Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Family Tree: The Story Behind The Maratha Empire's Founder

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (born Shivaji Bhonsle), born 19 February 1630 at Shivneri Fort, near Junnar, Pune district, Maharashtra, was the founder and first Chhatrapati ("Emperor") of the Maratha Empire in 1674 — one of the most-revered historical figures in modern Maharashtra and a central figure in Indian nationalist thought. He died 3 April 1680 at Raigad Fort, age 50.

The Family's Roots: The Bhonsle Maratha Clan

The Bhonsle family was a Maratha Kshatriya clan in the western Deccan; traditionally claimed Rajput Sisodia descent through Sajjan Singh of Mewar. The Bhonsles served as military commanders under multiple Deccan sultanates before founding their own kingdom.

His Parents

Father: Shahaji Bhonsle (1594–1664) — military general; served the Ahmednagar Sultanate, then Bijapur Sultanate; held jagirs (estates) in Pune and Bangalore; absent for most of Shivaji's upbringing.

Mother: Jijabai Bhonsle (née Jadhav) (1598–1674) — daughter of Lakhuji Jadhav; deeply religious and politically aware; personally educated Shivaji at Shivneri Fort with stories of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Hindu rulers; the central figure of Shivaji's upbringing.

His Brothers

Sambhaji Shahaji Bhonsle (1623–1654) — elder half-brother (Shahaji's son by another wife); was killed at age 31 by Bijapur forces.

Vyankoji Raje Bhonsle (Ekoji I) (1629–1687) — younger half-brother; founder of the Maratha kingdom of Thanjavur (Tanjore) — the southern Maratha branch.

His Wives

Shivaji had eight wives as per Maratha records:

  • Saibai Nimbalkar (m. 1640; died 1659) — Shivaji's first and chief wife; mother of Sambhaji.
  • Soyarabai Mohite (m. 1654; died 1681 by poisoning) — mother of Rajaram I.
  • Putalabai Palkar
  • Sakwarbai
  • Sagunabai
  • Kashibai Jadhav
  • Laxmibai
  • Gunwantibai

His Sons and Daughters

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (1657–1689) — Shivaji's eldest son (with Saibai); second Chhatrapati of the Marathas (1681–1689); captured and brutally executed by Aurangzeb at age 32.

Chhatrapati Rajaram I (1670–1700) — Shivaji's son (with Soyarabai); third Chhatrapati (1689–1700).

Plus six daughters and several other children across his eight wives.

The Bhonsle Family Tree at a Glance

Family Origins: Maratha Kshatriya Bhonsle clan; western Deccan.

Father: Shahaji Bhonsle (1594–1664) — general of multiple Deccan sultanates.

Mother: Jijabai Jadhav Bhonsle (1598–1674) — Shivaji's primary teacher.

Brothers: Sambhaji Shahaji (elder; killed 1654); Vyankoji (Ekoji I) (1629–1687) — founder of the Maratha Thanjavur kingdom.

Wives: 8 — including Saibai Nimbalkar (chief wife, m. 1640).

Sons: Chhatrapati Sambhaji (1657–1689); Chhatrapati Rajaram (1670–1700); plus other children.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

  • Born 19 February 1630, Shivneri Fort
  • Trained in warfare, statecraft, and administration by his mother Jijabai
  • Captured Torna Fort: 1645 (age 16) — first conquest
  • Captured Purandar, Sinhagad, Kondhana, Rajgad in succession (1646–55)
  • Killed Afzal Khan of Bijapur: 1659, at Pratapgad — historic ambush
  • Sacked Surat: 1664, 1670 — first major attacks on Mughal commerce
  • Visit to Aurangzeb's court at Agra: 1666 — famous escape from house arrest (hidden in fruit baskets)
  • Raigad Fort declared his capital: 1670
  • Coronation as Chhatrapati: 6 June 1674 at Raigad — formal founding of the Maratha Empire and Hindavi Swarajya ("Self-rule of the Hindavi/Marathi people")
  • Karnataka campaign: 1676–78 — extended the Empire south
  • Died 3 April 1680, Raigad Fort, age 50

What the Bhonsle Family Story Teaches Us

A military-general father who was often absent. A mother who personally educated her son and gave him his political vision. Two brothers — one killed in battle, one founding a separate southern Maratha kingdom. Eight wives. Multiple sons, two of whom became subsequent Chhatrapatis. A 50-year life that founded an empire and established Maratha sovereignty in central India.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Shivaji story carries the same lesson. Sometimes the mother is the true founder of a dynasty's vision. Jijabai's education of young Shivaji is on the Bhonsle family record alongside the 1674 coronation. Write down which parent gave the children their worldview. The intellectual foundation is its own family entry.

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