Congress MP Suggests Tipu Sultan May Have Been Inspired by Shivaji Maharaj's Ideology
Congress MP and Kolhapur royal family head Shahu Chhatrapati stated on Thursday that Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan might have drawn inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's work and ideology in his resistance against British colonial rule. However, he emphasized the critical importance of examining historical records to identify those who actively supported the British during India's freedom struggle.
Call for Historical Examination During Shiv Jayanti Celebrations
"When we all were fighting against the British, who were the ones who helped the British is what needs to be studied," Shahu Chhatrapati declared while addressing reporters at the Shivaji Maharaj Memorial near Shahu Samadhi in Kolhapur. His statement came in direct response to questions regarding the recent controversy sparked by state Congress chief Harshawardhan Sapkal's comparison between Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan.
The Congress MP made these remarks during the vibrant 'Shiv Jayanti' celebrations marking the 396th birth anniversary of the legendary Maratha warrior king. The Kolhapur royal family, representing the Chhatrapati Devasthan Charitable Trust, performed traditional Shiv Jayanti rituals at the city's only Shivaji Maharaj temple located at Shahu Samadhi Sthal on Thursday morning.
Royal Family Leads Traditional Observances
After completing the ceremonial rituals alongside his grandson, Yuvraj Yashraje Chhatrapati, the Congress MP reflected on the broader significance of the occasion. "Not only Kolhapur residents, but people across the state and the nation are celebrating the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," he observed. "His ideology and thoughts are worshipped through this day. His work serves as a perfect example of what needs to be done for the betterment of the praja (people). Today's politicians should genuinely try to follow in the footsteps and embrace the ideology of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj."
Grand Celebrations Across Maharashtra Region
Across the western Maharashtra region, the 396th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was celebrated with immense grandeur and traditional fervor. Colorful processions filled the streets of Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara districts, with enthusiastic residents crowding stalls selling saffron flags, Shiv mudra items, statues, traditional pheta (turban), and vibrant saffron shawls.
Thousands of devotees dressed in traditional Maratha attire visited historical forts and paid heartfelt tributes at statues of Shivaji Maharaj throughout the day. The celebrations created a festive atmosphere across the region, with cultural performances and community gatherings highlighting the enduring legacy of the Maratha empire founder.
University and Community Processions Draw Massive Participation
At Shivaji University in Kolhapur, a particularly vibrant morning procession was organized with active participation from university officials, administrative staff members, and enthusiastic students. In the evening, the Shivaji Tarun Mandal led a spectacular grand procession featuring an equestrian idol of Shivaji Maharaj, accompanied by decorated horses, energetic dhol troupes, autorickshaws, and traditional bullock carts displaying various social messages.
Thousands of local residents joined the evening procession while dressed in traditional attire, with children dressed as Shivaji Maharaj and his mother Maharani Jijau drawing particular attention and admiration from spectators. However, the loud sound systems used by various mandals during the celebrations reportedly caused some discomfort among several followers and residents in the vicinity.
District Administration Organizes Patriotic Padayatra
The Kolhapur district administration organized a significant 'Jay Shivaji, Jay Bharat' padayatra (foot march) at the historic Panhala Fort, which witnessed participation from over 3,000 people including prominent officials. District collector Amol Yedge, superintendent of police Yogesh Kumar Gupta, and MLA Vinay Kore all joined the patriotic march, demonstrating cross-administrative support for the celebrations.
A special blood donation camp was also organized at Panhala Fort, where collector Amol Yedge personally donated blood to promote important social messages about health and community service. The inclusion of such civic initiatives alongside traditional celebrations highlighted the contemporary relevance of Shivaji Maharaj's emphasis on public welfare.
Regional Celebrations Extend to Historical Forts
In Satara district, various commemorative events took place at the iconic Pratapgad Fort, including a traditional palanquin procession from the Bhawani Mata Temple to the main Shivaji Maharaj statue. The evening witnessed a grand royal procession in Satara city starting from Rajwada Chowk, featuring the renowned 'Ujjain Mahakal' musical band and a captivating performance by an Aghori dance troupe.
Further celebrations unfolded in Karad, where multiple community groups organized enthusiastic rallies with active participation from local school students. These widespread celebrations across Maharashtra demonstrated the enduring cultural and historical significance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's legacy in contemporary Indian society, while political figures like Shahu Chhatrapati used the occasion to reflect on broader historical narratives surrounding India's resistance to colonial rule.
