How tall was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a legendary ruler and warrior, who established the Maratha Empire in the 17th century. He is widely admired for his courage, strategy, and administration, as well as his respect for all religions and people. He fought against the Mughal Empire, the Sultanate of Bijapur, and the European colonial powers, and expanded his domain across most of India. He is also known for his loyal and brave generals, such as Tanaji Malusare, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, and Prataprao Gujar.
But do you know how tall was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj? How did his height compare to other famous rulers and warriors of history? In this article, we will explore the facts and myths about the height of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and its significance in his life and legacy.
The Facts about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Height
According to historical sources, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born on 19th February 1630, on Shivneri Fort in Junnar Taluka, Pune district of Maharashtra. He was named Shivaji after a local goddess, Shivai Devi. He belonged to the Bhonsle clan of Marathas, who traced their ancestry to the Suryavanshi Rajputs. He was the eldest son of Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general who served the Deccan Sultanates, and Jijabai, a pious and influential woman who instilled in him the values of Hinduism and nationalism.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a medium-sized and well-built man, with a fair complexion and a sharp nose. He had a charismatic and dignified appearance, and wore a turban decorated with a plume of heron feathers, a symbol of his royal authority and bravery. He was known for his physical fitness and agility, as well as his skill in swordsmanship, archery, and horse riding. He wore a light and flexible armour, and carried a curved sword called a bhala, a dagger called a bichwa, and a shield called a dhal.
But how tall was he exactly? There are different accounts and estimates about his height, ranging from 5 feet to 6 feet. However, the most reliable and widely accepted figure is 5 feet and 6 inches (168 cm). This is based on the measurements of his armour, weapons, and personal belongings that are preserved in various museums and temples in Maharashtra.
For example, his armour, which is displayed at the Shivneri Fort Museum, has a chest size of 44 inches (112 cm) and a waist size of 36 inches (91 cm). His sword, which is kept at the Raigad Fort Museum, has a length of 36 inches (91 cm) and a weight of 4 kg. His spear, which is housed at the Sinhagad Fort Museum, has a length of 60 inches (152 cm). His shoes, which are kept at the Pratapgad Fort Temple, have a length of 9 inches (23 cm) and a width of 4 inches (10 cm).
These dimensions suggest that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was indeed a moderately tall and strong man, who could easily wield medium-sized and light weapons and wear comfortable and protective armour. His height also gave him an advantage in combat, as he could move swiftly and stealthily, and surprise his enemies with his tactics and strategies.
The Myths about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Height
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s height has also been a subject of many myths and legends, which exaggerate his size and attributes. Some of these myths are:
- He was 7 feet tall and weighed 100 kg. This is a gross exaggeration, as no human being can attain such a height and weight without suffering from serious health problems and deformities.
- He could lift a cannon with one hand and fire it with the other. This is a fanciful story, as no human being can lift a cannon, which can weigh up to 500 kg, let alone fire it with one hand.
- He could bend steel rods with his teeth and break iron chains with his fingers. This is another implausible tale, as no human being can bend or break such hard materials with their teeth or fingers, without injuring themselves.
- He could run faster than a leopard and jump higher than a deer. This is a hyperbolic claim, as no human being can outrun or outjump an animal that is specially adapted for speed and agility.
These myths are not based on any historical evidence, but are rather products of imagination and folklore. They are meant to glorify and idolize Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and to inspire awe and admiration among his followers and admirers. They are also meant to contrast and challenge the might and authority of the Mughal Empire, which was seen as a foreign and oppressive force.
The Significance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Height
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s height was not just a physical trait, but also a symbol of his personality and character. His height reflected his courage, wisdom, and leadership, which made him establish and expand the Maratha Empire, and resist and defeat the Mughal Empire. His height also reflected his devotion, generosity, and tolerance, which made him respect and protect all religions and people, and promote the welfare and culture of his subjects. His height also reflected his vision, innovation, and administration, which made him build and fortify forts, and form a navy and an army.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s height was also a source of his fame and reputation, which made him a hero and a legend in Indian history. His height made him stand out among his contemporaries and successors, and earned him the admiration and respect of his friends and foes alike. His height made him a role model and an icon for generations of Indians, who look up to him as a symbol of patriotism, valour, and honour.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s height was not just a matter of inches, but also a matter of spirit and legacy. He was a tall man, not only in body, but also in mind and heart. He was a tall man, who left a tall mark on the history and culture of India.
Conclusion
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a remarkable ruler and warrior, who founded and ruled the Maratha Empire in the 17th century. He was also a remarkable man, who was blessed with a moderate height and a great personality. He was a man of great stature, both literally and figuratively. He was a man who measured up to his height, and made his height measure up to him.