Jijabai
A commemorative postage stamp on Rajmata Jijau, mother of Shivaji (founder of Maratha Empire) :
Issued by India
Issued on Jul 7, 1999
Issued for : Jijabai‘s life is an example of how a mother can transform the society and even mould an entire nation by fulfilling the duties of motherhood. The Department of Posts is happy to issue this commemorative stamp on Jijabai.
Design : The First Day Cover depicts the Samadhisthan of Jijabai.
Credits :
Stamp & First Day Cover : Based on materials supplied by sponsors.
Cancellation : Alka Sharma
Type : Stamp, Mint Condition
Colour : Single Colour
Denomination : 300 Paise
Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 Cms.
Printing size : 3.55 x 2.54 Cms.
Perforation : 13 x 13
Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 cms.
Stamps Printed : 0.7 Million
Number per issue sheet : 42
Printing Process : Photogravure
Printer : India Security Press, Nashik
Name : Jijabai Shahaji Bhosale
Born on Jan 12, 1598 at Jijau Mahal, Sindkhed Raja, Buldhana, Maharashtra, India
Died on Jun 17, 1674 at Pachad Village, Mahad Taluka, Raigad District, Maharashtra, India
About :
- Jijabai, the mother of Chatrapati Shivaji was the guiding force who inspired her son to fight the kingdom of Bijapur and Mogul domination, and to establish Maratha sovereignty. Her life became a symbol of ideal Indian motherhood and she came to be known as ‘Jija Mata‘, the embodiment of a mother’s attempts to transform society and influence the course of history.
- Jijabai was the daughter of an eminent noble in the kingdom of Ahmadnagar, Lakhoji Jadhavrao. According to the custom then prevalent she was married at a very early age to Shahaji Bhonsle. Shahaji joined the service of the Ahmadnagar kingdom. In 1633, when Shivaji was still a little boy an enemy of Shahaji named Mhaldar Khan deserted to the Moguls, then attacked Ahmadnagar, and out of spite betrayed to them, Shahaji‘s wife Jijabai. They imprisoned her in Kondana fort, now known as Sinhgad, but her servants contrived to conceal Shivaji. At last peace came through the partition of Ahmadnagar between Delhi and Bijapur. Jijabai was allowed to rejoin her son. Jijabai taught her son stories of bravery from the ancient scriptures and emphasized training in the martial arts, to equip him for the role she had nurtured him to play. Shivaji brought together all the Mavalas living around Pune and soon raised an army dedicated to establish his kingdom. With his small army he vanquished the Kingdom of Bijapur, and fought against the mighty Mogul empire. Throughout his mother Jijabai was one of his main advisors.
- Shivaji‘s legendary rise to power and establishment of a mighty Maratha empire is too well known a story to be repeated. All through his exploits, Jijabai remained the silent source of strength behind his victories. In May 1674 Shivaji observed a splendid coronation ceremony in his capital, Rajgad. Shortly after the coronation, Jijabai breathed her last.
- Text : Based on materials supplied by sponsors.
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