Shivaji (1630?-1680), a Hindu prince, founded the Maratha kingdom, in western India. He is regarded as a local hero because he represents the independent spirit of his region.
Shivaji was born in Fort Shivneri, Pune. His year of birth is uncertain. Recent scholars say 1630, but 1627 is the traditionally recognized year. His father, Shahji, was a general in the army of Bijapur, a kingdom in the Deccan ruled by a Muslim sultan. But his mother, who brought him up, encouraged Shivaji to expand his Pune estates and form an independent, Maratha homeland. From 1644, his kingdom grew as he challenged Bijapur and the Mughal emperor. In 1659, the sultan of Bijapur sent an army under Afzal Khan against him. Shivaji personally killed Afzal Khan and then defeated his army.
In 1664, Shivaji successfully raided Surat, the richest port of the Mughals on the west coast. In 1665, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb sent a large force against him and forced him to agree to a treaty. The following year, Shivaji went to Agra to visit Aurangzeb, who trapped him there. Shivaji managed a daring escape and returned to his capital Raigad. In 1674, Shivaji was crowned as rajah (ruler) and took the title chhatrapati. He died on April 4, 1680.
