Shivaji Maharaj and 17th Century Indian History

Rajgad was the first capital of Hindavi Swarajya established by Shivaji Maharaj in 1648. It served as the capital for nearly 12 years before the administration shifted to Raigad in 1656-57. Pratapgad was a fort but not a capital, while Sinhagad was originally known as Kondhana and gained prominence later.

Venkoji was the step-brother of Shivaji Maharaj. He was the son of Shahaji Maharaj from his second wife Tukabai, who belonged to the Mohite family. Venkoji later established the Maratha rule in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Ranoji, Jeevaji, and Netaji were not Shivaji's step-brothers.

Shah Jahan was the father of Aurangzeb. Shah Jahan (r. 1628-1658) was the fifth Mughal emperor and fathered several children including Aurangzeb, who eventually ascended the throne after a bitter war of succession against his brother Dara Shikoh.

Historical records indicate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had eight wives: Saibai, Soyarabai, Putalabai, Laxmibai, Sakvarbai, Gunwantibai, and Kashibai. While some sources may vary, 8 is the most commonly accepted figure in Maratha history.

Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1630, is located in Junnar taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra. Raigad was his capital, Rajgad was his first capital, and Kondhana (later Sinhagad) was another fort.

Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of Shivaji and his second Chhatrapati, was born to Saibai (Sai Bai), Shivaji's first wife. Saibai died when Sambhaji was young. Soyarabai was a later wife and stepmother to Sambhaji.

In 1663, Shivaji launched a surprise nighttime raid on Lal Mahal (Pune) where Shaista Khan, the Mughal governor, was staying. Shivaji cut off three of Shaista Khan's fingers while he escaped. This was in retaliation for Shaista Khan's campaign against the Marathas.

In 1665, Mirza Raje Jai Singh I, a Rajput general commanding the Mughal forces, besieged Purandar Fort and forced Shivaji to sign the Treaty of Purandar. This treaty required Shivaji to surrender 23 forts and serve the Mughal court.

Netaji Palkar, one of Shivaji's most trusted commanders and the Sar-Senapati (commander-in-chief), was captured by the Mughals and forced to join their service. He converted to Islam and took the name Quli Mohammed Khan before eventually returning to Shivaji.

After Tanaji Malusare died recapturing Kondana Fort in 1670, Shivaji renamed it Sinhagad (Lion Fort) to honor his sacrifice. The famous Marathi saying 'Gad aala, pan Sinha gela' (The fort was captured, but the lion was lost) commemorates this battle.

Shivaji Maharaj died at Raigad Fort in 1680. Raigad was his capital and the place of his coronation. Shivneri was his birthplace, Rajgad was an earlier capital, and Pratapgad was a fort he conquered but not where he died.

Hider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan developed iron-cased and metal-cylinder rocket artillery in the 18th century, which was advanced for its time. Their military innovations included the Mysorean rockets that were later studied by the British.