several small spurs run eastward from the sahyadri in the pune region. the extremely rugged valleys enclosed by these are usually known as the mavals or khores each named after the stream running through it, or after the principal village. collectively they are known as the mavals. the inhabitants of this region who are called the mavalas were extremely hardy people. shivaji maharaj started the work of founding the swaraj in this region which is full of hills and valleys and is not easily accessible. he skillfully utilized the geographical features of the maval region for the foundation of the swaraj. he created a feeling of trust and affection in minds of the people. many associates, companions, and mavalas joined him in his work of founding swaraj. the objective of shivaji maharaj in founding the swaraj is clearly expressed in his official seal or mudra which is in sanskrit. through this mudra, shivaji maharaj assured his people that the ‘ever-increasing like the crescent moon, the kingdom of shivaji, son of shahaji, will always seek the welfare of the people.