The great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder and king of Maratha Kingdom in Maharashtra state of western India. He was one of the greatest and bravest warriors ever born in India. He is popularly known as “People’s King”. Even today people respect and honour him more than anything. He was indeed very smart, disciplined and progressive ruler. He built his massive empire within his short lifespan of 50 years (19th February 1630 to 3rd April 1680). He was a great king of India in the 17th century. He had conquered about 80% of the Indian subcontinent under his rule in the 17th century.