Shivaji

Amar Chitra Katha #23

by B.R. Bhagwat

Shivaji is one of the most inspirational historical figures in contemporary India. This is especially true for the Marathi speaking region to which he belonged. He was born in the 17th century in Western India at a time when the area was under the oppressive rule of the neighboring states of Bijapur, Golconda and Ahmadnagar. Shivaji's father, a brave general, worked for the Bijapur state and held the rights of a sub-ruler in two districts in south India. Shivaji and his mother were left to administer the district around Pune, for which the family held hereditary ruling rights. Shivaji grew up in an unsettled time when the Deccan was in dispute between the southern Sultanates and the Mughal emperor who ruled in Delhi. Shivaji's mother tutored him from an early age to take up the cause of the liberation of his people from both the Mughals and the Sultanates. As a young price of an independent small principality, Shivaji collected a loyal band of followers and steadily proceeded to wrest control of more and more forts - the key seats of power. Shivaji's expansion lead to several battles with the neighboring states in which he prevailed despite a much smaller army through a combination of clever strategy and the support of the local population. Shivaji was one of the first Indian rulers to perceive a threat from European traders and to build a navy to keep them under check. Shivaji finally emerged a popular ruler and in 1674, a grand coronation ceremony was held in Raigad declaring Shivaji the 'Supreme King'. The Shivaji-inspired Maratha Empire continued in some form for more than a century after his death in 1680.

Genres: Comics, History, Biography, Nonfiction, Comic Book, War, India

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau]

Fascinating look at the founder of the Maratha clan system and his influence on India. The more ACK comics I read the more I wonder why America does not have a series of comics dedicated to history and politics. The sheer number of ACK titles is impressive; a friend of mine from India tells me that children relish reading these comics to learn more about their culture. One day maybe a comic company in America will follow this lead.

[Ashish Iyer]

I always get goosebumps whenever i read Shivaji's story.
It was fun reading it.

Jai Bhavani!
Jai Shivaji!

[Aruna Kumar Gadepalli]

This Amar Chitra Katha collection is about Shivaji the Maratha ruler.

[Nishant Thakur]

ACK booklets as always a pleasure to read.

Pace of the booklet is little rushed, but justified since it is trying to cover a lot of ground within few pages. Notable memorable mentions are Jijabai’s teachings and Shivaji’s admirable valour during his battles.

[Swetha G]

Not as detailed as other books

The book was written in such a way that author had only limited pages for publishing and had to fit in the story some how within those pages

[Uditi Chibber]

"Shivaji" by B.R. Bhagwat is one of the Amar Chitra Katha comics. This comic provided us with the complicated life of Shivaji within few pages. Born on 19th February in 1630, he grew up to be a valiant king and had a tactful mindset. His mother Jijabai, father Shahaji and teacher Dadaji Kond - Deo had impact on his strong personality. He grew up to be a great man whose charisma , sharp mindedness and leadership led all his armies to assist him in gaining freedom.

My experience with this comic was pretty okay. It was more of a comfort read.

[Kpshajinambiar]

The Intelligent Warrior

Being from Maratha kingdom, I was fascinated by the culture and tradition I grew with. My favorite is Shivaji always.

[Raj]

Good summary

For a picture book, it captures the summary well, people should read the great Shivajis life in detail to understand our history better

[sanikasgode]

Inspiring tales of Shivaji

It is important to know Indian history and the freedom struggle, which is depicted very well in this coming series. This is essential for today's kids.

[Eshwar]

Kindle Unlimited has it's perks.

*My mind automatically started yelling Chatrapati Chatrapati Chatrapati..while reading this book*

[Revanth2009]

This is nice book and an inspirational story to read

[Bella]

Good

I wish there was more elaborate stories rather just the outline of stories. It is well illustrated and portrayed. Recommended for beginner enthusiasts

[Anirudh Bathula]

The great king

[Kemparaj]

Short insight into Shivaji’s life.

[Dinesh Kudtarkar]

Love to read about our childhood heroes. I still remember imitating Shivaji in my room before mirror. Wonderful to read it as comic strip.

[sunil kumar]

Gud for the childern

Our children should know about our native kings and their stories, which is narated well in this book , gud for the beginners

[Gurudatt Rao]

Amazing Read

A People's King who fought for his motherland and kept the idea of freedom & dignity alive among his people even after his death.

[LR 135]

I learned a lot about Shivaji however I found this book wanting to condense all the battles and events in Shivaji's life. This made it slightly confusing.