1. The name Maharashtra means the 'The Great State' or 'Great Nation'. The name
is said to have been originated probably from 'rathi' which means 'Chariot driver',
referring to drivers and builders of chariots who were known as 'maharathis' or
'Fighting Force'. Maharashtra gets its name aptly, because it is the largest states in
India, both in terms of area as well as population. Maharashtra spans 308000 km²
with a population over 78,937,000 and the state language being Marathi.
Maharashtra - The great Land. As the name itself suggests, Maharashtra is
diverse in its riches. It has been reflected through its, forts, caves, palaces known
for its rich history, its Saints, philosophers, music, handicrafts and its festivals with
all their colourful rituals and traditions, all of which amalgamate together to give a
true reflection of Maharashtrian Culture.
Celebration : Birthday of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Falls on : 19th January
On February 19th, the birthday of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated on a
grand scale in Maharashtra. Shivaji was born at the Shivneri fort on February 19th,
1630. He was a great leader and the creator of the Maratha nation.
He united the Maratha chiefs from Maval, Konkan and Desh regions for a higher
purpose - the promotion of Maharashtra Dharma - and carved out a small kingdom
by defeating the alien powers. He stabilised the state with effective civil and
military administration and adopted a policy of religious tolerance to accommodate
all religions and sects in his state.
Shivaji was not only the maker of the Maratha nation, but also the greatest
constructive genius of medieval India. States fall, empires break up, dynasties
become extinct, but the memory of a true 'hero as King' like Shivaji remains an
imperishable historical legacy for an entire human race. His dazzling victories and
ever-ready smile made him the idol of his soldiers. A royal gift of judging
character was one of the main causes of his success.

2. 1)Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Founder of Hindavi Swarajya
Birth: 19 Feb 1630
Samarth Ramdas, who lived in the times of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,
described this personality in a verse composed of only adjectives as follows:
Nishchayacha Mahameru, Bahutajanansi aadharu, Akhandasthiticha Nirdharu,
Shrimant Yogi...
...Ya bhumandalache thai, Dharma rakshi eisa nahi Maharashtra dharma rahila
kahi tumha karani.
(The pinnacle of determination, protector of people, resolute in intent, wealthy yet
detached from his opulence......There is no other on this earth, who has protected
any people; It is because of you that the culture of Maharashtra survived)
This poem, considered to be a literary masterpiece, brings out the different
dimensions and the noble character of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as an ideal,
determined, brave, courageous and kind King, in words that are powerfully rich
and deeply meaningful. It also describes the achievements of this revolutionary
personality in laying the foundation of the Hindavi Swarajya, in
which Samarth Ramdas himself played an important role.
For nearly 300 years, the Mughal kings - the throne of Delhi, Adilshah, Nizam and
Qutubshah, ruled over the land mass that is today known as Maharashtra. This
foreign rule was exploitative and torturous and left people helpless against the
atrocities that the rulers committed against them. Women and children, the fields
and crops and homes were not safe in the hands of these rulers who would descend
anytime and loot the populace.
It was in this period of subjugation and suppression, in times when freedom was
hard to imagine, that a young Shivaji retaliated against this foreign rule, declared
independence and proclaimed himself the King of the land.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born the son of Shahaji Raje Bhosale and Jijau on
the third day of the Hindu month of Phalgun in the Hindu year 1551, on the fort of
Shivneri in Junnar taluka of Pune district (Ref: Shree Raja ShivChhatrapati,
Gajanan Mehendale, Diamond Publications).

3. In the absence of his father who was the Jagirdar of the Bangalore region in
Karnataka, the young Shivaji was brought up under the watchful eye and tutelage
of his mother. She told him stories from Ramayan and Mahabharat and kindled the
flame of freedom in the young Shivba. She taught him politics and religion, at the
same time trained him in the art of fighting by wielding the stick and dandpatta (a
kind of sword with protective armour for the arm). Shivba became a skilled
swordsman and a horse rider too. In this way, young Shivaji was well-prepared and
groomed for the mission ahead.
Jijabai took charge of the Pune Jagir after Murar Jagdev rendered it useless for
human habitation (ploughed it with a donkey and destroyed the crops and fields).
Jijabai used a golden plough to bring the people of Pune together and re-establish
the city. During this time, Shivaji came in contact with twelve Mavale (youth from
the Maval area in Pune, those who are fighters) in connection with the
administration of the Jagir. These were his first friends, who were to become his
allies in the freedom struggle. His leadership skills too came to the fore during this
time. He punished a village head by ordering his hands and legs to be cut off when
he misbehaved with a woman. Thus, the young Shivaji proved himself to be a fair
and just ruler and a capable leader of the independent State. At the age of sixteen,
with the Lord Shiva at the Rayreshwar temple as his witness, he took the oath to
make Maharashtra independent by cutting himself and offering the shrine his own
blood. His close friends accompanied him on this occasion. Then followed the
acquisition of the Torna and Purandar forts and the defeat of FatehKhan, all
rengthening his confidence in himself and his commitment to his mission. Yet, his
real test came when Shahaji Raje was arrested. The enemy of your enemy is your
friend: by following this rule, he proved his mettle as an able politician and
strategist and used his friendship with the Badshah of Delhi to pressurize Adilshah
to secure his father‟s release.
Soon after, calamity stuck Maharashtra in the form of AfzalKhan. He burned many
villages, destroyed many temples and spread terror among the populace. Without
dithering, Shivaji Maharaj decided to face him squarely. Shivaji Maharaj‟s meeting
with AfzalKhan at the foot of the Pratapgarh fort made history. In this meeting,
Maharaj killed AfzalKhan with tiger claws while pretending to greet AfzalKhan
warmly in an embrace. Maharaj had prepared himself for this meeting in minute
details. He knew his own height and weight and also that of AfzalKhan‟s, and had
carefully selected his clothes for the occasion. He had also drafted a plan to defeat
AfzalKhan‟s army if the mission to kill AfzalKhan in the meeting was successful.
There was also a counter-plan to fall back on in case the mission failed and

4. Maharaj himself was killed. Maharaj also personally selected the people who
accompanied him on this mission.
This crisis brought home the realisation of the responsibility he held as the
guardian of Swarajya. The bravery and sacrifices of Kanhoji Jedhe and other
Maratha soldiers brought about a feeling of gratitude, furthering his feeling of
responsibility.
Historians and scholars appreciate Maharaj‟s cunning resourcefulness in
engineering this defeat of AfzalKhan.
Shivaji Maharaj had extended the boundaries of his kingdom from Tungabhadra in
the south to the Satpuda mountain ranges in the north. During war times, he never
troubled or terrorized the people and the Maratha soldiers never harassed any
woman. He always advocated ideal goals, norms and values for his soldiers, thus
succeeding in maintaining the moral of his army.
While Maharaj was building his army, responding to outside attacks and acquiring
new territory, he was also setting up a sound administration and initiating many
constructive projects. He centralized the salaries of the armies, initiated the system
of transfers of the administering officers, set up a system to collect land revenue
based on the geographical area and introduced the policy to waive revenue
collection in times of natural calamities. He introduced the system of working for
six months in the army and farming for six months, giving his soldiers an
opportunity to serve the country and earn a living. This gave the people financial
and social security, thus strengthening their belief in Swarajya.
Thousands of Mavale like Suryaji Kakade, Waghoji Tupe, Baji Pasalkar, Murarbaji
Deshpande, Bajiprabhu Deshpande, Tanaji Malusare, Prataprao Gujar, Netaji
Palkar and Bahirji Naik laid down their lives for the dream of Hindavi Swarajya.
Their high motivation and patriotism, together with modern weaponry, fast steeds
and the establishment of an armada to guard against the attacks from the Arabs,
Abyssinians, Siddi and the Portuguese – all contributed to the creation of
Swarajya. Shivaji Maharaj studied the enemy carefully and took advantage of the
its weakness to defeat him. He used guerrilla warfare and the elements of speed
and surprise to defeat the likes of DilerKhan, ShaisteKhan, AfzalKhan thus
protecting his people against every attack made on the land.
Soon, the boundaries of Swarajya extended far and wide. The enthronement of
Shivaji to give legitimacy to this kingdom became imperative. Thus, Shivaji
Maharaj was coronated Chhatrapati at the hands of Kashi‟s Gagabhatta, in the

5. Hindu month of Jyeshtha in the year 1674. It was an important moment in history
that made Maharashtra and the whole country proud.
Upon studying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj‟s career and personality, a few things
stand out. Maharaj had courage, valour, physical stamina, fixed ideology, excellent
organising capabilities, disciplined and planned administrative skills and foresight.
In addition to these qualities, he was an excellent strategist and was goal oriented.
Shivaji worked hard as a child and during his youth to increase his physical
strength and stamina.
He brought together simple-minded Mavale and enthused them with an
ideology and loyalty. He gave them purpose.
He vowed to dedicate himself to founding the Hindavi Swarajya and
neverfaltered.
He brought important forts under his rule and built new ones.
He attacked the enemy at the right time or compromised if necessary; using
this principle shrewdly, he managed to defeat his enemies most of thetime,
at times even facing family disputes.
He used guerrilla warfare techniques cleverly.
He brought about order and administration to the lives of common people,
farmers, soldiers and priests and places of worship.
He promoted Marathi as the official language and gave patronage to many
art forms and artists.
He created an eight-minister cabinet to administer the Hindavi Swarajya.
This was one of the most important decisions taken by him.
At the same time, he instilled confidence among the poor, downtrodden
masses. He gave them a sense of purpose in life.
He managed to achieve all this within a short life span of fifty years.
Today, Maharashtra continues to be inspired by the spirit of independence
sowed in the seventeenth century by Maharaj. The pride and sense of
achievement that every Maharashtrian feels even today can be duly
attributed to the work of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Maharaj‟s health suffered soon after he returned victorious from his conquest of
the South. The constant expeditions and battles had taken their toll and Maharaj
passed away on the 3rd of April 1680. His death signalled the end of an era.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is an ideal example of what a mortal can achieve
through his physical and mental strength and will power. His is a shining example
of the heights one can reach by cultivating such virtues as courage, humility, a high

6. regard for ethics, foresight, bravery, presence of mind and many other such
qualities. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has become immortal for the people of
Maharashtra, setting an exemplary example for us to follow.
The story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj does not end at his death. For thirty years
after his death, in the absence of any single, stable leadership, the people of
Maharashtra fought the Mughal even when Aurangzeb himself came to conquer
this land. Finally, the Mughal King had to lay down his life here. This was only
because of the foundation of unified Swarajya laid down by Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj created Anandvanbhuvan – a prosperous, heavenly
place on this land, which is described lucidly by Saint Ramdas in his verse
Anandvanbhuvani. It is an apt ode sung in praise of Maharaj, documenting and
saluting his valiant efforts to build the Hindavi Swarajya and bring peace to the
land.
Death: 03 Apr 1680

7. CREATIVITY
Shri Shivraheshwar Mandir, The Only Temple Of Shivaji Maharaj In The
World
Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj
Reconstruction Of 345 Years Old "Shri Shivrajeshwar Temple" Which Is
The One & Only, Historic Temple In The World, Of "Chhatrapati Shri
Shivaji Maharaj" Located At "Sindhudurg Fort", Malvan, Maharashtra,
India, Situated In Amidst The Rocky Bedding & Lashing, Breathholdng
Waves Of Arabian Sea, Sindhudurg Fort Is An Evidence Of The Miraculous,
Ultimate Human Efforts & Excellent Creativity Which Tells Us About The
Unchallenging Foresight Of The Great Maratha Warrior Shivaji Maharaj.
Shivrajeshwar Temple Is One Of The Golden Pages In The Indian History.
This Temple, Due To It's Old Tenure, Has Undergone Mutilation And Is In
Immense Need Of Reconstruction. To Save This Historical Monument,
Which, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Had Occassionally Honoured With His
Remarkable & Auspicious Presence Like A Miracle.
Today is Rajmata Jijabai Bhosale Smrutidin as per Hindu Almanac. HJS
salutes Rajmata Jijabai - Inspiration of Greatest Hindu king of Millenium
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The shape, durability and quality of a pot are entirely dependent on the skill
and the creativity of the potter.
Likewise Chatrapati Shivaji Raje was entirely nurtured to fight the enemies
who were obstructing the Establishment of Hindavi Swarajya.
Jijau was born to Mhakasabai and Lakhoji Jadhav in Sindkhed territory. As
she grew up, the sufferings of Hindus under the Mughal rule was perceived
by her.
At the tiny age when girls play with dolls Jijau immersed in learning sword

8. fighting. Her mother nurtured Jijau's courage by telling the tales of valor.
The situation in the country was to provide services to Mughal Rulers, to
become local commanding officers under Mughals the actual enemy, praise
them and loot own people for them.
Hindu women were being assaulted by Muslims and auctioned. Society had
become a mute spectator. Farmers were working on empty stomachs, only
for Mughals. Jijau was searching for a person who could fight this injustice.
Jijau was married to Sahaji Raje Bhosale in the year 1605. She finally found
recourse in prayers, by appealing to Goddess Bhavani to give her a son who
would be bright, accomplished and immensely capable of establishing
“Swarajya”.
After marrying Shahaji Raje, Jijau could sense her husband being
undervalued by rulers like Mughals, Adilshah, and Nijamshah etc. She
realised that even though her husband was powerful but had no recognition,
security and was not beneficial to the community.
Jijau may be the only woman in the history of mankind who decided the
purpose of her child even before he was born.
Goddess Bhavani fulfilled Jijau's appeal as she shared Jijau's sorrows in
terms of assaults on her land, drowning of her religion and her temples, idols
being broken by the Yavan enemies like Mughals, Adilshah, Nijamshah etc.
Jijau and Goddess Bhavani shared the same dream of Hindu Swarajya.
Jijau told Shivaji the tales of King Ram, Krishna, Bheem etc. fighting the
injustice and freeing of people from tyranny. These stories made Shivaji
Raje that freedom was the only path and that is the only purpose of his life.
Jijau also taught politics to her son Shivaji Raje and prepared his mindset for
justice of equality, courage, valor and hardest punishments to unjust people
doing wrong things. She personally supervised his training with various

9. weapons. Due to such guidance from his own mother Jijau, Shivaji Raje was
able to get himself out safely and miraculously from incidents like Shahaji
Raje's captivity, Afzalkhan's defeat, and escape from Agra etc.
Jijau carried out both the roles of an affectionate mother as well as giving
aptitude for accomplishments as a father in his absence.
Only due to training from Jijau, Shivaji Raje could vanquish the centuries of
Muslim rule and establish Hindavi Swarajya.
Jijau survived till the Coronation of her son Shivaji Raje as Chatrapati even
in the absence of her husband, lovingly encouraging & guiding her son for
the growth and longevity of Hindavi Swarajya. She left for heavenly abode
just after 12 days of coronation on 17 June 1674. Her Samadhi is at Village
“Pachad” at the foothills of Fort Rajgad.
4) Harmony team spirt creativiyy 1) founder 2)coteaching 3) siginificance

10. IMPORTANT OF SHIV JAYANTI
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great warrior of India, from the state of
Maharashtra was a people‟s king, who fought for the freedom of the country from
the Mughal kingdom. 19th February is the birth anniversary of the great hero,
whose name is written permanently in the Indian history.
At the tender age of 15, Shivaji took an oath, to free the country from the atrocities
of the Mughals. He was a fearless warrior as he captured the Mughal fort, just with
help of few of his soldiers, which was in a very difficult terrain.
In 1674, Shivaji was conferred the title of „Chhatrapati‟, which means a person
who is worthy of a ceremonial umbrella. On this occasion, here are a few SMSs to
remind your friends and family about the great warrior.
1. Remember, my friend Remember about
A great leader
A great freedom fighter
Honor of Maharashtra
“Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj”
Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2010
2. A fearless warrior
Who fought for the nation
Remember the great warrior by spreading his words
Happy Shiv Jayanti

11. HARMONY
Of paeans and politics
Hemant Mawale is struggling to keep powada alive in Pune, writes Huned
Contractor
When, on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti or Maharashtra Day, various mandal in
Pune jostle with each other to put up the best floats and announce paeans to
Maratha king Shivaji from loudspeakers, one man is in huge demand: Hemant
Mawale, or Shahir Mawale as he is popularly known.
Mawale is skilled at singing powada, a traditional Maratha form of music and
verse that recounts the valour of Shivaji. "If it weren't for these two days in a year,
powada would have been lost to the ravages brought on by cultural erosion," he
says grimly. As a form of poetic recital accompanied by a rhythmic exposition of
the daf, the tuntuna and the dholak, powada also finds a mention in the epic
Dynaneshwari. Historical records reveal that powada was first heard in
Maharashtra when Jijamata appointed Agindas, Maharashtra's first shahir, to write
apowada to celebrate the victory of Shivaji over Afzal Khan. A powada can also
be a comment on contemporary political events.
Past glory aside, Mawale sees a bleak future ahead: "It is a dying art form now as
there aren't many powada singers or writers left." He rues the fact that while the
state government has started heeding the demands oftamasha artists, not much has
been done for powadasingers because they do not have a strong lobby. "Last year,
after much persuasion, I received a grant of Rs 25,000 from the government's Art
and Culture Department to buy musical instruments," he says. "Later, I was told
that the government has announced a special financial package for powada singers

12. but there has been no further information." The stepmotherly treatment has
demoralised the six or seven existing powada singers who now see no point in
passing the tradition to the next generation.
Mawale is undeterred though. His Saturday evenings are reserved
for powada tutelage during which he coaches about 70 children. "There are three
regulars who have been learning it for the past seven years," says Mawale, whose
own knowledge was derived from the renowned singer Shahir Kisanrao Hinge.
Mawale heard him sing powada 25 years ago, while he was on his way to school.
Incidentally, Mawale's six-year-old son Honraj is already showing signs of
becoming an accomplished powada singer.
Mawale works as a collection agent for a bank and has recently started an
insurance agency. "I don't want a full-time job because that will leave me with
little time for powada," he reasons. He feels state patronage can help keep the art
alive. "It's only during elections that we are remembered because politicians in
Maharashtra like to have a powada before their speeches." Mawale's cynicism
barely conceals his anguish.
Featured in Harmony Magazine
July 2009.
Early days
Shivaji was born on 19th Februray, 1627, in Shivneri Fort, 60 kms north of
Pune. He was named after the local Goddess Shivai, to whom his mother
prayed for a son. His father Shahaji Bhosle was the chief of the kingdom of
Bijapur. He was however, not allowed to take charge of any fort. His mother
had a great influence on him as he was introduced to Indian epics of
Mahabharata, Ramayana and other holy books by her. Shivaji also gained a
lot of knowledge from his father‟s unsuccessful attempts to gain power. He
was inspired by his father military tactics, peacetime diplomacy and also
possessed knowledge of Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures.

13. His administration
Shivaji grew into a fearless military leader with trainings from commanders
like Gomaji Naik and Baji Pasalkar. Young Shivaji was motivated,
enthusiastic and energetic. In his early days he was successful in inspiring
local youths to follow his idealistic pursuits. At the age of 17, he attacked
and captured Torna Fort of Bijapur and by 1647 he took control of Kondana
and Raigad Forts. The Western Ghats along the Konkan Coast were also
under his control by 1654.
His achievements
In order to sabotage Shivaji‟s rise to power, Adilshah arrested Shahji, his
father by deceitful means and had armies sent against Shivaji and his elder
brother Sambaji. To suppress Shivaji‟s control of the Bijapur kingdom,
Afzal Khan was sent to destroy Shivaji. However, with his cunning means,
Shivaji successfully stabbed Afzal Khan. Eventually Bijapur‟s armies were
routed in the famous Battle of Pratapgarh in 1659 and Shivaji turned into a
hero of the Marathas. Now, under the confident leadership of Shivaji, the

14. Marthas successfully pushed back the Mughals and the Sultanate
kingdowms from his homeland.
The Mughals also fought against Shivaji led by Shaista Khan under
Aurangazeb. However, Shivaji lost many men against a well trained and
disciplined Mughal army. Shivaji felt the need of finance to maintain an
army and decided to loot the Mughal city of Surat. The Mughal emperor
then sent Jai Singh to defeat Shivaji. After a few skirmishes, he thought it
wise to accept the emperor‟s soverignity. But he was soon placed under
house arrest in Agra. Using tact and intelligence, Shivaji successfully
escaped from Agra and hid in his homeland and kept a low profile for some
time. Shivaji gradually rebuild his empire and within six months was able to
recover much of his lost ground.
Shivaji extended his empire further south to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In
order to regain one of his forts, Kondana, he appointed his most trusted
general Tanaji Malusare. The battle that followed between the Marathas and
the Mughals came to be known as the Maratha war of Independence where
the Marathas were successful in regaining the control of the fort.
Chatrapati Shivaji
Shivaji was formally coronated Chatrapati in 1674 in Raigad fort and
henceforth came to be known as Chatrapati Shivaji. Shivaji died in 1680 but
not before leaving an indelible mark on the history pages. He laid the
foundation of a Hindu empire which lasted for over two centuries. Shivaji
has been a source of inspiration and pride for generations for his courage and
military acumen.