2017-06-17 Sat

History always remembers the significance of man but there were many women who left such an impact on history that even today their praise is sung, bravery is remembered. One such magnificent persona of women's valour was Jijabai.

Jijabai was the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. She was the guiding force that inspired Shivaji to fight the kingdom of Bijapur and Mughal domination for establishing Maratha sovereignty. Jijabai's life is a symbol of ideal motherhood. She was a pure manifestation of a women's attempt to reform the society and influence the course of history.

She was a daughter of a noble of Ahmednagar, Lakhoji Jadhavrao. Jijabai married Shahaji Bhonsle at very early age. Jijabai taught her son stories of bravery from ancient scriptures. She gave importance to the training of martial art, to equip him for the role she nurtured Shivaji to play.

Shivaji's stories of establishing the mighty Maratha Empire are a legend and throughout his journey, his mother was his main advisor. On May 1674 Shivaji was coronated at Rajgad. But shortly after his coronation, today in 1674, Jijabai took her last breath.

Jijabai's journey is an example of how a mother can not only transform the society but also the fate of a nation.

To celebrate and respect the life of Jijabai, India Post has issued a commemorative stamp in 1999.

Learn more about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through his coinage

To know more about Shivaji Maharaj click here