Jijabai (néeJadhavrao; 12 January 1598 – 17 June 1674), was the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Maratha Kingdom. She was a daughter of Lakhuji Jadhav of Sindkhed Raja. He belonged to the lineage of Devagiri Yadavas.

Early life

Jijabai was born on 12 January 1598, to Mhalasabai Jadhav and Lakhuji Jadhav at Sindkhed Raja in present-day Buldhana district of Maharashtra. Jijabai was married at an early age to Shahaji, son of Maloji Bhosale of Verul village, a military commander serving under the Ahmadnagar Sultanate. She was a skilled horse rider, sword fighter, academician and administrator.

Scholar James Laine states that Shivaji Maharaj was imbued with the dream of re-establishing a Hindu kingdom by his mother, Jijabai, whose ancestors the Yadavas held the sovereignty of the Deccan for 150 years pre Islamic invasions. She taught him the nuances of tactics, administration and politics right from an early age.

Death

She died on 17 June 1674 at Pachad village near Raigad Fort. This was only eleven days after the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

In popular culture

See also

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