Historical Figures

18. Opposing Jizya by Shivaji

On 3 April 1679, Aurangzeb again imposed Jizya on the Hindu subjects. This caused discontent among the Hindu subjects. Till now Shivaji's policy had been that he used to send letters of treaty to Aurangzeb every now and then, but in practice he used to harm Aurangzeb, but this time Shivaji decided to openly write a letter of protest to Aurangzeb. This letter was adapted from Neela Prabhu into Persian language. Shivaji wrote-

"In the service of Emperor Alamgir, this ever-well-wisher Shivaji after thanking God's grace and the Emperor's mercy which is more clear than the sun, informs Jahanpanah that although this well wisher is due to his misfortune He left without your permission without your permission, however he is ready to perform his full duty as a servant in the proper form possible. Recently it has been heard in my ears that in the war with me you have run out of money and your funds are empty, you have ordered that money should be collected from Hindus in the form of Jizya and royal needs should be met from it. Sir, Emperor Akbar, the creator of the empire, ruled with sovereignty for a full 52 (lunar) years. He adopted a commendable policy of public harmony towards all the sects like Christians, Jews, Muslims, Dadupantis, Akash worshipers, Falkiyas, Ansarias (Atheistic), Dahriyas (Atheists), Brahmins and Jain sadhus. The goal of his generous heart was to protect and protect all people, so he earned the title of Jagatguru. After that Emperor Jahangir spread his benevolent shadow over the people of the world for 22 years. He gave his heart to friends and shared his hands in the work and got his desires fulfilled. Emperor Shah Jahan cast his loving umbrella over the people of the earth for 32 (moon) years. As a result, the fruit of eternal life was obtained.

He who makes his name,

Receives everlasting wealth.

Because the narration of his good deeds till death,

Keeps his name alive.

But many forts and territories in Mr.'s kingdom have come out of Mr.'s possession and the rest will also leave. For I will not hesitate to destroy and destroy them. Your farmers are in pathetic condition, the yield of every village has reduced. Instead of one lakh only one thousand and instead of thousand only ten rupees are collected, and that too with great difficulty. While poverty and begging have taken over the palaces of emperors and princes, the plight of the feudal lords and the rich can be easily imagined. This is a state where there is excitement in the army, the business class has grievances, Muslims cry, Hindus are being roasted. Most of the people do not get dinner and during the day they swell their cheeks by beating them in pain. How does your royal nature allow you to impose jizya in such a deplorable situation? This slander will very soon spread from west to east and it will be recorded in the history books that the king of India collects alms from Brahmins, Jain sadhus, yogis, sannyasis, recluse, poor, beggars, poor and famine-stricken. Shows his might by attacking the bags of the monks. He has mixed the name of the Timur dynasty in the soil.

Jizya is absolutely illegal from the point of view of justice. Politically this can be approved only when a beautiful woman wearing gold ornaments can move from one state to another without any fear, but nowadays cities are being looted, what about the open countryside? Imposing Jizya is not justified, it is a creation done only in India and is unfair. If you consider threatening and persecuting Hindus as piety, then first of all you should impose Jizya on Rana Raj Singh who is the head of Hindus. Then it will not be so difficult to recover from me because, I am your keeper, but it is not bravery to persecute ants and flies. I marvel at the loyalty of your officers, because they hide reality from you and cover the blazing fire with a chaff. I wish that the kingship of Jahanpanah shines above the horizon of greatness."

This letter of Shivaji had no effect on Aurangzeb. He went on ignoring all the prayers, persuasion, vinaya and appeals, as a result of which the fire of hatred towards Aurangzeb spread rapidly among the Hindus. After writing this letter, Shivaji plundered the property of the Mughals by raiding from Surat to Bharonch.