Monday 8 May 2017

Essay on Shivaji Maharaj in English

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the great Maratha Empire and was one of the popular rulers who fought against the Mughal rule in India. Shivaji Raje Bhosle was born on 19th February 1630 to Shahaji Bhosle and Jijabai in the hill fort of Shivneri, Pune district. Right from his early childhood, Shivaji had witnessed the cruelties brought to his own people by the Mughal emperors, and dreamt of freeing the land from this Muslim rule. Shivaji’s mother Jijabai played an important role in instilling patriotic feelings in the heart of young Shivaji that molded him in becoming one of the successful rulers of all times.


Apart from being a great warrior, Shivaji has also been a great administrator, disciplinarian and a kind ruler for his people. Shivaji’s tales of bravery are narrated to children of all age groups and he is taken as a role model or a great source of inspiration for every child on the Maratha land.


Shivaji’s Childhood:

Jijabai had named Shivaji after the name of goddess “Shivai” to whom she had prayed for a healthy child. During the early years of Shivaji’s childhood, his father Shahaji moved to Karnataka with his second wife. Jijabai and her son were under the good care of one of their trusted Jagirdars, Dadoji Konddeo, who carefully organized and managed Shivaji’s academics or trainings.



On the other hand, Rajmata Jijabai was a very religious lady, and the same was well reflected on her son. Narrating stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata to Shivaji was something that she enjoyed the most. And that is what had kept Shivaji deeply rooted to his religious values all through his life. The fort of Shivneri has a beautiful monument of Jijabai with her young son so as to honor her contribution in raising a great warrior such as Shivaji.

Shivaji’s Struggle for Swaraj: 

The battle of Shivaji for “Hindavi Swaraj” started way back in the year 1645 when he was merely a 15 years old young lad. After his father’s demise, Shivaji took over the Maratha Empire, and his first battle with Afzal Khan in the year 1659, popularly known as Battle of Pratapgad was a significant step taken towards Swaraj.


Shivaji’s victory against the Afzal Khan forces was unexpected and rather a magical outcome that made him the most important figure of Maratha Folklore. On the other hand, Aurangazeb now considered Shivaji to be a great threat to the entire Mughal reign.

Thereafter, numerous battles took place between the Mughal Emperors and Shivaji. And despite all odds, Shivaji came up as a rising hero taking one step forward towards Swaraj. Shivaji would take over the fortresses from the defeated rulers and make good use of them for the benefit of his army and people. Chattrapati Shivaji was the proud ruler who had around 360 forts under his control that were well maintained and used for different purposes.

The Strong Naval Forces: 

Apart from being a great warrior, Shivaji was known for his strong foresight, discipline with which he trained his Army and fair treatment of all his people. Shivaji was one of the rarest rulers who took initiative in developing trades and market. For this purpose, he built strong naval forces across the lines of Konkan and Goa that not only helped in free trading but also protected the land from external forces of British, Portuguese and Arabs.


This was all about Shivaji and his contribution to free the motherland from the atrocities of Mughal rule. Our country is still in need of such brave sons who can protect her from all internal and external outrages. Therefore, every child needs know and learn more about this great warrior to become a responsible citizen of the country.

*You May Also Like to Download: Shivcharitra in MP3 Format