CHHATRAPATI SIVAJI: HISTORY
NEWS: The radical and enduring legacy of Shivaji
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a visionary Maratha ruler, established an independent Hindu kingdom through military skill, administrative reforms, and religious tolerance. He challenged Mughal and Bijapur dominance, promoted Marathi culture, and laid the foundation for the powerful Maratha Empire before his death in 1680.
1. Birth and Early Life
• Shivaji was born on February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort, near Junnar in present-day Maharashtra.
• His father, Shahaji Bhonsle, was a high-ranking general in the service of the Bijapur Sultanate.
• His mother, Jijabai, was deeply religious and had a strong influence on Shivaji’s moral and spiritual development. She instilled in him a deep sense of pride in Hindu traditions and Maratha heritage.
• He was educated and trained in warfare, statecraft, and administration under the guidance of Dadoji Kondadev, a trusted administrator of Shahaji.
2. Initial Military Activities and Foundation of Maratha Rule
• At the age of 16, Shivaji captured Torna Fort in 1645, which marked the beginning of his campaign to establish Maratha sovereignty.
• He soon captured Rajgad, which became his first capital, and continued to take strategic forts like Purandar, Kondana (later Sinhagad), and Supé.
• These victories laid the foundation for Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule of Hindus), Shivaji’s core vision.
3. Guerrilla Warfare and Military Innovation
• Shivaji revolutionized Indian warfare with his use of guerrilla tactics or Ganimi Kava—surprise attacks, swift movement, and deep knowledge of terrain.
• He maintained a highly disciplined army consisting of cavalry and infantry. The cavalry was divided into light and heavy horse units and was trained for mobility and hit-and-run tactics.
• Infantry (Paidal) played a critical role, especially in mountainous regions and fort sieges. The Malvi foot soldiers were known for their endurance and effectiveness.
4. Struggle with Bijapur Sultanate
• Shahaji, Shivaji’s father, was a general in the Bijapur Sultanate, which was ruled by Mohammed Adil Shah.
• Shivaji’s rapid conquest of forts in the Pune region worried the Sultan, who ordered the arrest of Shahaji in 1648 to restrain Shivaji.
• Shahaji was released under the condition that Shivaji stop expanding his territories, but Shivaji resumed military campaigns after Shahaji’s death in 1665.
5. Battle of Pratapgad (1659)
• Fought against Afzal Khan, a seasoned general of the Bijapur Sultanate.
• Shivaji used diplomacy and planning—he killed Afzal Khan during a meeting using a concealed weapon called wagh nakh (tiger claws).
• The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Marathas and boosted Shivaji's reputation as a tactical genius.
6. Conflict with the Mughal Empire
• The Mughals under Aurangzeb viewed Shivaji as a threat to their authority in the Deccan.
• In 1665, Shivaji signed the Treaty of Purandar with Mughal commander Raja Jai Singh of Amber, surrendering 23 of his forts but retaining 12.
• In 1666, Shivaji visited Agra and was imprisoned by Aurangzeb but managed a brilliant escape using disguises and trickery.
• His son Sambhaji Bhonsle was briefly held as a political prisoner and later became a Mansabdar (military commander) under the Mughals.
7. Relations with the English
• Shivaji initially maintained peaceful relations with the English East India Company.
• However, when the English supported Bijapur in the siege of Panhala Fort (1660) and refused to sell him war materials, Shivaji retaliated by attacking their factories in Bombay (1670).
8. Coronation and Formation of the Maratha Empire
• Shivaji was crowned as Chhatrapati (Sovereign King) on June 6, 1674, at Raigad Fort in a grand Hindu ritual.
• He assumed the titles Shakakarta (founder of an era), Kshatriya Kulavantas (head of warrior lineage), and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak (protector of Hindu dharma).
• Post-coronation, he expanded his empire across parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
9. Naval Policy and Fortification
• Recognizing the strategic importance of the Konkan coast, Shivaji built a strong navy, a pioneering step in Indian history.
• He constructed or seized several coastal forts, including Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, and Jaigarh.
• He purchased 20 armed galivats (small warships) from Portuguese shipyards in Bassein.
• Sindhudurg Fort became the headquarters of the Maratha Navy.
10. Administrative System (Ashtapradhan Mandal)
• Shivaji was assisted by a council of eight ministers:
1. Peshwa (Prime Minister): Handled general administration and represented the king.
2. Majumdar (Auditor): In charge of finances and revenue.
3. Panditrao (Religious Head): Oversaw spiritual and religious affairs.
4. Dabir (Foreign Secretary): Advised on diplomacy and foreign policy.
5. Senapati (Commander-in-Chief): Head of military operations.
6. Nyayadhish (Chief Justice): Responsible for judicial matters.
7. Mantri (Chronicler): Maintained daily records of the king’s activities.
8. Sachiv (Superintendent): Managed royal correspondence.
• Except Panditrao and Nyayadhish, all ministers held military roles as well.
11. Revenue Reforms and Taxation
• Abolished the Vatandari system, where local landlords (vatandars) held hereditary rights and controlled revenue collection.
• Implemented the Ryotwari system, under which cultivators paid revenue directly to the state, ensuring better control.
• Introduced Chauth (25% of revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (10% extra tribute) as part of the Maratha tax system.
12. Religious Policy
• Though a devout Hindu, Shivaji was tolerant of other religions.
• He did not persecute Muslims, and many Muslim officers held high posts in his army and administration.
• Protected mosques and Sufi shrines and ensured no harassment of non-Hindus under his rule.
13. Art, Language, and Cultural Contributions
• Promoted the use of Marathi and Sanskrit in administration, replacing Persian.
• Commissioned the creation of the Rajavyavaharakosa (1677), a thesaurus of administrative terms in Sanskrit and Marathi.
• His royal seal (Rajmudra) was in Sanskrit, emphasizing Indian sovereignty and cultural pride.
14. Social and Economic Reforms
• Banned slavery under his jurisdiction by issuing a charter to the Dutch.
• Took measures to empower cultivators, curb exploitation, and increase agricultural productivity.
• Strengthened the trade network and built inland and maritime trade routes.
15. Forts and Defense Strategy
• Shivaji strategically built or captured over 300 forts.
• Important forts: Raigad (capital), Rajgad, Pratapgad, Sinhagad, Sindhudurg.
• Each fort had a distinct function—some served as administrative centers, others as military outposts.
16. Patronage of Saints and Philosophers
• Shivaji was inspired by Samarth Ramdas, a spiritual leader and philosopher.
• Encouraged Bhakti movement ideals and supported scholars and poets in his court.
17. Death and Legacy
• Died on April 3, 1680, at Raigad Fort, aged 50.
• Left behind a strong, centralized, and independent Maratha state.
• His legacy continued through his son Sambhaji, and later through the Peshwas.
• Revered as a national hero who fought for Swarajya (self-rule) and Indian pride.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/books/the-radical-and-enduring-legacy-of-shivaji/article69399899.ece