State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 09 May 2025

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Tour

Why in News? 

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) announced the launch of the first Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Tour via the Bharat Gaurav tourist train starting 9 June 2025, to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the legendary Maratha ruler’s coronation. 

 Key Points 

• Details of the Tour:  
  • The initiative is being jointly promoted by IRCTC, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), and the Government of Maharashtra. 
  • The Bharat Gaurav tourist train will begin its journey on June 9 from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai. 
    • It can accommodate a total of 748 passengers. 
• Places Covered Under the Tour: 
  • Raigad Fort (Raigad District) 
    • Significance: On 6th June, 1674 CE a grand coronation ceremony of Shivaji Maharaj was held on Raigad post, during which he attained the title of “Chhatrapati”. 
    • The fort served as the second capital of Shivaji Maharaj and played an important role in the administration and expansion of the Maratha Kingdom. 
  • Shivneri Fort (Junnar, Pune District) 
    • Significance: Birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 
    • Shivneri Fort has ancient origins, with references dating back to the Satavahana and Yadava dynasties.  
    • Over time, it changed hands from the Bahmani Empire to the Marathas under the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj. 
  • Bhimashankar (near Junnar, Pune District) 
    • Significance: It is one of the 12 holy Jyotirlinga shrines in India. 
    • Originally built in the 13th century, the temple reflects the craftsmanship of the Vishwakarma sculptors.  
    • Maratha statesman Nana Phadnavis added the shikharas in the 18th century, while Shivaji Maharaj is believed to have supported worship through his patronage. 
  • Pratapgad Fort (Satara District) 
    • Significance: The Battle of Pratapgarh, fought on November 10, 1659, at Pratapgad Fort was a pivotal victory for the Marathas, led by Chhatrapati Shivaji, over the Adilshahi forces commanded by General Afzal Khan. 
  • Panhala Fort (Kolhapur District) 
    • Significance: It served as a crucial Maratha stronghold and was also the residence of Shivaji Maharaj during significant periods of his reign. 

 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.