3rd April, Hindu Hridaya Samrat Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Commemoration Day. Today marks 343 years since the founder of the Hindu Empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was the strongest Maratha ruler India had ever seen, and he crushed the Mughals. Chhatrapati Shivaji's was an eventful and exciting life that can only be looked upon with amazement even today. Chhatrapati Shivaji is a perfect example of how and what a true ruler should be.
If someone asks us to show from the depths of history which is the best model in administrative affairs, we can undoubtedly highlight the period of Chhatrapati Shivaji's rule. His bravery and work that emphasized good governance is an inspiration to all today and forever. Shivneri Fort is a 17th century military fort located near Junnar in Pune district of Maharashtra. This is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Shivaji was born on February 19, 1627, the youngest son of Shahaji Bhosle, a Maratha general, and Jija Bai.
Jeejabai used to tell Kunju Shivaji the stories of legendary men and heroes of history who were virtuous and heroic souls while eating and going to sleep. Shivaji, who showed great skill in martial arts and horse riding, acquired an impossible knowledge of Hindu scriptures along with practical education.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a brave and strict ruler. He was also a brave patriot who did not compromise with his enemies. He served during the Bijpur, Deccan and Mughal empires. He did not fight for Maharashtra or his family. Shivaji Maharaj's sole aim was the liberation of the Hindu nation.
Dadoji Kondadev was the ruler of the Pune Jagir and the nearby Kondana Fort. He is the Gurunatha of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Shivaji, who received excellent education under Dadaji Kondadev, became an example of purity of character and national commitment. Through the common people, peasants and laborers, he built a Hindu empire on the foundation of dharma.
At the age of sixteen, in 1646, Shivaji conquered Thornakota, which was under the control of the Sultan of Bijapur. Later Mudrodev, Supa, Chakkan and Kondana were also captured. Within a short time, he also captured the forts of Simhagarh, Jawali, Konkan, Aurangabad and Surat. He also built a new fort called Rajgarh. But the Sultan of Bijapur did not like Shivaji's strengthening. He tried many methods to defeat Shivaji but nothing worked.
Shivaji's attack on Surat in 1664 led to war with the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb invited Shivaji for a meeting and tricked him into imprisonment. He managed to escape from there and came to Maharashtra and organized another administration. The army was fully prepared against the Mughals. Later Shivaji asserted his supremacy in the war with the Mughals through a strategic move. Some of the forts had to be surrendered to the Mughals, but soon they were all recaptured.
Challenging the insolence of the Mughals, Chhatrapati Shivaji raised the Hindu self-esteem to the sky and established the kingdom of Maharashtra on June 6, 1674 and was installed as the Chhatrapati of that Hindu empire. Chhatrapati Shivaji's heroic journey to establish a great empire from nothing still inspires a patriot even today. Hindu Empire Day is an auspicious reminder.
He was a person who maintained secularism while standing for Hinduism. Shivaji was ahead of protecting other religious people. There were many Muslim commanders in his forces. He fought only with other rulers. He never showed hostility towards people of other religions. He inherited 2000 soldiers.
But he increased the strength of his army to 10000. The strength of the army was increased by providing all kinds of facilities to the soldiers. In Shivaji's views the only goal was the rise of the nation. His Hindu empire was a challenge to the invading powers. It is not for nothing that Swami Vivekananda mentioned that Chhatrapati Shivaji was the greatest Hindu in India. Corruption and treason were not tolerated in his administration.
He formed a cabinet called 'Ashtapradhan' to assist him in administrative affairs. Chhatrapati Shivaji's rule is known for its religious tolerance. The rise of Shivaji marked the decline of Mughal rule. Chhatrapati Shivaji died a heroic death on 3rd April 1680. Let's remember Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his memorial day.
Memorials…
Thank you.