- Shivaji Maharaj believed in decentralization of power and democratization of governance, laying the foundations for system-based governance rather than individual-centered rule.
- Shivaji Maharaj established well-structured administrative institutions, reviving ancient Hindu political traditions and court conventions.
- If such kind of Surajya is not built then any Swarajya will collapse and go into slavery in no time. More importantly in the current times of the world where many other faith systems are trying to fight with each other, the building of Swarajya and Surajya becomes critical.
Bharatavarsha, sanctified by tradition, is the birthplace of Sanatana Dharma, a repository of eternal values, and the matrubhumi of heroic warriors. This esteemed matrubhumi perpetually endows us with a profound legacy of knowledge. Amidst this wealth, we endeavour to comprehend the meanings of Surajya, Swarajya, and Hindu Samrajya
Swarajya literally means ‘our own rajya.’ The word ‘our’ requires extensive explanation. It does not refer solely to a particular community or is constrained to any one geographical part of the nation. To define ‘our,’ we must first understand the word ‘we.’ Savarkar defines ‘we,’ which is also depicted in the recent movie ‘Veer Savarkar.’ In a conversation between Savarkar and the jailer of Kalapani, when Mr Bery asks him, ‘Why do you hate the British?’ Savarkar replies, ‘I don’t hate the British; I hate slavery. We can be friends, and if you fight for your nation, we can fight together.’ The word ‘we’ used by Savarkar includes the British in this conversation.
Did Savarkar use it purposefully just to please the British jailer? Or is there a cultural or scriptural reference for that? There is indeed a scriptural reference: ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (वसुधैव कुटुंबकम्). Having clarified that ‘we’ defines the entire world as one family, it naturally clarifies that ‘our’ in Swarajya also encompasses the entire world. Thus, anyone who is dharmic in the world should never be enslaved or wish to enslave others. This is the conclusion of the conversation between Savarkar and the jailer Mr. Bery.
Sanatana Dharma does not differentiate or discriminate against people on any basis. Therefore, Swarajya is ‘our own rajya’ where everyone living a dharmic lifestyle is free to pursue their aspirations for themselves or society’s betterment within the framework of dharma. In essence, Swarajya is a place where people follow their moral code of conduct not out of imposition but as a matter of choice. It sounds very idealistic, but is it realistic? How is this possible when the entire world is chasing materialistic pleasures and temporary needs?”
This is where the word ‘Surajya’ comes in. We know we have to come to terms with the materialistic lifestyle of the current world and the non-belief in Sanatana Dharma. We have to protect the ideals of a Swarajya based on Sanatana Dharma. No Swarajya is sustainable without Surajya. Now, let us try to understand Surajya. We all would have heard of Ramarajya; it is no different from Surajya—in fact, it is one example of Surajya.
Valmiki Ramayana presents the idea of Surajya (Ramarajya) very nicely as follows:
प्रहृष्टमुदितो लोकस्तुष्टः पुष्टः सुधार्मिकः |
निरामयो ह्यरोगश्च दुर्भिक्षभयवर्जितः
न पुत्रमरणं किंचिद्द्रक्ष्यन्ति पुरुषाः क्वचित् |
नार्यश्चाविधवा नित्यं भविष्यन्ति पतिव्रताः
न चाग्निजं भयं किञ्चिन्नाप्सु मज्जन्ति जन्तवः |
न वातजं भयं किञ्चिन्नापि ज्वरकृतं तथा ||
न चापि क्षुद्भयं तत्र न तस्करभयं तथा |
नगराणि च राष्ट्राणि धनधान्ययुतानि च ||
नित्यं प्रमुदिताः सर्वे यथा कृतयुगे तथा |
During Rama’s rule, everyone is happy, joyfull, healthy and follows dharma (प्रहृष्ट, मुदितः, तुष्टः, पुष्टः, सुधार्मिकः). All medical needs are addressed so elders pass away first (na putra maranam kinchit drakshyanti), no one must see their son’s death, and no lady remains vidhwa (widow). There is well-established infrastructure because of which people had no fear of fire, water, and air (न च अग्निजम्, न वातजम्, ना आप्सु ) meaning infrastructure is so advanced, the society is free from disasters or natural calamities. Even if they are well managed, society has to control the losses. Since everyone is dharmik, society itself has taken care of the under-privileged. so, no fear of lack of food (न च क्षुद्भयम् ) As society addressed the basic needs of the underprivileged there is no fear of someone thieves (न तस्कर भयम् ). All cities and towns are full of adequate food grains (धन धान्य युतानि च). Just imagine what a nice visual and experience to be part of such Surajya!!! These verses are from Valmiki Ramayana and during that time there was no other king who could question the rule of Rama (रामो विग्रहवान् धर्मः) and no second king who could rule better than rama. So there is no fear of some other king invading Rama’s kingdom, maybe for the same reason, there is not much mention of the security aspect of the nation in the above slokas.
If such kind of Surajya is not built then any Swarajya will collapse and go into slavery in no time. More importantly in the current times of the world where many other faith systems are trying to fight with each other building of Swarajya and Surajya becomes critical. Make no mistake only Sanatana dharma gives the freedom of expressing one’s thoughts freely under the framework of a moral code of conduct. In all other belief systems, any slightest de-tour is considered blasphemy, illegal or treachery eventually leading to killing or enslaving those who take that de-tour.
Finally, we will now discuss Hindu Samrajya. Hindu Samrajya is again not different than Surajya, like Ramarajya Hindu samrajya is also one example of Surajya. Why do we need to call by attaching a faith instead of simply saying Surajya or Swarajya? It is because only the Hindu way of life can provide the flexibility of Swarajya and still be open enough to learn the good things from the other belief systems. In this holy land, many kings fought for Swarajya from the other oppressing faith systems/kings such as Islam/Christianity etc.., but never announced that they were fighting for Hindu Samrajya. One king among them Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj not only fought but also announced that he wanted to build Hindu samrajya on his day of coronation.
On Hindu Samrajya Diwas, let us remember our great visionaries such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and take an oath to unite all and work for such Swarajya, Surajya and Hindu Samrajya
Let us quickly understand the kind of reforms brought by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and compare them with the definitions of Swarajya and Surajya.
Social reforms:
– Krishi Sudhar (Agricultural Reforms): He encouraged the establishment of new villages, standardized tax systems on farms, and provided loans to farmers for purchasing seeds and oxen. He also utilized forts for storing farm produce.
– Samajik Samrasta (Social Harmony): Inspired by his guru, Samarth Ramdas, Shivaji Maharaj promoted the unity of all Hindus and propagated Sanatana Dharma, which advocated for a liberal religion free from caste discrimination. He elevated the status of women, preferred Bhakti over rituals, and curtailed polytheism’s excesses.
– Mahila Sashaktikaran (Women Empowerment): He abolished the evil practice of Sati and provided equal opportunities for women in his administration, empowering them with education and jobs.
These social reforms enable and empower the people of the country to follow their choice of faith under the framework of dharma and also work for the welfare of the nation.
Political Reforms:
– Prashasanik Sudhar (Administrative Reforms): Shivaji established well-structured administrative institutions, reviving ancient Hindu political traditions and court conventions. He promoted the use of Marathi and Sanskrit languages in court and administration, replacing Persian.
– Satta Vyavastha (Governance System): Shivaji Maharaj believed in decentralization of power and democratization of governance, laying the foundations for system-based governance rather than individual-centered rule.
– Nyay Vyavastha (Judicial System): While he employed Muslims and supported qazis to dispense justice, he also sought a new form of political expression rooted in Sanskritic tradition.
These reforms underscored his commitment to creating a just and inclusive governance model that resonated with the ethos of Bharatiya Rajniti (Indian politics).
Reforms for national security:
– Swarajya Raksha (Defense of Self-rule): He established a sovereign Hindu kingdom with a focus on safeguarding the interests of the common people and actively sought to assert Hindu identity and revive Sanatan Sanskriti (eternal culture).
– Sainya Kala (Military Tactics): Shivaji Maharaj was renowned for his innovative military tactics, which utilized non-conventional methods, taking advantage of geography and speed. His disciplined military and well-established administrative setup were key to his efficient governance.
– Killa Vikas (Fort Development): His military forces expanded the Maratha sphere of influence by capturing and constructing forts, as well as establishing a formidable Maratha navy.
These reforms not only strengthened his empire but also laid the foundation for a resilient defence system that protected the matrubhumi.
On Hindu Samrajya Diwas, let us remember our great visionaries such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and take an oath to unite all and work for such Swarajya, Suarjya and Hindu Samrajya.
Bharat mata ki jai.
(Ramakrishna Turaga holds a master’s degree in thermal engineering from IIT Madras and has extensive experience as a scientist in nuclear science, aerospace, and as a senior scientist at ABB, with 4 patents and 10 publications in international journals. Views and opinions expressed are the author’s own)
Piyush Anand 
Aayush Pal