Shivaji Bhosle remembered as Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, died on April 3, 1680, and this year, it will be his 338th death anniversary. One of the most revered kings in Indian history, Shivaji’s legacy is popularly known for his quests against the Mughal Empire.

Shivaji Maharaj was one of the very few kings who had recognised the importance of housing a naval army under its ambit. Known for his acumen, fine sword skills and sharp mind, Shivaji was one-of-its-kind strategist during his prime!

Some facts about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great warrior king in Indian history:

  1. The great Indian warrior king was born on April 6, in the 16th century, at Shivneri hill-fort, in (now) Pune.

  2. Shivaji was greatly influenced by his mother, Jijabai, from his early childhood days.

  3. Dadoji Konddeo was the man who is accredited for Shivaji’s education and training in his early days.

  4. Shivaji was a religious person. He read both, ‘Ramayana’ and Mahabharata early in his childhood, which had a lasting impact on him.

  5. Shivaji’s valour and strong-mindedness first came to light when he killed Adil Shah in 1657. He had worn his armour below his clothes and had hidden a dagger below his right hand. The rest they say is history!

  6. Well, Shivaji was never anti-Mughals since the beginning. He had cordially maintained ‘limited’ relations with them till the year 1657. However, a double-cross by Mughals then, made him snap his ties with them and the confrontations with them began then.

  7. Shivaji’s escape from Aurangzeb’s captivity, smuggling himself and his son in sweet boxes, is another tell-o-tale in his glorious history.

  8. Shivaji’s coronation ceremony wasn’t an easy one either. There were controversies whether he was a Brahmin or a Kshatriya at the time of his coronation. However, after much ado and all controversies done and dusted, he was given the title of ‘Chhatrapati’ in the year 1974. The meaning of Chhatrapati is ‘paramount sovereign’.

  9. Not many people know that Shivaji was also given the titles of ‘Shakakarta’ and ‘Haindava Dharmodhhaarak’ too along with the title of Chhatrapati. Shakakarta means ‘founder of an era’, whereas the latter meant ‘protector of the Hindu faith’.

  10. Though the Persian language was the norm then, Shivaji profusely promoted both Marathi and Sanskrit languages during his reign.

The highly-inspiring figure breathed his last on April 3, succumbing to illness and dysentery. Shivaji, known as the founder of Maratha Empire, happens to be the greatest public figure in the state of Maharashtra’s history. In the modern folklore, he is also considered as the national hero in India!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 02, 2018 11:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).