Rajmata Jijau death anniversary 2021

17th June is celebrated as Rajmata Jijau death anniversary in India. She is as known as Jijabai Shahaji Bhosale, was the mother of famous Maratha emperor Shivaji, founder of Maratha empire. She was the daughter of Lakhujirao Jadhav and Mahalasabai Jadhav. She was born on 12 January 1598 in Maharashtra, India. 

Jijabai was married at an early age to Shahaji Bhosle, son of Maloji Bhosle. She taught Shivaji about ‘Swarajya’ and raised him to be a great warrior. She gave birth to eight children, out of which all the six daughters died in infancy, and only two sons – Sambhaji and Shivaji survived. Sambhaji was the elder son, who would accompany his father on various expeditions. Shivaji, being the younger stayed with his mother.

During those days, Pune used to be a barren land full of jungles and wild animals. Despite this, she encouraged her people to settle down and start cultivation. She started her stint in Pune by renovating the Kasaba Ganapati temple. She didn't long for her pre-marriage life, which was full of luxuries and instead accepted Pune as her new home. she brought up Shivaji with good morals and instigated in him the desire of a free Hindu state of Swarajya from a very young. Under her guidance and inspiration, Shivaji took the oath of Swarajya and became a leader of a small army at the age of 15. 

Jijamata was very much interested in the welfare of her kingdom. She used to take an active interest in every socio-political affairs and would give her decisions on major issues. She also inspired her father and husband to give up serving Mughals and establish an independent state. She just wanted to drive away the invaders from Maharashtra and build a Maratha empire. During those days, there was some misunderstanding between two the clans of Marathas – the Jadhavs and Bhosales. Her advice helped her father resolve the differences and unite both the clans. It was she who told her father that if Marathas unite and leave aside personal ego and greed, it would take no time to vanquish the invaders.

Shivaji Maharaj fulfilled her ambition of 'Swaraj.' Under her tutelage, he conquered many forts and established the Maratha empire. She passed away on June 17, 1674 barely a few days after the coronation of Shivaji. The 2011 film Rajmata Jijau is a biography of Jijabai.