Our country has produced great heroes, patriots and warriors from time to time. Indian history abounds with the brave deeds of heroes, like Shivaji and Rana Pratap. My favorite hero is Shivaji. He was a great nationalist. He lived and died for the glory of the country.

Shivaji was born in 1627 in the hill fort of Shivneri in Maharashtra. His father was a Jagirdar. His mother Jijabai was a religious lady. She told him the stories of great heroes from the Mahabharat and the Ramayan. She moulded his character in such a way as made him ‘Shivaji the great’. Guru Ramdas also influenced his life most. Shivaji received education at home. In his boyhood he learnt horse riding, swimming and the use of various arms and weapons.

At the early age of seventeen he thought of becoming independent. So he collected a small army of loyal Marathas. He trained them in guerilla war-fare. With their help he began to conquer one fort after another. First of all he won the fort of Toran. There he got much wealth and weapons. Then he built a fort of his own at Durg.

Shivaji thought Mughal Emperors alien. So he started attacking the Mughal territories. The Sultan of Bijapur sent a large army against him under Afzal Khan. But he killed Afzal Khan tactfully with his claws of steel. Emperor Aurangzeb also sent Shaista Khan against him with a large army but he also lost the battle. Then Aurangzeb requested Shivaji to come to the Mughal court and promised him rewards and honours. There he was taken a prisoner. But he managed to escape from the prison in a basket of flowers and sweets. After his freedom, Shivaji was always a sore in the eyes of Aurangzeb.

In the later years Shivaji came to be known as an independent king. He was a great patriot, brave soldier and worthy statesman. He had wonderful power for organization and leadership. He always consulted his ministers before taking an important decision. He had equal respect for all religions including Islam.

At his death in 1688 he left an empire big enough in power. Due to his noble qualities and heroic deeds this ‘Saviour of the Hindu religion’ will always be the source of  inspiration for the people of India.