Who is Shivaji from Beneath a Marble Sky: A Novel of the Taj Mahal and what is their importance?

Shivaji is the leader of the Hindu Maranthas. He is a fierce warrior who develops a soft spot for Jahanara when she comes to plead for Isa's freedom from the Sultan of Bijapur. Shivaji also hands Aurangzeb his first major defeat, which contributes to his loss of control in the confrontation with Jahanara.