A fearless king who knit together the Maratha people, awakening their pride in themselves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is today a national hero. A born strategist, he used his network of spies and his strong army to achieve various triumphs. His administrative reforms and the methodical way in which he set about consolidating his kingdom prove he was a far-sighted king, determined to provide a safe and peaceful kingdom for his people.