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On February 19th, the birthday of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
is celebrated on a grand scale in Maharashtra. Shivaji
was born at the Shivneri fort on February 19th, 1630. He was a great
leader and the creator of the Maratha nation.
He united the Maratha chiefs from Maval, Konkan and Desh regions for a
higher purpose - the promotion of Maharashtra Dharma - and carved out a
small kingdom by defeating the alien powers. He stabilised the state with
effective civil and military administration and adopted a policy of
religious tolerance to accommodate all religions and sects in his state.
Shivaji was not only the maker of the Maratha nation, but also the
greatest constructive genius of medieval India. States fall, empires break
up, dynasties become extinct, but the memory of a true 'hero as King' like
Shivaji remains an imperishable historical legacy for an entire human
race. His dazzling victories and ever-ready smile made him the idol of his
soldiers. A royal gift of judging character was one of the main causes of
his success.