Dear Children,
People who stay in Pune are blessed with rich historical legacy associated with Shivaji Maharaja. From Lal Mahal, Shinhagad fort to Shaniwar wada there is lot to discover and understand about their importance from historical point of view. Maharashtra and particularly Pune was at the centre of resurgence of native Indian Maratha power in 17th century.
Allow me to give you a brief view of India at that time. We had foreign Turkic forces like Mughals ruling northern India from modern day Afghanistan to Delhi and further to central India, Adilshahi, Qutubshahi, Nizam Shahi descendent's of Bahamian sultanate ruling central and southern India.
Foregin European powers like Portuguese had established themselves well with Kochin, Goa and other port cities trading in local spices from South, supplying Indian slaves to middle East in collaboration with Adilshahi. British understood the significance of trade with India and were keen to establish their stronghold here, collaborating with Mughals for business. They started trading in Arms, ammunition in return getting tax exemptions and priority to do business in India.
So broadly speaking there was not a single Indian ethnic ruler with its independent empire, there were smaller states which paid tribute to larger kingdoms and dependent on them for their protection and well being always on their mercy.
A Nation which had existed for thousands of years had its pride in shambles, Hindu civilization was totally subjugated by turkic and other foregin powers. Vedic way of life was about to be extinct.
Last know major Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar was destroyed in 16th century by combined forces of 5 Islamic kingdoms.
It is at this adverse time a king a born, Chatrpatti Shivaji Maharaj 19 th Feb 1630 at the fort of Shivneri. His mother Jijabai instilled values of Independence, self rule and read him epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata from his Childhood.This value system had great influence on his policies. From his early days Shivaji Maharaj understood the intricacies of administration from his Father Shaji Raje Bhosle. Shahji Raje was famous General serving under Adilshahi Sultanate, he had territory of Pune under him which he developed and made revenue generating with his people management skills.
Shivaji Maharaj picked up these skills which will later assist him in establishing Hindavi Swarajya.Constantly fighting Guerrilla wars Shivaji Maharaj managed to establish his kingdom and got officially decorated as Chatrapati (rajyaabhishek) on 6th June 1674. Post which Shivaji Maharaj led a Major campaign in South capturing more than 300 forts right upto Jingee, south of Chennai. This fort will play very crucial role in future when Aurangzeb attacks Deccan and his forces are taking one fort after another. Jingee withstood the Mughal seige for 8 long yrs and re-enforced the Maratha resistance against Mughals..
Thus establishing Maratha Hindavi Swarajya, which translates to self rule of people. His policies towards farmers were very liberal and just unlike foregin rulers who exploited them at their will. He was an able administrator and nominated asta Pradhan, council of 8 ministers each having defined role.
He was military strategist and laid down principals of fort warfare which mentioned how fort should be constructed, what kind of rationing and military personnel are required to defend fort for 1 yrs time minimum.
He was aware of the threat from the seas hence he constructed a powerful Navy of nearly 700 ships and eliminated any threats from the sea.
On the whole, life of Maharaj Shivaji is a shining example of how an individual with his will power and determination can change the course of history and make entire Nation proud of his legacy.
I would request each one reading this article to pick a book called Challenging destiny and give it a read. I am sure his achievements would continue to inspire youths of India for centuries to come.
Keep Reading and growing Children..Diwali ki Shubhkamnaye.
Pratik Gupta.
Pune.
Pratik Gupta.
Pune.
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