Maratha Empire's Existence:
The Maratha Empire existed from 1674 to 1818, spanning over 144 years.
Rulers of the Maratha Empire:
- Shivaji (1674-1680)
- Sambhaji (1680-1689)
- Rajaram (1689-1700)
- Tarabai (1700-1707)
- Shahu (1707-1749)
- Rajaram II (1749-1777)
- Shahu II (1777-1808)
- Pratap Singh (1808-1818)
Successors and Predecessors:
Predecessors:
- Shahaji Bhonsle (Shivaji's father)
- Jijabai (Shivaji's mother)
Successors:
- Sambhaji (Shivaji's son)
- Rajaram (Shivaji's son)
- Shahu (Shivaji's grandson)
Why People Celebrate Shivaji Alone:
Shivaji is celebrated as a national hero in India, particularly in Maharashtra, for several reasons:
- Founding of the Maratha Empire: Shivaji founded the Maratha Empire, which became a powerful force in Indian history.
- Bravery and Military Skills: Shivaji was known for his bravery and military skills, which inspired his people to fight against foreign rule.
- Promotion of Marathi Language and Culture: Shivaji promoted the use of Marathi language and culture, which helped to preserve the identity of the Marathi people.
- Fair and Just Administration: Shivaji's administration was known for its fairness and justice, which earned him the respect and admiration of his people.
Criticism Points about Shivaji:
While Shivaji is widely revered as a national hero, there are some criticism points about him:
- Treatment of Muslims: Some historians have criticized Shivaji's treatment of Muslims, particularly his destruction of Muslim mosques and shrines.
- Execution of Afzal Khan: Shivaji's execution of Afzal Khan, a Bijapur general, has been criticized as a brutal and unjust act.
- Limited Social Reforms: Some historians have argued that Shivaji's social reforms were limited and did not address the deeper social and economic issues of his time.
- Authoritarian Rule: Shivaji's rule has been criticized as authoritarian and dictatorial, with limited scope for dissent or opposition.