Shivaji Maharaj: Clashes erupt over 'Maratha Warrior' statue, Why Maharashtra celebrates him; Check 10 facts

Chhatrapati Shivaji was born in 1630. The Maharashtra government is celebrating the birth anniversary of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on Monday (March 21).

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Chhatrapati Shivaji was born in 1630. The Maharashtra government is celebrating the birth anniversary of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on Monday (March 21).  

Shivaji is considered the greatest warrior king of the Maratha Empire.

Although the official celebrations take place on February 19, according to the Gregorian calendar, the ruling Shiv Sena recognizes Shivaji's birthday as per the Hindu calendar – the third day of Phalgun Vadya (the month of Falgun). 

Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is also celebrating his birth anniversary today.

During the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, Shiv Sena leaders wrote to the then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding that the ceremony be held as per Marathi traditions.

Chhatrapati Shivaji was born in 1630 in the Shivneri fort of Pune.  

The founder of the Maratha Empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji was a natural leader and a great warrior.


Chhatrapati Shivaji won many wars against the Mughals and built the Maratha Empire. In 1674, he was formally crowned as 'Chhatrapati' or Emperor. This is the 392nd birth anniversary of the great Maratha ruler.

10 things to know about Chhatrapati Shivaji:

  •  Shivaji was devoted to his mother Jijabai, who was a deeply religious and courageous woman.
  • He was interested in religious teachings and regularly sought the company of Hindu saints. 
  • Contrary to popular belief, Shivaji was not named after Lord Shiva – he was named after a regional goddess Shivaji. 
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji was called the 'Mountain Rat' and was widely known for his guerrilla warfare strategy.
  • Shivaji was known to engage in both alliances and wars with the Mughal rulers. 
  • Shivaji's army expanded the Maratha Empire, captured and built great forts
  • Shivaji was a pioneer in building a naval force and a highly capable army
  • When he was only 15 years old, Shivaji persuaded Inayat Khan, the general of Bijapur, to hand over the Torna fort to him.
  • Shivaji's encounter with Afzal Khan is well documented in history
  • Shivaji encouraged Marathi and Sanskrit instead of Persian in his court and administration.

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