veermata jijabai speech and essay

                                                                      Rajmata Jijau  

                                                       Veermata Jijabai speech and essay

Jijabai was born in the year 1598 in the Sindakhed territory (present-day Buldhana district of Maharashtra). Her parents were Lakhojirao Jadhav and Mhalasabai. Her father served under the Muslim administration of the Nizams. Right from birth, she was exposed to the bravery and courage of her father. She was wed at an early age to Shahaji Bhosale, a nobleman and military commander under the Adil Shahi sultans of Bijapur (present-day Karnataka).

She wholeheartedly supported her husband's cause. After Maloji’s (Father of Shahaji) death Shahaji became a Sardar in Adilshaha's army. He settled in Karnataka and got married again. As per the treaty he was forced to move south. To continue the struggle, he deputed her as queen regent.

The elder son Sambhaji remained with his father. Shivaji left Bangalore along with his mother, a council of ministers and chosen military commanders. When they arrived in Pune it was full of jungles and wild beasts. She encouraged cultivators to settle. She renovated the kasaba Ganapati temple. A Red sandstone palace of moderate size known as lal mahal was also built. She has given several decisions in the legal and administrative matters known as majhars.

Jijabai was a very pious and intelligent person with a great vision for an independent Hindu kingdom. She inspired Shivaji by telling stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata. Inspired by her, Shivaji took Oath of Independence (SWARAJYA) in fort temple of lord Raireshwar in 1645 when he was 17. In Shivaji’s impeccable, spotless character and courage Jijabai’s contribution is enormous.

Jijabai's elder son Sambhaji was killed by Afzal Khan. When Shahaji died, Jijabai tried to commit Sati - committing suicide by burning oneself in the husband's pyre, but Shivaji stopped her from doing so, by his request Jijabai stopped and helped Shivaji more. Jijabai is widely credited with raising Shivaji in a manner that led to his future greatness. She died soon after the coronation of Shivaji.