Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Remembering Him On His Death Anniversary

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Netaji, your country doesn't require me to chase out the British. Teaching Shivaji's history to your people is enough."- Adolf Hitler.
"Had Shivaji been born in England, he would have not just ruled the earth but the whole Universe."- Lord Mountbatten.
Had Shivaji been born in America, we would nomenclatured him as SUN- Barrack Obama

Theories Surrounding His Death

These words are enough to describe Samrat Chhatrapati Shivaji who was an inspiring legend during his lifetime and a legacy to cherish after his death. How he lived, is well known, but how he died is still shrouded in mystery. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj passed away on 03 April 1680, at the age of 52 due to unknown causes and It still remains a mystery.

He was not a name, he was a history that can never be forgotten.
According to most Indian sources, he died of natural causes. The Portuguese, Mughal and British versions have slightly different theories regarding his death. Not all are convincing as they can be questioned from some angles. But on the whole, the theories give a wider view of the situation at the time of Shivaji's death.

1. His biography written in 1697 in the Court of Marathas by Sabhasad, has revealed that Shivaji passed away due to natural consequences, due to a high fever.
2. British and Mughal records say that it was due to Bloody flux and vomiting of blood. Their inference is that he was poisoned by either his family members or outside enemies.
3. Portuguese records say that it was due to Abscess which was caused by anthrax.
4. According to some historians, Shivaji was ailing for a few years due to a respiratory illness before he succumbed to death.
5. Some others say that Shivaji was suffering an illness for several days which led to fever and dysentery and this caused his death.
6. Some other reports say that Sambaji his son, plotted against Shivaji, bribed Shivaji's physician and coaxed him into poisoning Shivaji.

Role Of Family

It is garnered from history that yuvraj Sambhaji did not see eye to eye on many matters with the ministers of the Kingdom. Step mother of Sambhaji, Maharani Soyarabai-saheb had other designs in her mind, to coronate her son Rajaram. They say that there were misgivings and resentment the the household of Shivaji. A few historians go to the extent of saying that it was Soraya bai who had got Shivaji poisoned, fought for the throne with Sambhaji and finally was excecuted at the hands of Sambhaji.Given Shivaji's exemplary family background, there is no way you can suspect their intentions. It is widely known that his second wife Sorayabai had utmost love and concern for him. She could not outmaneuver his wits and get him killed obviously.

When Shivaji Returned To Raigad

His career started with the conquest of South Indian territories and continued with brilliant conquests, fought exceedingly well. He was also the father of the guerilla tactics. In such a short span of time, he achieved victories one after another, an unbelievable feat by any standards. A british officer who was dumbstruck by shivajis achievements opined that Britishers could not dream of conquering India in case Shivaji Maharaj had lived for another 10 years. But when he was 49 years old, he returned to Raigad but his life as a warrior had detrimentally impacted his health. Probably Shivaji could have succumbed to this.

People Around Shivaji

Shivaji had no enemy who was gutsy enough to attempt to murder him in his own capital. His army ministers and espionage forces were his most trustworthy followers who had formed his first line of defence. There was no question of doubting their loyalty. The army itself was so trustworthy. Moreover, his valour that outshone Adil Shah and Mughals, his safe escape from tough terrains like Agra, his violent encounter with Afzal Khan, stay as shining examples that prove that he could not be easily killed.

Shivaji's Dietary Habits

A man of this range of intelligence can never be dumbly poisoned in an instant.
There was also a story that Shivaji used to consume a wee bit of poison in his daily meals in order to develop immunity for toxic substances in case Mughals administered him any venomous stuff in food. Any ordinary king during that time used to have food testers who saw that only harmless food was served to the king. Great kings in history have also been victims to the poison conspiracy theories.

Shivaji Maharaj underwent a great deal of physical and mental stress during his lifetime. Almost all his life, he was on horseback, ate very less, and carrying so much struggle and pain inside him. He never led a luxurious kingly life as he was more concerned towards the wellbeing of his common men in his area. As per the sources, he was sick for some time before his death. Despite warnings from doctors, he continued his efforts and hard work to reach his goal and destination This move actually defeated his very purpose of his life and caused great loss to his countrymen.
"Shivaji the management guru" is being taught in Boston university.