Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: The NCP has demanded an “unconditional apology” from a religious leader (Jaggi Vasudev) for making the claim that Saint Samarth Ramdas was Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji’s guru.
Who was Samarth Ramdas/Sant Ramdas?
- Samarth Ramdas (1608 – 1681) was a Hindu saint, philosopher, poet, writer and spiritual master.
- A devotee of Lord Ram and Hanuman, he has influenced Hindu nationalist thinkers across the years like Lokmanya Tilak, KB Hedgewar and VD Savarkar.
- His Maruti Stotra is still commonly recited by school children as well as wrestlers akharas across Maharashtra.
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
- Shivaji Bhonsale I (1630-1680), popularly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was a Maratha ruler from the Bhonsle clan.
- From the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur, Shivaji carved out his own independent kingdom, laying the foundation of the Maratha Empire.
- At Raigad Fort in 1674, he was formally crowned Chhatrapati (Emperor) of his empire.
What do historians say?
- Shivaji Maharaj and Samarath Ramdas were
- Shivaji Maharaj gave donations to temples of Samarth Ramdas as well as other people and religions.
- There is no historical evidence to verify the fact that Samarth Ramdas was the guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
- This may be done for the maintenance of Brahmanical supremacy.
