For the past few decades, various claims and counterclaims have come forward regarding the discovery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Samadhi (tomb) on Raigad. Especially, some intellectuals promote the idea that Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was the first to discover Shivaji’s samadhi. This claim is presented with the aim of highlighting the importance of his work. However, it is extremely necessary to examine what historical evidence exists behind these claims.
Did Mahatma Phule Truly Discover Shivaji Maharaj’s Samadhi at Raigad?
Some researchers and journalists who claim that Mahatma Phule discovered the samadhi present a visual depiction for this. In this video clip, Phule walks through the bushes on Raigad and reaches a place, holding a paper in hand, and offers flowers to a structure in front of him, assuming it to be the samadhi. Then a Brahmin person arrives, tramples the flowers, and a dispute occurs. Through this scene, it is suggested that no one recognized the samadhi and that only Mahatma Phule first identified it. However, many aspects of this narrative are worth considering carefully.
What information was on that paper in Mahatma Phule’s hand? If the location of the samadhi was mentioned on it, then it must be said that it was already known. Also, the fact that the Brahmin person reached the spot immediately suggests that he too had prior knowledge of the site. From this, it becomes clear that the samadhi had not been completely forgotten. Because from 1818 to 1883, there is no official record of anyone visiting the fort except for the families of the Dhangar community who had been living there for generations.
There are also differing opinions about when Phule visited Raigad — some claims are from 1869, while some from 1879. However, we do not find any historical evidence of when exactly Mahatma Phule visited. It becomes necessary to research what was the purpose of his visit and in what historical context it occurred.
What Do Historical Records Say About Shivaji Maharaj’s Samadhi?
In this entire matter, an effort has been made here to uncover the historical truth through the rational study of contemporary primary sources.
The Sabhasad Bakhar (1697) and Malhar Ram Chitnis Bakhar (around 1810), which were written soon after Shivaji Maharaj’s death, are major primary sources that clearly mention the samadhi on Raigad. For example, the Sabhasad Bakhar mentions:
“The Kshatriya Kulavanta Shrimant Maharajadhiraj Shivaji Maharaj Chhatrapati passed away on the day of Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada, Shaka 1602, at Raigad. The remains of his body were placed to the south of the main gate of the Jagdishwar temple built by him. There, an octagonal platform of black stone bricks was constructed, under which the remaining ashes of the Maharaj mixed with sacred soil were placed. There must have been an intention to erect a canopy on that platform, but due to the commotion that began after his passing, the work remained incomplete.”
From these mentions, it is evident that Shivaji’s samadhi was not forgotten but had been recorded in historical documents.
Even British-era documents support this. While describing the ruined state of the samadhi in his book A Book of Bombay (1883), James Douglas writes:
“His mausoleum is on yonder knoll, its interior a mass of weeds, trees growing up through the pavement… its temple foul and dishonoured, and its god cast down to the ground… Not one man now contributes a rupee to keep or repair the tomb of the founder of the Mahratta Empire.”
Similarly, in the reports of Governor Richard Temple, there is also mention of the pitiful condition of the samadhi on Raigad. This shows that the samadhi did exist but was neglected. If Mahatma Phule had discovered or restored the samadhi, then these British officers would certainly have mentioned this work. But we do not find such references.
Raigad Smarak Mandal and the Forgotten Legacy of Samadhi
In 1885, articles were published in newspapers regarding the condition of the samadhi, and thereafter, public demands for its restoration began. From this, it becomes clear that there was public awareness regarding the samadhi, but there was a lack of institutional support.
Also, Sudhir Thorat, the executive of the Raigad Memorial Committee, which has been active for the past 125 years, has written in detail with references on how exactly the restoration of Maharaja Shivaji’s samadhi took place (Read here).
Mahatma Phule was a highly influential thinker. He wrote fiercely and fought against issues like slavery, the practice of sati, and caste discrimination. But between 1869 and 1885, we do not find any concrete evidence of him raising his voice regarding the samadhi. Considering this, the claim that Mahatma Phule discovered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s samadhi does not stand firmly on the test of evidence.
Written By : @kaustubh-malshe (Follow on Instagram : click here)
References:
- Douglas, James. A Book of Bombay. Bombay Gazetteer Department, 1883, p. 433-434.
(छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांच्या समाधीची जीर्ण अवस्था व समाजातील उपेक्षा याविषयीचा उल्लेख.) - Temple, Richard. Report on the Administration of the Bombay Presidency for the Year 1882-83. Government Press, Bombay.
(रायगडावरील समाधीच्या स्थितीचा शासकीय अहवाल.) - Sabhasad Bakhar, Year 1697.
(शिवरायांच्या निधनानंतर त्यांचे शरीर रायगडाच्या जगदीश्वर मंदिराजवळ पुरण्यात आले असल्याचा स्पष्ट उल्लेख.) - Chitnis Bakhar, Year 1810.
(शिवरायांच्या समाधीविषयीचा दुसरा महत्त्वाचा पुरावा, जो स्थापत्यविषयक आणि धार्मिक दृष्टिकोन देतो.) - https://www.evivek.com/Encyc/2024/9/16/Lokmanya-Tilak-and-Shiva-Samadhi-at-Raigad-Sudhir-Thorat.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o73E1bSdcTE
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