Chhatrapati Shivaji : The king of common man who sowed the seed of Hindavi Swarajya in every indian mind

Mumbai, February 19: A Man, born 388 years ago on the hill fort of Shivneri but still rules the minds of people who laid the foundation of Maratha Empire with his courage, bravery and unique military tactics. Even a child will recall his name as he is the true glory of our rich history, his stories of bravery makes everyone brave; he is none other but our Great Maratha Warrior King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Shivaji was extremely devoted to his mother Jijabai, who was deeply religious. This religious environment had a great impact on Shivaji, and he carefully studied the two great Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata; these were to influence his lifelong defense of Hindu values. Throughout his life, he was deeply interested in religious teachings, and regularly sought the company of Hindu and Sufi saints. Around 1645–46, the teenage Shivaji first expressed his concept for Hindavi Swarajya, in a letter to Dadaji Naras Prabhu.

At the age of fifteen Shivaji bribed or persuaded the Bijapuri commander of the Torna Fort, Inayat Khan, to hand over the possession of the fort to him. From the year 1645 till his last breath he gave his soul to fight against the Adilshahi rule and the Mughals. Shivaji is known for his unique intelligence that had around 240 forts under his kingdom.

He is also known for the historic meeting between him and Afzal Khan at Pratapgadh. He killed the tall and giant Afzal Khan with his bagh nakh (metal "tiger claw") wore on his left arm.

Everyone is aware of his history but here are some unknown things about Shivaji. First of all Shivaji Maharaj were of secular thoughts, at the time when each and every kingdom were stuck in the religious knots, he was free from this and welcomed all the religions with respects and also even had Muslims in his military ranks as well because he fought against the kingdom not against the religion. He knew that to protect India from foreign invaders, a naval fleet was required. Not many other kings had thought of this. But he formed a resolute Maratha navy. Unlike many other rulers of the land, no one under his rule was allowed to dishonor women. Women of captured territories were left unharmed.

He did not give personal weapons & horses to troops. They were provided the same by the government so that they weren't misused. All that was looted from enemy cities was properly accounted for in the treasury. If ration was short, he asked his troops to buy more rather than harassing the locals. He was extremely merciful to those who surrendered and would welcome them into his own army.