Born on 12 January 1598, Jijabai Shahaji is the mother of the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. At a very early age, Jijabai was married to Shahaji Bhosale. Jijabai was virtuous leader. She believed in attacking the attackers and keeping a calm head while solving internal issues.
Remembering the 'Rajmata' of the Maratha Empire on her death anniversary
From a young age, Jijabai felt immensely for the needy and poor. She was very vocal about defending herself and giving a befitting reply to the invaders. Jijabai wanted to calm things down and find a solution to the problem so that Bhosales and the Jadhavs unite to fight the cruel invaders and shun the idea of civil conflict.
Jijabai's words of wisdom
Jijabai once said to her father "Marathas are fighting with each other for the sake of mere ego and greed. If their valorous swords unite, foreign invaders will be vanquished in no time. It is a disgrace to be working under invaders for your livelihood, you must give it up". Her words led to the historic unity of Bhosales and the Jadhavs.
Mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Rajmata Jijabai is an epitome of greatness and motherhood. She is one name of the Maratha history who will continue to inspire everyone. Jijabai loved her son more than anything else in the world but not for a single instance she backed down from sending her son to fight against the deceitful invaders.
Jijabai's upbringing was one of the main reasons behind Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's unending affection for 'Swaraj' She was a nationalist of the highest degree and her active participation in decision-making persuaded the Marathas to take some really good decisions.
Death
Soon after the coronation of her son, she breathed her last on June 17, 1674, in the village of Pachad, Maharashtra. The death of Jijabai came only 12 days after Shivaji Maharaj's coronation at the Raigad fort from where he had laid the foundation of “Hindavi Swarajya” or self-rule of Hindus.
