Harshith

Welcome to History Hunt with Harshith! Today, we unfold the story of a warrior king… a legend who defied empires and lit the flame of Swarajya— Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Stay with us as we journey through the life of the founder of the Maratha Empire. Shivaji was born on February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort, near Pune. His mother, Jijabai, was a deeply spiritual woman who raised him with stories of valor and dharma. Even as a child, Shivaji dreamt of an independent land—free from foreign rule. At just 15, Shivaji began his mission. He captured Torna Fort, followed by Raigad and others—marking the start of the Swarajya Movement. His use of guerrilla warfare and deep knowledge of terrain made him a nightmare for the Adilshahi and Mughals alike. He was not just a warrior—he was a visionary. In 1659, Bijapur sent Afzal Khan, a giant of a general, to kill Shivaji. They met under a tent at Pratapgad Fort. But Afzal Khan attacked treacherously… Shivaji, wearing hidden armor, struck back with his wagh nakh—the tiger claws—and killed him on the spot. This act became legendary. He fought the mighty Mughals with unmatched bravery. In Pune, he wounded Shaista Khan in a daring night raid. In 1664, he looted Surat, a wealthy Mughal port city, to fund his empire. And when Aurangzeb tricked him into visiting Agra and imprisoned him, Shivaji escaped in sweet baskets—an escape that shocked the entire Mughal court. In 1674, Shivaji was crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort. He established a government based on justice, respect for all religions, and people’s welfare. He encouraged the use of Marathi and Sanskrit in administration and built one of the earliest Indian navies. His reign was marked by discipline, strategy, and deep respect for women and civilians—even during warfare. Shivaji Maharaj passed away in 1680, but his legacy lives on. He inspired not just the Marathas but future revolutionaries like Lokmanya Tilak and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Even today, his name echoes in every fort, every battlefield, and every Indian heart. That was the story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—the lion of the Sahyadris, the father of Swarajya. If this inspired you, hit the like button, subscribe, and share this with fellow history lovers. This is Harshith, signing off from History Hunt. Until next time—Jai Bhavani! Jai Shivaji!