Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Source: News on Air

Context: The nation commemorates the 395th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on February 19, 2025.

About Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

• Birth and Early Life:

• Born: February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort, Pune, Maharashtra. Parents: Shahaji Bhonsle (Maratha general) and Jijabai (influential mentor). Teachers: Dadoji Kondadev (military & administration), Jijabai (ethics & governance).

• Born: February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort, Pune, Maharashtra.

• Parents: Shahaji Bhonsle (Maratha general) and Jijabai (influential mentor).

• Teachers: Dadoji Kondadev (military & administration), Jijabai (ethics & governance).

• Coronation and Maratha Empire:

• Crowned as Chhatrapati: June 6, 1674, at Raigad Fort. Established Hindavi Swarajya, declaring independence from Mughal and Deccan Sultanates.

• Crowned as Chhatrapati: June 6, 1674, at Raigad Fort.

• Established Hindavi Swarajya, declaring independence from Mughal and Deccan Sultanates.

• Achievements & Administrative Policies: Military Innovations:

• Military Innovations:

• Developed Guerrilla Warfare (Ganimi Kawa) tactics, outmanoeuvring the Mughals & Deccan rulers. Founded the Indian Navy, securing Konkan & western coast from foreign invasions.

• Developed Guerrilla Warfare (Ganimi Kawa) tactics, outmanoeuvring the Mughals & Deccan rulers.

• Founded the Indian Navy, securing Konkan & western coast from foreign invasions.

• Fortifications & Defense:

• Captured and built over 370 forts, including Torna, Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sinhagad. Introduced Naval forts such as Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg for coastal security.

• Captured and built over 370 forts, including Torna, Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sinhagad.

• Introduced Naval forts such as Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg for coastal security.

• Administrative Reforms:

• Introduced Ashta Pradhan Mandal (Council of Eight Ministers) for governance. Established progressive revenue policies (Kathi & Chauth system) ensuring stable economy. Promoted religious tolerance and included Muslims, Europeans, and people from all castes in administration.

• Introduced Ashta Pradhan Mandal (Council of Eight Ministers) for governance.

• Established progressive revenue policies (Kathi & Chauth system) ensuring stable economy.

• Promoted religious tolerance and included Muslims, Europeans, and people from all castes in administration.

• Major Battles & Military Expeditions: Battle of Pratapgad (1659): Defeated Afzal Khan (Bijapur Sultanate). Battle of Pavan Khind (1660): Defended against Adilshahi forces, legendary sacrifice of Baji Prabhu Deshpande. Battle of Purandar (1665): Signed treaty with Mirza Jai Singh (Mughal commander). Escape from Agra (1666): Outwitted Aurangzeb’s imprisonment, returning to Swarajya. Battle of Sinhagad (1670): Recaptured Sinhagad Fort, valor of Tanaji Malusare. Southern Conquests (1677–80): Expanded into Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, defeating Adilshah & Golconda.

• Battle of Pratapgad (1659): Defeated Afzal Khan (Bijapur Sultanate).

• Battle of Pavan Khind (1660): Defended against Adilshahi forces, legendary sacrifice of Baji Prabhu Deshpande.

• Battle of Purandar (1665): Signed treaty with Mirza Jai Singh (Mughal commander).

• Escape from Agra (1666): Outwitted Aurangzeb’s imprisonment, returning to Swarajya.

• Battle of Sinhagad (1670): Recaptured Sinhagad Fort, valor of Tanaji Malusare.

• Southern Conquests (1677–80): Expanded into Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, defeating Adilshah & Golconda.