Historian unveils Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's portrait

Thane, Aug 15 (UNI) Noted historian and authority on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Babasaheb Purandare, today unveiled a coloured portrait of the Great Maratha king in the district collector's office here.

Speaking after unveiling of the portrait, he said it is the replica of the original, painted in black and white by one Valantine in Surat, which is at present kept in the Hague.

Present on the occasion were District Collector S S Zende, BSD Collector Vishwas Patil, City Police Commissioner Anil Dhere, DySP Naval Bajaj, ZP CEO Sunil Hazare, Thane MP Anand Paranjpe and district Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde.

The 83-year-old historian recounted the manner in which Shivaji Maharaj administered his kingdom and gave examples from history to substantiate his claim.

He said the administration of Chhatrapati Shivaji functioned smoothly even when he was away for several months due to adherence to discipline and total obedience to the warrior king. In his absence, Shivaji's mother Jijabai and the mini cabinet handled the affairs.

He also pointed out several instances when Shivaji took his own men to task for their failures and reprimanded them.

Mr Purandare said one thing that was absent during Shivaji's regime was corruption.

Expressing concern over the poor maintenance of the statues and busts of the national leaders, he said it leads to defamation and total disregard to the leaders.

He said the erection of ladder around the statues spoil their look.

He added ''in Russia there are guides for statues, but in our country we do not care.'' Earlier, in the morning, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik hoisted the flag in the premises of the Collectorate.

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