Shivaji

SHIVAJI: Shivaji Bhonsle (1630-1680) was an Indian warrior king and a member of the Bhonsle Maratha clan. He was responsible for defeating Adilshahi Sultanate and formed the Maratha Empire. In 1674, he was conferred the title of Chhatrapati or the monarch. He promoted the languages of Marathi and Sanskrit over Persian in court and administration. Shivaji was therefore lauded and revered as a great and powerful Hindu king and his role assumed immense importance during the Independence movement in creating an Indian identity.

This print from the Ravi Varma Press derived from a painting by Raja Ravi Varma depicts Shivaji as riding on a horse. He has an imperial bearing. His ministers are seen following him