India, April 30 -- While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues to sustain its pitch against the sway of dynastic politics in India, and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena matches the tenor in the state, there is no denying that family ties in Maharashta, especially in the western parts, revolves around nati-goti (blood relations), sage-soyare (extended families) and pavhae-ravale (relatives from in-laws).

This quest to keep the forces of power within a family and bring about expansion, said historian and researcher Sanjay Sonawani, dates back to the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji. "Seven of the eight marriages by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj were in families related to mighty Maratha chieftains to ensure benefits to his dream of Swarajya. ...