The Chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Mohan Bhagwat, stated on Wednesday that the great Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, emerged as a solution to the long-standing tradition of foreign invasions being defeated in India. Speaking at a book launch ceremony in Nagpur, Bhagwat explained that from the time of Alexander the Great to the extensive invasions under the guise of spreading Islam, India repeatedly lost wars, resulting in the destruction of its systems.
He said, "This tradition continued for centuries, with no solution provided, neither by the Vijayanagar Empire nor by the rulers of Rajasthan."
The RSS Chief stressed that Shivaji Maharaj, who founded the Maratha Empire in the 17th century, was the first warrior to give a robust answer to these invasions. He said, "Shivaji Maharaj was the first ruler to offer a strong solution against foreign invasions."
He noted that the era of consistent defeats in wars in India came to an end with the rise of Shivaji Maharaj. He added, "Shivaji Maharaj broke this cycle and provided India with a new direction for self-defense through his strategies."
Describing Shivaji Maharaj as a 'Yugpurush' or a man of the era, Bhagwat emphasized his role in halting continuous assaults on the country, including the Mughal invasions. He recalled how Shivaji Maharaj, despite being imprisoned by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Agra, managed to escape and regain control over his territories.
He mentioned that with the coronation of Shivaji Maharaj, the era of foreign invaders began to decline. Bhagwat also talked about the freedom struggles that arose in other regions inspired by Shivaji Maharaj. He said, "Maharaj conquered South India, and inspired by his struggle, leaders like Chhatrasal in Bundelkhand, Durga Das Rathore in Rajasthan, and Chakradhwaj Singh in Cooch Behar started pushing back the Mughals."
Bhagwat shared that Chakradhwaj Singh wrote to another king, encouraging them to view Shivaji Maharaj as a model and follow his strategies. The RSS Chief underscored the continued relevance of Shivaji Maharaj's legacy, asserting that he remains a source of inspiration today, and his actions are worthy of emulation at both personal and national levels.
