10 Unknown Facts About Shivaji Maharaj You

Must Know
History & Culture

"Never bend your head, always hold it high."

Shivaji Bhonsle, popularly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was one of the most progressive and sensible
rulers in the history of our country. This Indian warrior king with the help of well structured administrative
organisation and military established a liberal civil rule. The stories of his bravery and victories are countless.

Coming on to Shivaji Maharaj's family tree, he was the first Chhatrapati and founder of Maratha Empire. Ekoji
was his younger brother, son of Shahaji Raje Bhosale and Tukabai. He discovered Maratha Empire in Thanjavur.
Sambhaji Shahaji Bhosale was the elder brother of Shivaji Maharaj. His mother was Jijabai. Shivaji married
Saibai who gave birth to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. He was the second ruler of the Maratha Empire.
Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj was his second son; his mother was Soyarabai. He was the third emperor of the
Maratha kingdom. Shivaji's other children were Sakhubai, Ranubai, Ambikabai, Deepabai, Rajkunvarbai and
Kamlabai. Chhatrapati Shivaji II, fourth ruler of the Empire, he was the son of Rajaram Maharaj and Rani Tarabai.
Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj became the fifth Chhatrapati of Maratha Empire. He was the son of Sambhaji
Maharaj and Yesubai.

His words make us admire him even more. Here I've compiled some of the Shivaji Maharaj's photos and a few
unknown facts about the greatest Maratha ruler. Have a look!

1. Shivaji Maharaj's story behind the name.

 According to A Social History of India, Shivaji got his name after the Goddess Shivai and not from Lord
Shiva. He gained the importance and reputation of God, for his deeds and not by the name. Shivaji's photo is of
the Raigad Fort.Talking about Shivaji Maharaj's story, he was born near the city of Junnar in Pune district, in the
hill-fort of Shivneri, on 6 April 1627 or 19, Feb 1630 but the Maharashtra government considered 19 Feb 1630 as
his birth date. Shivaji was named after the goddess, Shivai to whom his mother, Jijabai had prayed for a healthy
child. His father, Shahaji Bhonsle was a Maratha general.

2. A secular leader!
Shivaji encouraged freedom of religion and opposed forced conversions. Surprisingly, he was extremely secular
and easily adapted all the religions. Being a king of Hindu origin, he had many Muslims in his army.

"Verily, Islam and Hinduism are terms of Contrast. They are used by the true Divine Painter for
blending the colours and fillings in the outlines. If it is a mosque, the call to prayer is chanted
in remembrance of Him. If it is a temple, the bells are rung in yearning for HIM alone." - Shivaji
Maharaj

A quote that shows he was truly a secular leader.

Fact source.

3. Shivaji promoted all the positive aspects of Hinduism.

 King Shivaji was always there to help people who wanted to convert to Hinduism. In fact, he married his own
daughter to a converted Hindu.A king like Shivaji will always live in our hearts. Throughout his life, religious
teachings had a great impact on him. His courageous acts and sayings have inspired millions. He was extremely
merciful towards those who surrendered and welcomed them into his army.

4. Shivaji assisted Aurangzeb.

 According to Learning and Creativity, Shivaji helped Aurangzeb in conquering Bijapur. Things boomeranged
because two of his officers raided the Mughal emperor in the Ahmednagar.

"If a tree which is not a highly elevated living entity, can be so tolerant and merciful to give
sweet mangoes even when hit by anyone; Being a King, should I not be more merciful and
tolerant than the trees? "

5. He converted his army of 2000 men into 10,000 soldiers.

According to Drakenn, when Shivaji's father left the throne, he just had 2000 men in the army. Through his
intelligence and skills, he developed a good army. He also excelled in warfare strategies. He was practical, and
his tactics helped his troops to win the battle. In fact, he participated in the wars.

"Even if there were swords in the hands of everyone, it is willpower that establishes a
government."

6. Shivaji was a perfect Military Strategist.

According to Cornered Zone, he was smart enough to protect his kingdom from foreign invaders. He built naval
forts to protect the coastlines. Also, he always encouraged his troops to fight for the country and not for any
particular king. His goal was to establish an independent kingdom in the country.

7. Maharaja defeated Afzal Khan.

 According to a blog post, Shivaji defeated Afzal Khan in a one-on-one battle. Afzal Khan was much superior to
Shivaji in size and strength. They met in a hut and were allowedto carry a single sword. As stated earlier, he was
intelligent, and he knew that he would be attacked, so he wore a covering inside to protect his body which
stopped Khan's dagger.

8. Shivaji supported women.

 According to Hindu History, Shivaji stood for the honour and pride of women. He made sure that the crimes
againstwomen are severelytaken care, and the criminals are punished. In his kingdom, nobody was allowed to
dishonour women.

His one of the famous sayings,"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother."

9. Shivaji Maharaj death reason

At the age of 52, Shivaji fell ill with fever and dysentery. Though, he was titled-tattled to have died because of his
second wife who had poisoned him so that the crown may pass on to her son. The other reason was that he had
died of a curse from Jan Muhammad of Jalna.

10. Shivaji was extremely kind hearted.

According to India Today In Education, he never allowed his army to attack at households and religious places.
He did not give personal weapons to his military so that they are not misused. He was very considerate and
humble towards local people. All that which waslooted from the enemies was used for military's welfare.