History Notes Chapter 5 The Foundation of the Swaraj Class 7 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – History Class 7
1. Shahajiraje – A Great Visionary

• Shahajiraje, Shivaji’s father, was a brave and intelligent Sardar in the Deccan region.
• He tried to save the Nizamshahi Kingdom from the Mughals.
• He later became a Sardar of Adilshah of Bijapur and was granted the Jagir of Pune and Bengaluru.
• He was a great archer and sword fighter.
• Shahajiraje wanted to establish Swaraj, which made him a Swaraj Visionary.
• He sent Shivaji and his mother Jijabai to Pune for a better future.

2. Veermata Jijabai – An Inspirational Mother

• Jijabai was the daughter of Lakhujiraje Jadhav from Sindkhed Raja.
• She was brave, educated, and politically intelligent.
• She guided Shivaji Maharaj in his mission of Swaraj.
• She ensured Shivaji received the best training in warfare and administration.
• She also developed in him qualities of truthfulness, courage, and patriotism.

3. Shivaji’s Companions and Associates

Shivaji Maharaj started his work in the Maval region, which had hills and valleys.

He won the trust and support of the people.

Some of his important companions were:

• Yesaji Kank
• Baji Pasalkar
• Tanaji Malusare
• Kanhoji Jedhe
• Bajiprabhu Deshpande

4. The Rajmudra (Royal Seal)

• Shivaji Maharaj’s royal seal was written in Sanskrit.
• The seal signified his father’s legacy, Swaraj’s continuous growth, and the welfare of the people.
• The inscription on the Rajmudra meant:”This seal will grow like the new moon and will be honored worldwide. This is the seal of Shivaji, son of Shahaji, which shines for the welfare of the people.”

5. Capturing Forts and Expansion of Swaraj

• Shivaji Maharaj did not control the forts in his jagir as they were under Adilshah.
• He understood that forts were important for ruling the land.
• He captured the forts of Torna, Murumbdev (Rajgad), Kondhana, and Purandar.
• Rajgad Fort became the first capital of Swaraj.

6. Conflict with Adilshahi Powers

Some Adilshahi Sardars opposed Shivaji, such as:

• Mores of Javali
• Ghorpades of Mudhol
• Sawants of Sawantwadi

Chandrarao More of Javali opposed Swaraj.

In 1656, Shivaji Maharaj captured Javali and gained great wealth.

Pratapgad Fort was built after this victory.

7. Need for a Strong Navy

• On capturing Kalyan and Bhiwandi, Shivaji came in contact with the Portuguese, Siddis, and British.
• He realized the need for a navy to fight these foreign powers.
• He focused on building a strong naval force.

8. The Battle Against Afzalkhan

• Afzalkhan, an Adilshahi General, was sent to stop Shivaji Maharaj.
• On 10th November 1659, Shivaji met Afzalkhan at Pratapgad.
• Afzalkhan tried to attack Shivaji treacherously, but Shivaji Maharaj killed him in self-defense.
• His army then defeated the Adilshahi forces.

9. Escape from Panhala and Baji Prabhu’s Sacrifice

• Siddi Jauhar laid siege to Panhala Fort for 5 months.
• Shivaji Maharaj escaped from Panhala with Baji Prabhu Deshpande’s help.
• Baji Prabhu fought bravely at Ghodpass and sacrificed his life.
• This allowed Shivaji to reach Vishalgad safely.

10. Treaty with the Adilshah

• Shivaji Maharaj signed a treaty with Adilshah after reaching Vishalgad.
• He returned Panhala Fort to the Adilshah.
• This treaty helped him focus on fighting the Mughals.