SIVAJI
: HISTORY
NEWS
: PM
Modi’s Apology For Shivaji Statue Collapse
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS ?
Statue
Collapse Incident
- Location: The incident occurred in
Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, which is known for its rich historical
significance related to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- Date: On August 26, 2024, a
35-foot-tall statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj collapsed, leading to
widespread attention and controversy.
- Statue Details: The
statue was a 35-foot-tall structure made of bronze. It was erected as a
tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s naval legacy and his significant
contribution to maritime defense during his reign. The statue symbolized
historical ties between Shivaji Maharaj's naval prowess and the modern
Indian Navy.
- Purpose: The statue was meant to
honor the Maratha Navy under Shivaji Maharaj, emphasizing his role in
establishing a strong naval force to protect the Maratha Empire from
sea-based threats. It also served as a symbol of pride for the people of
Maharashtra and their connection to Shivaji’s legacy.
- Cause of Collapse: The
statue's collapse was attributed to rusted nuts and bolts that compromised
its structural integrity. This was despite prior warnings about the
statue’s stability, which were reportedly ignored. The incident raised
concerns about the quality of construction and maintenance, leading to
allegations of corruption and negligence.
Political
Reactions
- PM Modi’s Apology:
Following the statue’s collapse, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited
Maharashtra and publicly apologized to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the
people of Maharashtra. This gesture was significant as it acknowledged the
cultural and emotional importance of Shivaji Maharaj to the people.
- Discussion of Veer Savarkar:
During his visit, PM Modi also discussed the contributions of Veer
Savarkar, a prominent freedom fighter from Maharashtra. He highlighted
Savarkar’s role in India’s independence movement and his influence on
modern Indian nationalism, further tying the incident to the broader
historical and cultural narrative of Maharashtra.
Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj: Key Historical Facts
- Birth: Shivaji Maharaj was born on
February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort, located near Pune in Maharashtra. He
was the son of Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general, and Jijabai.
- Early Military Achievements:
Shivaji’s military prowess became evident at a young age when he captured
the forts of Torna and Kondana in 1645, establishing his reputation as a
formidable leader.
- Important Battles:
Shivaji fought several significant battles, including:
- Battle of Pratapgad (1659):
Where he defeated Afzal Khan, a general of the Bijapur Sultanate.
- Battle of Pavan Khind (1660):
Where his commander Baji Prabhu Deshpande held off the forces of Siddi
Masud, allowing Shivaji to escape.
- Sacking of Surat (1664): A
raid on the Mughal port city, which demonstrated his strategic acumen.
- Battle of Purandar (1665): A
conflict with the Mughal Empire that led to the signing of the Treaty of
Purandar.
- Battle of Sinhagad (1670):
Where his commander Tanaji Malusare captured the fort of Sinhagad from
the Mughals.
- Battle of Sangamner (1679):
The last battle fought by Shivaji against the Mughal Empire.
- Battle of Kalyan (1682-83):
Where Bahadur Khan of the Mughal Empire defeated the Maratha forces.
- Conflict with Mughals:
Shivaji’s conflict with the Mughal Empire was marked by raids on Mughal
territories, including the raid on Ahmednagar in 1657, and the significant
capture of Surat in 1664. The Treaty of Purandar (1665) was a notable
event in this conflict, where Shivaji was forced to cede several forts to
the Mughals.
- Arrest and Escape: In
1666, Shivaji visited Agra to meet Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Insulted by
Aurangzeb, he and his son Sambhaji were placed under house arrest.
However, Shivaji managed to escape in a daring and cunning manner.
- Coronation and Title:
Shivaji was formally crowned as Chhatrapati on June 6, 1674, at Raigad
Fort. He took on several titles, including Chhatrapati (paramount
sovereign), Shakakarta (founder of an era), Kshatriya Kulavantas (head of
Kshatriyas), and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak (protector of Hindu dharma).
- Administration:
Shivaji established a robust administrative system that included:
- Central Administration:
Based on the Deccan model, with the king supported by an advisory council
called the ‘Ashtapradhan’.
- Revenue System: He
abolished the Jagirdari system, introduced the Ryotwari system, and
levied taxes such as Chauth (25% of revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (10%).
- Military Organization:
Shivaji created a disciplined army with specialized units in infantry,
cavalry, and navy. He paid soldiers in cash and granted land (jagirs) to
commanders.
- Death: Shivaji Maharaj passed away
on April 3, 1680, leaving behind a powerful legacy that continued to
influence the Maratha Empire and the broader Indian subcontinent.
Source
: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-does-not-forgive-anyone-uddhav-led-shiv-senas-sharp-attack-on-pm-modis-apology-over-shivaji-maharaj-statue-collapse/articleshow/112942749.cms