The fact that no Indian can mention his name without adding the word “Maharaj” must tell you something about his greatness. A king who fought for the freedom of his people and not just his kingdom, was physically unfit to be a warrior but it never stopped the true Maratha. He was a master strategist who defeated Afzal Khan to his death in a one-on-one combat. At the time when kings in India were busy resting on their laurels, he built naval forts and warships.He is also called 'Father of Indian Navy'. One of the other names he is known by is the 'Mountain Rat' given his guerrilla warfare tactics. His awareness of geography of his land, and guerrilla tactics like raiding, ambushing and surprise attacks on his enemies got him that name. He used his wit to flee Aurangzeb's house arrest in Agra. He was one of the only rulers who stood up for women at that time. If anyone from his army touched a woman while raiding enemy land, he was severely punished.
