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 'Jij 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.

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.

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