Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated on February 19.

Why in news?

• Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is observed annually on February 19. This year, the 392nd birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha warrior, was celebrated on February 19, 2022.

 About Chhatrapati Shivaji

• Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630, in Shivneri Fort, near the city of Junnar, present-day Pune district. Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti was first celebrated by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in 1870. 
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the first Chhatrapati and founder of the Maratha Empire. He had re-established Hindavi Swarajya, self-rule of the Hindu people.
• He is considered as the greatest Maratha ruler who carved an enclave from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur, which became the start of the Maratha Empire.
• He seized the Torna fort at the young age of 16 years and by 17 years, he had seized the Raigad and Kondana forts. He is popularly known as Shivaji Bhosale and was a member of the Bhonsle Maratha clan.
• His efforts and contributions in reviving the Maratha empire amid the Mughal rule in India, including his fued with Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, are well documented in India.