Capital
Raigad, later Pune (Peshwa era)
Founder
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Duration
c. 144 years
Category
Empire
Timeline
1630 CE
Birth of Shivaji
Shivaji is born at Shivneri Fort.
1645 CE
Torna Fort Capture
At age 15, Shivaji captures Torna Fort, his first conquest.
1659 CE
Battle of Pratapgad
Shivaji defeats and kills Afzal Khan.
1665 CE
Treaty of Purandar
Shivaji makes a tactical treaty with the Mughals.
1674 CE
Coronation at Raigad
Shivaji is crowned Chhatrapati, founding the Maratha Empire.
1680 CE
Death of Shivaji
Shivaji dies; Sambhaji becomes the next Chhatrapati.
1689 CE
Sambhaji's Martyrdom
Sambhaji is captured and executed by Aurangzeb.
1761 CE
Third Battle of Panipat
The Marathas suffer a devastating loss.
1818 CE
Fall of Maratha Empire
The British defeat the Peshwa, marking the end of the empire.
Geography
Map of Empire
Forts
Battlefields
Temples
Trade Routes
Governance
Administration
Ashta Pradhan (Council of Eight Ministers) — detailed administrative system; strong intelligence network; navy; civil code protecting farmers and women
Prosperity
Economy
Agriculture (with fair revenue system — Chauth and Sardeshmukhi), trade, coastal ports (Surat, Kalyan, and Vijaydurg), shipbuilding
Currency: Shivarai Hon (gold), silver and copper coins with Maratha insignia
Defense
Military
Highly mobile infantry and cavalry (guerrilla warfare experts); navy with over 400 ships at peak; forts as strategic bases (over 300 forts)
Design
Architecture
Raigad Fort, Pratapgad, Sinhagad, Sindhudurg Fort (sea fort); Maratha-style wadas (palatial homes) in Pune and Satara; Shaniwar Wada
Heritage
Culture
Marathi literature and poetry (Ramdas, Tukaram, Bhanudas); revival of Hindu traditions; patronage of Sanskrit and Marathi scholarship; development of naval traditions
Legacy
Achievements
Founded by Shivaji Maharaj in 1674 — first major Hindu empire after the Delhi Sultanate
Effective guerrilla warfare tactics that confounded the Mughal Empire
Naval dominance of the western coast (Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg)
Ashta Pradhan system — a sophisticated ministerial council
Crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad, establishing formal sovereignty
By 1758, the Marathas controlled most of India from Attock to Bengal
Chauth and Sardeshmukhi — a unique system of taxation
Sunset
Decline
The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) crippled the empire; internal Peshwa factionalism; the British East India Company's systematic campaigns (Anglo-Maratha Wars); final defeat in 1818
Valour
Warriors & Commanders
Tanaji Malusare
Subhedar — The Lion of Sinhagad
Tanaji Malusare was one of the most trusted generals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a childhood friend of the Maratha king. He is best known for his heroic role in the Battle of Sinhagad (1670), where he led the Maratha forces in a daring night assault to recapture the strategically important Kondhana Fort (later renamed Sinhagad). During the battle, Tanaji lost his life, but his sacrifice enabled the Marathas to win the fort. When Shivaji heard of his death, he famously said "Gad aala pan Sinha gela" — "We won the fort, but lost the lion." Tanaji's courage, loyalty, and sacrifice made him one of the most celebrated heroes of the Maratha Empire.
Baji Prabhu Deshpande
Immortal Hero of Pavan Khind
Baji Prabhu Deshpande was a legendary Maratha general who sacrificed his life to ensure Shivaji Maharaj's safe escape from the siege of Panhala. In 1660, when Shivaji was trapped in Panhala Fort by the Bijapur general Siddhi Johar, Baji Prabhu led a diversionary force to the Pavan Khind pass. For over five hours, Baji Prabhu and his small band of 300 men held off 10,000 Bijapur soldiers, fighting with unwavering courage despite being severely wounded. When Shivaji reached safety at Vishalgad, a cannon signal was fired. Upon hearing it, Baji Prabhu finally allowed himself to collapse from his wounds, having fulfilled his duty.
Hambirrao Mohite
Sarnobat — Commander-in-Chief of the Maratha Army
Hambirrao Mohite was the Commander-in-Chief (Sarnobat) of the Maratha army under both Shivaji and Sambhaji Maharaj. He was also the father of Maharani Tarabai. He was a brilliant military commander who played a crucial role in many of Shivaji's campaigns. After Shivaji's death, he loyally served Sambhaji. He died in battle in 1687.
Netaji Palkar
Sarnobat — Chief of the Maratha Cavalry
Netaji Palkar was the second Sarnobat (Commander-in-Chief) of the Maratha army under Shivaji Maharaj. He was a brilliant cavalry commander who led the Maratha light cavalry with great effectiveness. He later defected to the Mughals after the Treaty of Purandar but eventually returned to the Maratha fold.
Yesaji Kank
Personal Bodyguard of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Yesaji Kank was one of the most trusted personal bodyguards of Shivaji Maharaj. He was known for his immense physical strength and unwavering loyalty. Yesaji was part of the select group of bodyguards who protected Shivaji in numerous battles and dangerous situations.
Sources
Historical References
Shivabharata
17th-century poetic biography of Shivaji.
Raigad Coronation Inscription
Inscription recording Shivaji's coronation in 1674.
Shivaji and His Times
Definitive historical biography of Shivaji.
The Maratha Supremacy
Academic history of the Maratha period.
Raigad Fort
Capital fort of the Maratha Empire.