Modern Maharashtra was born when Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj united the Konkan, Maval and Desh regions in the 17th century, and created an empire which challenged the might of the Mughals and the British. Shivaji's ascension to the throne in 1674 heralded the dawn of a golden age and each day of his dominion added lustre to the Shivneri hon (a gold coin issued at his coronation). Following his shining path, the Marathas made history as they captured nearly two thirds of the Indian sub-continent. The descent of the clan began in the latter half of the 18th century, during the age of the Peshwas (ruling ministers), when the Maratha empire slowly diminished.
