State Legislator Delivers Roster of Muslims Employed by Shivaji to BJP Government Official
In a recent turn of events, Samajwadi party MLA Rais Shaikh has gifted two historical books to BJP minister Nitesh Rane, aiming to correct misconceptions about the inclusivity of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's army and administration[3].
Contrary to a recent statement made by Minister Rane at a meeting in Sangameshwar, Ratnagiri, claiming that Shivaji Maharaj never appointed a Muslim chieftain and his war was against Muslims[4], historical records suggest otherwise.
Shaikh's assertions are backed by evidence from historical sources, which confirm that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was indeed an inclusive leader who valued merit over religion[1][2]. His military and governance structures were populated by people of all castes and religions, including Muslims and Europeans.
Among the notable figures in Shivaji's entourage was Qazi Haider, a lawyer[1]. In the siege of Panhalgad, Siddi Hilal and his son Siddi Wahwah also played significant roles[1]. Other chieftains, such as Noor Khan Beg, Sardar Shama Khan, Ibrahim Khan, Siddi Ibrahim, Daulat Khan, Madari Mehtar, and Siddi Ibrahim, served in various capacities in Shivaji's forces[1][2].
Ibrahim Khan, in particular, served as the navy chief, while Noor Khan Beg was the cavalry chief[1]. Siddi Ibrahim was a bodyguard for the Maratha king[1]. These roles underscore the significant presence of Muslims in Shivaji's military hierarchy.
Shaikh also highlights Shivaji's respect for the Muslim Saint Baba Yakut of Ratnagiri[5]. Furthermore, Shivaji's rule was not a religious war, as Shaikh states, but rather a reflection of his policy of religious tolerance[6].
The books gifted by Shaikh to Rane, 'Chhatrapati Shivaji: Kaal Aani Kartrutva' by Jadunath Sarkar and 'Who Was Shivaji?' by Govind Pansare, are expected to provide further insights into Shivaji's inclusive policies and the roles of Muslim chieftains in his army[3].
Rane has yet to receive Shaikh's letter and will comment on it after reading it[7]. However, he has maintained that whatever he said about Shivaji Maharaj and Muslim chieftains is true[8].
In light of these revelations, it appears that Shivaji's rule was indeed marked by religious tolerance and inclusivity, as evidenced by the presence of Muslim chieftains and soldiers in his army and administration. Such statements, according to Shaikh, could further increase rifts between communities if left unchallenged[6].
References:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Muslim Commanders
- Muslims in the Maratha Empire
- MLA Gifts Books to Minister to Correct Misconceptions
- Nitesh Rane's Controversial Statement on Shivaji Maharaj
- Shivaji Maharaj's Respect for Baba Yakut
- Shivaji Maharaj's Rule was not a Religious War
- Nitesh Rane's Response to Rais Shaikh's Letter
- Nitesh Rane's Stand on Shivaji Maharaj and Muslim Chieftains
Seminal historical records challenge Minister Rane's perspective, as his claim that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj never appointed a Muslim chieftain and his war was against Muslims contradicts the political landscape of the time [4]. The inclusivity of Shivaji's administration, shown through the presence of military leaders like Ibrahim Khan, the navy chief, and Siddi Ibrahim, a bodyguard, is a key aspect of general news and war-and-conflicts discussions [1, 5]. The books gifted by MLA Shaikh aim to shed light on Shivaji's inclusive policies and the roles of Muslim chieftains in his army, addressing the potential political implications of such misconceptions [3].
