Celebrated on February 19 every year, Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of the legendary Maratha warrior and founder of the Maratha Empire.
Shivaji Maharaj’s courage, strategic brilliance, and vision for ‘Swarajya’ or self-rule have inspired generations over centuries. One of the finest ways to honor his legacy is by learning about his life through books and biographies, authored by eminent historians. If you want to know about the life of this great ruler in detail, following are some of the best books and biographies you should go through.
Interested in history? This is an absolute must-read. One of the most famous books on Shivaji Maharaj is Shivaji: The Great Maratha written by Ranjit Desai. This is a detailed historical novel that brings to life his valor, intelligence, and leadership. Originally written in Marathi language as ‘Shrimanyogi’, this beautiful book presents Shivaji’s life from childhood to his rise as a great ruler. The book also describes his battles, unique strategies, and the obstacles he faced. Once started, you just cannot leave the book because of its engaging narrative.
Want to know about Shivaji Maharaj’s life in detail with historical evidences? Don't miss this one. Raja ShivChatrapati by Babasaheb Purandare is based on historical documents and Marathi ‘bakhars’ (chronicles). You will learn an in-depth description of Shivaji’s military campaigns, administration, and vision for ‘Hindavi Swarajya’. With engaging narrative, this book is a source of inspiration for generations.
Historian Jadunath Sarkar vividly described military tactics, diplomatic skills, and governance style of the great leader in Shivaji and His Times book. This is a scholarly and well-researched book providing a balanced account of Shivaji’s life. The book also addresses the challenges he faced from the Mughals, Adilshahi, and Portuguese rulers. Written in the early 20th century, this book still remains relevant for those who are looking for detailed, academic perspective on Shivaji Maharaj’s life.
(Credit - Amazon)
This is one of the earliest English-language biographies on Shivaji Maharaj. Unlike conventional Indian historical accounts, Kincaid’s detailed work presents a new Western perspective on Shivaji’s contributions. The book shows innovative guerrilla warfare techniques and his administrative reforms. This is surely an interesting read for history lovers who want to explore various viewpoints.
This book is one of the most comprehensive works on the life of Shivaji Maharaj. This book provides a detailed description of Shivaji’s military campaigns and his vision for a self sufficient Maratha state. The Life of Shivaji Maharaj book also discusses his relations with the Mughals along with his religious tolerance, administrative skills, and the formation of a disciplined army. This is a must read for those who want to understand his legacy.
Knowing about Shivaji Maharaj provides invaluable insights into leadership, strategy, and perseverance. His unique ability to rise against mighty empires, while focusing on people-centric governance, and emphasis on naval power make Shivaji Maharaj one of the most extraordinary leaders in Indian history. His life and philosophy remain relevant even today.
Reading about Shivaji Maharaj not only teaches about of his contributions but also instills a sense of pride in our rich heritage.
