ISBN : 81-7508-065-5 

Vol. No : 564 

During the seventh century, the Mughals reigned supreme over northern and central India. In the Deccan, endless battles went on between other kings like Adil Shah of Bijapur and chiefs like the Nawab of Janjira. The innocent commoners suffered at the hands of the officers as well as the marauding Khans and Sardars. Even the zeal of warrior races like the Rajputs had been suppressed by centuries of slavery under Mughal rule. Many of them had become mere puppets, holding posts of honour under their royal masters.At such a period, Shivaji was born. He was the son of an incredibly brave father and a wise and loving mother. These two and a teacher named Dadoji were the moulding influences on Shivaji’s character. The boy showed an uncommon understanding of the happenings around him. The wicked deeds of the ruling class made him angry and restless. The flame of freedom burnt in the little boy’s heart. He collected around him a band of devoted followers and, as they grew up, they swore to throw off the yoke of alien rule.How Shivaji carried out his ambitious plans with success is charmingly retold in the following pages.