Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti: Nation celebrated the 392nd birth anniversary of the great Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on February 19, 2022.

Key Highlights:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is based on the Hindu calendar followed in Maharashtra.
• The day is, also referred to as Shiv Jayanti.
• Shivaji Jayanti is mainly a Maharashtrian holiday celebrated as a festival.
• The day is celebrated with much enthusiasm and pride.

Background:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti was started by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in 1870.
• Mahatma Jyotirao Phule discovered the tomb of Shivaji Maharaj on Raigad, which is around 100 km from Pune.
• The celebrations of Shivaji Jayanti were first inaugurated in Pune.

Some facts about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a great Hindu warrior.
• He was one of the bravest, progressive and sensible monarchs of India.
• He is known as the father of guerrilla warfare in India.
• He pioneered the ‘Ganimi Kava’ or ‘Shiva Sutra’ against the Mughals in 1645.
• He established the Maratha Empire during the 17th century and kindled the spirit of self-rule among Hindus whom foreign rulers were governing.
• He was instrumental in bringing the Maratha Chiefs of the Desh, Konkan, and Mayal regions together.
• Shivaji was probably the first king in the region to understand the importance of reigning supreme on the sea.
• His naval force played a major role in protecting important forts from several attacks.
• Shivaji’s forces expanded the Maratha Empire, capturing and building great forts.
• At 15, he persuaded Inayat Khan, the commander of Bijapuri to hand over the Torna Fort to him.
• He promoted regional languages like Marathi and Sanskrit in court and administration and ditched the usual language of his time, Persian.
• He was born to Shahaji Bhosale and Jijabai in 1630, in Shivneri Fort, near the city of Junnar in Pune district, Maharashtra.
• He was named after the local Goddess Shivai, who blessed his mother by fulfilling her prayers for a son.
• The coronation of Shivaji Maharaj as the Chhatrapati took place at the Raigad fort in 1674.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's role and contribution in Indian history make him a hero of the country.

Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti Quotes:

• Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother.
• Freedom is a boon, which everyone has the right to receive.
• Do not think of the enemy as weak, and then do not be too scared to feel too strong.
• Even if there were a sword in the hands of everyone, it is willpower that establishes a government.