Some of the major qualities of Shivaji are as follows:
1. An effective organizer:
Shivaji is known as one of the greatest organizers in history.
By dint of his remarkable powers, he collected together the scattered Marathas and turned them into an organised formidable force.
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2. An efficient general and military strategist:
He was a successful general and knew well how to strike at the enemy. As a result of his strategies, he was able to face the mighty armies of the Sultans of Bijapur and the Mughals.
3. A skillful diplomat:
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He never let his enemies unite against him. He got his father free from the Sultan of Bijapur on account of his diplomacy. His freedom from the detention of Aurangzeb at Agra speaks volumes of his diplomacy.
4. Brave soldier:
He was very daring and was prepared to take calculated risks.
5. An enlightened administrator:
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Shivaji was an administrator of great ability and practical vision. He personally looked after the working of various departments. He was ruthless with those officers who indulged in corruption and oppression.
6. Respect for others faith:
His treatment with the followers of other faiths was very fair. Even a great critic of Shivaji like Khafi Khan has observed about him that he had “made it a rule that whenever his followers went plundering, they should do no harm to the mosques, the Book of God (Quran) or the women of anyone.”
7. An inspiring leader:
His influence on account of his inspiring leadership grew so rapidly that his staunch enemy Aurangzeb himself had to admit “My armies have been employed against him for nineteen years and nevertheless his (Shivaji’s) state has always been increasing.”
8. An obedient son:
Shivaji loved his parents greatly. He was extremely devoted to his mother Jijabai. He worshipped her like a goddess and obeyed her command.
9. A dutiful disciple:
Shivaji had a great respect for his gurus.
10. Regenerator of the Hindus:
Shivaji attempted to generate a new spirit of pride among the Hindus. He however, was also very particular to maintain the honour of Muslim women and the holy Quran.
11. A benevolent ruler:
Shivaji worked for the welfare of his subjects.
12. Shivaji as the maker of Maharashtra:
Shivaji welded the Maratha race into a mighty nation and he achieved all this in the teeth of the opposition of mighty powers like the Mughals, Bijapur and the Portuguese in India. As J.N. Sarkar, the great historian said, “He welded the Marathas into a mighty nation.”