The article commemorates the annual celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, which falls on 19th February. This day is significant because it marks the birth of one of India’s most outstanding warriors and administrators, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Known for his bravery, warfare strategies, and administrative abilities, Shivaji Maharaj played an important role in carving out a new kingdom from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur. This eventually led to the formation of the Maratha Kingdom.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Early Life and Birth
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born on 19th February, 1630, at Shivneri Fort located in Pune District, which is now part of Maharashtra. His parents were Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general who held the jagirs of Pune and Supe under the Bijapur Sultanate, and Jijabai, a pious woman whose spiritual inclination profoundly influenced him.
He showed his knack for military strategizing and success from a tender age. By 1645, he had seized control of the Torna Fort, then under the Bijapur Sultanate, and later also capturing Kondana Fort, showing his tactical prowess.
Significant Battles Shaping Shivaji Maharaj’s Reign
Throughout his reign, Shivaji Maharaj participated in several notable battles. These included the Battle of Pratapgad (1659), Battle of Pavan Khind (1660), Sacking of Surat (1664), Battle of Purandar (1665), Battle of Sinhagad (1670), Battle of Kalyan (1682-83) and Battle of Sangamner (1679). This final battle was noteworthy as it was the last battle in which Shivaji participated.
Encounters with the Mughals
Shivaji Maharaj’s reign was marked by persistent conflict with the Mughals. He consistently raided Mughal territories, especially around Ahmednagar and Junnar in 1657. However, a string of confrontations led to a temporary peace agreement, the Treaty of Purandar, signed in June 1665 between Shivaji and Raja Jai Singh I, representing Aurangzeb.
Arrest and Escape from Agra
During a meeting with the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1666, Shivaji felt insulted and left abruptly. This resulted in his arrest and imprisonment along with his son Sambhaji. However, they managed to escape from Agra in disguise, an incident that has since become legendary.
Shivaji’s Titles and Kingdom Expansion
Following his bold actions and strategic victories, Shivaji adopted several titles, including Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas and Haindava Dharma Dharak. His kingdom expanded over time, eventually becoming a dominant Indian power in the early 18th century. He passed away in Raigad in 1680 and was cremated at the Raigad Fort.
Administration under Shivaji Maharaj’s Reign
Shivaji Maharaj established a centralized administration system inspired by the Deccan style of administration. A group of eight ministers, known as the ‘Ashtapradhan’, supported him in governance.
He introduced significant reforms in revenue administration. He replaced the existing Jagirdari System with the Ryotwari System, along with implementing changes in the positions of hereditary revenue officials such as Deshmukhs, Deshpande, Patils, and Kulkarnis. Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were other primary income sources.
In terms of military administration, Shivaji structured a disciplined and efficient army. The soldiers received cash payments, while the chief and military commanders were paid through jagir grants.
