OK, so I decided to split the long essay into several parts. Here is the second one!
Who was the progressive king Shivaji?
Shivaji Bhonsle (1630–1680), often called Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India and one of the most celebrated figures in Indian history. While he lived in the 17th century and not in a modern "progressive" era, many modern Indian thinkers — especially in Maharashtra — have described him as progressive due to his policies, leadership style, and relatively inclusive governance for his time.
đĄ️ Quick Overview
Born: 1630, in Shivneri Fort, Maharashtra
Died: 1680
Founded: The Maratha Empire
Coronation: 1674, crowned as Chhatrapati (sovereign king) at Raigad Fort
đ„ Why Is Shivaji Seen as "Progressive"?
Despite living in a feudal and religiously charged time, Shivaji:
1. Promoted Religious Tolerance
Though a devout Hindu, he respected all religions.
He employed Muslims in high-ranking positions, including generals and governors.
He discouraged temple destruction and did not target civilians during campaigns — a contrast to many rulers of the time.
2. Supported Women’s Dignity
Strict laws against abduction, harassment, or molestation of women, even during war.
Encouraged honorable treatment of women prisoners — rare in his era.
There are records of him punishing his own soldiers for violating these policies.
3. Established a Modern Bureaucracy
Created a centralized administrative system with civil and military officers.
Organized a navy — one of the first Indian rulers to do so — to defend the coast.
Supported agriculture, trade, and fort-building over mere conquest.
4. Resisted Imperial Domination
Fought against the powerful Mughal Empire, Bijapur Sultanate, and later Portuguese and British colonial forces.
Symbolized Indian resistance and self-rule, which earned him a heroic legacy among Indian nationalists and reformers centuries later.
5. Fostered Cultural Pride
Used Marathi and Sanskrit in court and administration (instead of Persian or Arabic).
Built and restored Hindu temples, but without hostility toward other communities.
đ Legacy
Shivaji is a folk hero across India, especially in Maharashtra, where he is considered a symbol of:
Hindu resistance
Self-governance (Swarajya)
Courage and fairness
Anti-imperialism
Many Indian reformers, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, celebrated him as a model for Indian nationalism in the late 19th century.
Would you like to know more about his military campaigns, relationship with the Mughals, or how different communities view his legacy today?
The Sanatan Sanstha is a controversial Hindu nationalist organization based in India, known primarily for its promotion of a Hindu spiritual and cultural revivalist agenda but also linked to extremist activities.
Overview:
Full name: Sanatan Sanstha (meaning "Eternal Organization")
Founded: 1999
Founders: R. G. Bhat and others (initially as a spiritual organization)
Headquarters: Goa, India
Nature: A right-wing Hindu group combining spiritual teachings with political activism
What Does It Do?
The Sanstha promotes what it calls Sanatan Dharma — traditional Hindu values and spirituality.
Conducts spiritual workshops, yoga camps, and runs charitable activities.
Focuses on educating people about Hindu scriptures, rituals, and practices.
Advocates for Hindu unity and cultural preservation.
Controversies and Allegations:
The group has been accused of involvement in extremist activities and violence against individuals perceived as threats to Hinduism, such as secular activists, rationalists, or minority communities.
Several members or alleged associates have been arrested or accused in connection with bomb blasts and murders in Maharashtra and Goa during the 2000s and 2010s.
The Sanatan Sanstha denies involvement in violence but is considered by some police and experts to be an extremist group.
Legal Status and Government View:
The organization is not officially banned by the Indian government as of now.
Some politicians and law enforcement officials have called for it to be banned due to its alleged links to violence.
It remains active, with a significant following, especially in Goa and Maharashtra.
Summary:
The Sanatan Sanstha presents itself as a spiritual and cultural organization promoting Hindu revivalism.
It is controversial and suspected of militant activities by authorities and civil rights groups.
Its role in Indian society is often debated — between spiritual teachings and alleged extremist tactics.
If you want, I can share details on specific incidents linked to the group or their spiritual ideology. Would you like that?
