The name Maharashtra means the 'The Great State' or 'Great Nation'.

The name is said to have been originated probably from 'rathi' which means 'Chariot driver', referring to drivers and builders of chariots who were known as 'maharathis' or 'Fighting Force'. Maharashtra gets its name aptly, because it is the largest states in India, both in terms of area as well as population. Maharashtra spans 308000 km with a population over 78,937,000 and the state language being Marathi.

Maharashtra - The great Land. As the name itself suggests, Maharashtra is diverse in its riches. It has been reflected through its, forts, caves, palaces known for its rich history, its Saints, philosophers, music, handicrafts and its festivals with all their colourful rituals and traditions, all of which amalgamate together to give a true reflection of Maharashtrian Culture.

Celebration : Birthday of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Falls on : 19th January On February 19th, the birthday of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated on a grand scale in Maharashtra. Shivaji was born at the Shivneri fort on February 19th, 1630. He was a great leader and the creator of the Maratha nation. He united the Maratha chiefs from Maval, Konkan and Desh regions for a higher purpose - the promotion of Maharashtra Dharma - and carved out a small kingdom by defeating the alien powers. He stabilised the state with effective civil and military administration and adopted a policy of religious tolerance to accommodate all religions and sects in his state. Shivaji was not only the maker of the Maratha nation, but also the greatest constructive genius of medieval India. States fall, empires break up, dynasties become extinct, but the memory of a true 'hero as King' like Shivaji remains an imperishable historical legacy for an entire human race. His dazzling victories and ever-ready smile made him the idol of his soldiers. A royal gift of judging character was one of the main causes of his success.

1)Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Founder of Hindavi Swarajya Birth: 19 Feb 1630 Samarth Ramdas, who lived in the times of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, described this personality in a verse composed of only adjectives as follows: Nishchayacha Mahameru, Bahutajanansi aadharu, Akhandasthiticha Nirdharu, Shrimant Yogi... ...Ya bhumandalache thai, Dharma rakshi eisa nahi Maharashtra dharma rahila kahi tumha karani. (The pinnacle of determination, protector of people, resolute in intent, wealthy yet detached from his opulence......There is no other on this earth, who has protected any people; It is because of you that the culture of Maharashtra survived) This poem, considered to be a literary masterpiece, brings out the different dimensions and the noble character of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as an ideal, determined, brave, courageous and kind King, in words that are powerfully rich and deeply meaningful. It also describes the achievements of this revolutionary personality in laying the foundation of the Hindavi Swarajya, in which Samarth Ramdas himself played an important role. For nearly 300 years, the Mughal kings - the throne of Delhi, Adilshah, Nizam and Qutubshah, ruled over the land mass that is today known as Maharashtra. This foreign rule was exploitative and torturous and left people helpless against the atrocities that the rulers committed against them. Women and children, the fields and crops and homes were not safe in the hands of these rulers who would descend anytime and loot the populace. It was in this period of subjugation and suppression, in times when freedom was hard to imagine, that a young Shivaji retaliated against this foreign rule, declared independence and proclaimed himself the King of the land. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born the son of Shahaji Raje Bhosale and Jijau on the third day of the Hindu month of Phalgun in the Hindu year 1551, on the fort of Shivneri in Junnar taluka of Pune district (Ref: Shree Raja ShivChhatrapati, Gajanan Mehendale, Diamond Publications).

In the absence of his father who was the Jagirdar of the Bangalore region in Karnataka, the young Shivaji was brought up under the watchful eye and tutelage of his mother. She told him stories from Ramayan and Mahabharat and kindled the flame of freedom in the young Shivba. She taught him politics and religion, at the same time trained him in the art of fighting by wielding the stick and dandpatta (a kind of sword with protective armour for the arm). Shivba became a skilled swordsman and a horse rider too. In this way, young Shivaji was well-prepared and groomed for the mission ahead. Jijabai took charge of the Pune Jagir after Murar Jagdev rendered it useless for human habitation (ploughed it with a donkey and destroyed the crops and fields). Jijabai used a golden plough to bring the people of Pune together and re-establish the city. During this time, Shivaji came in contact with twelve Mavale (youth from the Maval area in Pune, those who are fighters) in connection with the administration of the Jagir. These were his first friends, who were to become his allies in the freedom struggle. His leadership skills too came to the fore during this time. He punished a village head by ordering his hands and legs to be cut off when he misbehaved with a woman. Thus, the young Shivaji proved himself to be a fair and just ruler and a capable leader of the independent State. At the age of sixteen, with the Lord Shiva at the Rayreshwar temple as his witness, he took the oath to make Maharashtra independent by cutting himself and offering the shrine his own blood. His close friends accompanied him on this occasion. Then followed the acquisition of the Torna and Purandar forts and the defeat of FatehKhan, all rengthening his confidence in himself and his commitment to his mission. Yet, his real test came when Shahaji Raje was arrested. The enemy of your enemy is your friend: by following this rule, he proved his mettle as an able politician and strategist and used his friendship with the Badshah of Delhi to pressurize Adilshah to secure his fathers release. Soon after, calamity stuck Maharashtra in the form of AfzalKhan. He burned many villages, destroyed many temples and spread terror among the populace. Without dithering, Shivaji Maharaj decided to face him squarely. Shivaji Maharajs meeting with AfzalKhan at the foot of the Pratapgarh fort made history. In this meeting, Maharaj killed AfzalKhan with tiger claws while pretending to greet AfzalKhan warmly in an embrace. Maharaj had prepared himself for this meeting in minute details. He knew his own height and weight and also that of AfzalKhans, and had carefully selected his clothes for the occasion. He had also drafted a plan to defeat AfzalKhans army if the mission to kill AfzalKhan in the meeting was successful. There was also a counter-plan to fall back on in case the mission failed and

Maharaj himself was killed. Maharaj also personally selected the people who accompanied him on this mission. This crisis brought home the realisation of the responsibility he held as the guardian of Swarajya. The bravery and sacrifices of Kanhoji Jedhe and other Maratha soldiers brought about a feeling of gratitude, furthering his feeling of responsibility. Historians and scholars appreciate Maharajs cunning resourcefulness in engineering this defeat of AfzalKhan. Shivaji Maharaj had extended the boundaries of his kingdom from Tungabhadra in the south to the Satpuda mountain ranges in the north. During war times, he never troubled or terrorized the people and the Maratha soldiers never harassed any woman. He always advocated ideal goals, norms and values for his soldiers, thus succeeding in maintaining the moral of his army. While Maharaj was building his army, responding to outside attacks and acquiring new territory, he was also setting up a sound administration and initiating many constructive projects. He centralized the salaries of the armies, initiated the system of transfers of the administering officers, set up a system to collect land revenue based on the geographical area and introduced the policy to waive revenue collection in times of natural calamities. He introduced the system of working for six months in the army and farming for six months, giving his soldiers an opportunity to serve the country and earn a living. This gave the people financial and social security, thus strengthening their belief in Swarajya. Thousands of Mavale like Suryaji Kakade, Waghoji Tupe, Baji Pasalkar, Murarbaji Deshpande, Bajiprabhu Deshpande, Tanaji Malusare, Prataprao Gujar, Netaji Palkar and Bahirji Naik laid down their lives for the dream of Hindavi Swarajya. Their high motivation and patriotism, together with modern weaponry, fast steeds and the establishment of an armada to guard against the attacks from the Arabs, Abyssinians, Siddi and the Portuguese all contributed to the creation of Swarajya. Shivaji Maharaj studied the enemy carefully and took advantage of the its weakness to defeat him. He used guerrilla warfare and the elements of speed and surprise to defeat the likes of DilerKhan, ShaisteKhan, AfzalKhan thus protecting his people against every attack made on the land. Soon, the boundaries of Swarajya extended far and wide. The enthronement of Shivaji to give legitimacy to this kingdom became imperative. Thus, Shivaji Maharaj was coronated Chhatrapati at the hands of Kashis Gagabhatta, in the

Hindu month of Jyeshtha in the year 1674. It was an important moment in history that made Maharashtra and the whole country proud. Upon studying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs career and personality, a few things stand out. Maharaj had courage, valour, physical stamina, fixed ideology, excellent organising capabilities, disciplined and planned administrative skills and foresight. In addition to these qualities, he was an excellent strategist and was goal oriented.
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Shivaji worked hard as a child and during his youth to increase his physical strength and stamina. He brought together simple-minded Mavale and enthused them with an ideology and loyalty. He gave them purpose. He vowed to dedicate himself to founding the Hindavi Swarajya and neverfaltered. He brought important forts under his rule and built new ones. He attacked the enemy at the right time or compromised if necessary; using this principle shrewdly, he managed to defeat his enemies most of thetime, at times even facing family disputes. He used guerrilla warfare techniques cleverly. He brought about order and administration to the lives of common people, farmers, soldiers and priests and places of worship. He promoted Marathi as the official language and gave patronage to many art forms and artists. He created an eight-minister cabinet to administer the Hindavi Swarajya. This was one of the most important decisions taken by him. At the same time, he instilled confidence among the poor, downtrodden masses. He gave them a sense of purpose in life. He managed to achieve all this within a short life span of fifty years. Today, Maharashtra continues to be inspired by the spirit of independence sowed in the seventeenth century by Maharaj. The pride and sense of achievement that every Maharashtrian feels even today can be duly attributed to the work of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Maharajs health suffered soon after he returned victorious from his conquest of the South. The constant expeditions and battles had taken their toll and Maharaj passed away on the 3rd of April 1680. His death signalled the end of an era. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is an ideal example of what a mortal can achieve through his physical and mental strength and will power. His is a shining example of the heights one can reach by cultivating such virtues as courage, humility, a high

regard for ethics, foresight, bravery, presence of mind and many other such qualities. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has become immortal for the people of Maharashtra, setting an exemplary example for us to follow. The story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj does not end at his death. For thirty years after his death, in the absence of any single, stable leadership, the people of Maharashtra fought the Mughal even when Aurangzeb himself came to conquer this land. Finally, the Mughal King had to lay down his life here. This was only because of the foundation of unified Swarajya laid down by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj created Anandvanbhuvan a prosperous, heavenly place on this land, which is described lucidly by Saint Ramdas in his verse Anandvanbhuvani. It is an apt ode sung in praise of Maharaj, documenting and saluting his valiant efforts to build the Hindavi Swarajya and bring peace to the land. Death: 03 Apr 1680

CREATIVITY y Shri Shivraheshwar Mandir, The Only Temple Of Shivaji Maharaj In The World Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj Reconstruction Of 345 Years Old "Shri Shivrajeshwar Temple" Which Is The One & Only, Historic Temple In The World, Of "Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj" Located At "Sindhudurg Fort", Malvan, Maharashtra, India, Situated In Amidst The Rocky Bedding & Lashing, Breathholdng Waves Of Arabian Sea, Sindhudurg Fort Is An Evidence Of The Miraculous, Ultimate Human Efforts & Excellent Creativity Which Tells Us About The Unchallenging Foresight Of The Great Maratha Warrior Shivaji Maharaj. Shivrajeshwar Temple Is One Of The Golden Pages In The Indian History. This Temple, Due To It's Old Tenure, Has Undergone Mutilation And Is In Immense Need Of Reconstruction. To Save This Historical Monument, Which, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Had Occassionally Honoured With His Remarkable & Auspicious Presence Like A Miracle.

y Today is Rajmata Jijabai Bhosale Smrutidin as per Hindu Almanac. HJS salutes Rajmata Jijabai - Inspiration of Greatest Hindu king of Millenium Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj The shape, durability and quality of a pot are entirely dependent on the skill and the creativity of the potter. Likewise Chatrapati Shivaji Raje was entirely nurtured to fight the enemies who were obstructing the Establishment of Hindavi Swarajya. Jijau was born to Mhakasabai and Lakhoji Jadhav in Sindkhed territory. As she grew up, the sufferings of Hindus under the Mughal rule was perceived by her. At the tiny age when girls play with dolls Jijau immersed in learning sword

fighting. Her mother nurtured Jijau's courage by telling the tales of valor. The situation in the country was to provide services to Mughal Rulers, to become local commanding officers under Mughals the actual enemy, praise them and loot own people for them. Hindu women were being assaulted by Muslims and auctioned. Society had become a mute spectator. Farmers were working on empty stomachs, only for Mughals. Jijau was searching for a person who could fight this injustice. Jijau was married to Sahaji Raje Bhosale in the year 1605. She finally found recourse in prayers, by appealing to Goddess Bhavani to give her a son who would be bright, accomplished and immensely capable of establishing Swarajya. After marrying Shahaji Raje, Jijau could sense her husband being undervalued by rulers like Mughals, Adilshah, and Nijamshah etc. She realised that even though her husband was powerful but had no recognition, security and was not beneficial to the community. Jijau may be the only woman in the history of mankind who decided the purpose of her child even before he was born. Goddess Bhavani fulfilled Jijau's appeal as she shared Jijau's sorrows in terms of assaults on her land, drowning of her religion and her temples, idols being broken by the Yavan enemies like Mughals, Adilshah, Nijamshah etc. Jijau and Goddess Bhavani shared the same dream of Hindu Swarajya. Jijau told Shivaji the tales of King Ram, Krishna, Bheem etc. fighting the injustice and freeing of people from tyranny. These stories made Shivaji Raje that freedom was the only path and that is the only purpose of his life. Jijau also taught politics to her son Shivaji Raje and prepared his mindset for justice of equality, courage, valor and hardest punishments to unjust people doing wrong things. She personally supervised his training with various

weapons. Due to such guidance from his own mother Jijau, Shivaji Raje was able to get himself out safely and miraculously from incidents like Shahaji Raje's captivity, Afzalkhan's defeat, and escape from Agra etc. Jijau carried out both the roles of an affectionate mother as well as giving aptitude for accomplishments as a father in his absence. Only due to training from Jijau, Shivaji Raje could vanquish the centuries of Muslim rule and establish Hindavi Swarajya. Jijau survived till the Coronation of her son Shivaji Raje as Chatrapati even in the absence of her husband, lovingly encouraging & guiding her son for the growth and longevity of Hindavi Swarajya. She left for heavenly abode just after 12 days of coronation on 17 June 1674. Her Samadhi is at Village Pachad at the foothills of Fort Rajgad. 4) Harmony team spirt creativiyy 1) founder 2)coteaching 3) siginificance

IMPORTANT OF SHIV JAYANTI Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great warrior of India, from the state of Maharashtra was a peoples king, who fought for the freedom of the country from the Mughal kingdom. 19th February is the birth anniversary of the great hero, whose name is written permanently in the Indian history.

At the tender age of 15, Shivaji took an oath, to free the country from the atrocities of the Mughals. He was a fearless warrior as he captured the Mughal fort, just with help of few of his soldiers, which was in a very difficult terrain. In 1674, Shivaji was conferred the title of Chhatrapati, which means a person who is worthy of a ceremonial umbrella. On this occasion, here are a few SMSs to remind your friends and family about the great warrior. 1. Remember, my friend Remember about A great leader A great freedom fighter Honor of Maharashtra Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2010 2. A fearless warrior Who fought for the nation Remember the great warrior by spreading his words Happy Shiv Jayanti

HARMONY Of paeans and politics Hemant Mawale is struggling to keep powada alive in Pune, writes Huned Contractor When, on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti or Maharashtra Day, various mandal in Pune jostle with each other to put up the best floats and announce paeans to Maratha king Shivaji from loudspeakers, one man is in huge demand: Hemant Mawale, or Shahir Mawale as he is popularly known. Mawale is skilled at singing powada, a traditional Maratha form of music and verse that recounts the valour of Shivaji. "If it weren't for these two days in a year, powada would have been lost to the ravages brought on by cultural erosion," he says grimly. As a form of poetic recital accompanied by a rhythmic exposition of the daf, the tuntuna and the dholak, powada also finds a mention in the epic Dynaneshwari. Historical records reveal that powada was first heard in Maharashtra when Jijamata appointed Agindas, Maharashtra's first shahir, to write apowada to celebrate the victory of Shivaji over Afzal Khan. A powada can also be a comment on contemporary political events. Past glory aside, Mawale sees a bleak future ahead: "It is a dying art form now as there aren't many powada singers or writers left." He rues the fact that while the state government has started heeding the demands oftamasha artists, not much has been done for powadasingers because they do not have a strong lobby. "Last year, after much persuasion, I received a grant of Rs 25,000 from the government's Art and Culture Department to buy musical instruments," he says. "Later, I was told that the government has announced a special financial package for powada singers

but there has been no further information." The stepmotherly treatment has demoralised the six or seven existing powada singers who now see no point in passing the tradition to the next generation. Mawale is undeterred though. His Saturday evenings are reserved for powada tutelage during which he coaches about 70 children. "There are three regulars who have been learning it for the past seven years," says Mawale, whose own knowledge was derived from the renowned singer Shahir Kisanrao Hinge. Mawale heard him sing powada 25 years ago, while he was on his way to school. Incidentally, Mawale's six-year-old son Honraj is already showing signs of becoming an accomplished powada singer. Mawale works as a collection agent for a bank and has recently started an insurance agency. "I don't want a full-time job because that will leave me with little time for powada," he reasons. He feels state patronage can help keep the art alive. "It's only during elections that we are remembered because politicians in Maharashtra like to have a powada before their speeches." Mawale's cynicism barely conceals his anguish. Featured in Harmony Magazine July 2009. Early days

Shivaji was born on 19th Februray, 1627, in Shivneri Fort, 60 kms north of Pune. He was named after the local Goddess Shivai, to whom his mother prayed for a son. His father Shahaji Bhosle was the chief of the kingdom of Bijapur. He was however, not allowed to take charge of any fort. His mother had a great influence on him as he was introduced to Indian epics of Mahabharata, Ramayana and other holy books by her. Shivaji also gained a lot of knowledge from his fathers unsuccessful attempts to gain power. He was inspired by his father military tactics, peacetime diplomacy and also possessed knowledge of Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures.

His

administration

Shivaji grew into a fearless military leader with trainings from commanders like Gomaji Naik and Baji Pasalkar. Young Shivaji was motivated, enthusiastic and energetic. In his early days he was successful in inspiring local youths to follow his idealistic pursuits. At the age of 17, he attacked and captured Torna Fort of Bijapur and by 1647 he took control of Kondana and Raigad Forts. The Western Ghats along the Konkan Coast were also under his control by 1654.

His achievements In order to sabotage Shivajis rise to power, Adilshah arrested Shahji, his father by deceitful means and had armies sent against Shivaji and his elder brother Sambaji. To suppress Shivajis control of the Bijapur kingdom, Afzal Khan was sent to destroy Shivaji. However, with his cunning means, Shivaji successfully stabbed Afzal Khan. Eventually Bijapurs armies were routed in the famous Battle of Pratapgarh in 1659 and Shivaji turned into a hero of the Marathas. Now, under the confident leadership of Shivaji, the

Marthas successfully pushed back the Mughals and the Sultanate kingdowms from his homeland. The Mughals also fought against Shivaji led by Shaista Khan under Aurangazeb. However, Shivaji lost many men against a well trained and disciplined Mughal army. Shivaji felt the need of finance to maintain an army and decided to loot the Mughal city of Surat. The Mughal emperor then sent Jai Singh to defeat Shivaji. After a few skirmishes, he thought it wise to accept the emperors soverignity. But he was soon placed under house arrest in Agra. Using tact and intelligence, Shivaji successfully escaped from Agra and hid in his homeland and kept a low profile for some time. Shivaji gradually rebuild his empire and within six months was able to recover much of his lost ground. Shivaji extended his empire further south to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In order to regain one of his forts, Kondana, he appointed his most trusted general Tanaji Malusare. The battle that followed between the Marathas and the Mughals came to be known as the Maratha war of Independence where the Marathas were successful in regaining the control of the fort. Chatrapati Shivaji Shivaji was formally coronated Chatrapati in 1674 in Raigad fort and henceforth came to be known as Chatrapati Shivaji. Shivaji died in 1680 but not before leaving an indelible mark on the history pages. He laid the foundation of a Hindu empire which lasted for over two centuries. Shivaji has been a source of inspiration and pride for generations for his courage and military acumen.