A portrait of Shivaji I, the founder of the Maratha Empire, by an unknown painter, 1680-1687, India.
British Museum
Shivaji I (c. 1630â1680) was the founder of the Maratha Kingdom and a ruler of the Bhonsle dynasty. He inherited a jagir from his father, a Bijapur retainer, and gradually established an independent realm, being crowned Chhatrapati in 1674 at Raigad Fort. Shivaji alternated between conflict and cooperation with major powers, including the Mughal Empire, initially offering service to Aurangzeb, later becoming a Mughal vassal after defeat, and briefly campaigning on the empireâs behalf before reasserting his sovereignty. His rule was marked by military expansion, fort-building, the creation of a Maratha navy, and an administration inclusive of different castes, religions, Muslims, and Europeans. Shivajiâs image was later revived and reshaped by social reformers and Indian nationalists, and in modern times has also been appropriated by Hindutva movements.