Shivaji's Life

Shivaji was born of a Maratha family in 1627 A.D. His father was a chief of the kingdom of Bijapur. Though he was high up, he was not allowed to control any fort. In his early youth, Shivaji inspired the local peasant youths around Poona to follow him in his idealistic pursuits.

Shivaji drew strength from the guidance of his guru, Guru Ramdas who together with mata Jijabai in his young life, made him a national hero.

Shivaji's  father Shahaji Bhosale served alongside Malik Ambar, who defended the Deccan region (First to be done By any Maratha In The Deccan Region) against the Mughals.He always tried to free their Kingdom From The Sultanate Of Bijapur as well as wanted to throw out the mughal rule in India and Establish a Swaraj Empire). His mother Jijabai,a pious and far sighted lady was the daughter of Lakhujirao Jadhav of Sindkhed.She is regarded to be The master or the guru Of Shivaji's Bravery By their court poet,paramanand. During the period of Shivaji's birth, the power in Deccan was shared by three Islamic sultanates – Bijapur, Ahmednagar, and Golconda. Shahaji kept changing his loyalty between the Nizamshahi of Ahmadnagar, Adil Shah of Bijapur and the Mughals, but always kept his ''jagir (fiefdom) at Pune and his small army with him.He tried to establish independent kingdom twice.But he had to surrender before onslaught of mughals in 1636.By a treaty shahji was forced to leave maratha country and took up service with adilshah in deep south.The region around poona was devastated due to continous warfare, hence to restore peace and prosperity Jijabai remained behind .Shivaji being of minor age also stayed with her.For their upkeep shahji kept a trusted and experienced men with them .He was Dadaji Kondadev(a trusted master of state-craft), Dadaji also taught the art of swordsmanship to Shivaji, and especially the effective use of lance, the characteristic Maratha weapon. In a short time, Shivaji became a skilled swordsman, strategist and an accomplished horseman.

Shivaji with Jijamata

Shivaji was extremely devoted to his mother Jijabai, who was deeply religious. This religious environment had a profound influence on Shivaji, and he carefully studied the two great Hindu epics, Ramayana andMahabharata. The morality and spiritual messages of the epics made a great impression on him. Throughout his life he was deeply interested in religious teachings, and sought the company of Hindu andSufi (an esoteric Muslim sect) saints throughout his life.^[15]

Shivaji drew his earliest trusted comrades and a large number of his soldiers from the Maval region, including Yesaji Kank, Suryaji kakade,Baji Pasalkar, Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Tanaji Malusare. In the company of his Maval comrades, a young Shivaji wandered over the hills and forests of the Sahyadri range, hardening himself and acquiring first-hand knowledge of the land. By 1639, he commanded a hardy and loyal band of officers and soldiers.^[15]

At the age of 12, Shivaji was taken to Banglore where he was further formally trained alongwith elder brother Sambhaji and stepbrother Ekoji. At age of 14, he returned to Pune with a rajmudra (sovereign seal) and council of minister.