Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Statue Installed in Kupwara, J&K

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 16-11-2023

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Statue Installed in Kupwara, J&K

Art and Culture 5 min read

The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was installed in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir on 7 November 2023. The statue was unveiled by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

The statue has been installed in 41 Rashtriya Rifles (Maratha LI) near the India-Pakistan border in Kupwara.

Eknath Shinde talked to Sinha:

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan on 6 November 2023. The meeting had the presence of Maharashtra's Minister for Forest, Cultural Affairs, and Fisheries, Sudhir Mungantiwar.
The equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was welcomed at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai amid drums and slogans of Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji.
Then from there Governor Ramesh Bais, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar gave the green signal and sent the statue to Kupwara.

Construction of Shivaji Maharaj Statue:

This statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been constructed in collaboration with 'Amahi Punekar Foundation' and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial Committee.

Factual information about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

Name:- Shivaji Bhonsle
Birth:- April 1627 or February 19, 1630, Shivneri Fort, Pune District, Maharashtra
Parents:- Jijabai and Shahji Bhonsle
Reign:- 1674 - 1680
Spouse:- Saibai, Soyarabai, Putlabai, Sakwarbai, Lakshmibai, Kashibai
Children:- Sambhaji, Rajaram, Sakhubai Nimbalkar, Ranubai Jadhav, Ambikabai Mahadik, Rajkumarbai Shirke.
Ruler:- Raigarh Fort, Maharashtra
Successor:- Sambhaji Bhonsle
Death:- April 3, 1680

Important achievements of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

Conquest of Torana: This was the first fort captured by Shivaji as Maratha chieftain.
This victory inspired him to capture forts like Raigarh and Pratapgarh.
Conquest of Kondana Fort: This fort was formerly under the control of Neelkanth Rao.
Coronation of Shivaji:- In 1674 AD, Shivaji declared himself the independent ruler of the Maratha state in Raigarh and assumed the title of 'Chhatrapati'.
Agreement with Qutubshahi rulers of Golconda: With this agreement he invaded Bijapur, Karnataka (1676-79 AD) and conquered Gingee, Vellore and many other forts of Karnataka.

Administration of Shivaji:

Shivaji's administration was greatly influenced by the administration of Deccan. Shivaji appointed eight ministers who were called 'Ashtapradhan'.
‘Ashtapradhan’ used to advise Shivaji regarding administrative work. The following officers were under Ashtapradhan:
Peshwa:- was the most important minister who looked after finance and general administration.
Commander (Sar-e-Naubat):- Looked after the recruitment, organization, and logistics supply of the army.
Majmudar:- used to check the accounts of income and expenditure.
Vakiya-Navis:- Used to look after intelligence and household work.
Shur-Navis or Chitnis:- Used to assist the king in official correspondence.
Dabir:- Used to provide assistance to the king in foreign affairs.