Shivaji Bhonsle, also known as Chatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhonsle (Marathi: छतà¥à¤°à¤ªà¤¤à¥€ शिवाजी राजे à¤à¥‹à¤¸à¤²à¥‡) was the founder of Maratha empire in western India in 1674. Using guerrilla tactics superbly suited to the rugged mountains and valleys of the region, he annexed a portion of the then dominant Mughal empire. He is considered a great hero in India particularly in the present-day state of Maharashtra, and stories of his exploits have entered into folklore.