Shivaji is a great icon in Maharashtra. Different sections of society have given him very high status, though for diverse reasons. Folklores about him abound in the state. His statues, popular songs on him are very prevalent. These folk songs (Powadas) praise his multifarious actions. So it was no surprise that when Jayabhagwan Goyal, released his book, ‘Aaj ka Shivaji: Narendra Modi’, at religious-cultural meet organized by Delhi BJP, there was a strong resentment in Maharashtra. Various leaders from Maharashtra were furious. The Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut challenged the Shivaji’s descendent, Sambhaji Raje who is in BJP and is member of Rajya Sabha, to resign on the issue. Sambhaji Raje in turn stated that "We respect Narendra Modi, who was elected as the prime minister of the country for the second time. But neither (Narendra) Modi nor anybody else in the world can be compared with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,"
Not to be left behind Jitendra Awhad of NCP felt Modi-BJP are insulting the pride of Maharashtra. It is not the first time that controversy is erupting around the Maharashtra warrior of medieval period. Earlier we had seen Sambhaji Brigrade demanding the ban on James Laine book, Shivaji: ‘A Hindu King in an Islamic Kingdom’, for its objectionable content. Bhandarkar Institute in Pune, which had helped James Laine in his research, was also vandalized. At another level there was a talk that Babasaheb Purandare, a Brahmin, who has written some popular material on Shivaji will be made as the Chairman of the committee for statue of Shivaji. Maratha Mahasangh and Shiv Dharm officials objected to a Brahmin heading the committee for a statue for the Maratha warrior. The caste angel in Shivaji’s case is coming to the fore from quite some time.
While there is no dearth of controversies around Shivaji, it is also true that each political tendency has created Shivaji’s image from their political point of view. Who was the real Shivaji, is the question. One can see two clear streams of projection in this matter. On one hand there is an attempt to present Shivaji as the anti Muslim King, a king who was respecting Cows and Brahmins (Go Brahman pratipalak). This view was brought forward from the times of Lokmanya Tilak and picked up by Hindu nationalists, who have been looking for icons in history to suit their political agenda. Nathram Godse, while criticizing Gandhi says that Gandhi’s nationalism was dwarf in front of the one of Shivaji or Rana Pratap.
In tune with this the Hindu nationalists are promoting both these as icons of Hindu nationalism and giving anti-Muslim slant to the whole discourse. This discourse also hides in this the Brahmanical agenda of Hindu nationalism as Cows and Brahmins are presented as the central object of veneration by Shivaji. This image of Shivaji fits well into the current agenda of Hindu nationalists, being spearheaded by RSS Combine.
It is because of this that for seeking votes in Mumbai Narendra Modi on the eve of 2014 elections stated that Shivaji attacked Surat to plunder the treasury of Aurangzeb. This also presents Shivaji-Aurangzeb, Shivaji-Afzal Khan interactions as battle between Hindus and Muslims. The truth is that Surat was plundered for its wealth as it was a rich port city and Bal Samant’s book on the topic gives in depth description of the same. It is noteworthy that Shivaji began his real career of conquest in 1656 when he conquered Javli from the Maratha Chief Chandra Rao More. He took over the treasures of this kingdom. That it was not a Hindu Muslim battle becomes clear when we know that in confrontation with Aurangzeb it was Mirza Raja Jaisingh who was negotiating and engaging with Shivaji on behalf of Aurangzeb. And Shivaji had Muslim officers like Kazi Haider as confidential secretary and many Muslim Generals in his army.
Darya Sarang was chief of armor division, Daulat Khan was in-charge of his naval division; Ibrahim Khan was another general of significance in his army. This mixed up administration just shows that the kings were not having Hindu or Muslim administration depending on their religion. In the confrontation between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, Rustam-e-Jaman was Shivaji’s side and Afzal Khan had Krisnaji Bhaskar Kulkarni on his side.
As far as Shivaji’s popularity is concerned it was due to his being a King with welfare of his subjects in his mind. He lightened the burden of taxation on the average peasants, and reduced the domination of landlords over the serfs. This picture of Shivaji is well documents in the booklets by Com. Govind Pansare (Who was Shivaji) and Jayant Gadkari (Shivaji: Ek Lok Kalyankari Raja- Shivaji: King doing People’s Welfare). He did not belong to the warrior caste so Brahmins had refused to coronate him, for which purpose Gaga Bhatt a Brahmin from Kashi was brought in with heavy fees. Teesta Setalvad’s hand book on History for teachers underlined this fact.
Today while BJP-Brahmanical forces want to present Shivaji as worshipper of Brahmins and cows, the non upper caste have seen through the game. As such it was Jotirao Phule who brought forward the caste angel of Shivaji as he wrote Powada (Poem) in his honor and today dalit Bahujan are not toeing Hindu Nationalist projection on the issue.
The likes of Jayabhagwan Goyal of BJP as such are trying to give two messages through such attempts. One hand they want to paint Shivaji in anti Muslim and Brahmanical color, they also want to give the subtle message of similarity of this presentation of Shivaji with what Modi is doing. Non BJP forces have seen this game and want to present the other picture of Shivaji, which was highlighted by the likes of Jotirao Phule and which today many of those standing for rights of dalit-Bahujan are trying to articulate. The criticism of the said, book, since withdrawn is on these twin aspects. One about the picture of Shivaji who was concerned about welfare of the farmers, and two his respect for people of all religions.
Comments
Dear Irshad sunnis are Not blindly following. sunni follow the 4 Imam they also studied Quran & hadith .sunni have Many ulema studied quran & hadith
This is the influence of BJP's friendship with AP Usthad and Sunni group.
Sunni has no guts to debate with Salafi or Thableek on the base of Quran and Hadeeth.
Sunni is still running under darkness. Instead of calling sunni or salafi, try to prove as muslim by reading and understanding quran and hadeeth, and implant in your life.
After death Angel will ask what is your Din. Answer is Islam not Sunni or Salafi. After death answer is only Islam then why in Dunia so called Sunni and Salfi. Dear Sunni brothers don't blindly follow so called Malabarys. Use your own brain
Whoever said we fight with each other are totally wrong. This is an attack from one group only On those people who are trying to spread the actual message of islam that says Pray to Allah only. The very first chapter of quran clears everything. And all those who oppose are people who have totally misunderstood and lost faith in Quran.
Sunni has taken very drastic route to fight the people of thouheed when it failed to justify through Quran and hadees for what they are doing like darga, mawlid, waseelah etc. this is a sign of failure nothing else.. And as said in Quran falsehood is bound to perish!! But no matter what Allah is with the true believers!!
006.159
\Indeed, those who divide their religion and break up into sects, you have no part with them in the least: their affair is with God: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they used to do\"
THEN WHO MADE THIS SUNNI, SALAFI ETC, WHY THEY NEED TAG.
PROPHET MOHAMMED WAS NEITHER SUNNI NOR SALAFI,"
Good Lessons for Salfees, who is dividing the society....this should continue in other place also....
Sunnis are becoming arrogant and trying to crush all others who are opposing them. Ulemas in this factions are not doing much to end so many superstitious beliefs and exploitation in the name of religion. They are not addressing the social issues which are causing damage to our society yet again its all unislamic too. If Salafi's are doing their function, why sunnis to there and ransack. It clearly indicates that their mind set is instigated by their Ulemas. As far as I know Salafis are only opposing some of the ill practices which are unislamic but we borrowed from other communities. Such as 1. Dowry - Totally not in Islam but very rampant in other communities. We borrowed it but Sunni ulemas are silent. They are not opposing it. 2. Practicing bidaat like visiting shrines, muslim swamis etc instead of praying to Allah. Hidden benefit to some factions of society - so one is opposing. 3. There are many harams being practiced by some members of society instead of opposing those things they are opposing Salafis etc. They should strongly oppose drinks and many other haram practices in our society. I am sure those attackers may not be praying 5 times but they want to oppose salafis. Very very Contradicting.
Grave worshiping must stop. Shirk must stop. Allah will not give another opportunity to us anymore. Stop sleeping on real issue. Ponder on religion. Start calling yourself Muslim rather than salafi or sunni. We are all to blame for not conveying true message of Islam to our own people. May Allah Guide Us All
IDENTIFY REAL CULPRITS
there is a old proverb in Tulunadu in Tulu \ JAATHIG JAATHI PAGE , NAIG NAI PAGE\" , regardless of hindu and muslims , this is common in Dakshina Kannada.
If any organization who makes programme , whatever they speak one should not go and attack them. Those who attack are called\"terrorists\".
You can take many examples if Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat or similar extremists speaks against muslims in the public speech, no organization, or no muslims go there and attack them, at the same time SDPI party organizers who speak against RSS and Kalladka Bhat in the open function infront of DC office, never RSS people go there and attack the speaker or audience.
Nobody is above the law and nobody in this earth equal to GOD or Prophets. We have seen Swamies, Thangals, Priests ... were doing immoral activities and some are in the jail too.
It is our big mistake that we have imported from nearby Kerala all these politics. These groups are all from Malayalees influenced in
Mangalore religious activities. It is very hard now to eliminate these kerala groups. Because they have already poisoned our common people.
It is unfortunate that in Mangalore some educated so called muslim leaders (businessmen) are supporting these elements. Even one of the University Chancellor too behind these people , going each and every dargas etc. It is shameful.
Now it is the time to unite and fight against the terrorists and facist by joining hands together with other community members but not fighting within the groups."
Not right to use the word \extremist\""
Salafis are big criminals should be banned their organisation all over the country dont let them to do programs.
I thought this Coastal Digest media is diffrent from safron or evening paper.... but again it has proved that... all media is same on thier belif... why should you mention heading ... SALAFI ATTACKED BY SUNNI... rather than group attacked some persons.....
Shame on you CD ..... you are doing lkie western media....
Yaan iththe Tableeg jamaath. Yergaavuye Salafi-Sunni kiri kiri..
haha.. Congo Salafi Sunni brothers for the clash. Bcoz of you people our naren kotian is back !!!
I witnessed this incident. I think many among those who attacked the Salfis were drunk. First time I came to know that Muslims in our region consume alcohol.
Some organisation mus take up the cause of creating awareness among Muslim youths about drug abuse and alcoholism now.
Excuse me. Those are not sunnis. They are grave worshippers, which is strictly prohibited in Islam. Our beloved prophet(S) gave order to hazrat Ali (r) to demolish graves. And these people build graves and do urs and other non-Islamic rituals.
So called Sunni's I know if salafi's talk about bidaath that you people are doing then you will get frustrate. Salafi's are talking with thye reference of Quraan & Hadeeth. If anything which goes against your belief then you guys are ready to kill and fight. My request is with you that if you have any doubts then arrange a stage and lets have a debate on the issues with the knowledge of quraan & Hadeeth. Fighting only shows your weakness.
islamic state practising lynching after looking at their chummah brothers in raqqa... papa 2020 ge isis namma rashtrakke nuggi baruttajnthe ... so may be trials they are doing .... nia must watch ...
Better to send these trouble makers to Andaman and engage them in Construction activities.....
DIVIDING is a tool used by Shaitan & his followers.
SABR is a tool which our prophets of ALLAH taught to their FOLLOWERS to be used in times of ANGER...
When U miss SABR, U end up helping the SHAITAN and his followers.
To be Patience, Follow how Prophet Muhammad pbuh taught us to tackle such situation .... If the LEADERS of EACH group doesnt start to UNITE the MUSLIMs. It will become WORSE in the coming days.
Any msg you receive thru FACEBOOK, Whatsapp or other media channel Please VERIFY it... B4 U fall & trap to such ignorant actions..
Peaceful, Peaceful, Peaceful Piiieeece......
14th century divided ills. Bale Telippale.
Dear Brother Mohan Mahajan (Fake Name)
You might feel funny now but Day is not far to realize and to repent on your FUNNY Comment unfortunately you will not find any one around you to listen your repent.
Viren and Naren brothers are innocent leave them,Poor guys...
Im a MUSLIM....
When somebody is talking about ALLAH and giving knowledge about ALLAH and its prophet... STOP and LISTEN carefully what they say about ALLAH and his prophets....
May be he is saying GOOD and with ignorance, YOU might stop the message of our Prophet Mohammad pbuh reaching out to the PUBLIC...which will have ACCOUNTABLE infront of our CREATOR...
STOP looking other MUSLIM as Sunni, Salafi, Mujahid, Jammat... (Dont ACT like the people of JAHILIYA...) LOOK every MUSLIM as a MUSLIM...and avoid traping to shaitan's trick of DIVISION.
There might be a difference of OPINION, even the SAHABAS had.. But they didn't fight each other.
When Prophet Muhammad pbuh said to take care of the neighbors ( He did not say only MUSLIMs... even if your neighbor is a NON MUSLIM, We should follow the advise of the best of HUMAN and the messenger of ALLAH & treat our neighbor in the best way..).
Bap ray bap, what's going on you wonder world religious crazy's no one not knows who is perfect, who are those buffoons Injured the (religious name fighting) decently the are going to Hell!!!!! because they are destructed, damaged the peaceful nation, never told in Islam or Your Thouheed, really you Citizens of Hindustan you are very much Lucky you Born and Brought up in Hindustan!! not in Pakistan?? my dear citizens of Hindustanis, pleas be aware all good Human beings going to \Heaven\", and Trouble makers going to \"Hell\" please do not kill Innocent people to Earn money to your pocket to feed Poison to Your generation, that's Haram bai Sabb!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jai Hindustan
Jai Hoo Modiannsa."
Hahaha. good one. but keep this fighting within you only. If u touch Hindus Bajrang Dal knows how to teach you people a lesson.
When people started to preach about True Islam definitely there will be some one to oppose, because for some innocent people they cannot Digest the TRUTH.Even Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) used to face such incidents during his time.Even his Own family used to curse him.Prophets uncle cursed him by saying 'Thabbalaq ya Muhammed' (You may Destroy),But at the end Almighty Allah Destroyed his Uncle itself.So no need to worry about all this.After all this is nothing compare to our Beloved Prophet Muhammed PBUH. He faced more then this.
Be patiece and do not quite Preaching Truth to entire Humanity.Because Islam is for all.It will benefit life after death.In sha allah
Very sad. Now salafism will grow. Whenever they came under attack, more number of sunnis joined Salafi. two decades ago there were hardly two dozen salafis in Mangaluru
What a shame. A few years ago we were blaming evengers for publishing such reports. But now we all know about the rising intolerance within small muslim community members in coastal Karnataka. Why the hell these people behave like Bajrang Dal goons? Whats the difference between BD goons and the one who carried out attack on a religious conference?
Dont understand when will the muslims ever become smart! Guys, just follow what you beleive.. Why try to impose on others? Let Sunnis do maulood or visit dargahs or even do ratib.... Why try to be judge? Let Allah decide whats wrong and right... Its been 1400 years since the Islam came through Prophet Muhammed and in the time of Sahabis, the sect Shia came into existence... Since 1400 years the Shias are still in this world and no Salafis or Sunnis could ever convince them and bring them to main stream Islam!! Then, why the hell are we fighting now among our self? Just practice what is good for you, let ALlah be the judge in the end...
:) funny followers of a funny religion do always funny things.
So called sunnis are losing their brain and heart....now they realized that they cannot make corrupt money any more....and can't cheat innocents by inviting them to do shirk at various dargahs....and these dargahs are money making machine for some....looting poor and down and trodden people in the name of saints.....all I can say is day time looting.....
he he he really funny fighting for what ? this s the unity between so called () community.
Shameless and Loveless Muslims know only to speak bad about others and fight with each other.Where is Islam?U are fighting for Islam???Islam means peace,loving each other,forgiving each other,helping each other.Humanity is Islam.Not just 5 times Namaz,fasting,haj to meccca etc....Prophets came to the communities to bring peace..not to create problems..Forgive each other for the sake of Heaven...and most of the problem will get solved.
firstly we need to identify what we are .. where we are heading to? we cant maintain brotherhood then what and from where we can expect the same from others!!
may Allah guide all
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