Shivaji Maharaj Essay in English
Some people are remembered forever. The founder of Maratha Empire in India, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is one such personality. Shivaji is one of the Indian kings who has been acknowledged as the most worth and remarkable personality in Indian history.
Even today, after 350 years this influential king is the source of inspiration for many. He was the first person to invoke the feeling of autonomy in Maharashtra. He was the one to achieve the unbelievable dream of 'Swarajya' i.e. freedom.
Shivaji was born at Shivaneri fort near Pune. His father king Shahaji was a Jahagirdar. He was first in the service of Nizam of Ahmednagar for some period and then in Adilshah of Bijapur. Shivaji's mother Jijabai was a courageous and intelligent woman. She infused in Shivaji the burning love for his motherland in his childood.
His Guru, Dadoji Konddev was very strict. He taught him all the necessary skills required to be a successful leader. Jijabai and Dadoji Kondev were the real source of inspiration for Shivaji.
King Shahaji handed over the Jahagirdari of Pune Region to Shivaji at a very early stage and sent him to Pune along with Jijabai and Dadoji. Pune was a very small village at that time and was totally devastated by Muslim rulers. Jijabai re-established this village and efficiently set up the law and order of the region.
The stories of cruel acts of Muslim rulers had a great impact on Shivaji's mind. He decided to free his country and took oath at the age of sixteen at Torna fort. He invader Torna fort and thus lead the foundation of Swarajya.
He gave utmost impo..ance to law and order within his regime. He solved iocal disputes without any partiality. This raised the feeling of trustworthiness among the people. Shivaji was a brave and skillful warrior.
He always admired people and appreciated their qualities. The defeat of Afzal Khan and Shahiste Khan proves his incomparable war techniques. His release form Aurangezeb's prison from Agra proves his vision
intelligence and skills of handling situations. Shivaji became crowned king of Maharashtra in 1674 and made Raigad his capital. He started his own currency. He made Marathi as the main language of his kingdom. There were around three hundred forts in his kingdom.
Shivaji was a truthful, kind and generous leader. He was very proud of his Hindu religion but at the same time he was humble towards other religions. There were many Muslim soldiers and chiefs in his army.
He had a high regard for women. This fair, visionary, secular, and versatile king died at the age of fifty three. I wish he would be reborn to regain our lost glory. India is proud of him.