Connecting the present with the glorious period of history, the Goa Government on Sunday (June 6), released a short film on one of India’s legendary kings, Chhatrapati Shivaji. The day is known as Shivrajyabhishek Din, the Coronation Day of Shivaji Maharaj.
The 15-minute odd duration film titled Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shivrajyabhishek Divas, was released in Konkani and Hindi languages on social media by the Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant.
The film comprehensively covers Goa’s history and Shivaji’s role in fighting the Portuguese. The film also talks about “hundreds of such true stories” that it wanted the future generations to be aware of.
The film is made by the State Department of Information and Publicity. Sawant in the film says: “It was due to the influence of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that the culture of Goa was saved from the Portuguese.”
A Short Film released by Goa Government on the occasion of Chhatrapati #ShivajiMaharaj #ShivRajyabhishek Din.https://t.co/kAinJzyuIt
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) June 6, 2021
Talking about how taxes were imposed by the “traitorous” landlords of Pernem, Bicholim, Maneri and Sattari in North Goa to oppress the locals, the short movie narrates how they sought refuge with the Portuguese when they became aware that Shivaji had become aware of their acts. It describes them as those who “betrayed the land and the State.”
Giving details about the year 1677, the film states that that year the Portuguese Governor, Conde De San Vincent, had given an “open warning to Hindus”. This warning was to the effect that “if you want to live in Bardez (in North Goa), you will either have to abandon your religion or leave Bardez”.
As per the film, this warning by the Governor was not acceptable to Shivaji, who attacked the Colvale Fort with 5,000 soldiers. This was followed by surrender by the Portuguese in three days. Shivaji was the first Indian king to defeat the Portuguese, states the film.
The short film shares with the audience that the Portuguese destroyed the famous Saptakoteshwar temple in Goa. Describing the temple as a symbol of the glory of the Kadamba dynasty of Goa, the film says that it was rebuilt in 1668. The narrative states that the temple in Bicholim was the heritage of Goa’s past.
Paid humble tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on Shivrajyabhishek Din at Sankhali today. https://t.co/cGGl505ape
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) June 6, 2021
The movie also highlights the role of Shivaji’s son Sambhaji and after him, his brother Rajaram and Sambhaji’s Shahu in taking Shivaji’s legacy forward. It reveals that the Goans held high positions in the Maratha court.
The Chief Minister towards the end of the film, says that in the 60th year of the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule, the State Government had made “an effort to immortalise” Shivaji. He added that they are working towards renovating and reconstructing the forts and temples built by the king.
“Many historical incidents will be glorified and commemorated in the 60th year of Goa’s liberation,” he avers.
Sawant also paid tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the occasion of Shivrajyabhishek Din at Sankhali on June 6.
