Shivaji Maharaj’s history has been distorted more by domestic influences in independent India than by the British during colonial times, said Dattatreya Hosabale, RSS general secretary, as he expressed concerns over historical accuracy and adequacy of facts. Echoing similar concerns, former President Ram Nath Kovind said history ‘did not do justice’ to the Maratha king.
Hosabale was speaking at an event organised by Hindavi Swaraj Establishment Festival Organizing Committee of Delhi, Shivaji Raigad Memorial Board of Pune and Bharti Prakashan of Nagpur to release four Hindi and four English books on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire. The book launch event took place on Wednesday in New Delhi, with Kovind as the chief guest.
Both Hosabale and Kovind’s statements emphasised the need for a reassessment of historical portrayals to better honour Shivaji Maharaj’s role in Indian history. They also stressed on the need for inclusion of Shivaji Maharaj’s history in an elaborate manner in school education.
“Shivaji Maharaj fostered a sense of national pride through his actions and established Hindavi Swaraj by defeating the Mughals in his time. During his lifetime, he had already become a legend, which reflects his esteemed reputation. The history of Shivaji Maharaj was distorted more by the people living in independent India than the British during the colonial rule,” said Hosabale.
“Even though attempts have been made to distort India’s glorious history, no one has been able to erase the illustrious history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from the hearts of the Indian people,” he added.
The RSS general secretary pointed out: “Shivaji Maharaj never spoke of Maratha pride but always advanced the cause of Hindavi Swaraj. The path he set led the Marathas to wave the saffron flag across regions, enhancing the glory of Indian culture.” He also said such events should be held across the country to spread Shivaji Maharaj’s idea of Swaraj.
The eight books shed light on various aspects of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha empire. They reveal how Shivaji Maharaj organised Hindu society and awakened the spirit of freedom, with a grand objective of driving out the Mughals and capturing the throne of Delhi. “The struggle for Swaraj preservation was a significant event in the 17th and 18th centuries, with the Marathas playing a crucial role in defending the country and preserving its culture,” said Hosabale.
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