RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent assertion in Pune that freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak was responsible for discovering Shivaji Maharaj’s samadhi has ignited a controversy in Maharashtra. OBC leaders have accused Bhagwat of attempting to overshadow the contributions of social reformer Jyotirao Phule. Bhagwat claimed, “A movement was started to remember Shivaji, and celebrations were initiated at Raigad. Tilak was credited with discovering this.”

The debate underscores ongoing tensions over historical interpretation, social justice, and representation.

Where is Shivaji’s Samadhi Located?

Following Shivaji Maharaj’s death in 1680, he was cremated at Raigad Fort, where a samadhi was later erected. Initially, the samadhi was a simple structure consisting of a small raised stone platform. Details about its appearance immediately after Shivaji’s death are scarce.

The fort fell into Mughal hands a decade later and remained under Mughal and Siddi control until 1733 when the Marathas regained it. The British captured the fort in 1818, subjecting it to heavy bombardment that damaged many structures, including the samadhi. Lt. Col. David Prother, who led the British troops, noted the deteriorated state of the samadhi in his reports. Subsequent British regulations limited access to the fort.

British Accounts of the Samadhi

British accounts from the period reflect the samadhi’s neglect. In 1883, James Douglas described the samadhi as a neglected site overrun with weeds and trees, its temple desecrated. He lamented the lack of care given by subsequent Maratha rulers and urged the British government to preserve the memorial.

Arthur Crawford, in his 1897 book, echoed these concerns, describing the samadhi as a “mangy, ill-clad” platform of decaying stones. He questioned why the Maratha rulers had failed to maintain the monument.

Jyotirao Phule’s Visit

Records suggest that Jyotirao Phule visited the samadhi in 1869. A key figure in 19th-century India, Phule was known for his advocacy of social reform and criticism of the caste system. His visit to the neglected site and his subsequent ballad, which presented Shivaji from the perspective of the common people, are well-documented.

Tilak’s Involvement

James Douglas’ description of the samadhi’s condition spurred efforts by the Marathi community to restore it. Govindrao Babaji Joshi’s 1885 estimate for repairs and Tilak’s fundraising efforts in 1895, which collected over Rs 25,000, were significant. However, the funds were lost when the Deccan Bank collapsed, and the movement declined after Tilak’s death in 1920. In 1925, the British government approved repairs to the samadhi.

Tilak is revered for his role in promoting Hindu cultural and religious festivals, which significantly impacted Maratha identity.

Controversy Over Bhagwat’s Statement

Bhagwat’s remarks have been criticized by political leaders and historians. State Cabinet minister Chaggan Bhujbal argues that Phule was the first to discover the samadhi and played a crucial role in initiating Shiv Jayanti celebrations. Historians, including Indrajit Sawant, contend that there is no historical evidence linking Tilak to the discovery of the samadhi and view Bhagwat’s claims as a distortion of history.