Three hundred years ago a meteor illumined the firmament over the Sahayadris in Maharashtra. Shivaji, who shook the very fondations of the Moghul Empire of Aurangzeb, was born in 1630 at Shivneri, a hill fortress in the Pune district of Maharashtra. According to some historians the year of birth is 1627. His father Shahaji Bhonsle was a doughty warrior, Jijabai, his mother was a person of austere and spiritual temprament. Throughout Shivaji's life, his mother was the guiding spirit. She instiled in him a passionate attachment to what is right and just, a burning pride in the glorious past of the country and an abiding faith in his life's mission to carve out an independent kingdom. His career of daring military exploits started at the age of 19 when he occupied Torana, In quick succession he captured several forts, fortified others and brought the surrounding countryside under his banner. He also succeeded in uniting the scattered forces of the Maratha chieftains in the neighbourhood.

He defeated the Adil Shahi forces sent out against him through a series of guerilla moves. His activities brought down the wrath of the Emperor of Dlhi and the Moghul arms advanced against him. Shivaji succeeded in checking the tide of Moghul invasion. After many adventures on the land and water he became the master of an extensive teritory. In a resplendent ceremony in 1674 in the fortress of Raigad fort, Shivaji's formal coronation took place.

He passed away in 1680. A great patriot, a man of valour and an enlihtened ruler, he gave his kingdom an efficient administration, a disciplined army and navy and a public life based on justice, religious tolerance and equality. He assured "protection of the religion of all sects without distinction", extended "patronage to the truly pious men of all creed" and provided "equal opportunities to all his subjects". His name is a well-spring of inspiration to succeeding generations. His brve deeds have passed from life to legend in form of countless ballads.

The Indian Posts & Telegraphs Department join the nation in paying homage to the memory of the great son of India by issuing a commemorative stamp.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India