Bhonsle dynasty

Indian dynasty founded in the sixteenth century by Maloji Bhonsle (b. 1552, d. 1605), a general who was granted land and titled status by Bahadur Shah Nizam of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate. Maloji Bhonsle’s grandson Shivaji I (r. 1674–1680) founded the Maratha empire, which extended from Maharashtra to Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu at its peak. The Bhonsles ruled the empire until the nineteenth century, when it was divided between British India and several princely states. They are known for their patronage of the arts, especially Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music. Key architects of the two forms who worked under Maratha patronage include Thyagaraja, Muthusami Diksitar and the Tanjore Quartet. Also: Bhonsale, Bhosale, or Bhosle.