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 ruler of the Maratha kingdom and was crowned Chhatrapati in 1674. After his death in 1680, the Marathas were led by Peshvas (Chief Ministers) in the name of Shivaji’s successors, which eventually took the form of a confederacy. The Marathas also fought three wars against the British. (1755-87 1803-05, 1817-18). The personality and leadership abilities of Shivaji can not be better described than in the just and admirably chosen words of Mr. Orme in his Historical Fregments. "….In personal activity he (Shivaji) exceeded all generals of whom there is record. For no partisan appropriated to service of detachment alone ever traversed as much ground as he at the head of armies. He met every emergency of peril, however sudden or extreme, with instant discernment and unshaken fortitude; the ablest of his officers acquisced in the imminent superiority of his genius, and the post of the soldier was to have seen Shivaji charging sword in hand." This book brings together most important historical writings about the great Shivaji in four large volumes, forming a historical antique in itself to provide basic historical material not only for historians or achaeologists but also for the general reader interested in the every inspring character and leadership qualities of this great warrior. The work will remain the most authentic and reliable record of Shivaji—the great Maratha.
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