Venkoji

Venkoji Bhosale (1632–c.1686), also known as Ekoji I, was the founder of the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom and a pivotal figure in South Indian history. Family Ties: Half-brother of Chhatrapati Shivaji, born to Shahaji Bhonsle and Tukabai Mohite. Inherited Shahaji\'s Karnataka jagir (Bengaluru and Thanjavur) under Bijapur Sultanate. Conquest of Thanjavur: Invited in 1675 by Bijapur Sultan Ali Adil Shah II to restore Chengamala Dasu (son of deposed Nayak Vijayaraghava) but instead seized power. Defeated Alagiri Nayak (Madurai\'s puppet ruler) with help from Rayasam Venkanna, a disgruntled Thanjavur official. Declared independence after Bijapur Sultan\'s death, establishing Maratha rule in 1676.