Remembering Shivaji Maharaj

Today is Shiv Jayanti (birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj) and is a state holiday in Maharashtra.

The first known reference to Shivaji Maharaj in British records comes from the London Gazette of February 1672:

“Two day since we received Letters from India, written by the English President residing at Surratte (Surat) who acquaints us with the daily fears they have there, from Sevagee (Shivaji Maharaj), the Rebel, who having beaten the Mogul in several battles, remains almost Master of Countrey, and takes the boldness to write all the European Ministers in Surrate (Surat), that if they refuse to send him such and such immediate presents of Money (which as he puts them would amount to vats sums) by way of Contribution, he will return and ruine that city; That he exacts the like from the Inhabitants, who certainly would comply with his demand, but that the officers of the Mogul, being there hinder them. Which puts them into an extreme Streight, and causes other daily to convey away their richness; many also embarking and transporting themselves into other parts, to avoid the storm they fear will fall up on them” (src: IndianExpress)