Today I am going to share the biography of Rajmata Jijau. She was one of the Queen mother of Maratha Kingdom and a ideal women of Indian History.
| Facts | Information |
|---|---|
| Identity | Great freedom fighter and mother of Chhatrapati Shivray and grandmother of Dharamveer Sambhaji Maharaj |
| Birthdate | 12 January 1598 |
| Birthplace | Jijau Mahal at Sindkhed Raja of Ahmadnagar Sultanate (present-day Maharashtra, India) |
| Reign | 1645 to 1674 |
| Parents | Mother: Mahalasabai Jadhav, Father: Lakhuji Jadhav |
| Husband | General Shahaji Maharaj |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Death | 17 June 1674 at the age of 76 in Pachad village, Raigad district of Maratha Empire (present-day Maharashtra, India) |
Introduction
Rajmata Jijabai was the Queen Mother of Maratha kingdom. She lived with his son on capital fort of Maratha, Raigad. She guided the king Shivaji Maharaj and brought up his son Sambhaji Maharaj in her care.
She introduced patriotic fire in heart of Shivaji Maharaj which slowly turned into reality. Jijau not only born and brought up Shivray and Sambhaji Raje, but also give right values that made them great Chhatrapati. Hence, she was irreplaceable gem and reason behind the origin of Maratha kingdom.
Birth
On January 12, 1598, Rajmata Jijau was born at Sindkhed Raja of Buldhana district. Sindkhed Raja Lakhujirao Jadhav was her father. He was General and Jagirdar who lived at Bhuikot fort.
Birthplace
Today, historical birthplace of Rajmata Jijau is developed as popular tourist place. Royal Palace (Rajwada) at Bhuikot palace has a grand divine entrance, situated on the Mumbai-Nagpur highway at Sindkhed state. Here also a beautiful Municipal garden has builded. Devotional place of Lakhuji Rao Jadhav is also situated here.
The grand architecture was several times larger than Hindu Rashtra Tomb of India. Playground of Jijamata where whole childhood aggrieved means her Royal Palace is also here to see.
Nilakantheshwar Mahadev temple was the one of the oldest temple situated here. You can see the temple epigraph and understand the history of temple restoration.
There was a giant well near to the steps which located just in front of the temple. Hemadpanth Rameshwar temple was built in between 8 to 10 century.
Kalakot Fort is the best example for the building of giant forts during the reign of Rajerao Jagdevrao Jadhav. Perpetual walls of this fort was very strong and large with 20 feets of height and wide enough. Regardless of it, there was a fort named “Sacchakheda” whose height was 40 feets.
After marriage Jijabai Bhosale spend her initial years at Shivneri fort in Pune. There she gave birth to priceless gem of India. From the name of Shivai Devi at Shivneri, she given his son name as Shivaji.
She provided precious values to his son who change the destiny of foreign invaders. After starting the Swarajya campaign Jijabai also spent some time on Rajgad. Then, after jawali campaign with Shivray she moved to Raigad.
On Raigad she spend most time of her life. In last few years, she shifted to Pachad. Pachad is the village at the foot of Raigad fort.
The Sacchakheda fort is visible from specific intersection point. Inside the fort there were also present intra roads, wells sub-basement and secret ways. The entrance gate of this architecture was beautiful and large.
“Moti lake” is a great example of water irrigation and the best source for supplying water. In front of this lake there was a fort-like area built and the excavation area is also beneficial.
Regardless of this the “Chandani lake” is also an attractive tourist place. In the middle area, there was a three floor building which was built earlier.
Here the statue was beautifully and strategically built. Whole statue was created with help of so many small idols and sculptures.
Also, here “Bhajanabai” named well is present, at that time the water was supplied to dry canals from this well. For reaching at bottom there were steps available inside around the well.
Today, the project of “Jijau Srushti” is in progress on the plateau aside from the lake. Here there were many schemes for womens have launched.
The intention behind building Jijau Srushti is to develop the place as a famous tourist place.
The main motto behind it is that the whole society should be devoted to duty, work, equality holder, bondage, ethics, and thoughtfulness about brotherhood just like Rajmata Jijau.
Featured Image Credits: Amey_A
