Today, as Maharashtra pays tribute to the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, we pay homage to not just a historical figure but to the symbol of Maratha valor and pride itself. He was born at Shivneri Fort on February 19th 1630. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was indeed a tale of fierce courage and far-sighted leadership who shaped the entire Maharashtra.
Early Life and Formation of the Maratha Empire:
Shivaji grew up on a diet of valor and love with a huge influence from his mother, Jijabai. At the young age of 16, he started his work for Swarajya, capturing Torna Fort in 1645 which is the moment the Maratha Empire rose. His guerrilla tactics and confrontation made him face off against and defeat some of India’s most formidable foes-the Mughal Empire.
छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज यांच्या जयंतीनिमित्त मी त्यांना अभिवादन करतो.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 19, 2025
त्यांच्या पराक्रमाने आणि दूरदर्शी नेतृत्वाने स्वराज्याची पायाभरणी केली, ज्यामुळे अनेक पिढ्यांना धैर्य आणि न्यायाची मूल्ये जपण्याची प्रेरणा मिळाली. ते आपल्याला एक बलशाली, आत्मनिर्भर आणि समृद्ध भारत घडवण्यासाठी… pic.twitter.com/zu0vLviiPf
Legacy & Enduring Inspiration:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy is beyond time, belonging to the ever-growing movement of justice, self-rule and cultural resurgence.
His ascent at the Raigarh fort was an announcement of Marathi kingship long before it was its rightful throne. His measures were liberal as the usage of Marathi and Sanskrit in administration was encouraged which instilled the pride of culture in people.
With a keen sense of the critical environmental security needs, he established an extensive naval system to provide security for the Konkan coast besides taking steps toward navy defense in India. His reign heralded the dawn of a new military strategy with guerrilla warfare.
He will remain a beacon of hope and power in our hearts with echoes of valor. He is the true soul of Maharashtra, alive and throbbing in each and every Maratha. The background of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is thus told today-a character of power and courage leaving a deep imprint in Maharashtra and the entire historical outlook of India.