Maloji Bhosale was a 16th-century Maratha noble and the grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He served under the Ahmadnagar Sultanate and was granted the jagirs of Pune and Supe for his military services. Maloji played a crucial role in establishing the Bhosale family's prominence by strengthening their political and social status. His devotion to the goddess Bhavani and his strategic alliances laid the foundation for the rise of the Maratha Empire.
She was a respected member of the Bhosale family and played a significant role in the household. As the mother of Shahaji Bhosale, she contributed to the upbringing of the future Maratha leader, who later became a key figure in the foundation of the Maratha Empire. Her support and influence in the family helped strengthen the legacy that led to the rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Shahaji Raje Bhosale was a prominent Maratha general and the father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He served under the Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, and Mughal sultanates, displaying exceptional military and administrative skills. His strategic vision and efforts laid the foundation for the rise of the Maratha Empire.
Jijabai Bhosale, also known as Rajmata Jijau, was the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the wife of Shahaji Raje Bhosale. She played a crucial role in shaping Shivaji’s character, instilling in him the values of courage, leadership, and devotion to Swarajya. A visionary and strong-willed woman, she actively guided the early administration of the Maratha kingdom. Her unwavering support and teachings were instrumental in the foundation of the Maratha Empire.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the Maratha Empire and a visionary leader known for his military tactics and administrative brilliance. Born in 1630, he established a strong navy, innovative guerrilla warfare strategies, and a well-structured governance system. He successfully resisted Mughal and Deccan Sultanate forces, expanding Maratha power across western India. Shivaji was a just ruler who promoted religious tolerance and welfare policies for his people. He was crowned as Chhatrapati in 1674 at Raigad Fort, marking the beginning of a powerful and independent Maratha rule.
Saibai Bhosale was the first wife and close confidante of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. She belonged to the influential Nimbalkar family and played a significant role in Shivaji’s life, providing him with unwavering support. Known for her grace and wisdom, she was deeply respected in the royal household. Saibai passed away at a young age, but her son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, later succeeded Shivaji.
Soyarabai Bhosale was the second wife of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the mother of Chhatrapati Rajaram. She played an influential role in Maratha politics, especially after Shivaji's death in 1680. She attempted to make her son Rajaram the king, leading to a power struggle, but was later executed in 1681.
Putalabai Bhosale was one of the wives of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and held a respected position in his life. She was known for her devotion and chose to perform Sati after Shivaji Maharaj's passing in 1680. Unlike other queens, she did not have any children and is remembered for her loyalty and sacrifice.
Sakwarbai Bhosale was one of the wives of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. She belonged to a respected noble family and was married to Shivaji as part of political alliances that strengthened his rule. Though there is limited historical information about her, she played a role in the royal household. Like other queens of Shivaji, she upheld the traditions and values of the Maratha dynasty.
Kashibai Bhosale was one of the wives of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the queen of the Maratha Empire. She was known for her devotion, humility, and support for Shivaji during his campaigns. Kashibai played a significant role in managing the royal household and raising their son, Sambhaji Maharaj. Despite staying away from politics, she remained a respected and influential figure in the Maratha court.
Sagunabai Bhosale, who is sometimes mentioned as a wife of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Unlike his well-documented consorts, such as Sai Bai and Soyarabai, details about Sagunabai’s life, lineage, and contributions remain unclear. Some historical sources suggest that she was one of Shivaji’s lesser-known wives, but there is no strong evidence about her role in court affairs or governance. She likely lived a private life, supporting the Maratha household.
Sambhaji Maharaj Bhosale, the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was the second ruler of the Maratha Empire. Known for his bravery and administrative skills, he fiercely resisted the Mughals, especially Aurangzeb’s forces. Despite facing internal conspiracies, he continued his father’s legacy of expansion and military resistance. Captured by the Mughals in 1689, he was tortured and executed for refusing to convert to Islam, becoming a symbol of Maratha resilience.
Yesubai Bhosale was the wife of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of Shivaji Maharaj. She played a crucial role in Maratha politics, especially during the Mughal captivity of her husband. After Sambhaji’s execution by Aurangzeb, she fiercely protected her son, Shahu Maharaj, ensuring his survival. Her resilience and diplomacy helped shape the future of the Maratha Empire.
Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Bhosale was the grandson of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the son of Sambhaji Maharaj. He was held captive by the Mughals for several years before being released and ascending the Maratha throne in 1707. His reign marked the expansion of the Maratha Empire through a decentralized administration led by the Peshwas. Shahu Maharaj’s leadership played a crucial role in strengthening Maratha power across India.
Rajaram Maharaj Bhosale was the younger son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the third ruler of the Maratha Empire. After the death of his elder brother, Sambhaji Maharaj, he carried forward the Maratha resistance against the Mughals. Despite facing immense challenges, he established his rule from Gingee Fort and continued guerrilla warfare. His efforts helped keep the Maratha struggle alive, eventually leading to their resurgence.
Janakibai Bhosale was one of the wives of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, the younger son of Shivaji Maharaj. She played a supportive role during Rajaram’s rule and the Maratha resistance against the Mughals. While historical records about her life are limited, she was part of the royal household during a crucial period of Maratha struggles. Her contributions, like those of other Maratha queens, helped sustain the dynasty's legacy.
Maharani Tarabai was the wife of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj and a brave Maratha queen who led the empire after his death in 1700. She played a crucial role in resisting the Mughal invasion, acting as the regent for her young son, Shivaji II. A skilled strategist, she continued the war against Aurangzeb and kept the Maratha resistance strong. Her leadership ensured the survival and resurgence of the Maratha Empire despite immense challenges.
Sambhaji II, also known as Sambhaji of Kolhapur, was the ruler of the Kolhapur branch of the Maratha kingdom in the early 18th century. He was the son of Rajaram Maharaj and took control of Kolhapur after internal conflicts within the Maratha Empire. His rule marked the division of the empire between the Satara and Kolhapur branches. Despite challenges, he maintained his kingdom’s sovereignty and resisted Mughal and rival Maratha factions.
Shivaji II was the son of Rajaram Maharaj and Rani Tarabai, born in 1696. He was declared the Chhatrapati of the Marathas during his mother’s resistance against the Mughals. However, he was later dethroned by Tarabai herself in favor of her grandson. His rule was short-lived, and he spent much of his life in captivity under the Mughals.