Following his coronation as sovereign ruler, Shivaji faced a tumultuous period marked by the loss of his trusted advisor and mother, Jijabai, and escalating conflicts with neighboring powers.

Amidst personal grief, Shivaji displayed his resolve by launching a raid on Portuguese territories around Bassein in 1674, signaling his determination to assert Maratha authority in the region.

Recognizing the strategic importance of the predominantly Hindu south, loosely held by Bijapur and Golconda, Shivaji formulated ambitious plans for expansion.

His conquests in this region, marked by the capture of strategic forts like Kopbal, Vellore, and Jinji, significantly augmented his dominion and established a strong foothold in Southern India.

Despite her high status as a Maratha lady, she had chosen to remain by Shivaji's side instead of following her husband into the fire, demonstrating her unwavering devotion to her son.

[4] Jijabai's sudden illness, possibly exacerbated by the excitement surrounding Shivaji's coronation ceremony, led to her untimely demise within a matter of days.

However, the following year saw unrest as a large group of Kolis and other irregulars from the Dharampur state invaded the Kalyan district, posing a new challenge for Shivaji's administration.

[4] Shivaji's coronation and assumption of sovereignty were grand, but his actual rule extended only around two hundred miles, facing threats from the Siddis, Portuguese, and Mughals.

[5][6][7] Amid escalating tensions with the Moghul forces, Shivaji's commander Moro Pingle retaliated by reclaiming the forts of Aundha and Patta in Khandesh.

Following a day of fierce resistance, the surviving Marathas surrendered, with Abdul Aziz Khan boldly sending them back to Shivaji and inviting him to launch another assault with their aid.

He marched along the coast, levying substantial contributions from the Raja of Sonda, establishing forts to assert dominance in the region, and conducting raids, including the plundering of the town of Karwar.

However, the exertions of the recent Konkan campaign took a toll on Shivaji's health, leading to intermittent fever that confined him to bed at Satara for several months.

Khavas Khan, an Abyssinian leader, aligned himself with the African and Deccan factions, while Abdul Karim, an Afghan adventurer, sought to consolidate his influence.

[9] In pursuit of the common good and to thwart the machinations of his adversaries, Shivaji orchestrated a cunning plan to manipulate the slow-witted African, Khavas Khan, into visiting him at his residence in Bijapur.

[4] Gathering his forces near Sholapur, Bahadur Khan engaged Abdul Karim's army in a skirmish along the banks of the Bhima river, resulting in a stalemate with both sides fortifying their positions.

Initially perceived as weak due to his indulgent youth, Abu Hussein surprised Aurangzib by demonstrating astute governance and a resolute stance against Moghul influence.

Moreover, he conceived a grander scheme inspired by the history of the Vijayanagar state's valiant resistance against Muslim invaders, envisioning a strategic partnership aimed at confronting the expanding Moghul hegemony.

While Aurangzeb viewed him as a mere rebellious zamindar, Shivaji foresaw the looming danger of imperial retaliation and the necessity of securing a stronghold in Southern India as a refuge from Moghul forces.

Subsequently, he aimed to extend his dominion southward as far as possible, enabling him to maneuver strategically against the armies of Delhi, exploiting the vulnerabilities inherent in their extensive lines of communication.

Hence, Shivaji publicly declared his intention to journey to Tanjore to assert his rightful claim to half of Shahaji's jagir, which encompassed territories such as Bangalore, Kolar, and Noscota in Mysore.

[4] Delegating the administration of his kingdom to trusted lieutenants such as Moro Pingle and Annaji Datto, Shivaji marshaled a formidable force of 70,000 men and boldly traversed Bijapur territory until he reached the borders of the Golconda state.

Sensing the importance of securing Kopbal for his hold on the Karnatak, Shivaji dispatched strong forces led by Hambir Rao Mohite and Dhanaji Jadhav to subdue the Afghan chiefs.

During his stay, Shivaji held ceremonial visits and frank discussions with the Sultan, culminating in an agreement to jointly resist Mughal advances and share new conquests equally.

Additionally, Golconda would send 5,000 troops led by Mirza Muhammad Amin to assist Shivaji in conquering the Karnatak region, providing artillery and material support, along with an advance payment of the promised subsidy.

The alliance was strengthened with Shivaji taking oaths in the presence of the Sultan, who promised to pay an annual tribute of one lakh of hun and host a Maratha ambassador at his court.

Although Shivaji demanded an equitable resolution, he also expressed a willingness to negotiate an amicable settlement, demonstrating his desire to maintain familial harmony despite asserting his claims.

[4][13][7][11] Desperate to defend his rights, Vyankoji sought support from his Musulman soldiers and attempted to ambush a Maratha detachment commanded by Hambirrao Mohite near the Tanjore frontier.

[12] With a success as Caesar's in Spain, he came, saw and overcame, and reported so vast a treasure in gold, diamonds, emeralds, rubies and wrought coral, that have strengthened his arms; with very able sinews to prosecute his further victorious designs.

2S Another English record states that ' Shivajl by his deputies has a full and quiet possession of all these countries about those two castles of Jinji and Vellore, which are worth 22 lakhs of pardoes (or 550 thousand pounds sterling) per annum, in which he has a considerable force of men and horse, 72 strong hills and 14 forts (in the plain), being 60 leagues long and 40 broad.Following Shivaji's death shortly after, his ambitious plans for the extensive Karnatak venture were left unrealized.

In his place, Aurangzeb appointed Diler Khan as the new Moghul viceroy, entrusting him with the task of dealing with Shivaji and securing the empire's interests in the Deccan region.