Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, was a visionary leader, military strategist, and champion of Swarajya (self-rule). Born on 19th February 1630, his life was a relentless pursuit of freedom from oppressive foreign rule, marked by daring military conquests, astute diplomacy, and administrative brilliance.
In an era dominated by the mighty Mughal and Deccan Sultanates, Shivaji Maharaj emerged as a beacon of Hindu resurgence, reviving the spirit of dharma and self-governance. From his early exploits in capturing forts to his audacious raids on enemy territories and his coronation as Chhatrapati in 1674, every moment of his life was dedicated to shaping a sovereign Hindu kingdom.
This timeline delves deep into the key milestones, battles, and achievements of this extraordinary leader, providing a detailed account of his legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Timeline of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630 – 1680)
Initial Years:
| Date | Event |
| February 19, 1630 | Birth of Shivaji Maharaj at Shivneri Fort to Shahaji Raje Bhosale and Jijabai. He was born during a turbulent period of Mughal and Adilshahi conflicts. |
| May 14, 1640 | Marriage to Saibai Nimbalkar, who belonged to the Nimbalkar family of Phaltan. |
| April 15, 1645 | Takes an oath of Swarajya at Rohideshwar Temple, vowing to establish an independent kingdom free from Mughal and Adilshahi rule. |
| 1646 | First military conquest – Captures Torna Fort from Adilshahi control, renaming it ‘Prachandgad’. |
| 1647 | Gains control over Kondana (Sinhagad) and Rajgad Forts, expanding his kingdom. |
| 1648 | Captures Purandar Fort, further solidifying his position in the Deccan. |
| 1656 | Battle of Javali – Defeats the More clan and takes over the Javali region, securing a strategic area for future campaigns. |
Conflicts with Adilshahi and Mughals (1657 – 1665):
| Date | Event |
| May 14, 1657 | Birth of Sambhaji Maharaj, Shivaji’s eldest son and future successor. |
| November 10, 1659 | Battle of Pratapgad – Shivaji kills Afzal Khan using the legendary “Bagh Nakh” (tiger claws) and decisively defeats the Adilshahi army. |
| July 13, 1660 | Escape from Panhala Fort – Baji Prabhu Deshpande’s sacrifice at Pavan Khind allowed Shivaji to reach Vishalgadh safely. |
| April 5, 1663 | Raids the Mughal governor Shaista Khan’s palace in Pune in a surprise night attack, cutting off three of his fingers and forcing him to flee. |
| January 6-10, 1664 | First Sack of Surat – Shivaji’s forces loot the Mughal port city of Surat, gathering enormous wealth while avoiding civilian casualties. |
| June 12, 1665 | Treaty of Purandar – Forced to cede 23 forts to the Mughals under Mirza Raja Jai Singh’s pressure. |
| May 25, 1666 | Meeting with Aurangzeb in Agra – Shivaji is put under house arrest but later escapes in disguise in August 1666. |
| August 17, 1666 | Shivaji and his son Sambhaji escape from Agra. He encountered loyal allies who provided him with shelter, provisions, and information about Aurangzeb’s movement |
Naval Battles and Expansion (1665 – 1670):
| Date | Event |
| 1665 – 1670 | Strengthens the Maratha Navy, building strong coastal forts like Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg to counter the Siddis, Portuguese, and British. |
| February 4, 1670 | Recaptures Kondana (Sinhagad) Fort – Tanaji Malusare sacrifices his life, and his brother Suryaji Malusare completes the victory. |
| October 3, 1670 | Second Sack of Surat – Shivaji attacks Surat again, further weakening Mughal influence in the region. |
| 1671 – 1675 | Maratha Naval Battles – Shivaji successfully defends against the Portuguese and Siddis, engaging in guerrilla naval warfare. |
| June 6, 1674 | Grand Coronation at Raigad Fort – Shivaji is formally crowned as Chhatrapati and establishes the independent Maratha Empire. |
| June 17, 1674 | Death of Rajmata Jijabai, Shivaji’s mother, shortly after his coronation. |
Dakshin Digvijay (South India Campaign) (1676 – 1678):
| Date | Event |
| 1676 | The South India (Dakshin Digvijay) campaign begins, marching towards Gingee, Vellore, and Tanjavur. |
| July 1677 | Conquers Gingee Fort, a strategic bastion in Tamil Nadu. |
| August 1677 | Alliance with the Adilshahi general, Qutb Shah of Golconda, to weaken Mughal influence in the South. |
| October 1677 | Raids the Portuguese and British-controlled areas in Karnataka, challenging European supremacy. |
| November 1677 | Captures Vellore and reaches Thanjavur, strengthening the Maratha influence in the South. |
| February 1678 | Establishes Maratha administration in Gingee, which later became the capital of Marathas in South India. |
Final Years and Legacy (1678 – 1680):
| Date | Event |
| November 1679 | Conflict with his son, Sambhaji Maharaj, led to the temporary imprisonment of Sambhaji at Panhala Fort. |
| March 1680 | Falls ill at Raigad Fort, suspected to be due to fever and intestinal infection. |
| April 3, 1680 | Passes away at Raigad Fort, marking the end of an era. |
Legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj extends far beyond the battlefield; it is deeply ingrained in the very fabric of India’s cultural and historical consciousness. His unwavering commitment to Swarajya, his pioneering efforts in naval warfare, and his emphasis on good governance and justice laid the foundation for the future expansion of the Maratha Empire.
Even after his passing on 3rd April 1680, his ideals and administrative policies continued to guide his successors, leaving an indelible mark on Indian history. Today, he is celebrated as not just a warrior but as a visionary king who rekindled the pride and spirit of Bharat. His life serves as a timeless testament to courage, wisdom, and perseverance, reminding us that true leadership is built on valour, vision, and an unwavering commitment to righteousness.