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Mathe Mahadevi's statement on Shivaji criticised

Staff Correspondent

Karnataka Kshatriya Maratha Parishat holds `self-respect' rally in Basava Kalyan

Bidar: The "self-respect" rally organised by the Karnataka Kshatriya Maratha Parishat in Basava Kalyan on Sunday, to counter statements by Mathe Mahadevi about Shivaji's origin turned out to be a show of strength.

The butt of criticism of almost all speakers was Mathe Mahadevi's statement and the book Shinganyapuracha Maharaja by historian R.C. Dhere, which formed the basis for her opinion. Mathe Mahadevi has been maintaining that Shivaji's forefathers were Gowli Lingayats and not Sisodiya Rajputs as being widely perceived.

Historian Vasanathrao More quoted texts in Marathi, English and other languages to deny Dr. Dhere's claims. He also countered Mathe Mahadevi's claims that Shivaji was a Lingayat. Dr. Dhere had claimed that Shivaji's forefathers were Gowli Dhangars and not Lingayats. Mathe Mahadevi has therefore, misunderstood Dr. Dhere's book also, Dr. More said.

He said that a renowned English researcher Cunningham had proved beyond doubt that Shivaji's forefathers were Sisodia Rajputs, who had migrated from Rajastan. "We are liberal enough to realize that the term Maratha does not indicate any one community. We knew that anyone who was a warrior was called a Maratha. However, making light remarks about our revered king Shivaji, with unlearnt prejudice about our founder amounts to insulting him," he said.

Shivaji was the first king to consider the whole of India as one. He was also the first king to instil a sense of nationalism in the peopleHe was also the king with great self-respect. We follow his ideals in letter and spirit. We are not a community that suffers insults, Dr. More said.

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