Shivaji

Shivaji Bhonsale (1630 - 1680) was a major leader of the Maratha people in modern Maharashtra.

He was born at the fort of Shivneri near the town of Junnar in Maharashtra, to his father Shahaji Bhonsale and his mother, Jijabai. He had himself crowned king of the Marathas on 6th June 1674.

He led several successful military campaigns against the forces of the Adilshah of Bijapur and later against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The Marathas were thereafter to become a major force in India, extending their reign as far east as Orissa and as far north as Delhi before losing at the historic battlefield of Panipat in 1761.

The 300th anniversary of his coronation in 1974 was marked by major celebrations by the state government of Maharashtra.

Shivaji died at Raigad and was succeeded by his elder son Sambhaji.

He is now generally known either as Shivaji (or Sivaji), or with his titles as ruler, as Chhattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In modern times the figure of Shivaji has become a symbol of Hindu resurgence in India generally, and also of regional nationalism in Maharashtra.

Both the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport and the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, both located in Mumbai, are named after him.