Shahajiraje and Jijabai
Behind a student’s success lie the teaching and dreams of parents. Behind Shivaji Maharaj’s success were the dreams of Shahajiraje and Jijabai.
Swaraj means a rule run by our own people on our own land. Shivaji Maharaj was born on 19 February 1630 at Shivneri fort.
Key idea 1 : Shahajiraje — Shahajiraje was a leading sardar of the Deccan. He tried to save the Nizamshahi so that the Mughals could not enter the south; but against the joint might of the Mughals and the Adilshahi it ended in 1636. He then became a sardar of the Adilshah and received Pune, Supe, Indapur and Chakan as a jagir.
Key idea 2 : Jijabai — Jijabai was the daughter of Lakhujiraje Jadhav of Sindkhedraja. She taught Shivaji education, weaponry and values like modesty, truthfulness, courage and fearlessness. At times she herself gave verdicts for people.
Key idea 3 : From Bengaluru to Pune — Shahajiraje arranged for Shivaji to receive the education of a king and sent him and Jijabai from Bengaluru to Pune with trusted associates. He is called the ‘visionary of Swaraj’.
- Easy : Where was Shivaji Maharaj born? — At Shivneri fort.
- Medium : When did the Nizamshahi end? — In 1636.
- Exam-type : Who was Jijabai’s father? — Lakhujiraje Jadhav.
In the figure: From 1630 to the Pune jagir.
What happened before the end of the Nizamshahi? The Mughals and the Adilshah attacked the Nizamshahi together. Shahajiraje resisted to the end, but in 1636 the Nizamshahi ended.
What happened after the end of the Nizamshahi? After the Nizamshahi ended, Shahajiraje became a sardar of the Adilshah and got the Pune region as a jagir. In this very jagir Shivaji Maharaj later laid the foundation of Swaraj.
Birth 1630; Nizamshahi ended 1636; Pune jagir = land of Swaraj.
Shahajiraje dreamt of Swaraj, but it was Shivaji Maharaj who founded it in Pune.
Memory clue: 30-36: birth - end of Nizamshahi.
Spot the difference
| Person | Work | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Shahajiraje | Sardar | Dream of Swaraj, jagir |
| Jijabai | Mother, guide | Education and values |
Practice questions
- 1What is Swaraj?
- 2When and where was Shivaji Maharaj born?
- 3What is a jagir?
- 4Which parganas did Shahajiraje get as a jagir?
- 5Which qualities did Jijabai teach Shivaji?
- 6Why is Shahajiraje called ‘visionary of Swaraj’?
- 7What changed after the Nizamshahi ended?
- 8How does your parents’ teaching help in your life? Write.
Show answers (try them yourself first)
- 1A rule run by our own people on our own land.
- 219 February 1630, at Shivneri fort.
- 3Land giving right to its revenue; given in place of salary.
- 4Pune, Supe, Indapur and Chakan.
- 5Modesty, truthfulness, courage, fearlessness.
- 6Because he dreamt of ousting foreign power and founding Swaraj.
- 7Shahajiraje became a sardar of the Adilshah and got the Pune jagir.
- 8E.g. by teaching good habits, study and honesty.
Bara Maval, associates and the royal seal
To win a game you need knowledge of the ground and a good team. Shivaji Maharaj started with the hilly Maval region and trusted associates.
Maval is the region of valleys and hills of the Sahyadris. Bara Maval are the twelve valleys of the Pune jagir of Shahajiraje. A rajmudra is the official seal of a king.
Key idea 1 : Bara Maval — Pavan, Hirdas, Gunjan, Paud, Muthe, Mose, Kanand, Welwand, Rohid, Andar, Nane and Korbarse. Shivaji Maharaj used the difficult hilly terrain cleverly and created trust among the people.
Key idea 2 : Associates and companions — Yesaji Kank, Baji Pasalkar, Bapuji Mudgal, Kanhoji Jedhe, Tanaji Malusare, Jiva Mahala, Bajiprabhu Deshpande, Dadaji Narasprabhu Deshpande and many others joined the work of Swaraj.
Key idea 3 : Rajmudra — The meaning of the Sanskrit lines on the rajmudra is that this seal of Shivaji, son of Shahaji, will grow like the crescent of the new moon, will be revered by the world and will shine for the welfare of the people. It holds the whole idea of Swaraj.
- Easy : What is Bara Maval? — Twelve valleys of the Pune jagir.
- Medium : In which language is the rajmudra? — Sanskrit.
- Exam-type : Why like a crescent? — To show the faith that it will keep growing.
In the figure: Maval, associates and rajmudra — three supports of Swaraj.
What happened before the oath at Rohideshwar? Around 1642 Shahaji sent his young son Shivaji and Jijabai to the Pune jagir, with Dadoji Konddev to manage it. Shivaji grew up among the boys of the Maval valleys.
What happened after the oath at Rohideshwar? Around 1646 Shivaji captured Torna fort, and according to tradition the treasure found there helped him build Rajgad. (Dates are approximate; check with your textbook.)
Bara Maval = Pune jagir; rajmudra = growing crescent.
The rajmudra’s meaning is not mere praise of the king; it contains a pledge of public welfare too.
Memory clue: Maval = hills; mudra = crescent.
Spot the difference
| Factor | Example | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Terrain | Bara Maval | Defence and hiding |
| Associates | Tanaji, Jiva Mahala | Valour and loyalty |
| Rajmudra | Sanskrit lines | Pledge of Swaraj |
Practice questions
- 1What is Maval?
- 2Write the names of four Mavals.
- 3Write the names of three associates of Shivaji.
- 4What is a rajmudra?
- 5State the meaning of the lines on the rajmudra.
- 6How was the Maval region useful for Swaraj?
- 7Observe our country’s official seal and write three features.
- 8Why can a big task not be done without good associates? Write your view.
Show answers (try them yourself first)
- 1The region of valleys and hills of the Sahyadris.
- 2Pavan, Hirdas, Gunjan, Paud.
- 3Tanaji Malusare, Jiva Mahala, Bajiprabhu Deshpande.
- 4The official seal of a king.
- 5It will grow like a crescent, be revered by the world and shine for public welfare.
- 6Hills and valleys made it hard for enemies to enter and defence easy.
- 7E.g. Ashoka pillar, Satyameva Jayate; used on government documents.
- 8Because a big task cannot be done alone; trust and help are needed.
Capture of forts and Javali
Whoever holds the key controls the house. Forts were the keys of a region then; whoever had the forts, ruled the land.
Capturing forts meant challenging the Adilshahi. Shivaji Maharaj took the forts Torana, Murumbdev (Rajgad), Kondhana and Purandar and laid the foundation of Swaraj.
Key idea 1 : Capture of the forts — The forts in the jagir were under the Adilshah. Maharaj took Torana, Murumbdev, Kondhana and Purandar. He repaired Murumbdev and named it ‘Rajgad’, which became the first capital of Swaraj.
Key idea 2 : Conquest of Javali — Chandrarao More of Javali in Satara district was a powerful sardar of the Adilshahi and opposed Swaraj. In 1656 Maharaj captured Javali, gained great wealth and took Raigad. He built Pratapgad in the Javali valley.
Key idea 3 : Konkan and the navy — After Javali Maharaj took Kalyan and Bhiwandi. There he came into contact with the Siddi, Portuguese and English; he realised a strong navy was needed to face them and focused on building one.
- Easy : Which was the first capital of Swaraj? — Rajgad.
- Medium : In which year was Javali captured? — 1656.
- Exam-type : Which fort was built in the Javali valley? — Pratapgad.
In the figure: Steps of Swaraj from Torana to the navy.
What happened before the conquest of Javali? The Mores of Javali were powerful sardars of the Adilshahi and a big obstacle to Swaraj; the route between Satara and the Konkan passed through the valley they held.
What happened after the conquest of Javali? After capturing Javali Maharaj’s strength and wealth grew; he built Pratapgad and turned to Kalyan-Bhiwandi in the Konkan. This sharpened the challenge to the Adilshahi.
4 forts (Torana, Rajgad, Kondhana, Purandar); Javali 1656; first capital Rajgad.
All forts were not taken at once; they were taken step by step.
Memory clue: Forts = keys: who has forts, has the kingdom.
Spot the difference
| Fort / region | What happened | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Murumbdev | Renamed Rajgad | First capital |
| Javali | Won in 1656 | Wealth and Pratapgad |
| Kalyan-Bhiwandi | Entry into Konkan | Need of navy |
Practice questions
- 1Which four forts laid the foundation of Swaraj?
- 2What name was given to Murumbdev?
- 3Who was Chandrarao More?
- 4Write two benefits of capturing Javali.
- 5Why did Maharaj stress building a navy?
- 6Why were forts so important then?
- 7In which valley is Pratapgad?
- 8What things today are as important as forts for our security? Write your view.
Show answers (try them yourself first)
- 1Torana, Murumbdev, Kondhana and Purandar.
- 2Rajgad.
- 3A powerful Adilshahi sardar of Javali, an opponent of Swaraj.
- 4Gained wealth; activities in the Konkan grew.
- 5To fight the Siddi, Portuguese and English.
- 6A fort gave control over the surrounding area and protection.
- 7In the Javali valley (Satara district).
- 8E.g. border security, army, navy and intelligence.
Afzalkhan, Siddi Jauhar and Panhala
If the rival team fields a huge player, we change our plan. When the Adilshahi sent a big general to stop Shivaji Maharaj, he planned cleverly.
The Adilshahi sent Afzalkhan (1659) and then Siddi Jauhar (1660) to curb Maharaj. Maharaj came out of both crises safely.
Key idea 1 : Defeat of Afzalkhan — Badi Sahiba was looking after the Adilshahi administration; she sent the powerful sardar Afzalkhan. The meeting took place on 10 November 1659 at the foot of Pratapgad near Wai. Khan tried treachery; Maharaj killed him and routed the Adilshahi army. Wounded soldiers got compensation and good treatment.
Key idea 2 : Siddi Jauhar’s siege — After Afzalkhan’s killing Maharaj took Panhala, Vasantgad and Khelna (Vishalgad). In 1660 the Adilshah sent Siddi Jauhar with the title ‘Salabatkhan’. Panhala was besieged for about five months; Netoji Palkar could not break the siege. Maharaj opened talks with Siddi and the siege slackened.
Key idea 3 : Escape from Panhala — Shiva Kashid, a youth who resembled Maharaj, sat in a palanquin; it left by the ‘Rajdindi’ gate and was caught by Siddi’s army. Meanwhile Maharaj set out by another difficult route towards Vishalgad with Bajiprabhu Deshpande and chosen soldiers. At the Ghod pass near Gajapur Bajiprabhu held back Siddi’s army and died a hero’s death. Maharaj reached Vishalgad safely.
- Easy : Where was Afzalkhan’s meeting held? — At the foot of Pratapgad near Wai.
- Medium : Who besieged Panhala? — Siddi Jauhar.
- Exam-type : Who held the army at the Ghod pass? — Bajiprabhu Deshpande.
In the figure: Four steps from Afzalkhan to Pavankhind.
What happened before the defeat of Afzalkhan? Victories at Javali and the Konkan challenged the Adilshahi; so Badi Sahiba, who managed the state, sent the most experienced sardar Afzalkhan to curb Maharaj.
What happened after the defeat of Afzalkhan? After Afzalkhan’s defeat Maharaj captured Panhala, Vasantgad and Khelna. The Adilshahi grew angrier and in 1660 sent Siddi Jauhar.
On the night of 13 July 1660 Maharaj left Panhala and Bajiprabhu with about 300 soldiers held the Ghod pass. He had promised to keep fighting until the sound of a cannon from Vishalgad was heard. It is recorded that Bajiprabhu gave up his life after hearing the cannon. The pass later came to be called ‘Pavankhind’. (check with the textbook)
10 Nov 1659 = Pratapgad; 13 July 1660 = Pavankhind; Panhala returned = treaty.
Maharaj did not fight his way out of Panhala; he slackened the siege by talks and used a decoy.
Memory clue: 59-60: Afzal-Jauhar.
Spot the difference
| Crisis | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Afzalkhan | 1659 | Khan killed, army routed |
| Siddi Jauhar | 1660 | Escape from Panhala, Pavankhind |
Afzalkhan, Siddi Jauhar and Panhala
In the app you can move this figure with your finger.
Open in the appPractice questions
- 1Who sent Afzalkhan?
- 2When and where did the meeting with Afzalkhan take place?
- 3Which title was given to Siddi Jauhar?
- 4For how long was Panhala besieged?
- 5What did Shiva Kashid do?
- 6State Bajiprabhu Deshpande’s contribution.
- 7Why did Maharaj make a treaty with the Adilshah?
- 8What do you feel about soldiers who gave their lives for Swaraj? Write.
Show answers (try them yourself first)
- 1Badi Sahiba, who managed the Adilshahi.
- 210 November 1659, at the foot of Pratapgad near Wai.
- 3Salabatkhan.
- 4About five months.
- 5Dressed like Maharaj and sat in a palanquin, deceiving the enemy; gave his life for Swaraj.
- 6Held the Siddi army at the Ghod pass; Maharaj reached Vishalgad.
- 7Because the Mughals invaded Pune and fighting two enemies at once was not wise.
- 8Swaraj survived through their loyalty; they should be respected.