Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: A tribute to the visionary on his jayanti

Maharashtra was under the rule of the Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur and many other Mughal rulers who constantly threatened the safety of women and the Hindu people. In the Bhonsle-Maratha clan, a son was born to Shahaji Raje Bhosale and his mother Jijabai on February 19, 1630, in the fort of Shivneri in Pune, Maharashtra. The young boy was named Shivaji and was tutored by his mother and guru Dadaji Kondadev in the field of public administration, artillery, finance, guerilla tactics, and good governance. Shivaji was officially enthroned as ‘Chhatrapati’ in the year 1674 at the Raigad fort. The Maratha ruler envisioned the concept of ‘Hindavi Swarajya’ (self-rule of Hindu people and independence from foreign rule) during this time.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was not only a capable administrator but also a shrewd ruler who kept a strict and vigilant eye on all his commanders from turning traitors against the Maratha ruler. A man with swift and nimble feet, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was well-known to scale his well-built forts surrounded by the densely populated jungles of the Sahyadri forests infested with wild animals. Known for his visionary attributes and futuristic acumen, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has also been given the title, ‘Father of the Indian Navy’ as he established forts and built the Konkan coastline of Maharashtra. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj left a lasting legacy in the history of India when started gaining prominence as a ‘Pro-Nationalist’ during the British rule in India and Indian independence leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, and Lokmanya Tilak hailed him as a ‘Hero of the Hindus.’

He is loved all over India, especially in Maharashtra, where he is omnipresent. Numerous mothers name their children Shivaji. Buildings of significance are named after him like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. There is also the popular public park in Dadar, Mumbai named Shivaji Park where young Sachin Tendulkar practiced for years. And there is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum.

The deepest impact of the Chhatrapati Maharaj is seen in the celebration of Deepawali in Maharashtra. Children all over get together and build Shivajinche Kille, which means Shivaji forts. The forts are symbols of his valour, courage, and brilliance. They continue to inspire generations after he is gone. The great Maratha ruler breathed his last on April 3rd1680 at the age of fifty. He left behind a rich legacy to cherish and preserve for generations to come and every year on his birth anniversary, the people of Maharashtra celebrate with a lot of love and grandeur.