François Bernier’s Views on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, remains one of the most revered figures in Indian history. His leadership, military strategies, and governance laid the foundation for a strong and resilient kingdom that successfully resisted Mughal expansion. Many historical figures, both Indian and foreign, wrote about Shivaji Maharaj, including François Bernier, a French traveler and personal physician to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Bernier’s writings provide valuable insights into Shivaji’s extraordinary abilities and the challenge he posed to the Mughal Empire.

Who Was François Bernier?

François Bernier (1625–1688) was a French physician, traveler, and writer who lived in India for several years during Aurangzeb’s rule. He served as the personal physician to the Mughal emperor and closely observed the political and military developments of the time. His book, Travels in the Mughal Empire, offers detailed accounts of India, including descriptions of various rulers, cultures, and events.

Bernier was one of the first European travelers to write extensively about India, and his works were widely read in Europe. His observations, though sometimes influenced by his European perspective, provide a valuable historical record of 17th-century India. Among the many figures he wrote about, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stood out as a leader who commanded both fear and admiration.

Bernier’s Perception of Shivaji Maharaj

Bernier recognized Shivaji Maharaj as a remarkable leader who posed a significant threat to the Mughal Empire. Unlike some biased European accounts that dismissed Indian rulers, Bernier acknowledged Shivaji’s extraordinary leadership, military tactics, and statesmanship.

1. A Military Genius and Skilled Strategist

One of the key aspects of Shivaji Maharaj that Bernier admired was his military prowess. Despite having a much smaller army compared to the vast Mughal forces, Shivaji repeatedly outmaneuvered them through superior strategies. Bernier observed that Shivaji’s success lay in his mastery of guerrilla warfare, a method unfamiliar to the conventional Mughal military system.

Shivaji’s ability to strike suddenly, inflict significant damage, and retreat before the enemy could retaliate made him a formidable opponent. His soldiers, deeply loyal to him, moved swiftly through the rugged terrain of the Sahyadri mountains, making it nearly impossible for the Mughals to defeat him in open battle.

Bernier noted that Aurangzeb and his generals found it frustratingly difficult to capture Shivaji or subdue the Marathas, despite deploying vast resources. Even after being imprisoned in Agra, Shivaji’s daring escape and subsequent resurgence further cemented his reputation as an unparalleled strategist.

2. A Respected and Feared Enemy of the Mughals

Shivaji Maharaj was not only admired by his followers but also feared by his enemies. Bernier wrote that even within the Mughal court, there was a deep respect for Shivaji’s abilities. While Aurangzeb saw him as a rebel, many Mughal officials acknowledged that he was no ordinary adversary.

Bernier described how Shivaji’s victories against powerful Mughal generals, including Shaista Khan and Mirza Raja Jai Singh, showcased his brilliance. His raids, particularly the famous sack of Surat in 1664, demonstrated that the Marathas could strike at the heart of Mughal economic centers. This deeply unsettled Aurangzeb, who viewed Shivaji as a persistent thorn in the empire’s side.

3. A Just and Visionary Ruler

Beyond his military achievements, Bernier also acknowledged Shivaji’s administrative skills and just rule. Unlike many rulers of his time who focused primarily on conquest, Shivaji worked towards creating a well-organized and efficient government. His policies were designed to ensure that his people were protected and prospered.

Shivaji’s administration was known for its emphasis on justice, discipline, and good governance. He ensured that his soldiers did not harm civilians or desecrate religious places, a principle that set him apart from many other rulers of the era. Bernier observed that Shivaji treated his subjects fairly, winning their loyalty and support, which further strengthened his position.

4. Shivaji’s Escape from Agra: A Masterstroke

One of the most famous episodes in Shivaji’s life was his daring escape from Aurangzeb’s court in Agra in 1666. Bernier was in India at the time and noted how this event humiliated the Mughals. Shivaji was initially imprisoned under house arrest, and Aurangzeb believed he had finally neutralized his greatest adversary. However, Shivaji’s intelligence and resourcefulness allowed him to escape using a brilliantly executed plan.

Bernier mentioned that this escape not only stunned the Mughal court but also boosted Shivaji’s legend across India. His ability to evade Aurangzeb’s tight security and return to the Deccan made it clear that he was an exceptional leader who could not be easily subdued.

5. Aurangzeb’s Frustration with Shivaji

Bernier’s accounts also reveal Aurangzeb’s growing frustration with Shivaji. Despite commanding the largest empire in India, Aurangzeb was unable to defeat a ruler with significantly fewer resources. Shivaji’s resilience, strategic brilliance, and ability to inspire his people made him an indomitable force.

Aurangzeb spent decades trying to crush the Marathas, but Shivaji’s legacy endured, and his empire continued to grow. Even after Shivaji’s passing in 1680, the Maratha resistance remained strong, ultimately contributing to the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Conclusion

François Bernier’s writings offer a rare European perspective on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Unlike many colonial-era historians who dismissed Indian rulers, Bernier recognized Shivaji’s military genius, statesmanship, and resilience. He saw Shivaji as a leader who defied the mighty Mughal Empire with sheer intelligence and bravery.

Shivaji Maharaj was not just a warrior but also a visionary king who laid the foundation for a powerful and independent Maratha state. His commitment to justice, his devotion to his people, and his unwavering determination made him a legendary figure in Indian history. Even today, his legacy continues to inspire millions.

Through Bernier’s accounts, we gain an understanding of how even his adversaries acknowledged Shivaji’s greatness. His ability to stand against one of the most powerful empires of his time is a testament to his extraordinary leadership. François Bernier, despite his European background, could not ignore the fact that Shivaji Maharaj was one of the most remarkable leaders India had ever produced.