PM Modi carrying forward Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy of Swaraj, Swadharma, Swabhasha: Amit Shah

New Delhi, Apr 12: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday drew a historical parallel between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 17th-century Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, asserting that Modi is advancing Shivaji’s vision of Swaraj (self-rule), Swadharma (cultural and religious identity), and Swabhasha (language and linguistic pride). Speaking at a commemorative event held at the Raigad Fort on the 345th death anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shah declared, “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is carrying forward Shivaji Maharaj’s struggle for Swaraj, Swadharma, and Swabhasha.”

The event was attended by prominent leaders including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol.

Amit Shah noted that Shivaji Maharaj ignited a revolutionary spirit during an era of widespread despair and foreign domination. “When Shivaji Maharaj was born, the nation was in deep darkness.

Even dreaming of Swaraj was considered treason,” Shah said, adding that it was Shivaji’s resolve, guided by Rajmata Jijabai, that reawakened a spirit of resistance and self-determination across the subcontinent. He praised Shivaji’s administrative foresight, military strategy, and inclusive governance, calling him a “banyan tree of values” who built a resilient, people-powered empire against overwhelming odds. “He had no legacy, no wealth, no powerful army — only indomitable will and the support of his people,” Shah said.

Stand against Aurangzeb

In one of the more charged moments of his speech, Shah directly contrasted Shivaji Maharaj’s resistance with the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, stating that it was Shivaji’s successors including Sambhaji Maharaj, Maharani Tarabai, Santaji, and Tanaji who continued the struggle until Aurangzeb’s death. “Aurangzeb, who styled himself ‘Alamgir’ — conqueror of the world — was ultimately defeated in Maharashtra. His tomb stands as a testament to that defeat,” Amit Shah remarked, highlighting the Maratha defiance that outlived the Mughal emperor’s campaign in the Deccan. He further emphasised that Shivaji Maharaj not only resisted the oppressive rule of the Mughals but also broke the psychological grip of subjugation that had taken root in society after centuries of invasions.

Shivaji’s vision in the modern era

Drawing a direct link between Shivaji’s ideals and Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Amit Shah said that the Prime Minister’s decision to adopt Shivaji Maharaj’s royal seal as the emblem of the Indian Navy was a bold declaration that “our country and our Swaraj are fully secured.” Shah also highlighted symbolic milestones such as the construction of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, describing them as fulfilment of Shivaji Maharaj’s long-held dream of restoring civilisational pride. “Shivaji Maharaj envisioned the restoration of our sacred temples and the rejuvenation of our cultural spirit. Prime Minister Modi has delivered on those visions,” he said.

A legacy for every Indian

Stressing that Shivaji Maharaj's legacy belongs to the entire nation, not just Maharashtra, Shah said every child in India must learn about his life and ideals. “Shivaji’s values of justice, administration, and governance still guide us today from the concept of the Ashta Pradhan Mandal to the modern Cabinet system,” he added. Shah praised Maharashtra’s efforts to preserve Raigad Fort as a national monument and urged that it be developed not merely as a tourist destination but as a source of national inspiration. He called on the state government to ensure that all students from grades 7 to 12 visit Raigad at least once in their academic years. “This fort is not just stone and soil; it is the soul of Swaraj,” he said.

UNESCO recognition and national pride

The Home Minister also announced that both the central and state governments are working to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for 12 historical forts in Maharashtra, recognizing their importance to India’s cultural and military history. “From Shivaji Maharaj to Tilak Maharaj, the struggle for Swaraj has been rooted in this land. It is our duty to carry it forward,” Amit Shah said.