Mata Jijabai

About the Book

Imprisoning the benison that took birth in the form of Jijabai in words is but an infinitesimal endeavour to laud their Goliathic greatness and achievements.

'Veermata Jijabai' embodied a spirit of serene and unassuming fortitude and endearing severity. A woman of noble vision, she realized her most cherished ambition, the establishment of Hindavi Swaraj through her celebrated son Shivaji.

Jibabai was the Queen Mother and Shivaji's mother; but more importantly, she was also the mother of this fight for Swaraj for which independence strikes as the closest, though also the most euphemistic English counterpart, carrying merely the essence and eroded emotions associated with the institution of Swaraj.

Jijabai's life is inspirational and very relevant even today and inspires women to struggle to succeed in all spheres of life.

Preface

Imprisoning the benison that took birth in the form of Jijabai and her son Shivaji in words is but an infinitesimal endeavour to laud their Goliathic greatness and achievements.

Although extensive literature is available, mainly on Shivaji and to a lesser degree on Jijabai, in Marathi and Bengali; English, Hindi and other vernacular languages have resolutely ignored the subject.

'Veermata Jijabai' embodied a spirit of serene and unassuming fortitude and endearing severity. A woman of noble vision, she realized her most cherished ambition, the establishment of 'Hindavi Swaraj' through her celebrated son Shivaji.

The atrocities committed by the Mughals, Adilshah and Nizamshah on the Hindus had over brimmed the saturation point. This enthused young Shiva to vow to protect the Hindus. His sterling qualities of valour, fearlessness, wit and efficiency were inculcated in him by his mother.

Jijabai was the Queen Mother and Shvaji's mother; but more importantly, she was also the mother of this fight for 'Swaraj' for which independence strikes me as the closest, through also the most euphemistic English counterpart, carrying merely the essence and eroded emotions associated with the institution of 'Swaraj'.

Shivaji's experience with his father was brief and limited. However, his mother was constantly by his side, the guiding angel in his life. Shivaji's devotion to his mother, and Jijabai's unwavering faith and eternal love for Shivaji are metaphorical.

I consider this an opportunity to sketch Jijabai's character as an immoderate honour and an enormous privilege.