Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1674-1680 AD) was the ruler of the Maratha dynasty. The Marathas were a powerful Hindu warrior group that rose to prominence in the 17th century in the region of present-day Maharashtra, India. Shivaji Maharaj is considered one of the greatest warriors in Indian history and is revered as a symbol of courage, bravery, and independence. His reign marked the establishment of the Maratha Empire, which lasted for several centuries and played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of India. The Marathas, under the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj, successfully resisted the Mughal Empire`s expansion in the Deccan region and laid the foundation for the future Maratha Confederacy.