Reviving Shivaji: JNU's new centre to explore ‘Akhand Bharat’ through historical lessons
- In Reports
- 05:12 PM, Oct 18, 2024
- Myind Staff
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is planning to establish a ‘Centre of Excellence’ named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This centre will focus on learning from Shivaji Maharaj's time to explore the idea of “Akhand Bharat” and his struggle for “Hindavi Swaraj,” according to reports from The Indian Express.
According to reports, the Maharashtra government will support the establishment of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Centre for Security & Strategic Studies in the School of International Studies. The centre will teach Maratha military history, Shivaji's naval strategy, guerilla warfare, and Indian strategic thought, among other subjects. The centre is anticipated to begin offering undergraduate, graduate, and diploma programs in July 2025.
The Dean of JNU's School of International Studies, Professor Amitabh Mattoo, “The idea to start the centre originated from the Vice-Chancellor and some faculty members… The Maharashtra government too wanted to commemorate the thinking of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his maritime strategies which are internationally recognised.”
When asked why Shivaji was selected, Mattoo responded by saying, “The mandate of the school is to teach security and strategy. We teach about many Russian and Chinese thinkers, we also teach about Kautilya and Chanakya. We wanted to add Shivaji Maharaj and his well-recognised strategic thinking too, for the students to benefit.”
“The concept of Akhand Bharat, often misunderstood as an imperial expansionist role, refers to a united and undivided India, and the essential role it plays in influencing contemporary strategic decisions… It also emphasises the importance of unity, resilience and the people’s collective will in ensuring the nation’s security. In this light, learning from historical lessons of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj era becomes critical for understanding the past and building a robust and inclusive identity of modern India,” the proposal note states.
“… Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s struggle for Hindavi Swaraj, or self-rule, is a prime example of how India can shape its strategic culture. His approach to nation-building was forward-thinking and grounded in fairness, justice and sovereignty… By studying Shivaji Maharaj’s contributions, India can learn valuable leadership, diplomacy and strategic lessons,” it added.
Shivaji's military innovations, including "institutionalising the study of these doctrines can provide contemporary military strategists with a wealth of knowledge that remains relevant in modern warfare," and "ganimi kawa (guerilla warfare) fortifications and naval expansions were far ahead of his contemporaries," according to the note. It is suggested that six courses be taught, including Guerilla Diplomacy, Statesmanship and Statecraft of Shivaji Maharaj and After; Maratha Grand Strategy: Relevance to Contemporary National Security; and Strategic Approach to Asymmetrical Warfare.
According to the letter, the goal is to highlight Shivaji's "leadership, strategic, administrative, and diplomatic attributes… which contributed to developing a new Bharat." The plan states that the centre will employ 14 faculty and staff members, including four assistant professors, two associate professors, and one professor. A library and reading hall, an IT infrastructure lab, an administrative building, and a "state-of-the-art museum" are all part of the proposed infrastructure.
The expected total spending for the first five years will be around Rs 35 crore for the infrastructure (a non-recurring expense) and Rs 15 crore for the recurring expenses, which include salary, compensation, the library, paperwork, etc.
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