On April 12, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a powerful tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during a ceremony at Raigad Fort, marking the 345th anniversary of the legendary Maratha king's death. Shah's remarks not only honored Shivaji's legacy but also highlighted the enduring significance of his ideals in contemporary India.
The event, attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale, who is a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, was a poignant reminder of the Maratha warrior's impact on Indian history. Shah stated, "The ruler who called himself 'Alamgir' fought Marathas till he was alive and died a defeated man in Maharashtra. His (Aurangzeb's) samadhi (tomb) is located on its soil." This statement was particularly significant given the recent political tensions surrounding Aurangzeb's tomb in Khuldabad, which has been the subject of heated debate among right-wing groups seeking its removal.
Shah emphasized that the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj should not be confined to Maharashtra, urging that his values of self-rule (Swaraj) and self-respect (Swadharma) are essential for all Indians. He remarked, "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj should not be confined to Maharashtra. He is a heritage not only for India but for the entire world." This call for a broader recognition of Shivaji's contributions comes at a time when the country is looking forward to its centenary of independence in 2047, with aspirations to become a global superpower.
During his address, Shah praised Shivaji Maharaj's extraordinary courage and strategic brilliance, noting that he united various sections of society to build a formidable army against the Mughal Empire. "Without any dynastic backing or resources, he shook the foundations of the Mughal Empire. His soldiers reached Attock, Cuttack, Bengal, and deep into the south. It was then that Indians began to experience the true essence of freedom," he said.
Shah also acknowledged the role of Shivaji's mother, Jijabai, in instilling the values of protecting Swadharma and establishing Swarajya. He stated, "Rajmata Jijabai not only gave birth to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but also inspired him to revive Swaraj, Swadharma, and Swabhasha." This recognition of maternal influence highlights the importance of family and cultural heritage in shaping leaders.
The home minister reiterated the government's commitment to Shivaji's ideals, stating that the Narendra Modi administration works on the principles laid down by the Maratha king. He urged the audience to ensure that every child in India learns about Shivaji's life and legacy. "It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child in India learns about the life and legacy of Shivaji Maharaj," he said.
In a related discussion, Udayanraje Bhosale proposed a non-bailable law that would impose a ten-year jail term for those insulting Shivaji Maharaj. This proposal received support from Chief Minister Fadnavis, who assured the public of action against those who disrespect such an iconic figure. Bhosale also called for the establishment of a national memorial dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj in Delhi, further emphasizing the need for national recognition of Shivaji's contributions.
Shah described Raigad Fort, which served as the capital of the Maratha kingdom, as a source of inspiration for future generations, rather than merely a tourist destination. He stated, "This site should be a source of inspiration for the youth of the country by providing it with various modern facilities." His vision for Raigad aligns with the Maharashtra government's ongoing efforts to preserve Shivaji's legacy, reminiscent of the work initiated by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who envisioned Raigad as a symbol of Swaraj.
In light of the ongoing discussions about Aurangzeb's tomb, Shah's comments take on added significance. The political row surrounding the tomb has escalated tensions in Maharashtra, leading to protests and clashes earlier this year. Shah's assertion that Aurangzeb died a defeated man in Maharashtra serves as a rallying cry for those advocating for the removal of the tomb and a reassertion of Maratha pride.
Shah concluded his address by reiterating that the struggle for Swaraj, respect for Swadharma, and the immortality of Swabhasha should never cease. He expressed hope that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India would continue to uphold these values and strive for greatness on the global stage. "Today, 75 years after India’s independence, we stand tall before the world with pride, and we resolve that when India completes 100 years of independence, the country will achieve the number one position globally in every domain," he said.
As the event wrapped up, Shah attended a luncheon with local leaders, including NCP MP Sunil Tatkare, where political discussions were reportedly off the agenda. This gathering, however, comes against the backdrop of ongoing disputes among coalition partners regarding ministerial appointments in Raigad district, indicating that while the tribute to Shivaji Maharaj was a moment of unity, underlying political tensions remain.
Overall, Amit Shah's homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad Fort served not only as a celebration of a historical figure but also as a reminder of the values that continue to resonate in contemporary India. As the nation prepares for its centenary of independence, the ideals of Shivaji Maharaj may provide a guiding light for future generations.
