368th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji celebrated
The Maharashtra state government observed Shivaji Jayanti today to mark the great warrior's 368th birth anniversary. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis paid tributes to Shivaji Maharaj at Shivneri Fort in Pune district, where he was born. Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao paid floral tributes to Shivaji at Shivaji Park. But, Shiv Sena party wanted the government to celebrate it on the 'Falgun Vadya Tritiya' tithi.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle was born on 19 February 1630 in the district of Pune. He was a great warrior for whom his country- India came first, then his kingdom, and he always fought for the establishment of a free kingdom in India. After his coronation in 1674, he founded the Maratha Empire that existed from 1674 to 1818 in the Indian subcontinent.
Not many know that Shivaji is considered as the 'Father of Indian Navy' because he formed a naval fleet to protect India from invaders through the sea. He had established the Maratha Navy in the 17th century.
Shivaji started his journey for kingdom during his early teens and pioneered guerrilla warfare tactics. The most notable battles he fought: Battle of Pratapgarh, Battle of Mysore Plateau, Battle of Kolhapur, Battle of Pavan Khind, Battle of Umber Khind, Battle of Nesari and Battle of Pune. Chhatrapati Shivaji established a fully formal army where the soldiers were also paid, during his reign.
After his death on 3 April 1680, Chhatrapati Shivaji was succeeded by Sambhaji Bhonsle, the eldest son of Shivaji and his first wife Jijabai. He was coronated on 20 July 1680.
Shiv Sena party debated that Shivaji's birth anniversary should be celebrated according to Hindu calendar, and not on February 19 according to the Gregorian calendar. The party also instructed its members not to observe Shivaji Jayanti on 19 February. Shiv Sena said that the day declared by the BJP-led Maharashtra government has no sanctity as the date changes every year according to Hindu calendar.
Amit Wankhede, a government-employee from Yavatmal and an avid fan of Shivaji Maharaj started an online petition asking for support to have a Google doodle on the Maratha warrior on his 368th birth anniversary. After the petition was launched on 6 February; it received more than 22,000 signatures. Amit said that in the digital-age, it is an excellent way to pay homage to Shivaji.
