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15. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: The Lion Who Founded Hindavi Swarajya
Chaitanya Girish Shivadey (9D)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is one of the greatest heroes
in Indian history and a symbol of courage, leadership, and
patriotism. He was born on 19 February 1630 at Shivneri Fort
near Junnar in Maharashtra. His father, Shahaji Raje Bhonsle,
was a brave Maratha general, and his mother, Jijabai, was a
strong, wise, and deeply religious woman. Jijabai, along with his
guru Samarth Ramdas, inspired young Shivaji by narrating
stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata and teaching him
the importance of protecting dharma and the motherland.
At the age of 16, Shivaji Maharaj captured his first fort—
Torna—in 1646. That same year, he took a historic oath with his
loyal companions at the Rohideshwar Temple to establish
Hindavi Swarajya, meaning “self-rule for the people of India.”
During that time, Maharashtra was largely controlled by the
Adilshahi of Bijapur and the Mughal Empire.
Shivaji Maharaj became famous for his clever and
powerful guerrilla warfare techniques, known as Ganimi Kava.
He used the hills, forests, and narrow paths of the Sahyadri
mountains to launch sudden attacks, confuse the enemy, and
disappear safely. Some of his most famous victories include:
Battle of Pratapgad (1659): Shivaji Maharaj killed the mighty
general Afzal Khan of Bijapur using the weapon known as Wagh
Nakh (tiger claws).
Attack on Shaista Khan (1663): He fearlessly entered the
Mughal general’s camp in Pune at night and forced Shaista Khan
to flee after losing his fingers.
Sack of Surat (1664 & 1670): He raided the rich Mughal port
city and used the wealth to strengthen his army and
administration.
Battle of Sinhagad (1670): His valiant commander Tanhaji
Malusare captured the fort but sacrificed his life. At this
moment, Shivaji Maharaj emotionally said,“The fort is won, but
the lion is gone.”
On 6 June 1674, Shivaji Maharaj was crowned
Chhatrapati (Supreme King) at Raigad Fort with grand Hindu
rituals. This coronation marked the revival of an independent
Hindu kingdom after centuries of foreign rule.
Shivaji Maharaj excelled not only as a warrior but also as
an administrator. He established the Ashta Pradhan Mandal, a
council of eight ministers, to govern the kingdom efficiently. He
strengthened the navy and built strong sea forts like Sindhudurg
and Vijaydurg, earning him the title “Father of the Indian Navy.”
He encouraged the use of Marathi and Sanskrit in official work
instead of Persian, and he treated farmers and common people
with great fairness.
Shivaji Maharaj respected all religions. Many Muslims
served in high positions in his army and navy. He never
destroyed mosques and protected women and innocent
civilians, even during war. His rule was based on justice,
equality, and humanity.