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

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.

Judge and Panditrao:- Were the heads of justice and charitable grants.

Read a Brief History Of The Wars Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj