Shivaji, the great
Shivaji Jayanti (February 19) marks the birth anniversary of the Maratha King and warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Here are some lesser known facts behind the man and the celebration of the day
SHIVAJI WAS born in 1627 AD at Shivneri fort in Pune. Shivaji’s name is not derived from Lord Shiva. He, in fact, gets his name from a regional deity called Shivai. He was given god-like stature for his deeds.
SHIVAJI WAS a very secular King. At a time when kingdoms were extremely possessive and obsessive about their religious beliefs, Shivaji was very accommodating of all religions. But he never compromised on his own religious roots. He also took efforts and spent time in reviving all the positive aspects of Hinduism.
HIS SECULARISM is evident from the fact that he got his daughter Sakhubai married to a converted Hindu. He always helped people who wanted to convert to Hinduism. Sakubai was married to her first cousin Mahadji, who had been converted to Islam by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
THOUGH SHIVAJI fought several Muslim rulers, for his it was the people he fought and not religion. For him they were the rulers who threatened his people and kingdom. It was never about Hindu versus Muslim for him. In fact, Shivaji had several Muslims in his army.
IN FACT, he had once even offered his assistance to Aurangzeb in conquering Bijapur. He maintained peaceful relations with the Mughals. But things turned sour between them when his officers raided the Mughal territory near Ahmednagar. In retaliation, they raided Shivaji’s territory.
HE HONOURED women and made sure no injustice was meted to them. He made sure no woman was taken prisoner, and didn’t allow his rulers to dishonour women. Women of captured territories were left unharmed. Rapists and molesters were severely punished.
DURING A BATTLE, Shivaji was always merciful to the once who willingly surrendered. He never judged people by their backgrounds, but on their skills. He would also imbibe them in his army.
SINCE CHILDHOOD Shivaji was a smart and intelligent kid. He first acquired the fort “Torna” (Tornagad) or “Prachandgad” at the age of 15. This was his first move at building the Maratha empire.
HE WAS also a very strategic military commander, and put in efforts to secure the coastline by forming a navy.
SHIVAJI MAHARAJ also defeated the famous general and governor of Shayista Khan, sent by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
SHIVAJI WAS a people’s King. He always stood by his people. When Aurangzeb imposed Jizya tax on Hindus, Shivaji was the only Hindu ruler who protested against it.