Last Updated:April 03, 2025, 07:10 IST

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj passed away due to health complications on April 3, 1680.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Death Anniversary 2025: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, is remembered as a fearless warrior and a visionary leader. Born on February 19, 1630, in Pune to Jijabai and Shahji Bhonsle, he showed remarkable leadership skills from a young age and laid the foundation of the Maratha kingdom in 1674.

On April 3, 1680, Shivaji Maharaj passed away due to health complications. Since then, April 3 is observed as the death anniversary of the Maratha warrior. His administrative skills, military strategies and commitment to his people made him a legendary figure. On his 345th death anniversary, let’s take a look at some fascinating facts about this iconic ruler.

Chhatrapati Sivaji Maharaj Death Anniversary: Facts About The Maratha Warrior

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort near Junnar in Pune district.
2. Some believe Lord Shiva inspired his name but scholars suggest that he was named after Shivai, a local goddess.
3. Shivaji Maharaj began establishing Swaraj and his goal was clearly stated in his royal seal or Mudra which was in Sanskrit. The seal promised that the kingdom of Shivaji, son of Shahaji, would keep growing like the crescent moon and always work for the people’s welfare.
4. He captured forts like Rajgad, Torna, Kondhana and Purandar to lay the foundation of Swaraj.
5. In 1656, Shivaji Maharaj captured Javali in Satara district which was important for strategic reasons.
6. Later, he took control of Rairi which was later renamed Raigad and became his capital.
7. He also captured forts in the Konkan region which included Mahuli, Lohagad, Tunga, Tikona, Visapur, Songad, Karnala, Tala and Ghosala. Shivaji Maharaj set up the Ashta Pradhan Mandal, a council of eight advisors who helped him with political and other important matters.
8. The Maratha warrior built a navy to protect ports and merchant ships and to earn money from trade and customs. He took his first naval expedition in 1665.
9. A small group was in charge of Shivaji Maharaj’s education. The group taught him reading, writing, horse riding, martial arts and religious studies. He also had a special instructor for military training.
10. On June 6, 1674, he was crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad by a respected scholar named Gagabhatt. Special coins were made – a gold coin called hon and a copper coin called shivrai – with the legend Shri Raja Shivachhatrapati inscribed.

Chhatrapati Sivaji Maharaj Death Anniversary: Inspiring Quotes

• “The strong manly ones, in life, are those who understand the meaning of the word patience. Patience means restraining one’s inclinations.”
• “It is the prime duty of every citizen to feel that his country is free and to defend its freedom is his duty.”
• “A man becomes great when he plants a tree, knowing that he will never sit in its shade.”
• “The water of a river doesn’t go stale because it flows.”
• “Treat your men as you would your beloved sons, and they will follow you into the deepest valley.”