Shivaji
Shivaji Bhonsle
I (February 19, 1630 – April 03, 1680) or popularly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was an Indian warrior-king and the 1st Chhatrapati of Maratha Empire from the Bhonsle Maratha clan.
Shivaji carved out an enclave from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur that formed the genesis of the Maratha Empire.
In 1674, he was formally crowned as the "Chhatrapati" (emperor) of his self-made realm at Raigad.
Over the course of his life, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj engaged in both alliances and hostilities with the Mughal Empire, Sultanate of Golkonda and Sultanate of Bijapur, as well as European colonial powers.
Shivaji's military forces expanded the Maratha sphere of influence, capturing and building forts, and forming a Maratha navy.
Shivaji established a competent and progressive civil rule with well-structured administrative organisations.
He revived ancient Hindu political traditions and court conventions and promoted the usage of Marathi and Sanskrit, rather than Persian language, in court and administration.
Shivaji's legacy was to vary by observer and time
but he began to take on increased importance with the emergence of the Indian independence movement, as many elevated him as a proto-nationalist and hero of the Hindus.
Particularly in Maharashtra, debates over his history and role have engendered great passion and sometimes even violence as disparate groups have sought to characterise him and his legacy.
Khando Ballal
Khanderao Ballal, popularly known as ‘ Khando Ballal ’, was a diplomat in Maharashtra during the late 17th century and the early 18th century.
He was also the Personal Assistant of Chhatrapati Sambhaji, Rajaram and Shahu.
He is remembered for his splendid contribution in strengthening the Maratha Empire by way of loyalty, diplomacy and exceptional sacrifice.
Theodred II (Bishop of Elmham)
Theodred II was a medieval Bishop of Elmham.
The date of Theodred's consecration unknown, but the date of his death was sometime between 995 and 997.
Kavi Kalash
Kavi Kalash( died March 1689 CE, Tulapur) was a poet, a close friend and advisor to Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj( reigned 1680- 1689).
A Kannauj brahmin by birth, Kavi Kalash was captured, along with Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, by the Mughal army in Sangmeshwar.
Kavi Kalash was heavily chained to prevent his using" sorcery", and the two high- ranking captives were paraded through the Mughal camp attired as clowns, and tied to camels.
Chimnaji Damodar
Chimnaji Damodar Moghe, popularly known as Chimnaji Damodar, was among the first "Sardars" to cross the boundary of Maharashtra to engage Mughal forces located in the central and northern regions of India in 1698.
He also served as "Rajadnya" in the court of Emperor "Chhatrapati" Shahu and as "Peshwa" (Prime Minister) to the court of "Chhatrapati" Sambhaji II of Kolhapur.
Sambhaji
Sambhaji Bhonsle (14 May 1657 – 11 March 1689) was the second ruler of the Maratha kingdom.
He was the eldest son of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire and his first wife Saibai.
He was successor of the realm after his father's death, and ruled it for nine years.
Sambhaji's rule was largely shaped by the ongoing wars between the Maratha kingdom and Mughal Empire as well as other neighbouring powers such as the Siddis, Mysore and the Portuguese in Goa.
In 1689, Sambhaji was captured, tortured and executed by the Mughals, and succeeded by his brother Rajaram I.
Etan Boritzer
Etan Boritzer( born 1950) is an American writer of children ’s literature who is best known for his book" What is God?" first published in 1989.
His best selling" What is?" illustrated children's book series on character education and difficult subjects for children is a popular teaching guide for parents, teachers and child- life professionals.
Boritzer gained national critical acclaim after" What is God?" was published in 1989 although the book has caused controversy from religious fundamentalists for its universalist views.
The other current books in the" What is?" series include
What is Love?,
What is Death?,
What is Beautiful?,
What is Funny?,
What is Right?,
What is Peace?,
What is Money?,
What is Dreaming?,
What is a Friend?,
What is True?,
What is a Family?,
What is a Feeling?"
The series is now also translated into 15 languages.
Boritzer was first published in 1963 at the age of 13 when he wrote an essay in his English class at Wade Junior High School in the Bronx, New York on the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
His essay was included in a special anthology by New York City public school children compiled and published by the New York City Department of Education.
Boritzer now lives in Venice, California and maintains his publishing office there also.
He has helped numerous other authors to get published through" How to Get Your Book Published!" programs.
Boritzer is also a yoga teacher who teaches regular classes locally and guest- teaches nationally.
He is also recognized nationally as an erudite speaker on" The Teachings of the Buddha."
Keshav Pandit
Keshav Swami Purohit( died 1690), also known as Keshav Pandit or Keshav Bhat Pandit, was Chhatrapati Shivaji ’s Rajpurohit( Religious chief) and a Sanskrit scholar and poet of his times.
He was also the ‘ Rajpurohit ’ and" Danadhyaksha" of Chhatrapati Sambhaji and Chhatrapati Rajaram.
Sambhaji's schooling took place under his guidance.
Amol Kolhe
Dr. Amol Ramsing Kolhe is an Indian film actor and politician who is the current Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from Shirur and member of the Nationalist Congress Party.
He defeated Shivajirao Adhalarao Patil of Shiv Sena.
He is famous for his role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Marathi TV Shows of Raja Shiv Chatrapati as well as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Marathi TV Series of Swarajyarakshak Sambhaji.
Sai Bhosale
Sai Bhosale(" née" Sai Nimbalkar)( 1633 – 5 September 1659) was the first wife and chief consort of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire.
She was the mother of her husband's successor and the second Chhatrapati, Sambhaji.

Question: When did Sambhaji's father die?
Answer: April 03, 1680