Introduction

1. Jijabai (जीज़ाबाई) also known as Rajmata Jijabai, was the mother of Shivaji, founder of the Maratha Empire.

2. Jijabai was born on 12 January 1598 and a daughter of Lakhojirao Jadhav(descendant of Seuna Yadavs of Devgiri) in present-day Buldhana district of Maharashtra State.

3. As per the customs of that age, she was wed at an early age to Shahaji Bhosale, a nobleman and military commander under the Adil Shahi sultans of Bijapur in present-day Karnataka. She was his first wife.

4. Jijabai gave birth to eight children, six daughters and two sons. Of these only the two sons, Sambhaji and Shivaji, survived while the rest died in infancy.

5. She wholeheartedly supported her husband's cause. Shahaji had tried to establish a Hindu state on the ruins of the erstwhile Nizamshahi sultanate. However he was defeated by the combined forces of the Mughals and Adilshahi. Shahaji became a sardar in Adilshaha's army. He settled in Karnataka and got married again. As per the treaty he was forced to move south. In order to continue the struggle, he deputed her as queen regent.

6. The elder son Sambhaji remained with their father. Shivaji left Bangalore along with his mother, a council of ministers and chosen military commanders. When they arrived in Pune it was full of jungles and wild beasts. She encouraged cuiltivators to settle. She renovated the kasaba ganapati temple. A Red sandstone palace of moderate size known as lal mahal was also built. She has given a number of decisions in legal and administrative matter known as majhars.

7. Jijau was a very pious and intelligent woman with great vision for independent kingdom.

8. She inspired Shivaji Maharaj by telling stories from Ramayan, Mahabharat, Balaraja, and her ancestors i.e. Seuna Yadavs of Devgiri.

9. Inspired by her, Shivaji Maharaj took Oath of Independence in fort temple of lord Raireshwar in 1645 when he was 17.

10. In Shivaji,s impeccable, spotless character and courage Jijabai,s contribution is enormous.

11. Jijabai is widely credited with raising Shivaji in a manner that led to his future greatness.

12. She died soon after coronation of Shivaji on 17 June 1674.

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