Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Information and Facts for Kids

Indian history is incomplete without the mention of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—a legend whose bravery, ideologies, and legacy continue to inspire us to the day. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was one of the greatest leaders in Indian history who bravely fought against Mughal oppression, created a sovereign state, founded the ideal Maratha kingdom, and showed exemplary statesmanship with political endeavours for the welfare of the people. This article will be your easy guide to Shivaji Maharaj information. If you are planning to teach your children about this legendary Maratha king, then our simple-to-understand guide on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj information for children will be a great start.

Life History of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Descending from a family of nobles, Shivaji Maharaj was born on 19th February 1630 at Shivneri Fort in Maharashtra to Shahaji Bhosale and Jijabai. His father, Shahaji Bhosale, was a nobleman who held a prominent position under the Sultan of Bijapur. Both their mother and father played a pivotal role in shaping their character. 

At the time of his birth, the Mughals were at the height of rule in the north, while the Muslim sultans had a stronghold over Golconda and Bijapur in the southern region. The Deccan region under the Bijapur sultans experienced surmountable Muslim oppression and unimaginable religious persecution of Hindus, which Shivaji Maharaj found intolerable. Early in their life, he started fighting against injustice and for the welfare of the poor (1).

Fearing the rebellious nature of his son and retribution from the Bijapur sultans, Shivaji Maharaj’s father sent his son out of Bijapur. Later, their mother brought Shivaji Maharaj back to the estates. By the age of 19, Shivaji Maharaj started establishing his control over a few villages, among which Poona was primary. This was the beginning of his dream of establishing a Hindu Swarajya.

Around 1655, with a band of supporters, Shivaji Maharaj began the conquest of small forts and weaker Bijapur outposts with strategies and tactics, including guerrilla warfare. He also smashed several influential coreligionists who aligned with oppressive sultans. His fight against the Muslim oppression of Hindus and forceful conversion, the welfare of the poor, and his military skills gained him enough recognition. Starting as a common man to becoming an influential figure and establishing an independent Maratha Empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj gave people hope and courage to stand up for themselves. 

There is more information about Shivaji Maharaj. Stay tuned to learn more about Shivaji Maharaj’s biography and his prominent achievements.

Also Read: Essay & Speech on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in English

Childhood and Education

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born as Shivaji Bhosale in the Shiveneri Fort, today located near Junnar in the Pune district in Maharashtra. It acted as a military fortification with great height and panoramic views. Shivaji Maharaj was trained in military tactics, horse riding, and sword fighting from a young age. Born to Shahaji Bhosale and Jijabai, his upbringing boasted intellectual knowledge and the values of courage, righteousness and devotion, especially from his mother. In fact, Jija bai narrated the stories and values of the epics—the Mahabharata and Ramayana—which helped Shivaji Maharaj develop as an individual and dream of a Swarajya (self-rule). The epic battles and heroic stories helped instil leadership qualities in them.

Family Background: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Spouse and Children

Shivaji Maharaj’s family comprised his parents, cousins, spouses, and children.  Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s children and wife displayed similar fortitude and bravery against the Mughals. According to local, unidentified sources, Shivaji Maharaj had several wives, including Saibai, Soyarabai, Putalabai, Sakvarbai and Kashibai. His son was named Sambhaji and had several girl children.

Establishment of the Maratha Kingdom (Swarajya)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had a dream to demolish the oppression of Mughals and Muslim sultans and build a peaceful “Hindawi Swaraj.” He manifested the golden time for people where everyone had freedom, food, and shelter—all without oppression. He was quick-witted, a master in making strategies, and displayed exemplary frontline leadership and chivalry in battlegrounds.

In 1674, Shivaji Maharaj enthroned at Raigad with the aim of separating entirely from the Mughal empire. The coronation of Shivaji Maharaj marked the official commencement of the Maratha Empire. Raigad Fort became the epicentre of his military and administrative operations (2). He commissioned regal insignia and a new coinage system to oppose the sultan’s rule. He took inspiration from the Mahabharata and Sukraniti for administrative ideas and formed a council of ministers. The eight ministers in his council were called Ashtapradhan, for which he referred to ancient texts and gave them Sanskrit designation as a move to re-establish ancient Hindu political institutions (3). During his reign, the Maratha Empire flourished and expanded to parts of western and central India.

His learnings and inspirations came from great Maharashtra saints, such as Samarth Ramdas, Tukaram, Namdeo, Shri Chakradhar, Janabai, Dnyaneshwar, and Eknath, who encouraged spiritual awakenings along with the spirit of equality among people. Thus, the foundation of the Maratha Empire focused on a single-body politic (Swarajya), the welfare of peasants, and social harmony. As landlords drowned peasants and poor people in injustice, Shivaji Maharaj created order for the proper treatment of cultivators. In fact, his letter dated April 1673 addressed his administration and revenue officers and talked about the concerns and solutions for the poor. In the letter, it is written: 

If you rob the poor cultivators of their grain, bread, grass, fuel or vegetables, they will find life impossible and run away. Many will die of starvation. Then they will think that you are worse than the Mughals who overrun the countryside. Know this well and behave yourself. You have no business to give the slightest trouble to the ryots. Whatever you want – whether grain, grass, fuel, vegetables or other provisions — you should purchase it in the bazaar. There is no need for you to force anybody or to quarrel with anybody (4).

He perfected administrative divisions with Prants, Tarafs, and Maujas and chose a council of eight ministers on the basis of talent, wit, and intelligence. He made his family priest, Moro Pant Pingle, his Prime Minister and a village accountant, Annaji Datto, his Finance Minister. While Sonaji Pant Dabir arbitrated with Aurangzeb, Prahlad Niraji played a diplomatic role at the court of the Qutb Shah, and Sundarji Prabhu communicated with the English people. He made sure the powers vested in each individual as a minister were rightfully maintained and everyone excelled in their respective ministries. He protected and encouraged agriculture, which was the then backbone of his kingdom’s economy. He disciplined state finances to boost the economy and showed great importance to trade within and outside his reign, reflecting his imminent knowledge of economics. This way, he was successful in establishing the solid foundation of Swarajya. He also put in order a unified revenue collection system.

By the time of his death in 1680, Shivaji Maharaj had a strong independent empire that went far along the coast of Western parts of India to the beautiful coastal lands of the East.

Victories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

With the help of guerrilla warfare tactics, forts as landscape strongholds, and several military strategies, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj successfully battled against the Mughals and Muslim sultans. He successfully defended his kingdom by fighting against the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Under the leader of Afzal Khan in 1659, the sultan of Bijapur sent an army of 20,000 to defeat Shivaji Maharaj. The Maratha king, with his wit and strategies, lured the army into challenging mountainous terrain and killed Afzal Khan during a meeting to which he had invited him with submissive appeals. His army also defeated the Bijapur army and took the ammunition, horses, and artillery.

On the coastal forefront, Marathas gave strong resistance to the British and Portuguese by building an efficient and strong naval force and a system of ports. He also built several hillock coastal forts, such as Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, and several others along the Konkan coast for defence. You’ll be surprised to know that for about 40 years, the Maratha navy single-handedly kept the British and the Portuguese at bay. The naval force later expanded with 500+ ships and personnel. Unfortunately, after the demise of Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha navy became weak (5).

Death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s death was caused by an illness in April 1680. Following the treachery displayed by his elder son by defecting to the Mughals in his last years and safeguarding the Maratha state from enemies while handling administrative and domestic strife, the strain on the empire and its strongholds became visible. The Great Shivaji Maharaj died due to an illness in Raigad Fort, which was his administrative and political capital at that time.

Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti

Let’s learn about Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti. The below questions answer all your queries regarding Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti.

When Do We Celebrate Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti?

Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated on 19th February to cheer the birth of the mighty ruler.

Why It Is Celebrated?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the legendary leader and founder of the Maratha kingdom.  

How Do We Celebrate?

February 19 is marked as a public holiday in Maharastra. The schools, colleges, government offices, and banks remain shut to celebrate the legendary king. Several plays, processions, and speeches are held to commemorate and remember the life, sacrifices, and accomplishments of Shivaji Maharaj.

Interesting Facts About Shivaji Maharaj for Kids

Some great and interesting facts about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are:

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born as Shivaji Bhosale on 19th February 1630 at Shivneri Fort in Maharashtra.
2. Shivaji Maharaj escaped from Auranzeb’s hold by pretending penance and sending out food for the poor after feigning illness.
3. Shivaji Maharaj and his army used guile, tactics, disguises, surprise attacks, and secret escape routes to win over the enemies.
4. He was the first to introduce naval forces.
5. He built several forts and naval forces to defend against enemies.
6. He respected the poor, women, and people of all religions.
7. He used a special kind of weapon named Tiger Claws in battles.
8. The legacy and ideology of fairness and Swarajya of the Great Shivaji Maharaj are alive today.

What Kids Can Learn From Shivaji Maharaj

There is so much to take from the life and teachings of Shivaji Maharaj. The great Maratha king teaches us profound lessons about leadership, courage, opposition to injustice, quick wit, and intelligence. From rising as a common man to establishing the Maratha Empire and its legacy, he left for all of us his stories of bravery and strategic skills for proper administrative and result-oriented battles. His use of guile and tactics like guerrilla warfare proved the importance of proper strategies and orientation. Even with conflicts with the Mughals, Portuguese, British, and Bijapur Sultanate, he never disrespected any religion and artfully made strategic alliances in times of need. He promoted equality and never forced anyone to follow or convert to a particular faith, creating harmony among people.

Shivaji Maharaj was a man of high ideals, compassion, and humility, serving as a torchbearer for his successors, even today. He was a great Hindu king, and his contributions to the welfare of society are infinite, making him one of the most exceptional and admired leaders in the world.

FAQs

1. What was Shivaji Maharaj’s full name?

The full name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was Shivaji Bhosale.

2. How many forts did Shivaji Maharaj have control of?

More than 300 forts were under the control of Shivaji Maharaj during his reign.

3. What did Shivaji Maharaj dream of?

The Great Shivaji Maharaj dreamed of Hindavi Swarajya, where he emphasised the welfare of people and the boost of agriculture and trade (6).

4. What does the term “Chhatrapati” mean?

Chhatrapati means emperor (3).

Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was an exemplary leader and hero who fought for justice, self-rule, and freedom. His quick wit, bravery, intelligence, leadership, and agility make him an inspiration for everyone. Be it children or adults, we all have a lot to learn from Shivaji Maharaj’s story and learn to become as compassionate as him.

References/Resources:

1. Britannica – Shivaji Maharaj

2. Department of Tourism Maharashtra – Forts

3. Capacity Building Commission – The ideal of the Maratha State (Swarajya) & Kingship

4. Internet Archive – House Of Shivaji Maharaj Ed.2nd

5. Join Indian Navy – Maritime Heritage

6. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial – Chhatrapti Shivaji Maharaj

Also Read:

Mahatma Gandhi Information and Facts
Facts & information About Martin Luther King Junior