The Marathas dominated the powerful Hindu state centered in Maharashtra in 17, 18 and earlier 19 centuries. Of the persons concerned, none stands higher than the great Shivaji—the founder of the Maratha Empire. They owed allegiance to the Deccan kingdoms and when they saw them being weakened by the Mughal attacks they broke away, expanded their powers and became a major source of harassment for the great Mughal armies. Shivaji declared himself the independent ...
