Shivaji And His Times Is A Comprehensive Account Of The Life And Times Of One Of Maharashtra S Greatest Heroes. After A Brief Introduction To The Geography Of Maharashtra, And A Description Of The People Of That Land, The Book Traces The Rise Of Shahji Bhonsle, Shivaji S Father In The Service Of The Adil Shah Of Bijapur. Shivaji S Boyhood, His Early Victories And His Wars With The Mughals And The Adil Shah, Are Recounted In Detail. A Major Portion Of The Book Is Devoted To Shivaji S Relations With The Mughal Emperor, Aurangzib, And His Constant Struggles To Capture Maratha Territory. Shivaji S Coronation, His Subsequent Forays Into Southern India, His Efforts To Build A Strong Navy, His Relations With Foreign Powers All Are Discussed In The Book. The Author Also Makes A Critical Assessment Of Shivaji S Contributions And Achievements, And His Place In History. Using A Wide Range Of Sources And Historical Documents In A Variety Of Languages, The Author Draws A Definitive Portrait Of The Great Maratha Ruler And Nation.