Yashwant Rao B Chavan, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra visited Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji’s Sarasvati Mahal Library (TMSSML) on 3/10/1961.
In the visitor’s note of TMSSML he had written – “Visited this famous library today. Enlightened rulers have done a great service to the cause of learning by these collections”.
Vote for a candidate or to the political party who gives importance to our history, heritage, forts and preserves and safeguards it and has respect for it. Maharashtra has an identity for its Maratha history and forts. Elect a Government or a representative who has respect for it, rather than electing those who only uses our eminent Maratha King’s name for votes or during his/party’s canvassing and after getting elected never does anything nor bothers about our pride (i.e Maharashtrian’s/Maratha’s heritage, forts etc). Never allow anyone to change/manipulate our rich history or to hide/dissipate it due to official’s ethical egoism. Being in Maharashtra- our history, eminent kings, heritage, forts, Bhonsle royal families has to be respected. Outsiders who come for earnings or business/daily bread should also learn to respect them because, they are in MAHARASHTRA.
It was my immense pleasure to meet the Yuvraj of Udaipur, H.H Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar dada and gave my book copy Contributions Of Thanjavur Maratha Kings- 2nd Edition. He is the son of Maharaja Shri Arvind Singh Mewar ji, a descendent of the great Rajput warrior- Maha Rana Pratap. I follow his quotes on facebook and i mostly share them on my facebook timeline. His posts on his official facebook handle inspires many youngsters and he is an inspiration and a role model to many.
Many people are not aware of the fact that Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s ancestors belonged to Sisodia clan. His ancestors were migrated from Mewar to the Deccan. They were Kshatriyas descended from the solar line of the Rajput Ranas’ of Mewar. Royal RAJPUTs are actual blood related relatives to Raje MARATHAS (Raje Bhonsles).
After decades and generations, a Royal Maratha has met his Royal Rajput brother. I came to Udaipur just to meet him and to visit his Palace. Thanks to H.H Lakshyaraj dada for the arrangements he made for me to visit his palace.
Kings and warriors of Rajputs and Marathas were the main responsible to safeguard and protect our Hinduvi swarajya, without them the whole of our country might had converted to some other’s or foreign ruler’s swarajya or religion. My tribute to our Rajput and Maratha warriors and kings who had sacrificed their life for their people and country 🙏.
Tomorrow is the 22nd anniversary of our museum Maharajah Serfoji 2 memorial hall museum, sadar mahal palace Thanjavur . Visit our official website, serfojimemorialhall.com to know about our museum and about Thanjavur, Tamilnadu Maratha history.
People do ask me from where i get energy for the efforts i put to turn impossible things into possibilities or opportunities?. Even certain people had asked me how do i manage and balance my profession with other activities i do! Don’t i feel or get exhausted or tired?…
My answer is very simple…
When you are surrounded with beautiful souls or gems who just keeps on motivate, encourage or cheer you – Pain or Difficulties you undergo has no any effect in front of it. When you are been admired or cheered, how would you feel to give up?.
When we are blessed with beautiful souls or gems who are surrounded to us and motivates, encourages, cheers us- that positive vibes are the energy that will automatically push you up. When they and their support is with us, we can enjoy the pain, struggles, sacrifices or difficulties which we undergo throughout the process to make something look better, valued or worth. There are less people who show their support or encourage you throughout your endeavours or initiatives. When you get well wishers who show their support for u, you have almost won and had achieved. There are more criticisers in our society which gives more impact on negative vibes. Get focused on positive vibes which really pushes you up, than on negative vibes that really pulls you down.
Thanks for those sweet words Jayanthi mam. Sometimes your comments were like energy pills that pushed me up, I mean very cheerful. I am really blessed to have you in my friendlist 🙏.
Last Sunday I attended a workshop in Delhi. It was on Emotional intelligence. First of its kind that covered objectives, that help to develop sense of self awareness, strategies for Self management, how to identify individual traits that forms your behaviour, to provide basic understanding of whole brain thinking approach, to enhance your ability to perceive, gauge and manage the emotions of your own selves and others, learn how to build trust, communicate and manage conflict with people around you, about emotional intelligence, how the brain maps influences it, and how to grow.
The purpose of this workshop is to help assess and develop the 8 dimensions of your whole brain, to help you understand your brain preferences and enhance your ability to manage emotions, to help you gain insights into your thinking preferences, to provide relevant tools and techniques to become more creative and reach extraordinary potential.
This workshop was more about and on physiology and philosophy, the subject which I love the most after history.
It was a very interesting workshop and i enjoyed the session alot, had great time with staffs and participants. I got new friends from different background and profession. Their background, culture or profession might be different, but our thought, mind set and interests were the same i.e to learn, explore, travel, gain and share knowledge and most important, being an EXTROVERT.
Will be missing those amazing set of people and our teaching staff.
I bow to my teaching staff and teachers, without their blessings and proper guidance, it is impossible for a man to become a gentlemen or a leader in his life journey.
If the power goes to the wrong hand or to the officials who think themselves dominant/superior based on their caste and religion, then this is what will happen..
Firstly they will try to suppress others (Marathas, SCs, STs etc ) and their hereditary because the one who has power or those officials who rule in democracy and has no any hereditary background or rich roots and believe only in Money, Vedas, Slokas and Sastras from their birth, surroundings and environment, don’t have or give importance to history, heritage nor be grateful for it. They only know to use and utilise the name (historical personalities’ name) just for vote counts.
Image courtesy: Being Marathi instagram page.
These kind of certain officials don’t even have any respect to Royal families nor be favourable to them nor be faithful or grateful. They even make respectable or eminent people those who are not in politics nor have any political background, to wait for hours in their office to meet them. They take everything for granted when it comes to history, Royalty, culture or heritage, they are not even bothered or give importance/respect to it nor to the members of the royal family.
Even certain elected politicians who have their office and residence in Delhi, don’t even have portrait of Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj displayed in their office, residence or common rooms etc, though they use and utilise the eminent warrior’s name during election or canvassing in Maharashtra for votes. However the walls in their residence or office has place to display other costly or expensive paintings and portraits of different themes.
These so called brilliants had decided to make forts into hotels and wedding venues, have they ever thought of where they can dump the wastage that will be produce in tonnes?. Will they dump it in the rivers which are nearer or beside the forts turned hotels itself?, Do they really think that they will manage to maintain it or will leave the forts to get dissipated completely , pollute and contaminate the place?.
Really shame of such decision making officials and to the politician turned right wing official or minister who had approved it.
Think twice before electing your representative. Wrong decision in electing your representative can lead to troubles and problems. Never regret after voting or choosing the wrong candidate.
Note: The above post is written based on my observation.
Our forts are the pride of every Maharashtrian. They need to be conserved and opened to International Tourist as historic monuments through proper planning.But building hotels will damage our heritage and the sentiments of our people. We’re against this idea!!
Our forts need conservation as heritage monuments, not convertion to hotels.
Giving my book copy to Kolhapur Yuvraj Sambhaji Kaka Raje.
2nd Article Posted on 7/9/2019.
C.M of Maharashtra had clarified that no hotels or wedding venues will happen on our forts. He will talk to the concerned officials and had assured. The forts will be kept preserved and no threats will be given to the forts.
Maharashtra Tourism policy 2016. Posted it for your reference. In point number 4, it is clearly stated that ‘forts will be promoted as exclusive wedding destinations’, which had been concerned to many.
However even if they try to impose according to the Policy of Maharashtra tourism (point number 4), majority of Marathas or Maharashtrians will go against it and result will be the failure of what had the officials expected.
According to the MH Tourism minister, historical forts that are not under ASI protected list will be given to the investors to promote tourism in Maharashtra.
MH tourism Minister had stated that…
“We have decided to call in private investors to invest in 25 forts in Maharashtra as a pilot project. Under this, the investors can construct ropeways and museums and can also organise light shows to attract the tourists. The investors will also have to take care of the maintenance of the forts.”
“The heritage tourism policy also makes it clear that the local flora and fauna will be protected and no permanent constructions will be allowed at the fort site. I am confident that this policy will give a boost to the rural economy and the state tourism department,” he added.
We hope those investors will give employment opportunities to the locals there rather than to the outsiders (i.e to Biharies, UPs etc) in our own land and also hope, those investors will respect, promote, protect and maintain the environment, sanctity of our forts as it was and is.
Anyways, I and our Shiv Sambhu premis/bhakts are always there for our forts and to safeguard it, if concerned commercials fail to do their job.
To view better quality image,visit my Instagram profile, Pratap_rpb.
Antique portrait of my ancestor, Thanjavur Maratha King Shivaji II paying homage to Navaneeta Krishna at National Museum, Delhi.
Maratha period Tanjore style,Tamil Nadu circa A.D 1825-50, Cloth pasted on wood 79*60 cm. This image of the child Krishna, seated on his golden throne with the pot of butter in his tiny hands, widely known as Navaneeta Krishna, is the most loved theme of Tanjore artists. Here the plump child Krishna is more a lovable baby, rather than a divine image. He delights with his child-like innocence, mischief in eyes and his bewitching smile.Under the arch on Krishna’s right stands the Tanjore Maratha ruler King Shivaji II who ruled from 1832- 1855 A.D and led Tanjore arts to great heights. @ National Museum, New Delhi
Click the below link to know about King Shivaji II 👇
Removing the watermark or cropping the image and using it in other forms or posting/publishing it on social media sites without my permission is not entertained.
Appreciate and respect your views. But our culture differs when compared our country with other countries. Our India is famous for ancient temples, history, literature, arts and heritage monuments, that cannot be neglected nor ignored. It gives our country an identity and our country is unique. We should not compare it with others as all are special and unique in their own way. We have rich roots, we are not those without spines or back bones to ignore our past and concentrate in present without knowing our past or roots of origin. It is not waste of time nor will distract when someone talks about our pride. According to survey, there are less people who shows interest in our country’s heritage or temples etc and if someone talks, he/she talks for a cause, talks for spreading its importance and for an awareness purpose/reasons. They do it voluntary, they don’t even get paid or only few get less pay for talking about it or for spreading awareness on it. Well, we are also well developed in terms of technology and AI. Both are well balanced. I don’t think so it will be waste of time or may distract when talking about something where people have interest in/for their respected field or area.
Yesterday my cab driver gifted me this stunning gold-plated Indian national flag brass lapel pin. He pinned it on my chest with pride. I asked him the reason… He told Independence Day is coming in few days and yesterday (5/8/2019) article 370 had been revoked and J & K has become a part of our country. He seemed to be a true Desh bhakth. I thanked him and after dropping me at the Delhi airport, he told to keep this flag as a remembrance of my stay in Delhi and also told me that this historical bill was passed when i was here in Delhi as their guest (he was indicating the co incidence). His devotion towards our country was admirable. We ended our conversation after saying “JAI HIND, JAI BHARATH”.
Indira Gandhi International airport,Delhi 👇
View from flight.Tanjore plate at TamilNadu house, New Delhi.
India Gate 👇
National Museum, Delhi 👇
Musical instruments, Veena and its types.
Paid tribute to my ancestor- King Serfoji II at National Museum,Delhi.
There are lots of antique Tanjore paintings and my ancestor’s portraits displayed for public there.Whenever you visit Delhi, never forget to visit National Museum.
The court of King Serfoji II of Tanjore, Maratha period Tanjore style,early 19th century cloth pasted on wood, 130 * 111 cm with frame.
King Shivaji II with his two queens.
Equestrian portrait of King Shivaji II of Thanjavur.Maratha period Tanjore style,circa 1840.
Durbar of King Serfoji II. Maratha period Tanjore style, Tamilnadu, early 19th century cloth pasted on wood and gold foil, 163* 196 cm with frame.
King Serfoji II of Thanjavur worshipping Rama and Sita in his Palace Shrine. Maratha period Tanjore style,Tamil Nadu early 19th century.Decorated with gold foil and cloth pasted on wood, 33*23 cm. King Shivaji II paying homage to Navaneeta Krishna. Maratha period Tanjore style, Tamilnadu circa A.D 1825-50.
Tanjore painting of a women feeding her baby, early 19th century.Thanjavur Brihadeshwara temple, company style mid 19th century.
To experience the real beauty of those paintings, you have to visit National Museum Delhi atleast once in your life time. History and art lovers, add this museum to your visiting list.
Swati Thirunal Maharaj of Travancore kept contact with King Serfoji II even before he came to the throne and exchanged scholars,musicians and even their personal compositions. The above portrait of king Serfoji II in the photo (first half) was painted by Raja Ravi Varma.
King Serfoji II’s portrait was gifted to king frederik VI (second half first image in the photo) who was the king of Denmark and Norway. The gifted portrait of King Serfoji II is today seen at National Museum of Denmark.
Portrait of Raja Serfoji II (1777-1832) gifted to King Frederik VI (1768-1839). Photo: John Lee. National Museum of Denmark (Inv.no. Dc.197).
Nawab of Udayagiri gifted King Serfoji II a falcon which is told to be one of his favorite falcon. The image of the falcon is at Tmssml (Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji’s Sarasvati Mahal library).
King Serfoji II invited European dignitaries and the Thondaman Rajah of Pudukottai to witness his Cheeta’s and falcon’s hunt.
Nawab of Arcot visited Thanjavur Palace during the reign of King Serfoji II and a salvo of 21 guns was fired from the ramparts in honour of the Nawab.
Falcon, one of the birds of King Serfoji II. The Nawab of Udayagiri presented it for the King to Bhujanga Rao and Hari Rao when they were sent to Hyderabad.
King Serfoji II had a real judge of a horse, a cool head and a deadly shot of the tiger. He had the Urdu book on Falconry “Bajinamah” which deals with the treatment of diseases of birds translated into Marathi.
The British had given high regard to King Serfoji II. He was included as an Honorary member of Royal Asiatic society of Great Britain and Iceland. In 1827 there were only four foreign dignitaries who were honorary members in the society, they are:
1. His royal highness the Duke of Orleans.
2. His majesty the king of Oude
3. His royal highness Abbas Mirza, Prince of Persia.
4. His highness the Rajah of Tanjore.
It is a pride to note that Raja Serfoji had the opportunity to hold this High
position in those days.
This shows that King Serfoji II maintained friendship with the dignitaries of various kingdoms during his time.
