme.

     

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