Jiji Bai
Jiji Bai, 1594-1674, Mahratha lady, mother of Shivaji. She was the daughter of Jadav Rao, a nobleman in the service of the sultan of Ahmadnagar, and was married to Shahji Bhonsle (1605), a son of Maloji who had a small jagir at Pune and Shivner. She gave birth to her famous son on 30 April 1627 in the hill fort of Shivner. She was later neglected by her husband who took another wife, and Jiji Bai devoted herself exclusively to the upbringing of her son. She was a pious lady and inspired her son to restore the glories of ancient India. She also acted as the regent in 1666, during the departure of her son to the Mughal court. at Agra, and died only a few days after the coronation of her son.
