Family Tree of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630–1680) was the founder of the Maratha Empire and one of the most respected rulers in Indian history. To understand his life and legacy, it is important to know his family tree—his parents, wives, children, and descendants—based on historical records.
Ancestry of Shivaji Maharaj
Shivaji Maharaj belonged to the Bhosale (Bhonsle) clan, a prominent Maratha warrior family.
Grandfather
- Maloji Bhosale
Maloji Bhosale served the Ahmadnagar Sultanate and later became a respected noble. He laid the foundation for his family’s rise in politics and military service.
Parents of Shivaji Maharaj
Father: Shahaji Bhosale
- Shahaji Bhosale was a powerful general who served the Deccan Sultanates (Ahmadnagar, Bijapur).
- He controlled large territories in present-day Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- Shahaji’s military experience strongly influenced Shivaji Maharaj’s early training.
Mother: Jijabai (Rajmata Jijau)
- Jijabai played a crucial role in shaping Shivaji Maharaj’s character.
- She taught him stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Hindu ethics.
- Jijabai inspired Shivaji to establish Swarajya (self-rule) based on justice and dharma.
Wives of Shivaji Maharaj
Historical records mention that Shivaji Maharaj had eight wives, which was common among royal families of that era for political and social reasons.
The most well-known wives include:
- Saibai Nimbalkar – His first and most respected wife
- Soyarabai Mohite
- Putalabai Palkar
- Sakvarbai Gaikwad
- Kashibai Jadhav
- Laxmibai Vichare
- Saguna Bai
- Gunvantabai Ingle
Among them, Saibai and Soyarabai are most frequently mentioned in historical texts due to their children’s role in Maratha history.
Children of Shivaji Maharaj
Shivaji Maharaj had sons and daughters. The most historically significant are his sons.
Sons
1. Sambhaji Maharaj
- Son of Saibai Nimbalkar
- Became the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire
- Known for his bravery and resistance against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb
- Captured and executed in 1689, becoming a symbol of sacrifice
2. Rajaram Maharaj
- Son of Soyarabai Mohite
- Became ruler after Sambhaji Maharaj
- Continued the Maratha struggle against the Mughals
- Shifted the capital to Jinji (Tamil Nadu) during Mughal attacks
Daughters
Historical sources mention daughters, though details are limited compared to sons:
- Sakhubai Nimbalkar
- Ranubai Jadhav
Their marriages strengthened alliances among Maratha noble families.
Grandchildren and Later Lineage
Shahu I (Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj)
- Son of Sambhaji Maharaj
- Released from Mughal captivity in 1707
- Became ruler of the Maratha Empire
- Played a major role in expanding Maratha power with the help of the Peshwas
After Shahu Maharaj, the Peshwa system became dominant, and the Chhatrapati’s role became more symbolic.
Maloji Bhosale
│
Shahaji Bhosale ── Jijabai
│
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
│
├── Sambhaji Maharaj ──► Shahu I
├── Rajaram Maharaj
├── Sakhubai
└── Ranubai
