Maharashtra under Shiva is a Golden Page in the History of India – Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Satara : The period of Maharashtra under Shiva is a golden page in the history of India. It is the primary duty of all to preserve it. Three and a half centuries ago, after defeating the Mughals, Shiva Raya established the Hindu Swarajya, abolishing the monarchy. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a true king of the people, who ordered that the ryots’ crops should not be touched. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde asserted that the tigers, a symbol of their bravery and heroism, have entered the holy land of Satara, making this a fortunate day for Maharashtra.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inaugurated the exhibition of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s weapons, brought from the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, under the Shivashastra Shauryagatha at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum. The cornerstone of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum was also unveiled. Dignitaries inspected the museum.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, Guardian Minister Shambhuraj Desai, Krishna Khore Development Corporation Vice President Mahesh Shinde, MP Shrimant Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale, MLA Shrimant Chhatrapati Shivendrasinhraje Bhosle, Makarand Patil, Jayakumar Gore, Rajendra Raut, Chief Post Master General Kishan Kumar Sharma, International Victoria & Albert Museum Office Head Nicholas Merchant, Cultural Affairs Department Secretary Vikas Kharge, Vrishaliraje Bhosale, Archeology Department Director Sujith Kumar Ugle, Collector Jitendra Doody, Chief Executive Officer Yashni Nagarajan, Superintendent of Police Sameer Sheikh, Upper Superintendent of Police Aanchal Dalal, and others were present. On this occasion, in celebration of the 350th anniversary of Shiva Rajabhishek, four postage stamps featuring Raigad Fort, Sindhudurg Fort, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Rajmudra, and the meeting of Saint Tukaram with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj were also unveiled by the dignitaries.

Speaking at the program organized at Yashwantrao Chavan Multi-Purpose Hall, Chief Minister Shinde said that the character of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is an inspiration, and if we adopt his teachings and principles, we will easily win the battles of life. The marks of Shiv Chhatrapati’s prowess and achievements will be brought back to the land of Shiv Pratapa from wherever they are. Shivaji Maharaj’s tigers brought from London to Satara symbolize his prowess. This Vaghankhe is his heroic story. He also said that the greater the struggle, the greater the success.

Chief Minister Shinde stated that the state government is trying to realize the kingdom of ryots envisioned by Shiv Raya. This government is for the common people, and many decisions have been taken for the welfare of all sections of society. Various schemes are being implemented to reach everyone. The government is committed to preserving and conserving forts and has established the Pratapgarh Authority, chaired by MP Chhatrapati Udayanaraje Bhosale. A provision of Rs 150 crore has been made for the conservation of Pratapgad. On this occasion, he assured that the state government will restore the tomb of Maharani Tarabai of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Sangammahuli.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was an epoch-making king. He defeated the Mughal power and established a kingdom of ryots. The tiger claws, which he used to kill Afzal Khan during the crisis of Swaraj, were kept in the London museum for many years. Now available in the museum in Satara, these tiger claws allow Shiva lovers to connect with the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shiva Raya established a kingdom of ryots without caste discrimination. People from Maharashtra and across the country will come to see these tiger claws and take inspiration from them. The state government, inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji, is working on many developmental projects and schemes for the upliftment of all.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that Shiv Chhatrapati’s tigers serve as an inspiration for the new generation to learn about history. On this occasion, he announced substantial funds for the development of Satara district and assured that he will not let development project proposals fall short. Deputy Chief Minister Pawar mentioned specific allocations, including Rs 30 crore for the Rajmata Saibai memorial site at the base of Rajgad in Velha, Rs 300 crore for the Shivneri Museum in Junnar, and Rs 300 crore for the development of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Sacrifice Site at Mauje Tulapur Haveli. Additionally, a site has been selected for the memorial of Veer Jiva Mahal at the foot of Pratapgad. The coronation ceremony of Shiva Rajyabhishek is celebrated annually at Raigad Fort, and a plan will be prepared with funds allocated for the development of Shivneri. A Rs 40 crore fund has been sanctioned for the conservation of Indapur historical fort, which tells the story of the valor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s grandfather, Veerashree Sardar Molojiraje Bhosale.

A special fund has been provided for the preservation and conservation of the forts from Shivaji Maharaj’s era. The name of Velha Taluka, which signifies the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s prowess, has now been changed to Rajgad. At the same time, no funds will be spared for any work related to Pratapgad, Raigad, and Shivneri. Stricter laws regarding drinking at young forts will be enforced.

Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar remarked that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the father of democracy. All belongings of Chhatrapati Shivaraya are priceless, and his tiger paws are now displayed in Satara. Today is a day of pride and glory for all. Efforts are being made to bring back to Maharashtra the objects that proudly tell the history of Maharashtra, currently in museums in London or other countries. Minister Mungantiwar also mentioned that the government has taken various welfare decisions for women and farmers. The state budget includes the announcement to celebrate Shiv Rajyabhishek Day as a government event. A decision has been made to build a Shiva Srishti in the Parliament House. The Government of Maharashtra has allocated Rs 10 crore for the construction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Adhyaya in Jawaharlal Nehru Vishwa Vidyalaya, Delhi. The management of Shivaji Maharaj’s kingdom will also be taught at IIM Nagpur, with Rs 5 crore allocated for it. He noted that Shiv Jayanti has been celebrated in the Durbar of Agra for the last two years, which is a matter of pride. The sanctity of the forts will be maintained, and strict action will be taken against those who consume alcohol on the forts.

Guardian Minister Shambhuraj Desai said that the arrival of the Tigers, who received the holy touch of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Satara city, is a matter of pride for all district residents. We have the opportunity to see the tigers that destroyed significant threats to Hindu Swarajya. These tigers will be displayed in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Satara for seven months. Tickets are available to citizens both online and offline, with four slots available throughout the day, allowing two hundred people to view the exhibition at a time. The administration has provided all necessary facilities for this. All Shiva devotees are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

On this occasion, Minister Desai thanked the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers for bringing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s tiger claws to Satara district and requested substantial funds for the all-round development of the district.

MP Shrimant Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj introduced the concept of people’s participation in governance and taught the principle of sarvadhasambhava. His national memorial should be in Delhi, and the Maharashtra government should take the initiative for this. A circuit of significant places in Shivrajya should be created. To avoid any controversy, the official Shivcharitra should be published by the government. He also mentioned that the power to keep the country united lies in the character of Shivaji Maharaj.

MLA Shrimant Chhatrapati Shivendrasinhraje Bhosle expressed that bringing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s tiger claws to Satara is a fortunate moment in life, providing an opportunity to witness history. He appealed to the family of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to avoid controversies and not spread rumors. He also highlighted the neglect of Ajinkyatara Fort and demanded increased funds to provide facilities for tourists and its conservation.

At the beginning of the program, Chief Minister Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Pawar saluted the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Shivtirtha by offering floral wreaths.

The program was moderated by actor Subodh Bhave, and the vote of thanks was given by Sujith Kumar Ugle.