On the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, several leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu paid tributes to the Maratha warrior king on Friday.
Shivaji was born on 19 February 1630 at Shivneri Fort in Pune.
Modi posted a video on his Twitter handle and wrote, "I pay my respects to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the immortal son of Mother India, on his birth anniversary. The saga of his indomitable courage, valour and extraordinary intelligence will continue to inspire Indians for ages. Jai Shivaji!"
Apart from Modi, Pawar, Shah, Naidu, Rahul Gandhi, and others also paid tributes to the king.
Shivaji is known as one of the greatest warriors of all time. His valour and guerrilla warfare tactics, along with his loyal Mavlas, built the Maratha empire.
He is also called the Father of Indian Navy, as he is said to be the first one to realise the importance of having a naval force. The forts—Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg—along Maharashtra's coastline in the Konkan region are a testament to his administrative skills.
Shiv Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the iconic 17th-century ruler, is celebrated with great fervour in the state.
(With inputs from agencies)
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