Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a proficient leader, a formidable warrior, and the conqueror of the Mughals. Despite being born on 19th February 1630 in the Shivneri fort near Pune,
Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti History
Shivaji Maharaj also recognized as Chhatrapati Shivaji, emerged as a Maratha warrior king who established the Maratha Empire in the 17th century within western India. His birthdate on February 19, 1630, is commemorated as Shivaji Jayanti.
Shivaji’s reign was characterized by his military expeditions against the Mughal Empire, the Adilshahi, and the Portuguese. He implemented a robust and effective governance system, and his rule is regarded as a prosperous era in Maratha history. He was a forward-thinking leader who implemented numerous groundbreaking policies and reforms, such as the establishment of a formidable naval force.
In 1870, the British colonial government in the Bombay Presidency initiated the celebration of Shivaji Jayanti to acknowledge Shivaji’s significant contributions to the region’s history. Over the years, this festival has evolved into a prominent cultural event celebrated throughout Maharashtra. The festivities encompass parades, cultural programs, and the raising of the Maratha flag. It serves as a moment to honour Shivaji and commemorate his enduring legacy of courage, bravery, and exceptional leadership.
Start birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a freedom fighter, initiated the practice of grandly commemorating the birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra. Both Tilak and scholars made efforts to determine Shivaji’s date of birth and shared their perspectives on it. Tilak extensively discussed this matter in the April 14 issue of his magazine Kesari in 1990.
Tilak acknowledged that there was no definitive information available to establish the birthdate of Shivaji Maharaj. However, after referring to certain articles, it was concluded that Shivaji’s birthdate was 6th April 1627. As a result, the birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj began to be celebrated on 6th April.
Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti Controversy arose last year
The controversy surrounding the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj deepened last year when the Shiv Sena-led government in Maharashtra celebrated it on 19 February. Interestingly, when Shiv Sena was in opposition, it advocated for celebrating Shivaji’s birth anniversary according to the old date of the Hindu calendar. Despite Shivaji’s birth being believed to have taken place in the Shivneri fort in 1630, the dispute over the exact date of his birth continues.
Shivaji was born on 6 April 1627!
In 2000, the Maharashtra Assembly passed a resolution stating that Shivaji was born on 19 February 1630. However, if we consider the calendar, Shivaji’s birth falls on the Tritiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Phagun, 1551 Shaka Samvatsar. Previously, his birth date was believed to be the second date of Vaishakh month, 1549 Shaka Samvatsar. According to this perspective, Shivaji was born on 6 April 1627.