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India Gazette
13 hours ago
- India Gazette
"Matter of pride to launch Bharat Gaurav train on Shivaji Maharaj's coronation anniversary": Central Railway PRO
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 9 (ANI): To mark the 351st coronation anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Bharat Gaurav Special Tourist Train was flagged off on Monday from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. The train carried 710 passengers on a journey to several historic locations associated with the life and legacy of the Maratha warrior king. Speaking to ANI, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Central Railway, Dr Swapnil D Nila, said, 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Bharat Gaurav train is starting from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus today. It is a matter of pride in itself, and at the same time, it is also important that today is the 351st festival of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation.' He added, 'On this occasion, the Bharat Gaurav train is going to places where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's special works are held, carrying about 710 passengers from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. This train gives all the passengers a chance to have a different experience and to show their love and devotion towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj...' Earlier today, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis flagged off the Bharat Gaurav Special Tourist Train for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj circuit from Mumbai, coinciding with the celebrations of Shiv Rajyabhishek Day. CM Fadnavis greeted the people on Shiv Rajya Abhishek day, marking the 351st anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation. Fadnavis also launched the Bharat Gaurav Yatra Train, a special tourist train that will take passengers to prominent places related to Shivaji Maharaj's life over the next six days. Speaking on the occasion, Fadnavis told reporters, 'My greetings to everyone for the Shiv Rajya Abhishek day. 351 years ago, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established Hindavi Swaraj. The Bharat Gaurav Yatra Train for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj circuit, which started today, will take the passengers to all the prominent places related to Shivaji Maharaj in the next five days.' According to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the six-day itinerary will commence its journey from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Day 1 for Mangaon Railway station on the Konkan Railway network, the closest railway link to Raigad fort. The first destination is Raigad, known for the eponymous hill fort where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation or Rajyabhishek took place. Later, it was his capital from which he ruled. After sightseeing, the tourists return to the train and proceed to the next destination, Pune, where they will have dinner followed by an overnight stay at a hotel. On Day 2 of the tour, the prominent sites that the tourists will visit in Pune are Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganapati, and Shivsrushti. As the name suggests, Lal Mahal is a red-coloured palace constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji's father, Shahaji Bhosale, for his wife Jijabai and son in 1630 CE. The present-day structure was rebuilt in 1984 on a part of the land where Lal Mahal stood and houses a vast collection of oil paintings that depict significant life events of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The temple of Kasba Ganapati, the presiding deity of Pune, dates back to 1893 and is believed to have been earmarked by Jijabai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's mother. Since then, the city has been known as the city of Ganesha. Later in the day, the tourists will visit Shivsrushti, the largest historical theme park showcasing the legend of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Tourists will watch the life story of the Maratha ruler in 3D and enjoy other interactive sessions. On Day 3, after a night's rest at Pune, the guests will travel to Shivneri, 95 km from Pune city. The Shivneri Fort is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Junnar. It is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a symbol of Maratha pride and resistance against Muslim rule. After lunch, the tourists will visit Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, before returning to Pune for a night halt. On Day 4 of the itinerary, the tourists will board the train for an onward journey to Satara. The key site to be covered from this station is Pratapgarh Fort, which is of immense historical importance because of the Battle of Pratapgad, which took place in 1659 between Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal Khan. This battle set the stage for the establishment of the Maratha Empire. After the visit, the tourists will have lunch at a suitable place and then board the train for the last destination of this tour, Kolhapur. The train will arrive at Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus, Kolhapur Railway Station early on Day 5. After washing, changing, and breakfast at a hotel, the tourists will proceed to the Mahalakshmi Temple, popularly known as Ambabai, followed by the Panhala Fort. Sitting atop the Sahyadri range, the hill fort bears a testament to many battles. It is closely connected with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who spent over 500 days as he was held captive and later escaped. The Panhala Fort - also called the 'Fort of Snakes' since it is zigzag in shape. The Fort is associated with the life history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Shambhaji Maharaj. It is remembered for the heroic valour shown by Baji Prabhu Deshpande, the commander of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the fight to capture the Fort. In the late evening, the train starts back on its return journey for Mumbai and reaches early morning in Mumbai on Day 6. The package has been attractively priced at Rs. 13,155/- per person in Economy (Sleeper Class), Rs 19,840/- per person in Comfort (3AC) & Rs. 27,365/- per person for Superior (2AC). The all-inclusive price in all categories will cover the train journey in respective classes, the night stay at comfortable hotels, all meals (vegetarian only), all transfers and sightseeing in buses, travel insurance, tour escort services, etc. IRCTC will make all necessary efforts to provide a safe and memorable experience to the guests. (ANI)
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis flags off Bharat Gaurav Yatra train to commemorate Shivaji Maharaj's 351st coronation anniversary
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday flagged off the Bharat Gaurav Special Tourist Train for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj circuit from Mumbai, coinciding with the celebrations of Shiv Rajyabhishek Fadnavis greeted the people on the occasion of Shiv Rajya Abhishek day, marking the 351st anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation. Fadnavis also launched the Bharat Gaurav Yatra Train, a special tourist train that will take passengers to prominent places related to Shivaji Maharaj's life over the next six on the occasion, Fadnavis told reporters, "My greetings to everyone for the Shiv Rajya Abhishek day. 351 years ago, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established Hindavi Swaraj. The Bharat Gaurav Yatra Train for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj circuit, which started today, will take the passengers to all the prominent places related to Shivaji Maharaj in the next five days."Fadnavis highlighted the overwhelming response to the train, stating that it is 100% booked on its first journey, adding that 80% of the passengers are aged below 40 years, and the youth's interest in learning about India's gratitude to the Centre, Fadnavis added, "I want to thank Railway Minister Ashwni Vaishnaw and PM Modi for this...""The train is 100% booked on its first journey. 710 passengers are travelling in it today, and 80% of the passengers are aged below 40 years. This means that the youth wants to know about our history...," CM Fadnavis told media to its name, the six-day itinerary will commence its journey from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Day 1 for Mangaon Railway station on the Konkan Railway network, the closest railway link for Raigad first destination is Raigad, known for the eponymous hill fort where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation or Rajyabhishek had taken place and was later his capital from where he ruled. On completion of the sightseeing, the tourists would return to the train as it proceeds to the next destination, Pune, wherein the tourists will have dinner followed by an overnight stay at a hotel in Day 2 of the tour, the prominent sites that the tourists would be covering at Pune are Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganapati and Shivsrushti. Lal Mahal, as the name suggests, is a red-coloured palace constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji's father, Shahaji Bhosale, for his wife Jijabai and son in 1630 CE. The present-day structure was rebuilt in 1984 on a part of the land where Lal Mahal stood and houses a vast collection of oil paintings that depict significant life events of Chhatrapati Shivaji temple of Kasba Ganapati, the presiding deity of Pune, dates back to 1893 and is believed to have been earmarked by Jijabai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's mother. Since then, the city is known as the city of Ganesha. Later in the day, the tourists shall be visiting Shivsrushti- the largest historical theme park showcasing the legend of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Tourists will watch the life story of the Maratha ruler in 3D and will enjoy other interactive a night's rest at Pune, on Day 3, the guests will be travelling to Shivneri, situated at a distance of 95 km from Pune city. The Shivneri Fort is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Junnar. It is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a symbol of Maratha pride and resistance against Muslim rule. Post lunch, the tourists will be visiting Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, before returning to Pune for a night Day 4 of the itinerary, the tourists will be boarding the train for an onward journey to Satara. The key site to be covered from this station is Pratapgarh Fort, which is of immense historical importance because of the Battle of Pratapgad that took place in 1659 between Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal battle had set the stage for the establishment of the Maratha Empire. Post visit, the tourists will take lunch at a suitable place and start back for the train as it proceeds to the last destination of this tour, train will arrive at Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus, Kolhapur Railway Station early morning on Day 5. Post wash and change and breakfast at a hotel, the tourists will proceed to the Mahalakshmi Temple, popularly known as Ambabai, followed by the Panhala Fort. Sitting atop the Sahyadri range, the hill fort bears a testament to many battles and is closely connected with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who spent over 500 days as where he was held captive and later Panhala Fort - also called the 'Fort of Snakes' since it is zigzag in shape. The Fort is associated with the life history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Shambhaji Maharaj. It is remembered for the heroic valour shown by Baji Prabhu Deshpande, the commander of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the fight to capture the Fort. In the late evening, the train starts back on its return journey for Mumbai and reaches early morning in Mumbai on Day package has been attractively priced at Rs. 13,155/- per person in Economy (Sleeper Class), Rs 19,840/- per person in Comfort (3AC) & Rs. 27,365/- per person for Superior (2AC). The all-inclusive price in all categories will cover train journey in respective classes, night stay at comfortable hotels, all meals (vegetarian only), all transfers and sight-seeing in buses, travel insurance, services of tour escort etc. All necessary efforts will be made by IRCTC to provide a safe and memorable experience to the guests.
NDTV
21-04-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Why We Need To Wake Up From Induced Amnesia
History is not merely a record of bygone eras; it is the moral compass of a civilization. It shapes the consciousness of a people, informs their present, and influences their collective destiny. A society that forgets its heroes and glorifies its oppressors is not just misguided-it is complicit in cultural self-destruction. In modern India, this tragic distortion of memory is neither accidental nor subtle. On one hand, we celebrate the towering legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji and his son Sambhaji-guardians of dharma, protectors of culture, and pioneers of Hindavi Swaraj. On the other, we witness an insidious campaign to whitewash the crimes of Aurangzeb, one of the most tyrannical, bigoted, and barbaric rulers to have ever walked the sacred soil of Bharat. Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, was neither a man of spiritual integrity nor a beacon of justice. He was intoxicated by power, blinded by fanaticism, and driven by a compulsive hatred for all that did not submit to his theological orthodoxy. Styling himself as Zil-e-Ilahi-the Shadow of God-he ruled not with divine mercy but with unrelenting cruelty. His empire was not modelled on administrative brilliance but built atop the bloodied bones of his family, his enemies, and the very soul of India. He imprisoned his father, Shah Jahan, murdered his brothers, and ascended the throne through a web of betrayal. To call him a religious ruler is an affront to the very concept of religion. Aurangzeb's reign marked an era aimed at breaking the back of Bharatiya dharma. His rule was not merely politically oppressive but spiritually corrosive, embodying a zealous disdain for the pluralistic ethos that defined Indian civilization for millennia. As nationalist historian Jadunath Sarkar observed, "neither age nor experience of life softened Aurangzeb's bigotry... The orthodox measures of Aurangzeb were an insidious attempt to establish an Islamic state in India, which in effect implied the conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent." One of Aurangzeb's most sinister tools was the reimposition of the jizya tax in 1679-a humiliating levy on non-Muslims. This tax was not simply a fiscal burden; it was ideological warfare, branding Hindus as second-class citizens in their own land-kafirs to be subdued, humiliated, and controlled. It was part of a broader vision: to dismantle Sanatan Dharma and establish an Islamic empire on its ruins. Claims portraying Aurangzeb as a temple builder or an art patron are either tragically uninformed or deliberately deceitful. Such narratives are not mere historical inaccuracies-they are moral betrayals. Records of temple patronage attributed to Aurangzeb are often forged, exaggerated, or politically motivated actions. These isolated events pale in comparison to the documented destruction of hundreds of temples under Aurangzeb's explicit orders. Aurangzeb's barbarity extended to executing Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, for refusing to convert to Islam, and killing Sambhaji Maharaj. He tortured his father and slaughtered his three brothers. Is such a ruthless figure deserving of admiration? In his court documents and farmans, Aurangzeb issued explicit orders to destroy Hindu temples with a clear motive: to crush the spiritual resilience and cultural identity of Bharat. Eminent historians like R.C. Majumdar and Satish Chandra have affirmed that this destruction was not incidental but methodical. It was a state policy designed to instil fear and assert dominance through desecration. These were not the acts of a ruler devoted to art but of a bigot bent on erasing the past and enslaving the future. Equally farcical is the effort to portray Aurangzeb as a patron of music or a connoisseur of culture. The truth is starkly opposite. He banned classical music, closed down dance halls, and persecuted artists who refused to conform to his orthodox interpretation of Islam. The same Aurangzeb who is falsely remembered for playing veena is also the one who issued edicts against musical expression, branding it as un-Islamic. To romanticize him is to desecrate the memory of countless artists, scholars, and saints silenced under his rule. In contrast to his tyranny stands the resplendent legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the luminous torchbearer of Hindavi Swaraj. Shivaji was not just a warrior king-he was a renaissance of Indian dignity, a revival of indigenous pride, and the embodiment of righteous governance. For him, Swaraj was not merely a political goal but a spiritual mission. His administration was rooted in dharma, justice, and decentralization. He established a state where governance was conducted in the local Marathi language, village councils flourished, and all communities, regardless of religion, were treated fairly. His profound moral clarity matched his military genius. That was the true spirit of Hindavi Swaraj-not communal hatred, but cultural self-respect; not conquest, but dharmic assertion. No other figure exposes Aurangzeb's moral bankruptcy more than Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. A scholar of Sanskrit, Persian, and politics, Sambhaji was a fearless leader and a custodian of civilizational pride. When Aurangzeb captured him, he was subjected to inhuman torture for refusing to convert to Islam. His skin was flayed, his eyes gouged, and his body mutilated-but his soul never surrendered. His last words before his martyrdom resonate through the annals of time: "I would rather die a Hindu than live as a coward." His sacrifice was not a solitary moment-it was the spark that lit the fire of resistance, which burned through generations, from Bajirao and Madhavrao to Rani Lakshmibai and Tatya Tope. Aurangzeb's death, in stark contrast, was an anticlimax. He died alone, unloved-surrounded not by the glory of his empire but by the shadows of his crimes. His grand ambitions left his empire fractured, overextended, and ripe for collapse. The very force he tried to annihilate-the spirit of dharma-outlived him, outshone him, and ultimately buried his legacy beneath the rubble of failed fanaticism. The tragedy, however, lies not just in history but in its telling. Colonial historians, with their imperialist lenses, described Shivaji as a mountain rat and painted the Marathas as looters, while calling the Mughals great stabilizers. These distortions poison our textbooks, academic institutions, and public discourse. What greater absurdity than to find Aurangzeb depicted as a tolerant ruler while Shivaji is barely given a chapter? We must now awaken from this induced amnesia. We must reclaim our past not as an act of vengeance but as an act of truth. Glorifying Aurangzeb is not merely a historical error but a moral crime. It insults the millions massacred under his rule, the thousands of temples defiled by his edicts, and the brave hearts who laid down their lives to defend the soul of Bharat. Hindavi Swaraj was not merely a regional revolt but a national resurgence. It was the assertion of civilizational dharma against imperialist dogma. Shivaji planted the seed, Sambhaji watered it with his blood, and its tree continues to shade the Indian spirit. It is not a memory-it is a mission. It is not a relic-it is a roaring flame. As India enters the future, building digital highways, launching into space, and claiming its rightful place on the global stage, its most significant threat is not external but the erosion of historical clarity. In the age of memes and manipulated narratives, we must teach our children not just who ruled India but who preserved it. Not just who built empires but who protected their essence. Not just who wore a crown but who upheld dharma. Elevating Aurangzeb means bowing before darkness. To embrace Hindavi Swaraj is to walk toward the light. And that, above all, is the call of our times. Views expressed are personal. (Mr. Tuli is an Independent Columnist, and Dr. Barthwal teaches Political Science at the University of Delhi.)
