Remembering Maharashtra's 'आराध्य देव' and the founder of 'Hindavi Swaraj', Shri Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birthday today.
'यशवन्त, कीर्तिवन्त, सामर्थ्यवंत ,वरदवन्त, नीतिवन्त, पुण्यवंत,जाणता राजा'
'राखी रजपूती राजधानी राखी राजनकी,धरामे धरम राख्या राख्यो गुण गुणीमे'
'यशवन्त, कीर्तिवन्त, सामर्थ्यवंत ,वरदवन्त, नीतिवन्त, पुण्यवंत,जाणता राजा'
'राखी रजपूती राजधानी राखी राजनकी,धरामे धरम राख्या राख्यो गुण गुणीमे'
'दच्छिन को ढाल भयो (the shield of the Deccan), हिंदु को दिवाल भयो (the wall for Hindus), काल तुरकान को '-Bhushan
My humble poetic tributes (narrating the life of Raje in a ballad) to one the greatest warrior kings ever born who carved out Swaraj fighting insurmountable odds-
My humble poetic tributes (narrating the life of Raje in a ballad) to one the greatest warrior kings ever born who carved out Swaraj fighting insurmountable odds-
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It was dark and gloomy 17th century, India's fortunes were on the wane
Mughals,Sultanates,Portuguese had carved the country writhing in pain
It was dark and gloomy 17th century, India's fortunes were on the wane
Mughals,Sultanates,Portuguese had carved the country writhing in pain
Loot, rape, plunder and pillage,every village was in a state of chafe
Gods,wealth or their daughters,not a possession of Indians was safe
Indians under the jackboot of oppressors,their liberty and rights denied
Deccani Sultanates were in full bloom in shambles lay Maratha pride
Gods,wealth or their daughters,not a possession of Indians was safe
Indians under the jackboot of oppressors,their liberty and rights denied
Deccani Sultanates were in full bloom in shambles lay Maratha pride
Land of Satvahans,Yadavs and Chalukyas had turned to a living hell
Adilshah, Nizam and Qutbshah had on Deccan cast a pestilential spell
In this turmoil lived a Maratha warrior,Shahaji Bhonsale was his name
Married to a virtuous lady Jijabai,foreigners' authority she did disclaim
Adilshah, Nizam and Qutbshah had on Deccan cast a pestilential spell
In this turmoil lived a Maratha warrior,Shahaji Bhonsale was his name
Married to a virtuous lady Jijabai,foreigners' authority she did disclaim
Every Indian under foreign yoke, not even a soul could breathe easy
Jijabai could not take it any more,such servitude made her queasy
India's knees were in suppliance bent,the invaders were running wild
During such dire days at Shivneri fort,Jijabai gave birth to a radiant child
Jijabai could not take it any more,such servitude made her queasy
India's knees were in suppliance bent,the invaders were running wild
During such dire days at Shivneri fort,Jijabai gave birth to a radiant child
She taught her son all about dharma, Dadoji Konddev became his guide
Bright and brilliant Shivba trained well, her Joy Jijamata couldn't hide
Swords, daggers, shields and lances became Shiva's childhood toys
Every hill of Sahyadri Shivba would trek with his band of Mavala boys
Bright and brilliant Shivba trained well, her Joy Jijamata couldn't hide
Swords, daggers, shields and lances became Shiva's childhood toys
Every hill of Sahyadri Shivba would trek with his band of Mavala boys
Shiva and squad scanned every hill, every pass, every gorge and glen
Tanaji, Suryaji and Yesaji as pals, Shiva was a natural leader of men
At the tender age of 16 at Raireshwar temple the young Shiva swore
Tyranny and torture of foreign invaders, my people shall suffer no more
Tanaji, Suryaji and Yesaji as pals, Shiva was a natural leader of men
At the tender age of 16 at Raireshwar temple the young Shiva swore
Tyranny and torture of foreign invaders, my people shall suffer no more
'The days of those who loot, rape, maim my folks, shall now be numbered'
'India shall be ruled only by us Indians', the young leader thundered
A spark was lighted to rekindle and awaken supine India's dead soul
The arduous journey commenced with Hindavi Swaraj as its final goal
'India shall be ruled only by us Indians', the young leader thundered
A spark was lighted to rekindle and awaken supine India's dead soul
The arduous journey commenced with Hindavi Swaraj as its final goal
Cobblers, blacksmiths, carpenters rose, took up tools of a different kind
Each brave Marhatta readied his arms, with only Swaraj on his mind
With his rag-tag hill-men squad, Shiva found a firm and loyal support
The battle for Hindavi Swaraj began with the capture of Torna fort
Each brave Marhatta readied his arms, with only Swaraj on his mind
With his rag-tag hill-men squad, Shiva found a firm and loyal support
The battle for Hindavi Swaraj began with the capture of Torna fort
Hardy-austere Maratha warriors were a valorous and spartan breed
No greed or possession, save for their whetted sabre and battle steed
Kondana, Purandar and Jawli, Bhonsle territory now grew pretty fast
Spunky Shiva was on a winning spree, whole Adilshahi stood aghast
No greed or possession, save for their whetted sabre and battle steed
Kondana, Purandar and Jawli, Bhonsle territory now grew pretty fast
Spunky Shiva was on a winning spree, whole Adilshahi stood aghast
A gauntlet was thrown at Bijapur court,tame and bring Shiva who can?
Assuring Adilshah-Badi begum, arose Afzal Khan-a mountain of a man
A wicked zealot,a mammoth man, Sambhaji's Kanakgiri killer was he
'I'll swat this mountain-rat' said Afzal,of this pest Adilshahi shall be free
Assuring Adilshah-Badi begum, arose Afzal Khan-a mountain of a man
A wicked zealot,a mammoth man, Sambhaji's Kanakgiri killer was he
'I'll swat this mountain-rat' said Afzal,of this pest Adilshahi shall be free
With this promise the giant set out, a huge armed contingent he led
Shiva was now living on borrowed time, most gave him up as dead!
On his way Afzal ravaged and pillaged, defiled every shrine he found
Unperturbed Shiva refused to budge, firmly stood his mountainous ground
Shiva was now living on borrowed time, most gave him up as dead!
On his way Afzal ravaged and pillaged, defiled every shrine he found
Unperturbed Shiva refused to budge, firmly stood his mountainous ground
'Meek Shiva, scared of you wants to surrender', said emissary to Khan
Peace meet was held at Pratapgad, brute was unaware of Shiva's plan
Shiva departed for the meet, after mother Jijama and Bhavani's blessing
Though with warmth both foes met, real intentions each was guessing
Peace meet was held at Pratapgad, brute was unaware of Shiva's plan
Shiva departed for the meet, after mother Jijama and Bhavani's blessing
Though with warmth both foes met, real intentions each was guessing
True to form, Khan cheated, with his dagger he attacked Shivaji first
Shiva was saved by chain armour, had come prepared for the worst
Agile Shiva brought out tiger claws, swiftly into Khan's belly he tore
David had slain the Goliath big, in a dauntless feat unheard of before
Shiva was saved by chain armour, had come prepared for the worst
Agile Shiva brought out tiger claws, swiftly into Khan's belly he tore
David had slain the Goliath big, in a dauntless feat unheard of before
Khan's guard Bada Sayyed charged, Sayyed was a swordsman grand
Alert Jiva saved the life of Shiva, in a stroke lopped off Sayyed's hand
Jijama saw Afzal Khan's severed head, and it was a sight to behold
Finally Shiva got an eye for an eye, the trophy was as good as gold
Alert Jiva saved the life of Shiva, in a stroke lopped off Sayyed's hand
Jijama saw Afzal Khan's severed head, and it was a sight to behold
Finally Shiva got an eye for an eye, the trophy was as good as gold
Kanhoji/Netoji swooped on Wai camp, Afzal's men saw utter defeat
The killer of her son was finally killed, Jijama got her revenge sweet
Astounded India saw this feat, with Ganimi Kava they came across
Bijapur was shaken from the core, Badi begum lamented Afzal's loss
The killer of her son was finally killed, Jijama got her revenge sweet
Astounded India saw this feat, with Ganimi Kava they came across
Bijapur was shaken from the core, Badi begum lamented Afzal's loss
Panhala, Wasantgad, Pavangad, Shiva's juggernaut rolled fast ahead
Desperate Adilshah called on Johar-an Abyssinian whom all did dread
Sidi laid a tight siege around Panhala, the situation for Shiva was grave
Food and luck both running out, Maratha position was difficult to save
Desperate Adilshah called on Johar-an Abyssinian whom all did dread
Sidi laid a tight siege around Panhala, the situation for Shiva was grave
Food and luck both running out, Maratha position was difficult to save
Astute Shiva busted out from Panhala with Sidi Johar hard on his tail
Veer Bajiprabhu held the rearguard, Shiva in grim danger, should he fail
Ghorkind consecrated by blood of the patriot, Baji kept his word
Kept death at bay till Shiva reached Vishalgad a cannon sign was heard
Veer Bajiprabhu held the rearguard, Shiva in grim danger, should he fail
Ghorkind consecrated by blood of the patriot, Baji kept his word
Kept death at bay till Shiva reached Vishalgad a cannon sign was heard
Events of Deccan sent shock-waves around,Shivaji's stock soared high
The mighty Mughal in Delhi was spooked,conflict with Shiva was nigh
North India was ruled by Aurangzeb,a cruel, fratricidal and despotic king
A revengeful man,a thankless son, more venomous than a cobra's sting
The mighty Mughal in Delhi was spooked,conflict with Shiva was nigh
North India was ruled by Aurangzeb,a cruel, fratricidal and despotic king
A revengeful man,a thankless son, more venomous than a cobra's sting
Saistakhan was sent with huge army, to subdue intractable Maratha chief
Outmanned, outgunned Deccanis,were on the back-foot for a period brief
Kalyan, Chakan and Pune,Marathas were driven out of their land
Shiva scripted a surgical strike on Khan with his selected incognito band
Outmanned, outgunned Deccanis,were on the back-foot for a period brief
Kalyan, Chakan and Pune,Marathas were driven out of their land
Shiva scripted a surgical strike on Khan with his selected incognito band
On Mughal camp at Lalmahal Shivaji struck, in a daring midnight raid
Khan chickened and fled, sans a few fingers lost to Shiva's blade
Banished from Deccan was Saista khan, to distant Bengal he was sent
Mughal dignity was now in tatters, Mughal reputation Shivaji did dent
Khan chickened and fled, sans a few fingers lost to Shiva's blade
Banished from Deccan was Saista khan, to distant Bengal he was sent
Mughal dignity was now in tatters, Mughal reputation Shivaji did dent
Surat the rich Mughal port was sacked, Maratha army was on rampage
The Mughal now was badly rattled, Aurangzeb was seething with rage
Mirza Jaisingh was sent to Deccan, with orders to wipe out Shivaji fast
Maratha winning tide had turned and at Purandar a deadly net was cast
The Mughal now was badly rattled, Aurangzeb was seething with rage
Mirza Jaisingh was sent to Deccan, with orders to wipe out Shivaji fast
Maratha winning tide had turned and at Purandar a deadly net was cast
Dilerkhan launched a vicious attack, Maratha resources about to drain
Murarbaji showed steel of his blade, piled the ground with Afghans slain
Shrewd Jaisingh's incessant booming cannons, simply did not cease
After sacrificing heroes and heroes, Shivaji helplessly sued for peace
Murarbaji showed steel of his blade, piled the ground with Afghans slain
Shrewd Jaisingh's incessant booming cannons, simply did not cease
After sacrificing heroes and heroes, Shivaji helplessly sued for peace
With a one-sided treaty signed, of myriad forts the Marathas lost control
To save his men from decimation, Shivaji had to accept a subservient role
To save his men from decimation, Shivaji had to accept a subservient role
At Agra court Shivaji was spurned, faced the back of coward Jaswant Singh
The hero couldn't take it, threw a tantrum demanding treatment like a king
The hero couldn't take it, threw a tantrum demanding treatment like a king
Perfidious Mughal put Shiva under house-arrest, his life was now in danger
Clever Shiva thought of a plan, to such calamities he was hardly a stranger
Clever Shiva thought of a plan, to such calamities he was hardly a stranger
Shiva pretended to be ill in Agra,called baskets of alms for many a sage
Empty baskets were put to use, the bird had now flown the cage
Empty baskets were put to use, the bird had now flown the cage
There was racing and chasing all over,but Shivaji they just couldn't find
Shiva and son reached Raigad safely,leaving Mughal pursuers behind
World saw daring escape in disbelief, from the Mughal ball of slime
Peaceful Shiva now consolidated his kingdom and bided for his time
Shiva and son reached Raigad safely,leaving Mughal pursuers behind
World saw daring escape in disbelief, from the Mughal ball of slime
Peaceful Shiva now consolidated his kingdom and bided for his time
Shivaji found an erudite Guru in Shri Ramdas, a great spiritual master
With strong character and Rajdharma, Shiva's glory now spread faster
Aurangzeb grew more fanatical, the iconoclast put many to sword
Chivalrous Shiva a virtuous and just king, all his subjects he adored
With strong character and Rajdharma, Shiva's glory now spread faster
Aurangzeb grew more fanatical, the iconoclast put many to sword
Chivalrous Shiva a virtuous and just king, all his subjects he adored
Neither women nor children of enemies, were allowed to come to harm
Religious men were untouched, afar extended Shiva's chivalrous charm
Prataorao Gujjar, Yesaji kank, Moro Pingle-Shiva's army was now ready
Shiva struck again at his foes after making his administration steady
Religious men were untouched, afar extended Shiva's chivalrous charm
Prataorao Gujjar, Yesaji kank, Moro Pingle-Shiva's army was now ready
Shiva struck again at his foes after making his administration steady
Things were settled but the loss of Kondana rankled Jiajamata hard
Capturing Kondana was not a joke, a brave Rajput stood there guard
Tanaji led the stealth attack on Kondana, an impregnable Mughal fort
Fierce fight ensued with Uday Bhan, Shelarmama gave great support
Capturing Kondana was not a joke, a brave Rajput stood there guard
Tanaji led the stealth attack on Kondana, an impregnable Mughal fort
Fierce fight ensued with Uday Bhan, Shelarmama gave great support
Tanaji's shield broke halfway but he fought fiercely till his last breath
Shiva's lion captured Kondana fort but kissed the bride called death
Resurgent Shivaji was unstoppable, every Mughal gain he did erase
Purandar, Mahuli, Lohagad were back, of enemies there was no trace
Shiva's lion captured Kondana fort but kissed the bride called death
Resurgent Shivaji was unstoppable, every Mughal gain he did erase
Purandar, Mahuli, Lohagad were back, of enemies there was no trace
Afghans, Mughals, Uzbecks and Turks, known for their military power
Tasted the the Steel of Maratha sabres, heroic hill-men refused to cower
With Surat sacked once again, Aurangzeb's face was smeared black
Mighty Mughals were easily looted their edifice had now begun to crack
Tasted the the Steel of Maratha sabres, heroic hill-men refused to cower
With Surat sacked once again, Aurangzeb's face was smeared black
Mighty Mughals were easily looted their edifice had now begun to crack
A tumultuous battle at Salher was fought, Mughals saw their utter rout
Shivaji's writ ran far and wide,about his prowess there was no doubt
With riches gained,sea-forts were built, a brand new navy prepared
Now it was time for Shivaji's coronation,an auspicious day was declared
Shivaji's writ ran far and wide,about his prowess there was no doubt
With riches gained,sea-forts were built, a brand new navy prepared
Now it was time for Shivaji's coronation,an auspicious day was declared
In a grand ceremony at Raigad, sacred mantras many Pandits did sing
6th June 1674, Pandit Gaga Bhatt anointed the Maratha warrior as king
From Shiva he became Chatrapati,his glory spread wide on every mouth
With Mughals under a firm check,Shivaji's attention turned to the south
6th June 1674, Pandit Gaga Bhatt anointed the Maratha warrior as king
From Shiva he became Chatrapati,his glory spread wide on every mouth
With Mughals under a firm check,Shivaji's attention turned to the south
Ponda,Ginjee and Vellore,southern cities now under Maratha belt
Triumphant Shivaji entered Hyderabad,servile Qutbshah almost knelt
Be they Sidis of Janjira,wily Portuguese, or British-he chastised them all
The rough and taxing life of the Chatraparti finally had to take its toll
Triumphant Shivaji entered Hyderabad,servile Qutbshah almost knelt
Be they Sidis of Janjira,wily Portuguese, or British-he chastised them all
The rough and taxing life of the Chatraparti finally had to take its toll
God likes the company of good souls, at only 52 Shivaji breathed his last
Grim reaper silently scythed the hero, a pall of gloom at Raighad was cast
Grim reaper silently scythed the hero, a pall of gloom at Raighad was cast
A valiant warrior, a meritorious king, a huge protector of dharma was lost
A benevolent ruler and fearless fighter who held the Saffron banner aloft
A benevolent ruler and fearless fighter who held the Saffron banner aloft
The Swaraj spark that Shivaji lit at Torna, later amplified into a huge fire
From south of India till Attock and Peshawar, extended the Maratha empire
From south of India till Attock and Peshawar, extended the Maratha empire
Shambhu, Bajirao, Sahu and Scindias, Shiva's ideas inspired them all
Palkhed, Vasai, Udgir, Panipat and even Delhi, Marathas stood very tall
Palkhed, Vasai, Udgir, Panipat and even Delhi, Marathas stood very tall
The idea of Swaraj continues to live, to hero Shivaji today we tributes pay
India to be ruled by Indians- the maxim is very much relevant even today!
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India to be ruled by Indians- the maxim is very much relevant even today!
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