The rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Marathas is an important factor in the history of India. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj(1627-1680 A.D.) was the founder of the Maratha kingdom.  He was greatly inspired by the heroes of Hindu mythologies and he considered it his mission to liberate India from Islamic rulers.  At a young age, he conquered the forts of Torna, Raighad, and Purandar. He used the guerrilla tactics to confront even the mightiest of the empires (that of Moghul emperor Aurangeb) India had known.  He imposed a land tax called Chauth on the kingdoms he conquered and use it to build a powerful Hindu army. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a brave and able administrator, and established a government that included such modern concepts as cabinet (Ashtapradhan mandal), foreign affairs (Dabir), and internal intelligence.

Timeline of Shivaji's Life