Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Death Anniversary 2025 | 04 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

On 3rd April 2025, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s death anniversary is observed, to honour the legacy of the iconic 17th-century Maratha warrior king and founder of the Maratha Empire. 

Key Points 

• Observance of His Death Anniversary: 
  • Maharashtra and other regions honour his legacy through cultural events, processions, and tributes. 
  • The day is marked by processions, speeches, and public gatherings to pay homage. 
• Significance of the Day: 
  • Serves as a reminder of Shivaji Maharaj’s enduring influence on Indian culture and governance. 
  • Encourages reflection on his vision for self-rule and good governance. 
• Birth: 
  • He was born on 19th February, 1630 at Shivneri Fort in District Pune in the present-day state of Maharashtra. 
  • He was born to Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general who held the jagirs of Pune and Supe under the Bijapur Sultanate and Jijabai, a pious woman whose religious qualities had a profound influence on him. 
• Early Life: 
  • He displayed his military zeal for the first time in 1645 when as a teenager, he successfully got control of the Torna Fort which was under Bijapur. 
  • He also acquired the Kondana Fort. Both these forts were under Adil Shah of Bijapur. 
• Major Battles: Battle of Pratapgad, Battle of Pavan Khind, Sacking of Surat, Battle of Purandar, Battle of Sinhagad, and Battle of Sangamner.  
  • The Wagh nakh, was used by Shivaji to kill Afzal Khan in the 1659 Battle of Pratapgad.  
• Titles: Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas, and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak.  
• Administration: Centralized administration with the Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight Ministers), abolished the Jagirdari System, implemented the Ryotwari System, and built a strong naval force for coastal defense.  
  • Shivaji is renowned for his innovative guerrilla warfare tactics, which influenced subsequent rulers and shaped the Maratha Military Landscapes. 
• Death: 
  • He died on 3rd April 1680.