Shivaji

Shivaji I (Shivaji Shahaji Bhonsale, Marathi pronunciation: [ʃiˈʋaːdʑiː ˈbʱos(ə)le]; c. 19 February 1630 – 3 April 1680) was an Indian ruler and a member of the Bhonsle dynasty. Shivaji carved out his own independent kingdom from the Sultanate of Bijapur that formed the genesis of the Maratha Empire. In 1674, he was formally crowned the Chhatrapati of his realm at Raigad Fort.

Shivaji offered passage and his service to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb to invade the declining Sultanate of Bijapur. After Aurangzeb’s departure for the north due to a war of succession, Shivaji conquered territories ceded by Bijapur in the name of the Mughals. Following his defeat at the hands of Jai Singh I in the Battle of Purandar, Shivaji entered into vassalage with the Mughal empire, assuming the role of a Mughal chief and was conferred with the title of Raja by Aurangzeb. He undertook military expeditions on behalf of the Mughal Empire for a brief duration. Over the course of his life, Shivaji engaged in both alliances and hostilities with the Mughal Empire, the Sultanate of Golconda, the Sultanate of Bijapur and the European colonial powers.

In 1674, Shivaji was crowned as the king despite opposition from local Brahmins. Shivaji employed people of all castes and religions, including Muslims and Europeans, in his administration and armed forces. Shivaji’s military forces expanded the Maratha sphere of influence, capturing and building forts, and forming a Maratha navy.

Shivaji’s legacy was revived by Jyotirao Phule about two centuries after his death. Later on, he came to be glorified by Indian nationalists such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and appropriated by Hindutva activists.

wikipedia/en/Shivaji

While Shivaji Maharaj is credited with popularizing and perfecting guerrilla warfare tactics, he didn’t have a single teacher for it. Instead, he learned from a combination of sources, including his early mentor, Dadoji Konddev, and his father, Shahaji Bhosale, who was himself a military leader. Additionally, his exposure to the military strategies of Malik Amber, a former Ethiopian slave who became a successful general, likely influenced him. 

• Dadoji Konddev: While primarily known for his role in Shivaji’s education and administration, Dadoji Konddev also played a part in his military training, specifically in the use of weapons and martial arts. 
• Shahaji Bhosale: Shivaji’s father was a general in the Bijapur Sultanate and had experience in military campaigns. He provided Shivaji with a solid foundation in military matters and likely exposed him to various warfare techniques. 
• Malik Amber: This 16th-century Ethiopian general, who carved out his own kingdom in the Deccan, was renowned for his use of guerrilla warfare. Shivaji’s grandfather, Malojiraje, served under Amber, which could have provided Shivaji with valuable insights into Amber’s tactics.
• Other Warriors: Shivaji also received training from military leaders like Baji Pasalkar and Kanhoji Zade, who were known for their martial skills. 

It’s important to note that Shivaji didn’t just learn tactics; he adapted and perfected them to suit his specific context, using them to challenge larger, more established armies. He is often considered a pioneer of guerrilla warfare, and his strategies are still studied today.