Birth Anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj | 20 Feb 2026

Source: PIB

Union Home Minister paid tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary (19th February), honouring his life-long commitment to establishing Hindavi Swaraj and protecting the nation's cultural ethos.

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Born on 19th February 1630, at Shivneri Fort near Pune, was the founder of the Maratha Empire and a visionary leader who resisted Mughal rule and championed self-governance.
• Major Battles Fought by Shivaji Maharaj: Battle of Pratapgad (1659), Battle of Pavan Khind (1660), Battle of Surat (1664), Battle of Purandar (1665), Battle of Sinhagad (1670), and Battle of Sangamner (1679).
  • The Wagh nakh, was used by Shivaji to kill Afzal Khan in the 1659 Battle of Pratapgad. 
• Vision of Hindavi Swarajya: At a young age, Shivaji Maharaj took a pledge to establish Hindavi Swarajya (Self-Rule), a progressive concept of indigenous sovereignty, ethical governance, and political independence free from foreign domination.
  • He successfully united the masses around the core ideals of Swadharma (one's own dharma/duty), Swaraj (self-rule), and Swabhasha (one's own language), intentionally replacing Persian with Marathi and Sanskrit as the languages of administration.
• Military and Naval Genius: He organized a vast, inclusive army drawn from all sections of society. 
  • He is globally recognized for his innovative Guerrilla Warfare tactics (Ganimi Kava) and is celebrated as the "Father of the Indian Navy" for building a robust fleet and coastal forts (like Sindhudurg) to protect the western seaboard.
• Progressive Administration: His indomitable courage was matched by his statecraft, primarily structured around the Ashtapradhan Mandal (Council of Eight Ministers). 
  • He introduced a system of direct revenue assessment and collection from cultivators, reducing intermediary exploitation.
• Titles: He was honoured with titles such as Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas, and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak, reflecting his sovereignty, warrior lineage, and role as a protector of dharma.