Que. Examine the sources of the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji with special reference to Shivabharat and Sabhasad Bakhar.
छत्रपति शिवाजी के इतिहास के प्रमुख स्रोतों का शिवभारत एवं सभासद बखर के विशेष संदर्भ में परीक्षण कीजिए।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: State the importance of Shivabharat and Sabhasad Bakhar as primary sources in understanding Chhatrapati Shivaji’s life and legacy.
(ii) Main Body: Examine Shivabharat and Sabhasad Bakhar separately, focusing on their themes, biases, and contributions, followed by a comparative analysis.
(iii) Conclusion: Conclude by affirming these sources’ value in studying Shivaji’s era, legacy, and the socio-political landscape of the Maratha Empire.
Introduction
Shivabharat and Sabhasad Bakhar are crucial sources for understanding the life and achievements of “Chhatrapati Shivaji.” These works, despite their biases, provide vital insights into Shivaji’s statecraft, military strategies, and his role as a “protector of Hindu culture,” enriching the historiography of the Maratha Empire.
Shivabharat as a Source of Shivaji’s History
Authored by “Parmanand,” Shivabharat presents a semi-mythical portrayal of Shivaji, emphasizing his divine qualities and contributions to the preservation of “Hindu Dharma.”
(i) Divine Representation: Shivaji is depicted as a “divinely inspired” leader, chosen to protect Hinduism and Maratha culture, enhancing his image as a religious hero.
(ii) Heroic Deeds and Valor: Describes Shivaji’s “military achievements” in poetic form, often idealizing battles and projecting him as a fearless warrior against foreign powers.
(iii) Cultural Significance: The text reflects the Maratha pride and the resurgence of Hindu identity, positioning Shivaji as a cultural symbol in the “Hindu revival.”
(iv) Religious Undertones and Biases: Contains strong “religious undertones,” making Shivaji appear as a savior of Hindu dharma; thus, the text leans towards idealization and selective portrayal.
(v) Historical Value and Limitations: While it provides insights into Shivaji’s values and symbolic role, Shivabharat is limited by exaggeration and requires a critical approach to extract historical facts.
Sabhasad Bakhar as a Source of Shivaji’s History
Written by “Krishnaji Anant Sabhasad,” a court official, Sabhasad Bakhar provides a more pragmatic account of Shivaji’s life, focusing on his governance, military campaigns, and the consolidation of the “Maratha state.”
(i) Authorship and Perspective: Written by a “court historian,” it reflects the court’s perspective, aiming to document Shivaji’s reign with accuracy and political insight.
(ii) Detailed Account of Campaigns: Covers Shivaji’s “military strategies,” detailing campaigns, fort constructions, and guerrilla warfare techniques, which are critical to understanding his strategic acumen.
(iii) Administrative Insights: Describes the “Ashtapradhan council” and Shivaji’s administrative innovations, offering a glimpse into his governance style and statecraft.
(iv) Reliability and Objectivity: Considered relatively reliable, Sabhasad Bakhar is more factual than Shivabharat, though it includes a degree of courtly praise typical of official records.
(v) Importance for Historians: This source aids in constructing a realistic picture of Shivaji’s rule, emphasizing his vision of a strong, self-sufficient “Maratha state.”
Comparative Analysis of Shivabharat and Sabhasad Bakhar
Both sources, while distinct in their approach and content, together provide a comprehensive view of Shivaji’s multifaceted legacy, blending myth and realism.
(i) Different Genres and Styles: Shivabharat is “poetic and mythical,” while Sabhasad Bakhar adopts a straightforward, historical narrative, reflecting the authors’ backgrounds and intentions.
(ii) Contrasting Portrayals of Shivaji: Shivabharat presents him as a “religious hero,” while Sabhasad Bakhar emphasizes his practical “leadership qualities” and political shrewdness.
(iii) Complementary Historical Insights: Together, they offer insights into both the symbolic and realistic aspects of Shivaji’s life, merging “cultural identity” with “statecraft.”
(iv) Biases and Historical Interpretation: Both texts are biased, with Shivabharat being overly idealized and Sabhasad Bakhar influenced by courtly expectations, necessitating a balanced historical interpretation.
(v) Constructing Shivaji’s Legacy: These texts significantly shape the “public memory” of Shivaji, immortalizing him as a cultural and political icon who resisted foreign domination.
Conclusion
Shivabharat and Sabhasad Bakhar remain indispensable sources for examining “Shivaji’s life and achievements.” By blending mythical reverence and realistic detail, these texts enrich our understanding of his legacy, reflecting the “Maratha ethos” and the socio-political landscape of his time.
