Jijabai, the Inspirer of Shivaji

This biographical article celebrates Jijabai Bhosle, mother of the Maratha king Shivaji, highlighting her influence on his early education and aspirations. Born on 12 January 1598, Jijabai married the general Shahaji Bhosle and was skilled in horsemanship, swordsmanship and administration. The article portrays her as deeply learned in the epics and as a visionary who dreamed of re-establishing a Hindu kingdom. She personally supervised Shivaji’s education, teaching him statecraft, religious values and guerrilla tactics. Scholars like James Laine note that Jijabai instilled in her son a desire to free the land from foreign rule. The article describes how Jijabai managed the family estates during her husband’s absence, organised revenue collection and provided relief during famines. Her leadership won the respect of Maratha nobles, and she served as an adviser to ministers. She told Shivaji stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana to teach political lessons and encouraged him to pursue his rebellion against Muslim hegemony while upholding justice. The author notes that Jijabai’s death on 17 June 1674, shortly after Shivaji’s coronation, deeply affected him. The study concludes that without Jijabai’s guidance, Shivaji might not have developed the determination and vision that characterised his later campaigns.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.