The Life of Shivaji

A timeline of the defining moments in the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

From the son of a jagirdar to a sovereign Chhatrapati, Shivaji's journey is a model of courage, cunning and care for the common people. The timeline below unfolds the milestones of that journey.

163019 February 1630

Birth

Shivneri Fort, Junnar

Shivaji Maharaj was born to Shahaji Bhosale and Jijabai at the hill fort of Shivneri near Junnar.

1645c. 1645

The Oath of Swarajya

Raireshwar Temple

At about sixteen, Shivaji and his boyhood companions took an oath at Raireshwar temple to establish Hindavi Swarajya — self-rule.

16471646–47

The First Forts

Torna, Rajgad, Kondhana

By seizing Torna, Shivaji laid the foundation of Swarajya; Rajgad, Kondhana and Purandar soon followed.

165910 November 1659

The End of Afzal Khan

Foot of Pratapgad

Shivaji outwitted and slew the powerful Bijapuri general Afzal Khan at the foot of Pratapgad — a legendary union of nerve and strategy.

166013 July 1660

The Sacrifice at Pavan Khind

Ghod Khind (Pavan Khind)

During the escape from the siege of Panhala, Baji Prabhu Deshpande held the narrow pass with his life so that Shivaji could reach Vishalgad safely.

1664January 1664

The Surat Expedition

Surat, Gujarat

Shivaji raided the wealthy Mughal port of Surat to fund Swarajya, while sparing ordinary citizens and places of charity.

166511 June 1665

Treaty of Purandar

Purandar Fort

After Mirza Raja Jai Singh's campaign, Shivaji signed a treaty ceding 23 forts to the Mughals — a tactical, temporary retreat.

1666August 1666

The Escape from Agra

Agra

Held captive at Aurangzeb's court, Shivaji engineered a daring escape hidden in baskets of sweets — one of history's most audacious feats.

16704 February 1670

The Taking of Sinhagad

Kondhana → Sinhagad

Tanaji Malusare recaptured Kondhana in a daring night assault but fell in the fight — 'The fort is won, but the lion is lost.'

16746 June 1674

The Coronation

Raigad Fort

Shivaji was crowned at Raigad, assuming the title 'Chhatrapati' and proclaiming a sovereign Hindavi Swarajya.

16803 April 1680

An Immortal Legacy

Raigad Fort

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj passed away at Raigad, yet the idea of Swarajya and his example endure to this day.