Shivaji

Shivaji: A Maratha Warrior King

Shivaji I (1630-1680) was an Indian ruler and member of the Bhonsle dynasty, who carved out his own independent kingdom from the Sultanate of Bijapur. He is often referred to as the founder of the Maratha Empire, a title that echoes through history like the echo of a thunderous roar in the mountains.

Imagine a time when the land was divided and ruled by various sultanates, each vying for power and control. In this chaotic landscape, Shivaji emerged as a beacon of hope, carving out his own kingdom from the remnants of the Sultanate of Bijapur. His story is one of resilience, strategy, and unwavering determination.

Shivaji’s Rise to Power

Shivaji was born in the hill-fort of Shivneri near Junnar, into a Maratha family of the Bhonsle clan. His father, Shahaji Bhonsle, served as a general for various Deccan Sultanates, while his mother, Jijabai, came from a prominent family. This diverse background laid the foundation for Shivaji’s unique approach to governance and warfare.

Shivaji’s rise was not without its challenges. In 1636, the Sultanate of Bijapur invaded southern territories, prompting Shivaji to engage in conflict with them. His father, Shahaji, sought jagir land rewards but found his Mughal service unsuccessful. He joined Bijapur and obtained Poona as a grant. However, his relationship with his son became strained, leading to an ambivalent attitude towards Shivaji’s rebellious activities.

The Battle of Pratapgarh

One of the most significant events in Shivaji’s life was the Battle of Pratapgarh. In 1659, Afzal Khan was sent to arrest Shivaji after he desecrated holy sites for Hindu pilgrims. Shivaji retreated to Pratapgad fort and was besieged for two months. The physical struggle between Shivaji and Khan ended fatally for the latter, allowing Shivaji to signal his hidden troops to attack the Bijapuri army. This battle resulted in over 3,000 enemy deaths and several Maratha chiefs taken prisoner.

Shivaji’s victory at Pratapgarh was a turning point. It demonstrated his strategic brilliance and marked him as a formidable opponent for any ruler. The battle is often seen as the beginning of Shivaji’s rise to power, a moment when he transformed from a local chieftain into a king with a vision for an independent Maratha kingdom.

Shivaji’s Military Innovations

Shivaji was not just a warrior; he was a military innovator. He employed people of all castes and religions in his administration and armed forces, breaking down the rigid caste barriers that were prevalent at the time. His military forces expanded the Maratha sphere of influence, capturing forts and building a navy.

Shivaji’s strategy rested on leveraging his ground forces, naval forces, and series of forts across his territory. He captured important forts such as Rajgad, Torna, Kondhana (Sinhagad), and Purandar, and rebuilt or repaired many others. He built a total of 111-280 forts under three officers each, providing mutual checks and balances.

Shivaji began building his navy in 1657 or 1659, purchasing twenty galivats from the Portuguese shipyards. His fleet counted around 160 warships at its height, with crews recruited from lower-caste Hindus, Muslim mercenaries, and Portuguese sailors. This naval force allowed Shivaji to project power beyond his land borders, making him a formidable opponent for any ruler.

Shivaji’s Legacy

Shivaji’s legacy was not just in the territories he conquered but also in the principles he upheld. He maintained a small but effective standing army, using guerrilla tactics that perplexed and defeated opposing armies. Shivaji refused to confront the enemy in pitched battles, instead utilizing superior mobility and knowledge of local terrain to outmaneuver opponents.

Shivaji’s religious policies were often described as tolerant, allowing Muslims to practice without harassment and supporting their ministries with endowments. He urged Aurangzeb to respect Hindu beliefs and places, forming alliances with surrounding Muslim nations. This approach was a stark contrast to the Mughal Empire’s policies at the time.

Shivaji’s coronation in 1674 marked the official recognition of his rule as king. He was entitled Shakakarta, Chhatrapati, Haindava Dharmodhhaarak, and Kshatriya Kulavantas. This event was a significant milestone in Shivaji’s life, symbolizing his transition from a chieftain to a ruler with a legitimate claim to the throne.

Shivaji in Modern Times

In modern times, Shivaji is revered as a national hero, especially in Maharashtra. His story has been immortalized in literature and propaganda, forming an integral part of the upbringing and identity of the Marathi people. The Shiv Sena political party was formed to promote his interests, using his image in their campaigns.

Shivaji’s legacy continues to be a subject of debate among historians and scholars. While some see him as a divine figure or a hero of the shudras and dalits, others view him through the lens of Hindutva activism. The Shiv Sena has been particularly vocal in promoting his image, using it as a tool for political mobilization.

Statues of Shivaji are found across India and outside, including in San Jose, California, and Mauritius. Several Mumbai landmarks were renamed for him, and there have been other commemorations such as the Indian Navy’s INS Shivaji station and numerous postage stamps. In 2022, the Indian prime minister unveiled a new ensign of the Indian Navy inspired by the seal of Shivaji.

However, not all portrayals of Shivaji are without controversy. American academic James W. Laine published a book on Shivaji that led to attacks on research institutions and threats against the author. The Shiv Sena political party has also been accused of overstating the influence of Brahmin gurus on Shivaji.

The proposal for a giant memorial called Shiv Smarak was approved in 2016, but the project has been stalled since January 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Only the bathymetry survey has been completed, while the geotechnical survey was underway. The state public works department proposed extending the completion date by a year, from 18 October 2021 to 18 October 2022.

Shivaji’s story is one of resilience, strategy, and unwavering determination. He carved out his own kingdom in a chaotic landscape, breaking down rigid caste barriers and employing people of all religions in his administration and armed forces. His legacy continues to be a subject of debate among historians and scholars, but his impact on Indian history cannot be denied.