Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Shivaji I (Shivaji Shahaji Bhonsale )was an Indian ruler and a member of the Bhonsle Maratha clan.
Shivaji carved out his own independent kingdom from the declining Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur
called the Maratha empire. In 1674, he was given the title of Chhatrapati(master/ruler) at Raigad fort.
Over the course of his life, Shivaji engaged in both alliances and hostilities with the Mughal Empire,
the Sultanate of Golkonda, the Sultanate of Bijapur and the European colonial powers.
He mainly followed the principle of guerilla warfare(hiding and fighting) called Ganimi Kawa in
Marathi.
Shivaji employed people of all castes and religions, including Muslims and Europeans, in his
administration and armed forces.
Shivaji refused to confront the enemy in pitched battles. Instead, he lured the enemies into difficult
hills and jungles of his own choosing, catching them at a disadvantage and routing them.
Shivaji did not adhere to a particular tactic but used several methods to undermine his enemies, as
required by circumstances, such as sudden raids, sweep.
Hill forts played a key role in Shivaji's strategy. Ramchandra Amatya, one of Shivaji's ministers,
describes the achievement of Shivaji by saying that his empire was created from forts.Shivaji
captured important Adilshahi forts at Murambdev (Rajgad), Torna, Kondhana (Sinhagad), and
Purandar. He also rebuilt or repaired many forts in advantageous locations.
In addition, Shivaji built a number of forts, numbering 111 according to some accounts.
With the Marathas being accustomed to a land-based military, Shivaji widened his search for
qualified crews for his ships, taking on lower-caste Hindus of the coast who were long familiar with
naval operations, as well as Muslim mercenaries.
Noting the power of the Portuguese navy, Shivaji hired a number of Portuguese sailors and Goan
Christian converts, and made Rui Leitao Viegas commander of his fleet.