What was the contribution of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the rise of Marathas?

The contribution of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the rise of Marathas are as follows:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used a combination of political alliances and military conquests to consolidate Maratha power.

• He developed a navy, which was the primary weakness of the Mughals. The dominance of the seas gave the Marathas a necessary edge.

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established a competent and progressive civil rule with well-structured administrative organisations

For further reading check the following articles:

• Maratha Empire
• Baji Rao I
• Mughal Empire.