Miscellaneous

Introduction. Shivaji was the founder of Maratha Empire in India. He was the first Hindu to establish ii Hindu empire after the Muslim rule.

His birth and childhood. Shivaji was born in 1627 at Poona. His father Shahji Bhonsle was a Jagirdar. He was a general in the service of the King of Bijapur.

Shivaji lived at' Bijapur- The charge of Shivaji's education fell in the hands of a Brahmin named Dadaji. His mother Jijaji Bai was a very pious lady. Shivaji got best qualities of his character from her nature. He could not learn how to read and write. But he became skilful in all sorts of manly games. When he became young, be was master of riding and arts of war and fighting. Dadaji used to read to him the stories^ of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Thus the fire of patriotism was kindled in him while he was quite young.

His determination. The stories of the acts of cruelly of Mughal kings upon the Hindus had a great. Influence upon him. He made up his mind to free his country from the cruel hands of the Mughals.

His struggle with Muslim States. With the help of his small army of hill men he began his work. He first looks some forts and districts or Bijapur stale. At last the King of Bijapur sent a general named Afzal Khan to arrest him. Afzal Khan tried to kill him in a private meeting. But Shivaji was on his guard. He killed Al/al Khan and destroyed Bijapur army. The King of Bijapur made peace with him. Now he began to quarrel with Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb sent Shasta Khan and other generals to arrest Shivaji. Shivaji formed a marriage party of his brave solders and attacked the house of Shaista Khan, Shaista Khan escaped with the loss of a figure.

His achievements. After his release from Aurangzeb’s prison he reached Rajghar, He started war against Mughal emperor. He got back the forts which he had given to Aurangzeb. He then became the crowned King in 1674 at Rajghar. He died in l69t) at the age of fifty three.

His character. He was very hardy. He was painstaking. He had wisdom of a statesman. He was truthful, kind and orthodox Hindu. He was a great patriot. He respected all religions. He had high regard for women of all castes. He always protected cows and Brahmins.

Conclusion. If he had lived a few years more he would have made Hindus great again. India is proud of him.