Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birth anniversary

Why in the news?

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birth anniversary is celebrated every year on 19 February
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birth anniversary is celebrated on two dates-
  • According to the Gregorian calendar - 19 February
  • According to the Hindu calendar - Falgun Krishna Paksha Tritiya

In Maharashtra, there is a practice of celebrating the birth anniversary according to the Hindu calendar, while at the government level this festival is celebrated on 19 February.

Biography of Shivaji Maharaj:

• Birth: 19 February 1630 (Shivneri Fort, Pune)
• Father: Shahaji Bhosale
• Mother: Jijabai
• Guru: Sant Ramdas
• Coronation: 6 June 1674 (Raigad Fort)
• Death: 3 April 1680

Contribution of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

Establishment of Swarajya:

• Shivaji Maharaj resolved to establish "Hindavi Swarajya" and made it a reality.
• He established an independent Maratha empire by fighting the Mughals, Adilshahi, Qutubshahi and other external invaders.

Military achievements:

• Victory over Torna Fort: At the age of 16, he took control of Torna Fort.
• Treaty of Purandar: Under this treaty with the Mughals, he had to hand over many of his forts to the Mughals, but with his wisdom he later won those forts back.
• Attack on Surat: By attacking the prosperous city of the Mughals, Surat, twice, he weakened the economic power of the Mughals.

Guerilla Warfare Policy (Ganimi Kava):

• He adopted the guerilla war policy, breaking away from the traditional war system.
• He would attack the enemy swiftly and immediately return to a safe place, causing heavy damage to the enemy.

Establishment of Navy:

• The credit for creating the first organized navy in India goes to Shivaji Maharaj.
• He built sea forts and protected them from foreign attackers.

Religious tolerance and social justice:

• Shivaji Maharaj respected all religions.
• He rose above caste and creed and gave equal opportunities to everyone. • Every class got security and justice under his rule.

Administrative reforms:

• Created an organized administrative system.
• Improved the tax system and removed unjust taxes on farmers.
• Strengthened the judicial system.

Some famous sayings of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

• First the nation, then the Guru, then the parents, then God.
• When the spirits are high, even a mountain seems like a pile of soil.
• Freedom is a blessing, which everyone has the right to get.
• Do not consider the enemy to be weak, nor should you be afraid of him thinking him to be very strong.
• The person who remains engaged in his work with full intensity even in the vicious cycle of time, time itself changes for him.