Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Biography
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was brave and had an immaculate personality in Indian history. Shivaji Maharaj was the warrior king and famous for his bravery, tactics and administrative skills. He always focussed on Swarajya and Maratha heritage. He was the descendant of the 96 Maratha Clans well known as 'Kshatriyas' or brave fighters.
Ahead of his 392nd birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a new statue will be unveiled at the Kranti Chowk in Aurangabad. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackrey will attend the unveiling of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on February 18 at midnight. His son and Maharashtra cabinet minister Aditya Thackeray and Aurangabad district guardian minister Subhash Desai will also attend the event. The statue carved by Pune-based sculptor Deepak Thopate will be placed on an elevated foundation.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Birth, Family, and Early Life
Born in Pune’s Shivneri Fort in 1630 on February 19, Shivaji was the son of Shahji Bhosle and Jija Bai. He was brought up at Poona under the supervision of his mother and Brahmin Dadaji Konda-dev who made an expert soldier and an efficient administrator. His administration was largely influenced by Deccan administrative practices. He appointed eight ministers who were called ‘Astapradhan’ who assists him in the administrative helm of affairs.
The beginning of the 17th century witnessed the rise of new Warrior class Marathas when the Bhonsle family of the Poona district got military as well as a political advantage by the Ahmadnagar kingdom that gets the advantage of being local. Therefore, they took privileges and recruited a large number of Maratha sardars and soldiers in their armies. Shivaji was the son of Shahji Bhosle and Jija Bai. Shivaji was brought up at Poona under the supervision of his mother and an able Brahmin Dadaji Konda-dev. Dadaji Konda-dev made Shivaji an expert soldier and an efficient administrator. He also came under the religious influence of Guru Ramdas, which made him proud of his motherland.
Important events in Shivaji’s Life
1. Conquest of Torana: It was the first fort captured by Shivaji as Chieftain of Marathas which led to the foundation of his ruling attributes of valour and determination at the age of 16. This conquest drives him to capture another like Raigarh and Pratapgarh. Due to these conquests, the Sultan of Bijapur was getting panic and he put Shahji, Shivaji's father in prison.
In AD 1659, Shivaji again tried to attack Bijapur then the Sultan of Bijapur sent his general, Afzal Khan, to capture Shivaji. But Shivaji managed to escape and killed him with a deadly weapon called Baghnakh or the tiger's claw. Finally, in 1662, the Sultan of Bijapur made a peace treaty with Shivaji and made him an independent ruler of his conquered territories.
2. Conquest of Kondana fort: It was under the control of Nilkanth Rao. It was fought between Tanaji Malusare, a commander of Maratha ruler Shivaji and Udaybhan Rathod, fort keeper under Jai Singh I.
3. Coronation of Shivaji: In AD 1674, Shivaji declared himself as an independent ruler of the Maratha Kingdom and was crowned as Chhatrapati at Raigarh.
His coronation symbolises the rise of people who challenges the legacy of the Mughal’s. After the coronation, he gets the title of ‘Haidava Dharmodharka’ (Protector of Hindu faith) of the newly formed state of Hindavi Swarajya. This coronation gives a legitimate right to collect land revenue and levy tax on the people.
4. Alliance with Qutub Shahi rulers Golconda: With the help of this alliance, he led the campaign into Bijapur Karanataka (AD 1676-79) and conquered Gingee (Jingi), Vellore and many forts in Karnataka.
Shivaji’s Administration
Shivaji’s administration was largely influenced by Deccan administrative practices. He appointed eight ministers who were called ‘Astapradhan’ who assists him in the administrative helm of affairs.
1. Peshwa was the most important minister who looked after the finance and general administration.
2. Senapati (sari-i-naubat) was one of the leading Marathas chiefs who were basically posted of honour.
3. The Majumdar was an accountant.
4. The Wakenavis is one who looks after the intelligence, post and household affairs.
5. The Surnavis or chitnis assist the king with his correspondence.
6. The Dabir was the master of ceremonies and helps the king in his dealing with foreign affairs.
7. The Nayayadish and Punditrao were in charge of justice and charitable grants.
8. He levies the tax on the land which was one-fourth of the land revenue i.e. Chauth or Chauthai.
9. He was not only proved to be an able general, a skilful tactician, and a shrewd diplomat, he also laid the foundation of a strong state by curbing the power of the Deshmukh.
Hence, the rise of Marathas was due to economic, social, political and institutional factors. To that extent, Shivaji was a popular king who represented the assertion of popular will in the area against Mughal encroachment. Although, Marathas were ancient tribes but17th century gave them space to declare themselves as ruler.
How did Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj die?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Fell Ill With Fever And Dysentery And Breathed His Last On April 3, 1680, At The Age Of 52.
When was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj born?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Was Born On 19 February 1630 In Pune's Shivneri Fort.
What is the full name of Shivaji?
Shivaji Bhonsale I Is The Full Name Of Shivaji Who Is Also Referred To As Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Who was Shivaji Maharaj?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Was A Brave Ruler And Member Of The Bhonsle Maratha Clan. He Carved Out An Enclave From The Declining Adilshahi Sultanate Of Bijapur That Formed The Genesis Of The Maratha Empire.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: 11 amazing facts about the bravest Maratha ruler
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a great warrior and strategist of India. In 1674, he laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire in Western India. He is also known as the Father of the Indian Navy. Ahead of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, we take a look at 11 amazing facts about the Maratha ruler.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Facts: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, also known as Shivaji or Shivaji Raje Bhosle, was born on 19 February 1630 in Pune's Shivneri Durg to Jijabai and Shahji Bhonsle. His father Shahaji Raje Bhosale was a high official in the court of Bijapur.
At an early age, Shivaji was trained for war. In 1674, he laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire in Western India and went on to become one of the great warriors and strategists of India.
1- Shivaji was secular.
Shivaji was against the conflicts of the caste but, was not against any religion. At the time, when all other kingdoms in India were sticking to their religious beliefs, Shivaji accepted all the religions.
While Shivaji Maharaj accommodated all the religions, he never compromised on his own religious beliefs. In fact, he helped people, who wished, to convert to Hinduism. He even married off his own daughter to a converted Hindu man.
2- Derivation of Shivaji's name.
Shivaji's name was not derived from Lord Shiva but from a regional deity by the name Shivai. He was given god-like stature for his deeds.
3- Father of Indian Navy.
Shivaji realized the importance of naval force in its early stages and built a powerful navy. He believed that it would help him keep foreign invaders-- Dutch, Portuguese and British-- and pirates at bay. Shivaji Maharaj built naval forts at Jaigarh, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg and many other places and even had four different types of warships including Manjuhasm Pals, Gurabs and Gallibats. He is known as the father of the Indian Navy.
4- Shivaji was a war strategist.
Shivaji was a war strategist and despite having limited resources, he introduced raiding warfare skills when he captured the 'Torna' fort at a very young age and gave the first major blow to the Sultan of Bijapur. By 1655, he captured the Kondan, Jawali and Rajgarh forts one by one occupying the entire Konkan and the Western Ghats.
5- Shivaji offered help to Aurangzeb.
Shivaji reached out to Aurangzeb to help him conquer Bijapur but things backfired when two of his officials raided the Mughal area near Ahmednagar. As a result, Bijapur wasn't conquered.
6- Shivaji formed the army of Marathas.
Shivaji formed an army of Marathas where many soldiers were paid for their services throughout the year. Prior to this, the Marathas had no army of their own. The Maratha army was divided into several units and each unit had 25 soldiers. Both Hindus and Muslims were appointed to the army without any discrimination. An army of 2,000 men was converted into 10,000 soldiers by Shivaji.
He never encouraged his soldiers to be martyred for the sake of it, instead, took a step back and regrouped. This helped him in winning the battles even if he was outnumbered.
7- Shivaji stood for the honour of women.
Shivaji was a staunch supporter of women and stood for their honour. He strongly opposed violence or harassment against women and gave strict instructions to the soldiers that no woman should be harmed while raiding. Under Shivaji's rule, women of the captured territories were left unharmed and none were taken as prisoners. People who raped or molested women were severely punished by Shivaji Maharaj.
8- Shivaji successfully escaped from Panhala fort.
Shivaji was successful in escaping from the siege of the Panhala fort. When Shivaji Maharaj was trapped in Panhala Fort by Siddi Johar's army, he devised a plan to escape. He arranged two palanquins in which a barber was seated who looked like Shivaji and asked him to lead him out of the fort. Thus, the soldiers went after the fake palanquin and Shivaji successfully dodged 600 soldiers and escaped from Panhala fort.
9- Shivaji was the proponent of the Guerrilla war.
Shivaji was the proponent of the Guerrilla war. He was well versed in the geography of his area, guerrilla tactics, attacking small groups with enemies, etc. and was called a rat of the hills. However, Shivaji never raided religious places or homes of the people living there. For this reason, personal horses and weapons were not provided to his troops.
10- Shivaji fought for India first, and then his kingdom.
Shivaji used to fight for his kingdom later and for India first. His goal was to establish a free state and inspire his soldiers that they fought for India and not for any king.
11- Shivaji was extremely caring and merciful.
Shivaji Maharaj was merciful and welcomed anyone in his army who surrendered. No one was judged on their backgrounds, instead, they were judged on their skills. He was extremely caring and never raided religious places and homes of the common people.
List of Battles fought by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj build Maratha Empire and fought several battles during his reign. In 1674, he founded an independent Maratha kingdom with Raigad as its capital. Let us have a look at the list of battles fought by Shivaji Maharaj.
List of Battles fought by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Born on 19 February 1630 at the Shivneri Fort to Shahaji Raje and Jijabai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a warrior and a Maratha king who had the utmost courage to stand against the Mughal rule. His original name was Shivaji Bhosle but due to his administration and leadership he earned the title of "Chhatrapati" or the "Chief of the Kshatriyas".
The beginning of the 17th-century witnessed the rise of new Warrior class Marathas when the Bhonsle family of the Poona district got military as well as a political advantage by Ahmednagar kingdom of being local. Therefore, they took privileges and recruited a large number of Maratha sardars and soldiers in their armies. Shivaji was an expert soldier and an efficient administrator. Here, we are giving the list of Battles fought by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for general awareness.
List of Battles fought by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Name of Battle | Description |
Battle of Pratapgad | Fought on November 10, 1659, at the fort of Pratapgad near the town of Satara, Maharashtra, India between the forces of the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Adilshahi general Afzal Khan. |
Battle of Kolhapur | Fought on December 28, 1659, near the city of Kolhapur, Maharashtra between the Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji and the Adilshahi forces. |
Battle of Pavan Khind | Fought on July 13, 1660, at a mountain pass in the vicinity of fort Vishalgad, near the city of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India between the Maratha Sardar Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Siddi Masud of Adilshah. |
Battle of Chakan | Fought between the Maratha Empire and the Mughal Empire in the year 1660. |
Battle of Umberkhind | Fought on 2 February 1661, between the Maratha under Chhatrapati Shivaji and the Kartalab Khan of Mughals. |
Sacking of Surat | Fought on January 5, 1664, near the city of Surat, Gujarat, India between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Inayat Khan, a Mughal captain. |
Battle of Purandar | Fought between the Mughal Empire and Maratha Empire in 1665. |
Battle of Sinhagad | Fought on 4 February 1670 on the fort of Sinhagad near the city of Pune, Maharashtra, India between Tanaji Malusare, a commander of Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj and Udaybhan Rathod, fort keeper under Jai Singh I who was a Mughal Army Chief. |
Battle of Kalyan | Fought between 1682 and 1683 in which Bahadur Khan of the Mughal Empire defeated the Maratha army and took over Kalyan. |
Battle of Bhupalgarh | Fought between the Mughal and Maratha empires in 1679 in which Mughal defeated the Marathas. |
Battle of Sangamner | Fought between the Mughal Empire and Maratha Empire in 1679. This was the last battle in which the Maratha King Shivaji fought. |
Shivaji showed his mettle at the young age of 18 when he overran a number of hill forts near Poona-Raigarh, Kondana and Torna. He began his real career of conquest in 1656 when he conquered Javli from the Maratha chief, Chandra Rao more. The conquest of Javli made him the undisputed master of the Mavala area or the highlands and freed his path to the Satara area and to the coastal strip, the Konkan.
How many battles were fought by Shivaji?
Shivaji Maharaj Fought Many Battles Including The Battle Of Pratapgad, Battle Of Kolhapur, Battle Of Pavan Khind, Battle Of Chakan, Battle Of Umberkhind, Sacking Of Surat, Battle Of Purandar, Battle Of Sinhagad, Battle Of Kalyan, Battle Of Bhupalgarh, And Battle Of Sangamner.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Quotes
1. "If a tree, which is not a highly elevated living entity, can be so tolerant and merciful to give sweet mangoes even when hit by anyone; being a king, should I not be more merciful and tolerant than the tree?"
-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
2. "Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother."
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
INSPIRING QUOTES BY MARATHA KING CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI
"Never bend your head always hold it high." -Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
"Freedom is a boon, which everyone has the right to receive." -Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
"When you are enthusiastic, the mountain also looks like a clay pile." -Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
"Do not think of the enemy as weak, then do not be too scared to feel too strong." -Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
"No need to be learned from own fault. We can learn a lot from others' mistakes." -Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
"Even if there were a sword in the hands of everyone, it is willpower that establishes a government." -Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
"Self-confidence provides strength and Power impart knowledge. Knowledge provides stability and stability leads to victory." -Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
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