Chhatrapati Shivaji and the Idea of Swarajya

Swarajya. We,especially students of political science and social sciences in general often study ideas like Sovereignty, nation state, territoriality etc. Likewise Swarajya as an idea had come under focus during Swadeshi movement (1905). It essentially meant Self Rule. However, it's roots goes back to Maratha Empire and Chhatrapati Shivaji,it's founder, who had the idea of Swarajya in mind when they thought to create 'an indigenous, independent territorial base culturally united by 'Maharashtra dharma'. 

 

Swarajya of Chhatrapati Shivaji rejected the idea of absolute Sovereign monarch Instituted by the divine rights. Instead from the start itself,  Swarajya was conceptualized as the rule of people. Chhatrapati Shivaji mobilized the people in hilly Maval region around Sahyadris. The very mobilization started once he started understanding problems of peasants, servants serving as militia for local Watandars. As Swarajya grew from 1746 to 1759 (Afzhalkhan was killed), the idea of Swarajya as the rule of Ryots, peasants, villagers had taken strong roots. "Hindavi Swarajya" as it is often referred is not chauvinist or religious term but it essentially means "rule of indigenous, natives."

 

Further, Swarajya needed the strong territorial base to emerge as a separate kingdom of indigenous people. The brave deeds of Chhatrapati Shivaji and his colleagues with smart use of Sahyadris for his guerilla tactics helped to gain territory for Swarajya. All powers in medieval India including Mughals feared not only the ability of Chhatrapati Shivaji to mobilize his army and score victories in their territories, but also the love and loyalty people had for Chhatrapati Shivaji. Bajiprabhu episode in Pawankhind, Kondhana capture by Tanaji Malusre and many other such episodes mark the strongest pillar of Swarajya, the support by its people. The very fact that Chhatrapati Shivaji built, conquered over 300 forts during his lifetime shows the efficiency and effectiveness this pillar.

 

The idea of Swarajya also included creating harmony within society. The composition of Chhatrapati Shivaji's Army, bureaucracy and all state structures included all castes, religions, sects etc. It was truly a Swarajya based on "popular sovereignty." The concept of Swarajya was thus not person oriented to the all enchanting persona of Chhatrapati Shivaji but it was an institution which was binded by Maharashtra Dharma. A fact that the Maratha rule continued for 138 years after the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji's death (1680) indicates that the institution had enough strength to prosper under difficult circumstances.

 

Maharashtra Dharma as such was composition of thoughts of Bhakti saints like Saint Dnyaneshwar, Eknath and most importantly Saint Tukaram who was contemporary to Chhatrapati. Saint Tukaram not only preached spirituality but also was staunch supporter of Rationality and practicality. On one hand Dnyaneshwar's Pasaydan preaches World Peace (विश्व स्वधर्मे सूर्ये पाहो), while Saint Tukaram gives right to exercise power against the evils and superstitions. (नाठाळाचे माथी हाणू काठी). Thus, Maharashtra dharma inspires Swarajya to maintain peace and stability but if somebody tries weaken it, then destroy the opponent. 

 

From 1646 to 1759, in about 100 years, Maratha rule dominated the subcontinent

Therefore, the idea of Swarajya in the thoughts of Chhatrapati Shivaji and subsequent Maratha Empire, had larger canvas to occupy than just territories. It had emotional,cultural appeal to unite and fight against injustice. Very few rulers in the world have privilege to be in a cherished memory of common people in the area where (s)he used to rule. Chhatrapati Shivaji and his Swarajya will be cherished for the inspiration and self respect it gave to not only Marathis but also all the Indians. It is the towering example of the great world can be built even if you start from zero. 

 

Today, 19th February, marks the birth anniversary of our beloved King, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This short write up was an attempt to explain what his Swarajya stood for. 

 

शिवजयंतीनिमित्त छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांना मानाचा मुजरा... जय भवानी, जय शिवाजी!