Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The founder of the Maratha kingdom, who spent his childhood in Pune at Lal Mahal with Rajmata Jijabai.
Quick facts
- Born:
- Shivneri fort, 1630
- Pune link:
- Childhood at Lal Mahal
- Known for:
- Founder of Swarajya
- Crowned:
- 1674, at Raigad
Pune and the young Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born on Shivneri fort near Junnar. As a boy he came to Pune with his mother, Rajmata Jijabai. Pune had been burnt and ruined in earlier wars. Under Jijabai and the administrator Dadoji Konddev the town was rebuilt, and Lal Mahal was built as their home. Here young Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj learnt horse riding, sword fighting and the art of ruling.
Founding Swarajya
With companions from the Maval region he captured Torna, built up Rajgad and gradually brought the forts of the Sahyadri under his rule. In 1674 he was crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad.
In Pune today
Lal Mahal, rebuilt in modern times, with statues of Jijabai and young Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Kasba Ganpati, linked by tradition with Jijabai.
The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Shivajinagar, and countless other memorials.
More in Pune's Pride
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Rajmata Jijabai
The mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who rebuilt Pune and raised her son with the dream of Swarajya.
-
Mahatma Jyotirao Phule
The great social reformer who, with his wife Savitribai, opened schools for girls and fought against caste discrimination in Pune.
-
Savitribai Phule
India's first woman teacher of modern times, who taught girls in Pune despite insults and attacks. The University of Pune is named after her.
-
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak
The fiery freedom fighter whose words "Swaraj is my birthright" moved the country. He made Pune a centre of the freedom movement.
-
Gopal Krishna Gokhale
The moderate leader and teacher at Fergusson College whom Mahatma Gandhi called his political guru. Founder of the Servants of India Society.
-
Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve
The reformer who worked all his life for the education of women and widows, and founded India's first university for women. Bharat Ratna, 1958.
Questions and answers
Where did Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj live in Pune?
At Lal Mahal, near Shaniwar Wada, where he spent his childhood with Rajmata Jijabai.
Sources: Written by PuneDiary. Facts checked 10 October 2026.