The name Jijabai and Shivaji Raje is so convoluted and impenetrable , that sieving her from her illustrious son is like the process of winnowing.

Despite jijabai being acknowledged as jijamata and the architect of her son shivaji ascent to the maratha throne , the aspect that jijabai was one of the first female political leader is something to be cherished and treasured.

Going back to the era of 16th century, where kings, and small jagirs were predominant, and repression a norm Jijabai was one of the first women who had a strong political opinion on Mughal suppression. Jijabai was born into an illustrious maratha family. Her father was an eminent Maratha Sardar and nobleman named Lakhuji Jadhavrao, while her mother was Malasa Bai.

Jijabai father in law Maloji, was closely affiliated with both Malik Ambar ( A Muslim warrior whose career began in slavery in Africa, and culminated at the height of power and glory here in India ) and the Nizam Shahi dynasty, while her maternal family lent their men and resources to the imperial Mughals of Agra Her father served the Nizam Shahi of Ahmednagar and was proud of his high position and status. Jijabai was not only beautiful but also had exceptional qualities, her personality was a fine blend of her father’s courage and pride and mother’s beauty.

At a young age, she had received military training as well as education in various subjects. Marriage came very early to Jijabai’s life, as was a norm of those days. Her husband was Shahaji Bhosle, who was a spirited warrior and a diplomatic official serving the Nizam Shah. Although the young couple were happily married , there was an enmity that brewed amongst the family members. This led to a growing ill-feeling and animosity between Shahaji and Jijabai father Lakuji Jadhav. This rivalry tore Jijabai apart, having to choose her loyalty between her husband and her father. Her father eventually joined forces with the Mughals of Delhi, with a dual agenda , feud with Nizamshahi and vengeance against Shahaji. Jijabai remained with her husband at the Fort of Shivneri, devotedly standing by his side. She was however disappointed with the fact that both her husband and her father served under other rulers, while she longed for freedom under a kingdom founded by the Marathas themselves. There were many great Sardars of Marathas but they worked either for the Adilshah or Nizamshah. They had their own jagirs and were in constant conflict with each other. Nizamshah deceitfully murdered Jijabai’s father Lakhuji Jadhav and his sons in his royal court. This incident had a deep impact on Jijabai and strengthened her resolve for the Maratha Empire.

The political acumen and foresight of Jijabai in aspiring for the Maratha Empire fueled ambitions in her illustrious son for laying the foundation for it. There are interesting lores that when Jijabai was carrying Shivaji , she dreamt of sitting atop elephants,climbing hilly forts, and had a great desire of sitting on a golden throne and perform charitable donations with Chhatra (umbrella, part of royal insignia) held over her head . This intense fervour of Jijabai would definitely have moulded the foetus which was still growing inside her .

Jijabai learnt the many intricacies of politics in the company of old experienced stewards in the Bhosale household like Dadoji Konddev, Naropant Mujumdar, Balkrishnapant Hanmante etc. This made her understand the situation of the country and her people. Jijabai understood and internalised politics She was witnessing Shahajiraje’s political moves and absorbing the strategies behind the politics. She perfectly gauged the silent minds of her people. Jijabai was constantly mulling over such thoughts – ‘If you left out selfish Sardars and big jagirdar, the common poor Maratha public were fed up with the Sultanate power. If someone gave these hardworking, honest and brave Marathas some support, this Sahyadri with hundreds of its forts and this Maharashtra with its tough Marathas wouldn’t remain a slave even for one more second’. She started longing for winning forts and registering big victories.

Jijabai also honed her skills in dispute resolution. She used to sit in the court hall, listen to the whole dispute and give perfect judgment. Jijausaheb left no stone unturned to improve Pune town’s condition. Improving Pune was a very difficult task. It required continuous effort. Development of Parvati , the Ambil Odha ( which helped mula river water to be stored as a reservoir) as we know it today were her contributions . She was instrumental in the establishment of Kasba Ganpati temple and renovation of Tambdi Jogeshwari temple.

Her role in instilling and fueling ambitions in Shivaji about  swarajya and raising him to be a warrior is very well documented. She was the first mentor to Shivaji and was responsible for early education. Jijabai’s sterling qualities of fortitude, courage, self respect and a strong sense of duty were implanted in Shivaji making him a great King imbued with the ideas of fair play, justice and tolerance. Her vision of ‘Hindavi Swaraj’ was the backbone of Shivaji’s life and mission.

She was the brain behind avenging the death her elder son, who was killed by Afzal Khan during a military expedition in Karnataka. She knew that the Afzal Khan would not stop until he has eliminated all the members of her family. And when Afzal Khan called Shivaji under the guise of meeting, she was aware that Shivaji would either be killed or imprisoned for a lifetime. She then advised Shivaji to go prepared and avenge the death of his brother by killing Afzal Khan. And History knows what happened during the meeting.

Jijabai’s stellar qualities — like her independent nature, leadership skills, strong instinct to stand up against evil, passion for dreams, decision making ability and clarity of thought are unparalleled and revolutionary in the age she was born.

Jijabai was not just a devoted wife , influential queen regent, but a woman who gauged the political reality of the era she lived and had the acumen, vision and foresight to aspire and dream and convert her political dream of Swaraj through her capable son Shivaji.