Character of Shivaji

Character of Shivaji

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Historians have expressed contrary views regarding the character and personality of Shivaji. One group, which comprises Khafir Khan, Grantt Duff and V.A. Smith, opine that Shivaji was a robber, assassinator and warrior who can easily be compared with Alauddin Khalji and Timur, the Lame. Famous historian Oxiden has commented, “Shivaji is so famously infamous for his notorious thefts that reports have made him an airy body.” On the other hand, Sir J.N. Sarkar and Sardesai have depicted Shivaji as a great ruler, lover of justice and builder of the nation. In fact both these opinions are exaggerated. However, there is no doubt that Shivaji was a man of extraordinary personality. He is counted among the greatest rulers of India due to his high character and extraordinary achievements. During this period, Hindus were being crushed by the Mughals but the emergence of Shivaji restored life in the downtrodden Hindus and they accepted him as a rising and shining star.

The personal character of Shivaji was quite high. He was a kind-hearted father, beloved husband and an obedient son. He had deep reverence for his parents. He became very much worried at the imprisonment of his father Shahji Bhonsle and so long as he did not set him free from the grip of the ruler of Bijapur, he could not be at peace. He was extremely impressed by his mother Jija Bai and used to worship her. Like other rulers of the contemporary period, he did not stoop to comforts of luxuries. His moral conduct was quite high. Even though illiterate, he was wise and a lover of education. He patronized Bhushan, the famous poet of Hindi, and respected him very much.

Shivaji was a religious man. During his life he followed the rules of Hinduism and made efforts for its glory and honour. After adopting the title of Chatrapati he granted liberal patronage to schools and constructed their dwelling places and gave them grants for their livelihood. He encouraged study of the Vedas.

However, there was a great difference between the religious policies of Shivaji and Aurangzeb. The religious attitude of Shivaji was not like the fanaticism of Aurangzeb. He was liberal and tolerant towards other religions. He did not torture or torment the followers of other religions in his empire, nor deprived them of royal service due to their being a follower of other religions. In his navy, Daulat Khan and Sidi Mishri were appointed on the post of commanders. His personal secretary Haider was also a Muslim. H e used to give grants to Hindus temples and Muslim shrines equally. Khafi Khan, who was his greatest critic, being motivated by his liberal policies, has praised him. Shivaji had directed his soldiers that even during wars no harm should be done to the sacred Quran, mosques and Muslim women folks. If he found a copy of the Quran, he respected it and handed it over to some Muslim friend or well-wisher. And if any soldier had caught a Muslim lady, he used to safeguard her so long as she was got released by her relatives after making payment.

Besides this, Shivaji was a brave warrior and successful commander. He forced some of his very famous enemies to surrender before him. None out of the French, British, Bijapuries and Mughals could face him. Once Aurangzeb also admitted out of frustration that his army had been waging wars against Shivaji since long but no favourable results could be achieved. Referring to the constant wars of Shivaji, Manucci has remarked, “Shivaji had no idea of allowing his soldier’s sword to rust. “ it is really a clear proof of Shivaji’s great military skill that he could organize the simple Maratha peasants into a wonderful military power and attained successive victories by dint of his efficiency and capability.

No doubt, the means of Shivaji were quite limited while the power and resources of the great Mughal Empire were unlimited, but Shivaji being a true commander avoided face to face encounters and resorted to guerilla wars. Although some of the scholars of history have condemned this policy of warfare of Shivaji but seeing his limited resources, it was most appropriate for him to resort to such policy.

Shivaji was also an efficient administrator. R.C. Majumdar has written about him, “Shivaji was not merely a daring soldier and a successful military conqueror but also an enlightened ruler of the people.” After his coronation ceremony and assumption of the title of Chhatrapati, he administered the affairs of his kingdom very brilliantly and did not accept any external help in the administration. Dr. Ishwari Prasad and Sir Woolseley Haig have also praised him as a successful administrator.

Shivaji was a great politician and statesman. He infused into the Maratha race a new spirit and vigour. He was, undoubtedly, a great constructive genius and true hero who proved to be a constant source of inspiration to the posterity as well as to his contemporaries. Dr. J.N. Sarkar comments, “He taught the modern Hindus to rise to the full stature of their growth. Shivaji had shown that the tree of Hinduism is not really dead, that it can rise from beneath the seemingly crushing load of centuries of political bondage, that it can put forth new leaves and branches, and that it can again lift up its head to the skies.”

To sum up, we may quote G.S. Sardesai who mentions, “Shivaji stands out unmistakable, as a unique personality not only in his own times but in the modern age as a whole. In the midst of surrounding darkness, he shines forth as a brilliant luminary for ahead of his days.”

Milan Tomic

Hi. I’m Designer of Blog Magic. I’m CEO/Founder of ThemeXpose. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.