Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2022: History, Significance, Best Quotes by the Maratha King

Culturally diverse country India observes Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti or Shivajayanti every year on February 19, celebrating the birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj, who was the founder of the Maratha Empire.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is majorly celebrated in Maharashtra. It was first celebrated as Shiv Jayanti in 1870  by Mahatma (Jyotirao) Phule- a social activist, writer and reformer of his time.

Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630 in Shivneri Fort, near Junnar in Pune.  Remembered as one of the greatest Maratha ruler in Indian history, Shivaji carved an enclave from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur that became the start of Maratha Empire. He was popularly known as Shivaji Bhonsle, a member of the Bhonsle Maratha clan.  He promoted the use of Marathi and Sanskrit in court and administration, in times when the norms were to use Persian language.

Chhatrapati Shivaji is known and celebrated for his valour and flawless strategies for battlefield. He won several wars against the Mughals and flared victory of the Marathas on the Indian land.

Commemorating the Maratha King on his birth anniversary today, here are some of his inspiring quotes:

• “If a tree, which is not a highly elevated living entity, can be so tolerant and merciful to give sweet mangoes even when hit by anyone; being a king, should I not be more merciful and tolerant than the tree?”
• “Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother.”
• “Never bend your head always hold it high.”
• “Even if there were a sword in the hands of everyone, it is a willpower that establishes a government.”
• “Freedom is a boon, which everyone has the right to receive.”
• “When you are enthusiastic, the mountain also looks like a clay pile.”
• “Do not think of the enemy as weak, and then do not be too scared to feel too strong.”
• “No need to be learned from my own fault. We can learn a lot from others’ mistakes.”
• “You should promise to each person who needs your help, in order to achieve your goal. But fulfill only those promises that you have given to saints and holy people, not those given to thieves.”
• “When you start loving your goals by all your heart and mind, then from the grace of Goddess Bhawani, you will surely get the victory.”
• “We must know the history of that place in which we live and the history of our ancestors.”
• “Each person should get an education, because, during a war, the thing which not be achieved by strength, that can be achieved by knowledge and tricks and the knowledge comes from education.”