Shivaji Maharaj Statue In Kashmir

Shivaji Maharaj Statue In Kashmir

 The once strife-ridden Kashmir Valley is undergoing a remarkable transformation in its outlook and activities following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. This significant shift in the region has seen business leaders being invited to invest in the state, and a resurgence of cultural celebrations, as evidenced by the exuberant Janmashtami festivities by the Kashmiri Hindus. Among these developments, a notable addition is the installation of two statues of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by the Maratha Regiment.

One of these remarkable statues has been erected near the Line of Control (LOC), which marks the Pakistan border, at an astonishing elevation of 14,800 feet above sea level. This location sets a record as the highest point ever chosen to house a statue. The creation of this iconic statue was entrusted to Ajinkya Lohogaokar, a skilled sculptor based in Pune.

The unveiling of these statues of Shivaji Maharaj in Kashmir garnered a mix of reactions among netizens. Some individuals with leftist and liberal leanings questioned the purpose of such installations, while some Kashmiri sub-nationalists advocated for a different historical figure to be honored. They argued that a statue of Zorawar Singh Kahluria, the 18th-century military general of the Dogra Rajput ruler Gulab Singh of Jammu, would have been more appropriate. However, it's essential to rise above regional biases and recognize the profound significance of honoring none other than Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Kashmir.

Kashmir, known as the land of Rishi Kashyap, has a rich history intertwined with Hindu heritage. Rishi Kashyap, one of the Saptarishis or seven ancient sages, is credited with composing hymns of the Rig Vedas. Legend has it that Rishi Kashyap was the first to drain the Kashmir Valley, creating an opening in the hills at a place known as Varahmula, possibly the precursor to modern-day Baramula. Some historians even suggest that the name "Kashmir" may be derived from "Kashyapa Mira," meaning the "Lake of Rishi Kashyap." The history of Kashmir is replete with tales of valor by its Hindu rulers, notably Lalaitaditya Muktapida, an 8th-century ruler whose kingdom stretched from Bengal's Sunderbans to Uzbekistan in Central Asia. He successfully defended Kashmir against Islamic invasions, fostering its growth in science, arts, and architecture, epitomized by the magnificent Martanda Sun Temple constructed during his reign.

The infiltration of Islam into Kashmir began in the early 14th century when Mongol Chieftain Zulju invaded the region in 1320 CE, defeating the last Hindu ruler, Suhadeva of the Lohara dynasty. This marked the conversion of the region's rulers to Islam and the onset of Islamic influence. Sufi saints played a significant role in converting the Kashmiri populace to Islam.

Kashmir's history took a dark turn under the tyrannical rule of Sikander Shah, who imposed a Taliban-esque regime banning art, music, gambling, and intoxicants. He forced conversions and imposed the Jizya tax on non-Muslims, even destroying the Martand Sun Temple, a testament to ancient Hindu architecture. Subsequently, Islam became the predominant ideology in Kashmir, with over 97% of the population being Muslims until 2014.

During India's independence from British colonial rule in 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh acceded his state to the Dominion of India, primarily due to pressure from Pashtoon tribals' attacks. While a plebiscite was initially proposed to determine Kashmir's fate, it could not be held due to disputes over the accession's legality. Jammu and Kashmir became part of India under Article 370, granting it a separate constitution, state flag, and internal autonomy. A portion of the region fell under Pakistan's control, divided into Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, known as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Article 370 was a contentious issue, leading Indian nationalists like Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee to advocate for its abolition. Dr. Mukherjee's famous slogan, "Ek Desh mein do vidhan, do pradhan aur do nishan nahi chalenge" (There cannot be two sets of laws, two heads of state, and two flags in one country), underscored the need for uniformity. Tragically, he died under mysterious circumstances while protesting against Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 1953, a death many believe was orchestrated by the ruling authorities.

Article 370 was finally revoked by the Narendra Modi-led NDA Government of India, but not without significant loss of life in the valley, especially among Kashmiri Hindus. The horrifying incident known as the Kashmiri Hindu Genocide in January 1990 remains one of India's worst cases of ethnic cleansing since independence. The genocide was orchestrated with the complicity of the ruling authorities in Jammu and Kashmir, and it led to the forced exodus of thousands of Kashmiri Pandits. Radical Islamists issued ominous threats from mosques, demanding that Hindus convert, leave, or face death. The slogan "Raliv, Galib, Chalib" became a chilling ultimatum, translating to "Convert, Die, or Leave." Countless Kashmiri Pandits were brutally killed, forcibly converted, and subjected to unspeakable atrocities.

This reign of terror didn't end there. Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, with some local support, continued to perpetrate attacks, resulting in further loss of Hindu lives and collateral damage among the Muslim population. The Indian Army, tasked with combating these militants and restoring peace, often faced stone-pelting by radicalized locals. The gruesome Pulwama attack in February 2019, targeting CRPF personnel, was a stark reminder of the region's volatile nature.

Pakistan consistently pursued its agenda to annex the entire Jammu and Kashmir, receiving support from the United Nations, thanks to its lobbying efforts. However, with a resolute nationalist government in India and its own financial constraints, Pakistan's ambitions faced obstacles. The abrogation of Article 370 further complicated any plans for occupation.

Post the Article 370 revocation and the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir into a union territory, there have been gradual changes in the valley's atmosphere. While reports of terror attacks still make headlines, there is also encouraging news of terrorists being neutralized by the Indian Armed Forces. The installation of a statue of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Kashmir holds immense significance in this evolving landscape.

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stands as an emblem of Hindu pride, a formidable ruler who fearlessly confronted the mighty Mughal rule under Aurangzeb, reclaiming lost territories and expanding his domain. Shivaji Maharaj and his Maratha descendants played a pivotal role in ending Mughal dominance over most of the Indian subcontinent, dealing a severe blow to their power. His legendary encounter with Afzal Khan, the General of Bijapur, is a source of inspiration for countless Indians. Shivaji was a monarch unapologetically Hindu, restoring Hindu traditions and customs in governance. He even successfully reconverted two of his relatives who had previously converted to Islam.

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj remains an enduring source of inspiration for Hindus, acknowledged even by leftist historians. Therefore, the presence of his statue in the land associated with the ancient sage Rishi Kashyap, a land that was almost lost to radical Islamists, symbolizes the assertion of our civilizational identity. Hinduism is not merely a religion but the identity of the original inhabitants of the world's oldest civilization.

Shivaji Maharaj Statue In Kashmir

In conclusion, the installation of a statue of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Kashmir represents a powerful affirmation of India's rich cultural heritage, a tribute to the resilience of the Kashmiri people, and a beacon of hope for a region striving for peace and progress. It serves as a reminder that history, culture, and heritage transcend borders and divisions, uniting us in our shared journey of nation-building and cultural preservation.