12 January - Rajmata Jijabai birth anniversary

 

Jijabai, also known as Rajmata Jijabai, was the mother of the Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Her full name was Jijabai Shahaji Bhosale. She played a crucial role in the upbringing and early education of Shivaji, who later went on to establish the Maratha Empire in western India.

Here are some key points about Jijabai:

1. Background: Jijabai was born on 12 January 1598, in Sindkhed, a town in present-day Buldhana district of Maharashtra, India.

2. Marriage to Shahaji Bhosale: Jijabai was married to Shahaji Bhosale, a military officer and the founder of the Bhosale dynasty. Shahaji served under various Deccan Sultanates before eventually aligning with the Adil Shahi sultans of Bijapur.

3. Early Life of Shivaji: Jijabai played a significant role in shaping the character and values of Shivaji. She instilled in him a sense of pride in his Maratha heritage and the importance of upholding dharma (righteousness).

4. Religious Influence: Jijabai was known for her deep religious faith, and she had a strong influence on Shivaji's religious beliefs. She was a devout follower of the Hindu god, Lord Rama, and her teachings had a lasting impact on Shivaji's commitment to Hindavi Swarajya (Hindu self-rule).

5. Fort Raigad: After Shivaji established the Maratha Kingdom, he built the fort of Raigad as his capital. Jijabai lived in the Raigad fort during Shivaji's reign and continued to play a supportive role in his administration.

6. Legacy: Jijabai's legacy lies in her contributions to Shivaji's upbringing and the values she instilled in him. Her role as a mother and mentor to one of the most celebrated warrior kings in Indian history is highly regarded.

   When Jijabai's husband Shahaji Raje died, she decided to sacrifice herself according to the Sati tradition, but Shivaji Maharaj opposed it and prevented her from performing sati. She died on 17 June 1674 at Pachad village near Raigad Fort. At that time it was only twelve days since the coronation of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
   

Rajmata Jijabai's influence on Shivaji's early life and her commitment to the Maratha cause have made her an important historical figure in Indian history. She is remembered as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and maternal guidance in the establishment of the Maratha Empire.17 June 1674