1. Shivaji was born in the hill fort of Shivneri near the town of Junnar in 1630 AD. This strategic fort, located within the Jagir controlled by his father Shahaji Bhonsle, provided the security necessary for his early life. The rugged, mountainous terrain surrounding Shivneri played a critical role inRead more

    Shivaji was born in the hill fort of Shivneri near the town of Junnar in 1630 AD. This strategic fort, located within the Jagir controlled by his father Shahaji Bhonsle, provided the security necessary for his early life. The rugged, mountainous terrain surrounding Shivneri played a critical role in shaping his military strategies and his deep connection to the Maratha homeland, establishing his lifelong preference for mountain strongholds over open cities.

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  2. The individual who truly simplified and stabilized the Maratha administration after the chaotic reign of Sambhaji and the subsequent Maratha War of Independence was Balaji Vishwanath. Upon his appointment as Peshwa by Shahu in 1713, he systematized the collection of Chauth and Sardeshmukhi revenuesRead more

    The individual who truly simplified and stabilized the Maratha administration after the chaotic reign of Sambhaji and the subsequent Maratha War of Independence was Balaji Vishwanath. Upon his appointment as Peshwa by Shahu in 1713, he systematized the collection of Chauth and Sardeshmukhi revenues by dividing them among the central government and the Sardars. . By achieving the Mughal recognition of Maratha rights in 1719, he brought legal legitimacy and order to the fractured state, focusing on practical administration over complex legalistic structures.

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  3. The minister responsible for foreign affairs in Shivaji's Ashtapradhan was the Sumant (or Dabir). His primary role was to serve as the Foreign Secretary, advising the Chhatrapati on matters of war and peace, receiving ambassadors and maintaining diplomatic relations with all the surrounding kingdomsRead more

    The minister responsible for foreign affairs in Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan was the Sumant (or Dabir). His primary role was to serve as the Foreign Secretary, advising the Chhatrapati on matters of war and peace, receiving ambassadors and maintaining diplomatic relations with all the surrounding kingdoms and the Mughals. The Sumant‘s duties were crucial for a nascent state like the Maratha kingdom, which required shrewd diplomacy to navigate the constant pressures from major powers like the Mughal Empire and the Portuguese.

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  4. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb conferred the title of 'Raja' on Shivaji. This title was likely granted in 1665 AD, facilitated by Raja Jai Singh I, as part of the diplomatic effort preceding the Treaty of Purandar and Shivaji's visit to Agra. While it was an acknowledgement of Shivaji's emerging powerRead more

    The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb conferred the title of ‘Raja’ on Shivaji. This title was likely granted in 1665 AD, facilitated by Raja Jai Singh I, as part of the diplomatic effort preceding the Treaty of Purandar and Shivaji’s visit to Agra. While it was an acknowledgement of Shivaji’s emerging power, it was meant to integrate him into the Mughal imperial system as a subordinate. Shivaji’s later assumption of the higher, independent title ‘Chhatrapati’ was a deliberate rejection of this Mughal vassal status.

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  5. Shivaji's formal coronation and assumption of the title 'Chhatrapati' occurred on June 6, 1674 AD at the Raigad Fort. This event was politically critical as it formally declared the Maratha state independent of Bijapur and the Mughals. . The religious ceremony, performed according to Vedic rites byRead more

    Shivaji’s formal coronation and assumption of the title ‘Chhatrapati’ occurred on June 6, 1674 AD at the Raigad Fort. This event was politically critical as it formally declared the Maratha state independent of Bijapur and the Mughals. . The religious ceremony, performed according to Vedic rites by Gagabhatta, successfully elevated Shivaji’s status to a Kshatriya King, giving his rule a divine and legal sanction that was necessary to unite the Marathas and command respect from other ruling powers.

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