#englishspeakingclasses #vocabulary #sheetalacademycidco chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630–1680) was the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India. Born in the Bhonsle family, he was inspired by his mother, Jijabai, and his guru, Dadoji Kondadev. He started his military career in his teens, capturing forts like Torna and Raigad. Shivaji challenged the Mughal and Adilshahi rulers with guerrilla warfare tactics. In 1664, he attacked Surat, a wealthy Mughal port. He later had a famous encounter with Aurangzeb, escaping from Agra in 1666. In 1674, he was crowned as Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort. He established a strong navy and an efficient administration. Shivaji Maharaj passed away in 1680, but his legacy continued through his successors and inspired future freedom fighters.