The Great Maratha: Shivaji Maharaj

The founder of the Maratha Empire, born on February 19, 1630 in the hill-fort of Shivneri, Shivaji Bhosle, referred to as Chhatrapati (monarch) Shivaji Maharaj is considered as the greatest Maratha ruler.

He started his conquests at the early age of 16, and then never looked back. He pioneered the guerilla tactics, referred to as Shiva Sutra, in view of his small standing army compared to Mughals’ huge army.

In the famous battle of Umberkhind, the 30,000 strong army of Kartalab Khan from Uzbekistan was defeated by mere 1000 soldiers of Shivaji. Not a single attacker was left alive to return home.

The maternal uncle of Aurangzeb, Shaista Khan, warrior sardars of Afghanistan Behlol Khan Pathan, Sikandar Pathan and Chidar Khan Pathan, Iranian warriors Sidhhi Jowhar and Salaba Khan and the warrior of Mongolia Diler Khan, all bit dust in front of Shivaji.

He left behind a state always at odds with Mughals, who could never subdue Marathas under his leadership. He had also built a strong navy to protect Goa and the Konkan coast.

Shivaji had Ashta Pradhan ( council of 8 ministers) for administration and advice. He promoted use of Marathi and Sanskrit, rather than Persian in court and administration. He was uncompromising, when it came to standing up for value and justice.

Though he was at loggerheads with Mughals most of the time, Shivaji was known for his liberal and tolerant religious policies. In his own army, there were muslim leaders. His naval admiral was a muslim. He also formed a pathan unit. He had once urged Aurangzeb too to act like liberal Akbar.

Shivaji’s each move was planned strategically and led him towards expanding the Maratha Kingdom. Shivaji, the Management Guru is a full subject in Boston University.

Shivaji was a great visionary ruler and brave warrior. His outstanding leadership, undaunted spirit and emphasis on social welfare has been inspiring people for generations.

Let’s see what many thought of Shivaji–

From Kabul to Kandahar, my Taimur family created the Moghul Sultanate. Iraq, Iran, Turkistan and in many more countries my army defeated ferocious warriors. But in India, Shivaji put brakes on us. I spent my maximum energy on Shivaji but couldn’t bring him to his knees.
Ya Allah, you gave an enemy, fearless and upright, please keep your doors open for him, because the world’s best and large hearted warrior is coming to you.

–Aurangzeb (After Shivaji’s death, while offering Namaz)

That day Shivaji just didn’t chop off my fingers, but also chopped off my pride. I fear to meet him even in dreams.

-Shaista Khan

Is there no man left to defeat Shivaji in my kingdom?

– Frustrated Begum Ali Adilshah

Netaji, your country doesn’t require any Hitler to throw out British. All you need to teach is Shivaji’s history.

-Adolf Hitler

If India needs to be made independent, then there is only one way out, “Fight like Shivaji.”

–Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose

Shivaji is just not a name, it’s an energy source for Indian youth, which can be used to make India free.

– Swami Vivekananda

Had Shivaji been born in England, we wouldn’t only have ruled earth but the whole Universe.

–Lord Mountbatten

Had Shivaji been born in America, we would have nomenclatured him as SUN.

– Barrack Obama

We feel proud of staying in a land, that once had such an illustrious ruler like Shivaji.

Today we bow to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary.
🙏🙏☀️💐☀️🙏🙏

–Kaushal Kishore

images: pinterest