Historically Maharashtra is comprised of three regions. Western Maharashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada. Vidarbha is mentioned in the epic Maharashtra as a part of Mauryan Empire. The state came under the domination of a number of Hindu dynasties after the Mauryan fell nearly for a thousand years. There after the state came under the succession of Muslim rulers. During the reign of Shivaji, Maharashtra entered a new phase in history. The Marathas become powerful under his reign. 

The  successors  of  Shivaji,  the Peshwas  built up an integrated Maratha empire extending from Gwalior in the north to Tanjore in the south. The Maratha power received a setback at Panipat in 1761, when the Afghan ruler Ahmed Sha Abdali defeated the Maratha forces. However they recovered later. But they had to face a series of struggles with the British, which extremely weakened them. After independence Bombay continued as one state consisting of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Under the Bombay Re-Organization Act 1960, Maharashtra and Gujarat were formed into separate states, the former retaining Bombay as the capital.

Chatrapati Shivaji
The prominent historical figure of the state of Maharashtra is obviously Chtrapathi Shivaji. Born in the hill fort of Shivner in Junnar in 1627. Shivaji was the son of Shahji Bonsle and Jija Bai. Shahji himself had a great contribution to make for the foundation of the Maratha power. His adventurous career must have been a source of inspiration to Shivaji.

His mother was also a powerful force behind him. Jija Bai built his character by inspiring him with noble and patriotic ideals. Dadaji koinda Deva, a loyal officer of Shahji trained Shivaji in the art of fighting and administration. During the period (1637-1638) Dadaji became the guardian of Shivaji’s Jagir and even remained as the de-facto controller till his death in 1647. Shivaji had great faith towards his religion. He also showed great skill in organizing predatory expeditions by gathering together the marvels, a hill tribe. Though Shivaji had little formal schooling the efforts of his mother and Koinda Deva made him a courageous and determined person well versed in handling all arms and fighting in justice.

In Maharashtra one can find the relics of about 175 forts, directly or indirectly all connecting with Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha emperor who is reported to have either built or fortified three of them. In his teens he captured the hill of Torna belonging to the Bijapur state in 1646. Several other forts held by the nobles of Bijapur also surrendered to him. The Torna hill fort is located about 35 kilometers north west of Bhor. On capturing it Shivaji repaired the fort and made it base for the early years of his campaigns. He kept on moving towards the south till he could conquer Javli. While Aurangzeb was busy with his campaign against Bijapur, Shivaji found an opportunity to attack some of the Mughal territory, as far as Junnar and Ahmed Nagar.

During the period the Sultan of Bijapur was busy fighting the Mughals, till Aurangzeb's return from Deccan. Adilshah took the opportunity to turn his attention on Shivaji and made futile attempts to kill him.

Aurangzeb appointed Raja Jai Singh, one of his ablest commanders to suppress Shivaji in 1665. Earlier Shivaji had given a great blow to the Mughals by plundering Surat in 1664. But in the following year Shivaji  surrendered and signed treaty at Bijapur. As per the terms Shivaji could retain only 12 forts on condition that he accepts the suzerainty of the Mughals. Later in 1666, Shivaji visited Aurangazeb at Agra along with his son Shambhuji. He was confined as a virtual prisoner. However, the Maratha leader managed to escape. In 1668, he made peace with the Mughals even to the extent of sending his progeny to serve the Mughal emperor. 

In 1670 Shivaji launched many attacks and got back many of the forts lost to the Mughals by the treaty of Purander. In 1674, Shivaji had his coronation and assumed the title off Chatrapati, making Raigarh as his capital. Strangely only after 12 days of the ceremony his mother Jija Bai passed away. He had a second coronation to dispel doubts of his earlier coronation by tartaric rites on October 4 in 1674.

Chatrapati Shivaji was a national builder of par excellence. He established good administration, accounts and a strong defense system. In the hierarchical system Shivaji being at top was assisted by Peshwa (prime Minister) and Asht Pradhan (8 member council of ministers). He thus expanded a Hindi used administration and using Marathi for official work. Shivaji died on April 13, 1680. At the time of his death he had a vast territory extending even a up to the south, Madurai, Vellore, Tanjavour and many other forts to his credit.