The Founder of the Maratha Empire

Chhatrapati Shivaji I

Born on 19 February 1630, Shivaji I was a valiant Indian ruler and a member of the Bhonsle dynasty. He carved out an independent realm from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur, which formed the genesis of the Maratha Kingdom. In 1674, he was formally crowned the Chhatrapati of his realm at Raigad Fort.