State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 11 Mar 2025

Memorial for Maratha Warriors

Why in News? 

On 10th March 2025, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister announced that the state government will build a memorial in Haryana and Agra to honor the Maratha warriors who fought and were martyred in the third battle of Panipat.  

 Key Points 

• Memorial for Chhatrapati Shivaji: 
  • The Maharashtra government will build a memorial in Agra to commemorate Chhatrapati Shivaji’s escape from Mughal custody. 
  • The state will coordinate with the Uttar Pradesh government to establish the memorial. 
• Memorial and Statue at Panipat: 
  • In January, the state Chief Minister announced plans to erect a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji at Panipat. 
  • A grand memorial will also be built at the historic battlefield where the third battle of Panipat took place. 
• Historic Significance of the Battle of Panipat: 
  • The battle, fought on January 14, 1761, saw Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali’s forces defeat the Marathas. 
  • Thousands of soldiers died on both sides, and the Afghans secured victory with the support of Mughal forces. 

 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 

• About: 
  • Born on 19th February 1630, at Shivneri Fort, Pune was a visionary leader from the Bhonsle clan and the founder of the Maratha Empire, known for resisting the Mughal Empire and striving for self-rule.  
• Major Battles:  
  • Battle of Pratapgad, Battle of Pavan Khind, Sacking of Surat, Battle of Purandar, Battle of Sinhagad, and Battle of Sangamner.  
  • The Wagh nakh, was used by Shivaji to kill Afzal Khan in the 1659 Battle of Pratapgad.  
• Titles:  
  • Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas, and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak.  
• Administration:  
  • Centralized administration with the Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight Ministers), abolished the Jagirdari System, implemented the Ryotwari System, and built a strong naval force for coastal defense.  
  • Shivaji is renowned for his innovative guerrilla warfare tactics, which influenced subsequent rulers and shaped the Maratha Military Landscapes.