Shivaji- The Founder of Hindu Empire

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

His Birth and childhood : Shivaji was born in 1627 at Poona. His father Shahaji Bhosale was born 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 Jijabai was a very point lady. Shivaji got best qualities of his character from her nature. He could not learn how to read and write. But he became young, he was master of riding and arts of war and fighting. Dadaji used to read to him the stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharat. Thus the fire of patriotism was kindled in him while he was quite young.

His determination : The stories of the acts of cruelty 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 helps of his small army of hill men he began his work. He first took some forts and districts of Bijapur state. 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 Afzal Khan and destroyed Bijapur Army. The King of Bijapur made peace with him.

Now he began to quarrel with Aurangzeb sent Shaista Khan and other generals to arrest Shivaji formed a marriage party of his brave soldier and attacked the house of Shaista Khan. Shaista Khan escaped with the loss of a figure.

His achievement : After his release from Aurangzeb's prison he reached Rajgarh. He started war against Mughal emperor. He got back the forts which he had given to Aurangzeb. He then became the crowed King in 1674 at Rajgarh. He died in 1690 at the age of fifty three.

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

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