5 things that every Indian should learn from Shivaji Maharaj
- January 16, 2019
- By Shantanu Paranjape
- 0 Comments
Chatrapati Shivaji was an Indian
Hindu king and the person who established Hindu Swarajya when Mughals and
Adilshahi sultanate was having a command over the majority part of the country.
He was born in 1630 at Shivneri fort. During his short life span of 50 years he
captured a sizable area of Maharashtra and declared himself as a king in 1674
at Raigad. During the course of his life he fought with many other dynasties
like Mughal Empire, Adil Shahi Empire, the Sidds, the British, the Portuguese
etc. At many times with his extraordinary negotiation skills and his tremendous
courage, he managed to pass those tricky situations. He was a man with ethics
and character. He always had a huge respect for women and he also ensured that
people in his kingdom would also do the same.
Chatrapati Shivaji was a proud
Hindu king and he mentioned this at many times through his letters sent to many
of his officials as well as to hindu sardars in Mughal empires. He always
wanted to create a Hindu Swarajya. He established
a competent and progressive civil rule with well-structured administrative organizations.
He revived ancient Hindu political traditions and court conventions and
promoted the usage of Marathi and Sanskrit, rather than Persian, in court and administration.
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In 1672 ,Manucci asked meer Mohammad to draw portraits of kings in India. The above painting is one of those. Currently the same is in Paris |
Today Chatrapati
Shivaji is considered as a national hero in Maharashtra and arguably he
has been the greatest historical figure of the state till now. Many books have
been written on him till now by Marathi author, English author as well as many
people at the time of Shivaji also described him in their letters, travel books
etc. Undoubtedly, Shivaji is the greatest inspiration to many people in
Maharashtra due to his many qualities. Though there are number of qualities of
Shivaji to be shared but here are 5 importance qualities/things that every
person in India should learn from him or try to inculcate those within
themselves to be a better person.
(This will go
little bit from management point of view)
1. Leadership -
It is very difficult to manage people from various background for a good number
of years and taking them together with you and build an Empire. Shivaji did the
same for almost 40 years and was successful in creating a Hindu swarajya.
2. Respecting women - Right now this
is the most important thing we should learn from him if we look at the rising
number of rapes in our country. Shivaji was very strict about respecting women
and he expected all people from his kingdom to do the same. Those who tried to
misbehave, Shivaji ensured that the got the proper punishment.
3. Visionary - This is also a
most important quality of Shivaji Maharaj that we should learn. He was a very
visionary person. If we take an example of this, during the later period of his
life, he captured fort Jinji from the southern part of India which helped King Rajarama
when Aurangzeb started his conquest in Maharashtra.
4. Respect his religion, language
and god - Shivaji was very proud about his religion and his mother
language. One of British commander mentioned about Shivaji in his letter as a
'Commander of Hindu Forces'. He always tried to have Hindu Kingdom. After his
coronation ceremony he ordered one of His Pandits to prepare 'Rajyavyavahar
Kosh' which will give Sanskrit alternative to many Farsi words used in the official
letters. This was his attempt to save the Marathi Language. After Shivaji, only
veer savarkar did the same few hundred years later.
5. Fair treatment to everyone
- Shivaji gave fair and equal treatment to every single person in
his kingdom. He never discriminated anyone on the basis of his cast,
financial position. He ensured that those who had a quality get the
benefit.
There are many other things also
which we can learn from his life and his work. Due to all his qualities he will
always remain an inspiration for all of us whether young or not.
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From the collection of Dutch officer franswa wellington |
Name: Shivaji Shahaji Bhonsle
Date of Birth: February 19, 1630
Birthplace: Shivneri Fort, Pune district, Maharashtra
Parents: Shahaji Bhonsle (Father) and Jijabai (Mother)
Main Events: Battle of Pratapgad, Visit to Delhi, Loot of Surat, Conquest in southern India, Siege of Panhala
Spouse: Saibai, Soyarabai, Putalabai, Sakvarbai
Children: Sambhaji, Rajaram, Sakhubai
Death: April 3, 1680
© 2018, Shantanu Paranjape
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