Shivaji was the protector of Hindus. Shivaji was against Muslims. All the wars fought by Shivaji were against Muslim rulers. Shivaji laid the foundation for the establishment of a Hindu Rashtra. So, in general, many people are saying in their campaigns that Shivaji was against Muslims. Still, it is being talked about on social media like WhatsApp and Facebook without any basic evidence.
Is it true to say about Shivaji? Is there any evidence for it? What is the real information about him? We have written about such things with evidence. Please read patiently.
Who is King Shivaji
Shivaji Maharaj was born in 1630 in Shivneri Fort in Maharashtra. His father’s name was Shaji Bhosle. His mother’s name was Jijabai. He is remembered as a great hero and revolutionary in Indian history.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Muslim Guru
Shivaji and the Marathas and Hindus of his time respected the Imams, the spiritual guides of the Muslim religion. They respected the Dargahs (the tombs of Muhammadan Pirs and Fakirs) as well as the mosques. They visited them and worshipped. They also made financial contributions. It was their tradition to pay respect to Muslim Sadhus, Pirs and Fakirs.
Shivaji received spiritual guidance from many Gurus during his life. One of these was a Muslim elder named Yakut Baba. This is a prime example of Shivaji’s preference for spiritual guidance over religious differences.
(Book: Who Was Shivaji, Page No: 36 )
A Command Written in Shivaji’s Letter
Ragunatha Pandit Rav quotes an important command of Shivaji in his letter dated 2 November 1669. In it, “Shrimanth Maharaj (Shivaji) has said: Everyone can follow their religion. They can do their religious worship without any hindrance. They are not allowed to be disturbed for any reason.” Shivaji’s opinion is clearly stated.
(Book : Who Was Shivaji, Page No: 36, 37 )
This is a very important historical fact. Shivaji did not oppress any religion and followed secular policies. Not only Hindus, but Muslims and people of other religions were considered equal in his rule.
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Muslims in Shivaji’s Army
In the early days of Shivaji’s reign in 1648, 500 to 700 Pathan Muslim soldiers who were serving in the Bijapur army wanted to join Shivaji’s army. This information was important at that time. Because Pathan soldiers were mostly capable fighters. And they had come to join Shivaji’s shop after hearing his fame.
At that time, a political advisor named Komaji Nayak Bansambal gave Shivaji an important piece of advice. His advice:
These warriors have come to join you because of your reputation. They want to join you because they like your ruling skills and fighting style. It would be a mistake if you do not include them in your army. If you want to become a successful ruler, you should embrace all the people. You should dissolve caste and religious differences and include all the people in your army. This is mandatory if your rule is to be strong. Everyone has different talents. Depending on their talents, you should assign jobs to them. He advised!
Accepting this advice, Shivaji also included Muslims in his army. This is mentioned in the biography of Shivaji, “Grand Duff“,
“Shivaji later recruited Muslims in large numbers in his army. This was a great help in stabilizing and strengthening his government.”
(Book: Who Was Shivaji, Page No: 27, 28 )
Muslims Who Worked in Shivaji’s Army
Many Muslims worked in Shivaji’s place. They held important positions in his army. Muslims worked in many high positions.
- The head of Shivaji’s rifle corps was a Muslim, his name was Ibrahim Khan.
- The head of Shivaji’s important naval armed forces was a Muslim. His name was Dawlat Khan.
- There was a completely trustworthy young man in Shivaji’s personal guard. He was a Muslim. His name was Madari Mathar.
- After the Battle of Saleri, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s southern officers wanted to establish good relations with King Shivaji. So they sent a Brahmin envoy from the Hindus to talk to Shivaji. In return, Shivaji sent a Muslim envoy named Kashi Haider to send a reply.
- In 1660, Shivaji defeated Rustum Jama and Basal Khan at Raibagh. The Muslim who helped Shivaji in this battle was Siddi Hilal.
- Sabasad Pahar In this book, on page 76, the name of an officer who worked under Shivaji is mentioned. He is a Muslim. His name is Shama Khan.
- In the book Marathiyancha Inahasaasi Sadane, in the 17th volume, on page 17, it is written that a Muslim was the commander of Shivaji’s army and his name is Nur Khan Beg.
(Book : Who Was Shivaji, Page No: 26, 27 )
You will know from this article that many Hindu officers worked under a Muslim king and many Muslim officers worked under a Hindu king. Shivaji is not an enemy of Muslims! Muslims lived according to their religious principles under Shivaji’s rule. All the facts that many Muslims held important positions in his army during Shivaji’s rule have been given above as evidence. Similarly, many Hindus worked under the rule of Muslim kings. Hindus were given complete religious freedom under Islamic rule.
Important Note: Shivaji fought against Muslims. It is a lie to say that Mughal kings fought against Hindus. If that were the case, would the Muslims in Shivaji’s army have fought against the Muslim kings for King Shivaji? If the previous wars were fought on the basis of religion, how did Muslims come to Shivaji’s army? How did Hindus come to King Aurangzeb’s army? We are obliged to think about this. Therefore, none of the previous wars were fought on the basis of religion. We have written above with evidence that the wars were fought with the aim of protecting one’s country and its people.