Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj : Brave warrior, popular ruler, and briliant strategist

Many heroes have graced India with their extraordinary bravery, sacrifice, and dedication. Shivaji's name stands out among them. Remembering Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj fills all Indians with pride. Shivaji is a name that means "brave warrior," "popular ruler," and "brilliant strategist." He was also very concerned about social issues and religious beliefs. Indians will never forget his efforts to modernise the army, build a navy, replace Persian as the official language with Marathi and Sanskrit, and drive out foreign invaders in the 18th century. India will always be grateful for his sacrifices.

With his coronation in 1674, Shivaji Maharaj chased away the foreign invaders with the proclamation of Hindavi Swaraj. He worked for years to lay a strong foundation of Swaraj, Swadharma, and Swabhasha in India, on which our country built a strong structure. From a common man to attaining the title of Chhatrapati, Shivaji Maharaj won many battles with his courage and intelligence, including the capture of several hill forts near Poona-Raigarh, Kondana, and Torna at the age of just 18–19 years. The treaty to save the fort, the call between the hills to register a victory over the opposition, the treaty with Maharaja Jaisingh to save the fort of Purandar, and the escape from the captivity of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb show his cleverness.

Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630, in Shivneri Durg, to Shahji Bhonsale and Jijabai (Rajmata Jijau). The brave Shivaji learned politics and war skills as a child.

Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha Empire. His birth name was Shivaji Bhonsle, but he was given the title "Chhatrapati" or "Chief of Kshatriyas" at the time of his coronation due to his administrative and leadership abilities. Shivaji Maharaj’ heroics and his enduring saga has also had an impact on India's current geography. Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "It is a very big question: what is our past, what is our present, and what is it if Shivaji Maharaj is not there." It is difficult to imagine India's glory without Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. "His sagas after him, his inspirations, have continuously played the role that Chhatrapati Shivaji played in that era."

He conducted numerous new war science experiments and pioneered a new technique of guerrilla warfare. With the help of his disciplined army and well-organized administrative units, Shivaji provided a proper and progressive administration. Despite all of the plans for conquest and state expansion, Shivaji maintained that his rule should be popular with and beneficial to the people. He wrote social and political theses to support this. Shivaji's state was secular.

Shivaji Maharaj extolled Indian beauty by establishing good governance based on religion, nationality, justice, and public welfare. In his state system, Shivaji also appointed eight ministers known as Ashta Pradhan. Peshwa made the most significant contribution. Shivaji Maharaj died on April 3, 1680, but his biography inspired many revolutionaries in India's freedom struggle, who sacrificed their bodies, minds, and wealth for India's freedom.

"Hindavi Swaraj" by Shivaji Maharaj is a great example of good governance, justice for the backward and disadvantaged, and courage in the face of oppression. Hindavi Swaraj, means self-rule by Indians. Whatever party governs India, the basic ideology has always been to keep the country free of all foreign military and political influence. Shivaji Maharaj is said to have used the words "Hindavi Swarajya" for the first time, in a letter.

Veer Shivaji's management, the country's use of maritime power, the establishment of a navy with its own strength, and water management are still exemplary subjects. With the same inspiration as Shivaji Maharaj, India removed the traces of slavery and colonialism on September 2, 2022, and accorded a new flag for the Indian Navy that fully reflects Indianness and the power of the Navy. Until now, the Indian Navy's flag bore the George Cross insignia. The naval flag's Shivaji Maharaj emblem makes every Indian proud of its rich culture. Remembering Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said, "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's outstanding leadership and emphasis on social welfare have inspired people for generations." He was always steadfast in his support for the values of truth and justice. We are committed to fulfilling their vision."

While establishing the Maratha Empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj began expanding it. He not only won many wars, but he also used his wits to save his empire from the Mughal Emperor, defeating the Mughal army on several occasions.

Born: February 19, 1630

Died: April 3, 1680

Courtesy : SAPTARISHI

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