SHIVAJI MAHARAJ 2

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj - Source of Inspiration

The Marathas were at the forefront in the 1857 mutiny against the British and gave wholehearted support for the same. Though they could muster support from a few Hindu Kingdoms in the North, most of them refused to oblige them. The lack of planning, proper co-ordination within Hindu rulers, lack of diplomatic efforts, firearms & communication facilities led to the failure of this mutiny. The Marathas have also whole-heartedly supported the Independence movement especially the ‘Quit India’ movement of 1942 in large Numbers. Thus Marathas have carved out a place of pride for themselves in the History of India. It is a community of Natural Nationalists. The Marathas hold 'Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj' ,who brought pride to this community at a very high esteem. This community became dominant in the politics of Maharshtra State after the formation of a Marathi speaking Maharashtra state in 1960.The community has prospered through the effective use of co-operative movement and brought employment in rural areas by establishing Sugar Factories,Spinning Mills,Banks,Milk Dairies and other institutions in co-operative sector. The co-operative sector holds complete control over this community in the countryside. Socially, the present day Marathas find themselves sandwiched between the Brahmins and Backward classes (including the Scheduled castes and tribes). The Brahmins acquired a higher social status thru the advancement made by them in Education, thereby acquiring good jobs in the private sector as well as the Government jobs and generally residing in towns & cities. The Backward classes got the Government jobs by virtue of