What If Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Would Have Lived Till 90?

If Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had lived until the age of 90, his extended reign could have significantly altered the course of Indian history, particularly in terms of resisting Mughal expansion and consolidating Maratha power. Here are some potential scenarios:

1. Further Consolidation of Maratha Power: Shivaji might have further expanded and consolidated the Maratha Empire, bringing more regions under his control. His military genius and administrative acumen could have strengthened the empire, making it a more formidable force in the Indian subcontinent.
2. Stronger Resistance to the Mughals: With Shivaji at the helm for another 40 years, the Marathas could have continued to resist Mughal dominance more effectively. The Mughals, under Aurangzeb, struggled to contain the Marathas even after Shivaji’s death. If Shivaji had lived longer, his leadership might have led to even greater resistance, possibly even reversing Mughal gains in the Deccan.
3. Stability and Succession: A longer reign would have provided more time for Shivaji to establish a clear line of succession and groom his heirs, potentially preventing the internal strife that followed his death. This stability could have resulted in a more unified Maratha state, with less internal conflict and better resistance against external threats.
4. Impact on Other Regional Powers: Shivaji’s prolonged life could have altered the balance of power among other regional kingdoms and states in India. His diplomatic and military strategies could have influenced alliances, trade, and conflicts with neighboring powers, possibly leading to a different political landscape in the subcontinent.
5. Maratha Cultural Renaissance: Shivaji was not just a warrior but also a patron of culture, religion, and the arts. An extended reign could have led to a Maratha cultural renaissance, with greater emphasis on promoting Marathi language, literature, and Hindu traditions, further enriching the cultural heritage of the region.
6. Early Decline of Mughal Empire: If Shivaji had continued to challenge Mughal authority successfully, the decline of the Mughal Empire might have begun earlier. His strategies could have weakened Mughal control over key territories, hastening the empire’s fragmentation and the rise of regional powers.
7. Broader Influence on Indian History: Shivaji’s leadership and vision could have set the stage for a different trajectory in Indian history, possibly delaying or even altering the nature of British colonization. A stronger Maratha Empire might have been better positioned to resist European colonial powers, potentially changing the course of Indian independence movements.

In summary, if Shivaji had lived until the age of 90, his continued influence could have significantly reshaped the political, cultural, and military landscape of India, potentially altering the course of the subcontinent’s history.