This storytelling session for children revisits the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire and ruler of over 200 forts across territories, now continues to rule millions of hearts after nearly four centuries since his birth in 1630. To celebrate his 394th birth anniversary on February 19, storyteller Manisha Bhise will conduct an engaging storytelling session for children that will revisit the life and times of the leader on Sunday.

Purandar Fort. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons

An admirer of the Maratha ruler since her childhood, Bhise says, "My parents were keen travellers. So, early in my childhood, I visited Dervan, a village in Chiplun where they have created Shiv Shrusti. It is a sculpture-based story highlighting all the major events and incidents in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's life since his birth. After that visit, I read about his leadership qualities and I felt very proud of being a Maharashtrian." Bhise is grateful to her History teacher in school. If it weren't for role-playing activities where Bhise often took up roles of legends and freedom fighters, the subject wouldn't have become her favourite, nudging her to explore more about the leader's life.

Manisha Bhise. Pic Courtesy/Instagram

Her talk, in English and Marathi, will include interesting highlights from his life to develop a similar interest and curiosity among kids. "I will be sharing snippets from his life as a child who went from being Shivba to Chhatrapati. It was his unique perspective that made all the difference," she assures. Bhise adds that there are tremendous learnings for children in every turn of his life. "Shivaji Maharaj always outnumbered his enemies with huge armies through his wit; sometimes by disguise and mostly by guerrilla tactics that left his enemies dumbfounded. This demonstrates why one should never be afraid to try new things," she explains, "He was faced with huge enemy cavalries. But he focused on developing the skills of a handful of Mavalas and factored in their strengths. This teaches you to focus more on your strengths than your weaknesses, and not get easily intimidated by other's strengths."

He displayed unwavering determination when he signed the pact of Purandar in 1655 and surrendered 23 forts he had conquered. "But he fought back again and reclaimed them successfully," she says. Bhise summarises his impact, "His zeal to create a Swaraj sowed the seeds of early Independence in the hearts of Indians. And the forts of Maharashtra not only display his strategic planning and engineering skills, but also his far-sightedness."

Age: 6 years and above
On: Tomorrow, 11.30 am to 12.30 pm
At: Children's Museum, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort
Email: events@csmvs.in (to register)
Cost: Rs 35 onwards (only for museum entry)