[Reader-list] Today is Shivaji Jayanti -

[Pawan Durani]

http://www.hindujagruti.org/hinduism/national-icons/shivaji-maharaj/

Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated on 19th February.

Description: Shivaji Jayanti or the birthday of Shivaji Maharaj is
celebrated on a majestic scale in Maharashtra. Shivaji was born on
19th February, 1627. His parents Jijabai and Shahaji Bhonsle named him
Shivaji after local Goddess Shivai. Shivaji was the creator of the
Maratha nation. He was instrumental in uniting the Maratha chiefs of
Mayal, Konkan and Desh regions. His military and civil administration
was of greatest importance. He was successful in carving out a small
kingdom by defeating the alien powers. Chatrapati Shivaji is a hero
not only for the people of Maharashtra but for those of India as well.

On the occasion of Shivaji Jayanti several processions are taken out
and people dress up like Shivaji and his associates. The birthday is
celebrated on a huge scale and various programmes remembering the
achievements of the great ruler are organized.

History of Shivaji

Early days

Shivaji was born on 19th Februray, 1627, in Shivneri Fort, 60 kms
north of Pune. He was named after the local Goddess Shivai, to whom
his mother prayed for a son. His father Shahaji Bhosle was the chief
of the kingdom of Bijapur. He was however, not allowed to take charge
of any fort. His mother had a great influence on him as he was
introduced to Indian epics of Mahabharata, Ramayana and other holy
books by her. Shivaji also gained a lot of knowledge from his father’s
unsuccessful attempts to gain power. He was inspired by his father
military tactics, peacetime diplomacy and also possessed knowledge of
Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures.



His administration

Shivaji grew into a fearless military leader with trainings from
commanders like Gomaji Naik and Baji Pasalkar. Young Shivaji was
motivated, enthusiastic and energetic. In his early days he was
successful in inspiring local youths to follow his idealistic
pursuits.  At the age of 17, he attacked and captured Torna Fort of
Bijapur and by 1647 he took control of Kondana and Raigad Forts. The
Western Ghats along the Konkan Coast were also under his control by
1654.

His achievements

In order to sabotage Shivaji’s rise to power, Adilshah arrested
Shahji, his father by deceitful means and had armies sent against
Shivaji and his elder brother Sambaji. To suppress Shivaji’s control
of the Bijapur kingdom, Afzal Khan was sent to destroy Shivaji.
However, with his cunning means, Shivaji successfully stabbed Afzal
Khan. Eventually Bijapur’s armies were routed in the famous Battle of
Pratapgarh in 1659 and Shivaji turned into a hero of the Marathas.
Now, under the confident leadership of Shivaji, the Marthas
successfully pushed back the Mughals and the Sultanate kingdowms from
his homeland.

The Mughals also fought against Shivaji led by Shaista Khan under
Aurangazeb. However, Shivaji lost many men against a well trained and
disciplined Mughal army.  Shivaji felt the need of finance to maintain
an army and decided to loot the Mughal city of Surat. The Mughal
emperor then sent Jai Singh to defeat Shivaji. After a few skirmishes,
he thought it wise to accept the emperor’s soverignity. But he was
soon placed under house arrest in Agra. Using tact and intelligence,
Shivaji successfully escaped from Agra and hid in his homeland and
kept a low profile for some time. Shivaji gradually rebuild his empire
and within six months was able to recover much of his lost ground.

Shivaji extended his empire further south to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
In order to regain one of his forts, Kondana, he appointed his most
trusted general Tanaji Malusare. The battle that followed between the
Marathas and the Mughals came to be known as the Maratha war of
Independence where the Marathas were successful in regaining the
control of the fort.

Chatrapati Shivaji

Shivaji was formally coronated Chatrapati in 1674 in Raigad fort and
henceforth came to be known as Chatrapati Shivaji. Shivaji died in
1680 but not before leaving an indelible mark on the history pages. He
laid the foundation of a Hindu empire which lasted for over two
centuries. Shivaji has been a source of inspiration and pride for
generations for his courage and military acumen.