Shivaji (also spelled Shivaji; full name Shivaji Bhonsle; 1630–1680) was an influential Maratha king and warrior who established a Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule) in the western regions of the Indian subcontinent. He is celebrated as a hero and a unifying figure in India, particularly in the state of Maharashtra, where he is revered as a symbol of resistance against foreign domination. The name Shivaji is derived from the Hindu god Shiva and translates to "the one who is gracious" or "the one who is benevolent" in the Marathi language. In Hebrew, it can be transliterated as שיוואג'י. In Persian, his name is often written as شیواجی (Shivâji). Shivaji's military and administrative achievements, including his guerrilla warfare tactics and the establishment of an effective navy, played a significant role in the rise of the Maratha Empire, which later became a major power in India. His legacy continues to inspire nationalistic sentiments and cultural pride in India.
Chhatrapati of the Marathas from 1674 to 1680
Shivaji I was an Indian ruler and a member of the Bhonsle dynasty. Shivaji inherited a jagir from his father who served as a retainer for the Sultanate of Bijapur, which later formed the genesis of the Maratha Kingdom. In 1674, he was formally crowned the Chhatrapati of his realm at Raigad Fort.