Vishwa Thacker – Mumbai Uncensored, 19th February 2022
An epitome of courage, fearlessness and valour, Chatrapati Shivaji was no ordinary king. Born on 19th February 1630 in Shivneri Durg to Jijabai and Shahji Bhonsle, he was one of the bravest and fiercest kings that India has ever had. Today, the nation is commemorating his 392nd Jayanti.
Young Shivaji
In his young years, he curiously spent his days observing and absorbing. At a very young age of 16 years, Shivaji captured the Torna fort of Pune, Maharashtra, making it one of the first forts under the Maratha empire. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj renamed the fort ‘ ‘Prachandagad’ and reconstructed it.
The very next year, 17-year-old Shivaji gained power in Raigad, Kondana, Chakan and Purandhar forts. He brought Indapur, Baramati and Supa under his control.
He formed Raigad fort, which was his capital for more than a decade.
Mughals feared him
Mughal king Aurangzeb always saw Shivaji as a threat. In a battle, Shivaji lost and was driven out of Pune. Instead of accepting defeat, he fought Khan and regained power. In a few years, he regained all his forts.
In the span of several years, he fought numerous battles with Aurangzeb. Once, Aurangzeb managed to capture him but was outsmarted as he already had an escape plan.
He fought lifelong battles against foreign powers and invaders and never bowed down before them. In his lifetime, apart from building several of his own forts, he even acquired many.
Death and succession
At the age of 50, Shivaji lost his life between 3 to 5 April 1680. British records state that Shivaji died of bloody flux being sick for 12 days, however, many historians disagree. On 21 April 1680, 10-year-old Rajaram was crowned.
Importance of his Jayanti in Maharashtra
Almost 300 statues of Shivaji can be found across Maharashtra, his face full of valour, not to mention innumerable posters and public images. The original inspiration lies in the Shri Shivaji Preparatory Military School (SSPMS) from where the first-ever statue is placed. The day is celebrated state-wide with great enthusiasm. It also observes a public holiday every year.
