Jijabai
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Jijabai was the mother of Shivaji, founder of the Maratha Empire. She was a daughter of Lakhuji Jadhav, a prominent grandee of Sindkhed in the present-day Buldhana district of Maharashtra State. As per the customs of that age, she was wed at an early age to Shahaji Bhosale, a nobleman and military commander under the Adil Shahi sultans of Bijapur in present-day Karnataka. She was his second wife.
Jijabai was the mother of eight children, six daughters and two sons. Shivaji was the younger of her sons. Jijabai was well known for her chivalry and character.
[edit] On Mission
She wholeheartly supported her husband's cause. Shahaji had tried to establish maratha state on the ruin of the erstwhile Nizamshahi sultanate. However he was defeated by the combined forces of Mughals and Adilshahi. As per the treaty he was forced to move south. In order to continue the struggle, he deputed her as queen regent. She was chosen for this because of her ability as a warrior and administrator. This has been the tradition of Maratha women since time immemorial. At that time Shivaji was 14 years old and so accompanied his mother. The elder son Sambhaji remained with their father. Shivaji left Banglore along with her mother, a council of ministers and chosen military commanders. Against this background, Shivaji took oath at the temple of lord Raireshwar. The rest of the story is well known. Her elder son Sambhaji was killed in a battle with Afzul Khan of the Adil Shahi court. Shivaji killed Afzul Khan and took revenge. Jijabai is widely credited with raising Shivaji in a manner that led to his future greatness. She gave a human touch to Shivaji's personality. His policy towards captured women reflects her influence. She died immediately after the coronation of Shivaji, fulfilling her mission.
It is worth mentioning that apart from her, Rukmini (wife of Krishna), Damayanti (wife of Nala), Lopamudra (wife of sage agasti) were princesses from Bhoj Yadavas of Vidarbha. All four princesses are well known for their versite personality and character.
