Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the greatest Maratha ruler and one of the greatest rulers and administrators in Indian History. He was the founder of the Maratha Empire.
He was born on 19th February, 1630 at Shivneri Fort, and his birth anniversary is celebrated every year as Shiv Jayanti or Chhatrapti Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti.
He was known for his tactical brilliance, sense of justice, and bravery, leaving behind a legacy that inspires millions across the country to this day.
On the occasion of his birth anniversary, here are 11 interesting facts about Chhatrapti Shivaji Maharaj that you should know about.
Who was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?
11 Interesting facts about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Here are some interesting facts about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of India's bravest warrior kings.
1. The full name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is Shivaji Shahaji Bhonsale. His father was Shahaji Bhonsale, a military general in the Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur.
2. Chhatrapti Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire. He was known as the father of Guerrilla Warfare. He was called “Mountain Rat” by his rivals.
3. The term Chhatrapati was an honorary title that is derived from the words Chhatra, meaning umbrella, and pati, meaning lord or master. It represented the supreme king, ruler, and protector of the people. Shivaji adopted this title when he laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire.
4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was highly influenced by his mother Jijabai, who taught him the values, and Dadoji Konda Deo, who helped him learn archery, horse riding, sword fighting, etc.
5. Chhatrapati Shivaji had high respect for women; he ensured the safety of women during his rule. During his rule, dishonouring and disrespecting women were punished.
6. Chhatrapati Shivaji was well-versed in Sanskrit, various Hindu scriptures, and military tactics. He promoted the use of Marathi and Sanskrit during his rule, defying the Parsi language of the time.
7. He was the owner of the Bhavani Talwar or Bhavani Sword, which is said to have been gifted to him by the Goddess Tulja Bhavani. He is said to possess two other distinct swords by the names of Tulaja Talwar and Jagdamba Talwar.
Source: Royal Collection Trust
8. Chhatrapti Shivaji is also fondly referred to as the “Father of the Indian Navy” because he understood the strategic importance of the sea, which led to the foundation of a strong naval fleet. He established as many as 300 forts across Maharashtra and the Konkan coast to fortify his position there. The most famous of those forts was the Sindhudurg Fort.
Source: Wikipedia
9. He was a forward-thinking leader who was adept at management, as exemplified by his system of assigning a council of three officers for the management of the fort. This ensured that no one individual could gain control.
10. Chhatrapati Shivaji was an able administrator who introduced the system of Asthapradhans, or the council of eight ministers, who would be responsible for looking after the areas of finance, governance, justice, foreign affairs, and military.
11. He defeated Afzal Khan in a strategic warfare when Afzal Khan tried to kill him by stabbing him with a knife on the pretext of an embrace during the truce negotiation. This showed that Chhatrapati Shivaji had a shrewd mind and was a master strategist.
Chhatrapati Shivaji was not only a great leader but also an excellent strategist who defied the Mughal empire under Aurangzeb. His valour and courage continue to inspire generations till this day.
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