Rajaram Bhonsle I (Pronunciation: [ɾaːd͡ʒaɾaːm]; – 3 March 1700) was the third Chhatrapati of Maratha Empire, who ruled from 1689 to his death in 1700. He was the second son of the Shivaji, the founder of the empire and younger half-brother of Sambhaji, who he succeeded. His eleven-year reign was marked with a constant struggle against the Mughals. He was succeeded by his infant son Shivaji II under the regentship of his dowager Maharani Tarabai. Early life and family Rajaram was born in the family of Bhonsle dynasty, to Chhatrapati Shivaji and his second wife, Soyarabai on 24 February 1670. He was thirteen years younger than his brother, Sambhaji. Given the ambitious nature of Soyarabai, Rajaram was installed on the Maratha throne upon the death of his father in 1680 at the age of 10. However, the Maratha generals wanted Sambhaji as the king and thus, he claimed the throne. Upon Sambhaji's sacrifice, Rajaram was informally crowned as Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire as a regent for his nephew Shahu I. He vowed to avenge his much loved brother's inhuman, cold-blooded murder. Rajaram married three times. His first marriage was at the age of ten to Jankibai, the five -year-old daughter of Shivaji's army chief, Prataprao Gujar. His other wives were Tarabai, the daughter of Sarsenapati Hambirrao Mohite, the Maratha army commander who succeeded Prataprao, and Rajasbai from the influential Ghatge family of Kagal. Rajaram had three sons, Raja Karna (died in 1700) with mistress Sagunabai Shivaji II with Tarabai, Sambhaji II with Rajasbai. Coronation and attack by the Mughals After the murder of Sambhaji by the Mughals, Rajaram was informally crowned at Raigad on 12 March 1689. Maharani Yesubai, the widowed queen of Sambhaji, heartened the spirits of the Maratha garrison at Raigad by her brave words, “Raigad is doubtless a strong fort and can hold out long ; but it is hazardous that we should all remain confined in this one small spot. In order to distract the Mughal Emperor’s attention, I should advise you that Rajaram with his wives and followers should clear out before the siege becomes too stringent. I can stay here with my little son Shahu and defend the capital, fearlessly awaiting the result. Our principal commanders should carry on their usual harassing operations in all directions against the Mughal forces, and convince them that the death of their King has made no difference