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One of the most progressive, sensible rulers in the history of our country was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Bravest Maratha Ever.
Tales of his bravery are countless, stories of his victories innumerable, but where there's greatness, there's misconception too.
One of the most progressive, sensible rulers in the history of our country was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Bravest Maratha Ever.
Tales of his bravery are countless, stories of his victories innumerable, but where there's greatness, there's misconception too.
His father Shahaji served alongside Malik Ambar who defended the Deccan region, the first to be done by any Maratha against Mughals. He always tried to free their kingdom from Sultanate Of Bijapur as well as wanted to throw out Mughal rule in India & establish a Swaraj Empire.
His mother Jijabai was a pious & far sighted lady. She's regarded to be the master of Shivaji’s bravery. He was extremely devoted to his mother who was also very religious. This religious environment had a great influence on him and he carefully studied Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The morality and spiritual messages of these epics left a great impression on him. Some people have often thought of him as a cruel dictator, while some have condemned him to be anti-secular. All this and many more things that are actually more fiction than fact.
Some facts you ought to know about the greatest Maratha ruler in history.
His name is not derived from Lord Shiva but in fact a regional deity by the name of Shivai.
He was given god-like stature for his deeds, not his name.
His name is not derived from Lord Shiva but in fact a regional deity by the name of Shivai.
He was given god-like stature for his deeds, not his name.
He respected all religions but never compromised on his own religious roots and tried reviving all the positive aspects of Hinduism.
He helped people who wanted to convert to Hinduism. In fact, he married his own daughter to a converted Hindu.
He helped people who wanted to convert to Hinduism. In fact, he married his own daughter to a converted Hindu.
He had many Muslims in his military ranks as well. As opposed to the common belief of him being a king of Hindu origin who fought Muslims. He fought other rulers, not religions, who threatened his kingdom.
His father left him 2,000 soldiers, which he converted to 10,000. He knew the importance of a good army and perfected warfare strategies. He had an intelligence unit that helped him devise tactics like the guerrilla warfare.
He was a practical military commander and didn't encourage his troops to be martyred for the sake of it. Instead, he always asked them to take a step back and regroup. His tactics and practicality helped him win battles where he was out-numbered as well.
He was smart enough to establish a navy to protect the coastline.
He knew that to protect India from foreign invaders, a naval fleet was required.
Not many other kings had thought of this. But he formed a resolute Maratha navy.
He knew that to protect India from foreign invaders, a naval fleet was required.
Not many other kings had thought of this. But he formed a resolute Maratha navy.
He defeated Afzal Khan in one-on-one battle. Afzal Khan was a veteran general and strong. It is said that they met in a hut that only allowed them to carry a single sword, but Shivaji was sure that he would attack him. So he wore an armour underneath which stopped Khan's dagger.
He stood for the honour of women and made sure none were taken prisoners.
Unlike many other rulers, no one under his rule was allowed to dishonour women. Women of captured territories were left unharmed. Rape or molestation was severely punished.
Unlike many other rulers, no one under his rule was allowed to dishonour women. Women of captured territories were left unharmed. Rape or molestation was severely punished.
He was extremely merciful to those who surrendered and would welcome them into his own army. He judged them not on their backgrounds, but on their skill alone.
He fought for India first, and then his kingdom. His goal was always to establish a free kingdom in the country and motivated his troops to fight for India and not any king in particular.
He was caring towards common people and never allowed raids on households or religious places. He didn't give personal weapons, horses to troops. They were provided the same by Govt so that they weren't misused. The loot from enemy cities was accounted for in the treasury.
"A true king knows how to win even when the battle is lost. A true king knows how to live even when his life is lost."
Stories of his heroism should fill the hearts of every person with a sense of pride and honour.
A king like Shivaji will always live in our hearts.
Stories of his heroism should fill the hearts of every person with a sense of pride and honour.
A king like Shivaji will always live in our hearts.
