International Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Management, Vol. 3; No.

1: ISSN: 2319-3344 (Jan-June 2014)

Book Review
Leadership Learnings from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
(Authored By: Cyrus M. Gonda and Dr. Nitin Parab)

Dipaali Pulekar
HOD (HR), Thakur Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai, India
Email: dipaali.pulekar@gmail.com, dipaali.pulekar@thakureducation.org

Abstract: Today’s volatile and uncertain world needs leadership from the corporate leaders who would create
organisations for the people. In this 21st century only people would differentiate organisation from world class
organisation. This enabler ingredient of leadership would put the organisation not only on the local map but
also on the international map with its marked presence. Leadership today is less understood and executed. To
clear the understanding of this generously used word Leadership this book review captures simple mantras
learned and written from the great warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosale. The Leaders of the business
organisations today can attempt to prescribe themselves these simple mantras. Emulation of these mantras
would help the head honchos deal the problems disguised themselves as opportunities in a very effective,
resourceful and time bound manner.

Keywords: Leadership, Shivaji Raje Bhosale, business organisations, Qualities of leadership

Accepted On: 30.06.2014

The authors evoke the book on writing a note
about the great legend Shivaji Raje Bhosale by
highlighting achievements accomplished by him
in his short and legendary life-span. The authors
have put in efforts and tried to capture the
exceptional leadership style prescribed for
everyday leadership practitioners. They advise
in their preface to sow the seeds of leadership
and to evolve visionary leaders. The entire book
is divided and written down in the format of
Mantra. The authors have given the format of
thirteen mantra’s to be followed for being
successful leaders. These mantras are strongly
substantiated by using examples and anecdotes.
Each mantra at the end then summarizes the
action points to be practiced by individuals to
successfully lead.
The book unfolds with the first mantra which is
most required mantra which gets you promoted
and winning people hearts.
1. Mantra One- To Lead with
Emotional Quotient- Conquer the
Heart
The Maratha people were aggressive, loyal and
did the job when they were kindly treated. They
took the revenge if insulted. Most of them were
farmers who toiled in their lands. They were not
very well educated but were simple, honest
famers who got impressed by, and offered their
services to, Shivaji Raje Bhosale. The leader
walked the talk and more importantly believed
in humanity. Hence mavalas’ were treated as
assets. The incidence of the Maratha leader
could be cited here when Kondhana was to be
captured his army head said that he would first
do his duty towards the Swarajya and then only
would think of his son's marriage.
Unfortunately, in performing his duty towards
the Swarajya, he became a martyr. Shivaji Raje,
as any other noble leader would have done,
looked into the details of the wedding as if it
were his own son's wedding, and got the
wedding organized and graced it with his
presence.
Jijabai the mother of Shivaji had instilled into
him since childhood the qualities of faith,
humanity, equality and spirituality by narrating
to him the stories from Mahabharata and
Ramyana which were full of bravados and high
moral and ethical values. Ramdas Smarath was
his Guru who was appointed as a trustee and was
responsible for Shivaji’s all-round development-
in warfare’s, strategies, tactics and also to guide
him on social, political and spiritual fronts.
Shivaji Raje made the color of his flag as
Saffron and then the title came as Janata Raja or
Conscious King.
2. Mantra Two- Merit–Your Key to
Recruitment and Promotion

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 International Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Management, Vol. 3; No. 1: ISSN: 2319-3344 (Jan-June 2014)
The much sought after debate of outsourcing
your recruitment system can be answered by this
mantra which is mentioned by the author. The
recruitment system followed by Shivaji Raje
was solely on merit and people entered his
services by the method of referral which ensured
that the background check and his integrity is
ensured by the trustworthy person who
recommends him. The trustee of the Maratha
Swarajya took the main role in selecting the
right person for the right job and did not only
check on the skill set but also check on the
character and loyalty of the person. The author
mentions the practice of two kinds of
recruitments in the army one is full time
employees on salary basis and others were
appointed on project basis. When there was no
war campaigns people worked on their farms.
Thus there was never shortage in manpower or
headcount. Secondly the manpower was readily
available with multitasking as a quality. The
author cites the incidence of mapping the right
job for the right person by identifying the skill
set and competency of individual. Raje mapped
the right competencies of the people for creating
Swarajya which could be supported by examples
quoted by the author is that farmers and Malis to
cater to the food requirement of his kingdom
then there were other castes groups such as
kolis, bhandaris and the Agris were selected to
create the expertise of the navy. The tambolis,
Rangaris, Suthars, Lohars contributed for
building up Swarajya. Raje in every way
practiced the job characteristic model which is
discussed today by Oldham and Hackman. The
action point that an individual can take benefit is
that to be a good psychologist to understand
what works with people.
3. Mantra Three- Build Trust
through Effective Communication
The author has spoken very highly about Shivaji
Raje’s oratory skills. The speeches of Shivaji
Raje came from heart and that’s why they were
very closely listened and agreed upon. The
important characteristic of his speeches is that he
felt the pain and agony of people from the heart.
The leader first practiced the qualities of
honesty, truthfulness and trust and therefore won
the admiration of the Mavalas. The authors have
evolved a new word Hollow Leadership which
exists because of lack of trust that is there in
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followers. The mantras that an individual
practice to be effective is leading by example
with true communication.
4. Mantra Four- Keep Noble
Purpose of Organisation First
Shivaji Raje Bhosale had always played a role of
a caretaker for his organisation first and then on
priority basis the achievement of organizational
objectives first. The vision, mission, objectives
and goals were thoughtfully crafted and people
of Swaraj were aligned with those goals. The
author has cited the example of unfair treatment
given to Raje in the court of Aurangzeb where
Raje stood for his self respect not really getting
worried about losing his life. The much awaited
strategic victory was received by Raje when he
defeated Afzalkhan. This was an announcement
of him being the leader. Action speaks louder
than words. The leader walked the talk and
people trusted him and believed in him that no
injustice would be committed or tolerated in
Swaraj. Thus Raje won the position of King in
the people’s heart. Raje thought first and last
only about his organisation and people hence it
was a win-win synergy. The people in the top
management should involve themselves in the
act of not self interest but organizational interest.
The mantra sums up by the action points given
which talk about creating a win-win synergy
amongst people for organisation.
5. Mantra Five- Develop
Administrative Efficiency and a
Fearless Knowledgeable, Honest
Independent Board
Shivaji had a dual quality of one which was of
being a warrior and a good administrator. In
modern India according to the author the leaders
are good at being one of these. We cannot treat
routine administrative tasks as mundane but
become expert in managing those tasks which
would give us a complete view of organisation
management which could be connected to the
strategies we make for our organisation. Shivaji
Raje first introduced the concept of
Ashthapradhan council (a cabinet of 8 ministers
in the era of 16th century), along with clearly
defined roles and job descriptions. The duties
and responsibilities were clearly chalked out for
all of the ministers in the council. Shivaji Raje
was an able thinker and believed in sound
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systems and processes. He made the processes
independent and they worked well even in his
absence. The advisors who advised the King
were fearless, open minded and honest which
made King take good decisions for his Swarajya.
The author very importantly and rightly
mentioned that the grass root level
administration has to lay the plinth for strong
foundation of processes and systems. Shivaji
Raje is thus ranked to the great generals of
Alexander, Napoleon and Hannibal. Action
points summarize a very strong fact and throw
light upon leader imbibing the quality of getting
geared and operating by staying firmly on
ground.
6. Mantra Six- Foresight
Vision, Values and Ethics
The author mentions the strong fact of the word
Swaraj getting coined during the era of Shivaji.
The author appreciates the bright and fantastic
foresight of Shivaji for free and united Indian
before Independence. The author very strongly
depicts through his writings the true dedication
and national spirit Raje had for his motherland.
The feat of establishing Swarajya and capturing
forts for Swarajya would be the greatest
milestone which many leaders put together
cannot equal. A leader who lived the life of
simplicity was even witnessed by the Dutch
travelers as quoted by the author. Raje was a
great leader who walked the talk and loved his
people and motherland. Raje build rules and
emphasized on nobility of character and
discipline and good moral and values. His troops
when marching ahead for a battle were not
allowed to accompany by a woman. No children
were too allowed. The Maratha army would only
capture the male members of the enemy’s army
and treat them with respect. If any soldier
misbehaved then he would behead him to prove
the proverb action speaks louder than words
very true. The author cites an incidence of a
campagain being won were Abaji Mahadev gifts
Shivaji Raje a beautiful girl. This beautiful girl
was blessed by Shivaji Raje and made his sister
and respected for. The law making and adhering
to the law was so strong in the kingdom which
was followed not only by people but also the
people who build it. Dadaji Kondev once as
cited by the author was tempted to eat the fruit
grown on the state property tree he broke his law
and also ensured that he was punished with the
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same punishment for his act done. Action points
suggested by the author are ethics a good
roadmap for success and that great career would
only happen with career flight without foresight.
7. Mantra Seven- It is Never too
Early-To Learn to Lead
Two great individuals who moulded the
childhood of Raje through their environment and
experience are Jijabai mother of the king and
Dadaji Kondev. Firsthand knowledge of the
people the environment and its country was
explored by Raje during his childhood days.
Early battles which Raje won boosted the morale
of his troops. Battle with Afzal Khan the great
and general of the Mughals passed on a very strong
message for his enemies. The talent of practicing
leadership has to be practiced as practice leads
to perfection of the quality. Raje crafted his
army from the local people and gave them
training for the use of weapons. Action points
mentioned by the author for practice is first
develop an honest and fearless mind and take
personal initiative for your leadership success.
8. Mantra Eight- Identify Right
Mentors –Open Doors to Great
Leadership
The seeds for developing this able leader were
sown by his mother. The foundation for building
the vision of Swarajya was invoked through the
stories and the morals from the great epic of
Maharbharat and Ramyana. Secondly the trusted
Sardar Dadaji Kondev who was Raje’s coach
guided him to take decisions which made Raje
win lot of battles. As is said and proven by
research the early experiences of the child in his
childhood through education experience and
environment decide his actions and capability
for his future. The author talks about how a
person could help himself becoming a good
leader talks about how one should be alert in
picking up his or her mentors. Action points
chalked down also reflects on how organisation
senior leaders could invest time in the people to
groom people as leaders once the quality of
leadership is found in people.
9. Mantra Nine- Open Mind and
Open Eye – Adopt New and
Beneficial Trends and Technologies
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Raje took over the reins of the Swarajya when
there was innovation and new technology
shaping up. The entire battle now was fought
with the help of cannons and rifles. Raje studied
this and equipped his soldiers with new
weaponry. He also visioned to have powerful
command over water because of which the
people in his country would be safe and he
would be able to protect his motherland. The
author quotes the cycle of learning which is
learn, unlearn relearn and experience. The
organisations which would evolve would have to
face very dynamic changes in the environment
around and will have to learn and unlearn and
relearn new technologies of survival and battling
themselves in the era of competition. In doing
this the organisations should not forget that its
people that would create the differentiation
needed for it to get the best of positions. Action
points quoted by the author at the end is
definitely to innovate but not at the cost of the
people.
10. Mantra Ten- Develop
Financial Literacy for Stability and
Sustainability
This was practiced himself by Raje and the
people of the state voluntarily contributed to the
health of the state. If 50 kilogram of grain were
contributed by a family an equal 50 kilogram
was also given by the state. This helped the
villages getting self sufficient. Shivaji Raje
started engaging in foreign trade and building
fortresses. The author gives the reference of
chronicles which give the information of 700
vessels which were used for foreign trade. The
leadership learning’s as advised by the author is
to channelize the resources and make optimum
utilization of the resources for the organisation.
The action points hence talk about wise
investment and to identify what’s the difference
between the cost and investment.
11. Mantra Eleven- Respect all
Cultures –Unity in Diversity will
lead to Synergy
In 16th and 17th century the Marathas kept
fighting amongst themselves for the land and
property and more importantly went to the
Nizamshah for solving their fights. The
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Marathas had valour and bravery but they fought
amongst themselves when they started having
vatandari. In this they did not want to do
farming but take up the entire tax on the
farming. The Patils, Deshmukhs, Kulkarnis were
the small rajas of the place. They only had to
pay the tax and take care of Killedars of that
area. The Patils , Kulkarnis and Deshmukhs
were not only satisfied by their area but wanted
to take over other areas too. These led to lot of
conflicts. All these chieftains were brought
together under one roof by Shivaji Raje by his
merit as the leader. Shivaji Raje’s era saw the
first compilation of Urdu Sanskrit dictionary.
The leadership learning’s here talk about the
leader having an open mind and heart and
respect for all the cultures. Understanding this
would provide him a good organizational
climate for nurturing the organisation stronger.
The author quotes also the example of yet
another wonderful leader Mr. Nelson Mandela
who included even the whites in his leadership
array though they had troubled him in the past.
The action points here talks about collaborating
and contributing to the organizations’ growth
and people from any socio economic
background can do it. Hierarchy and
designations do matter but it’s the karma- good
work and good actions for the organisation that
counts and makes it stronger.
12. Mantra 12- Focus on
Delegation, Empowerment,
Succession Planning
The author quotes the real life incidences and
practices of Shivaji Raje which he undertook for
sound succession planning. The succession
planning policy of Shivaji Raje proves to be
established fact for appreciating merit and talent.
Raje had two sons who were given two different
territories to prove themselves. This would help
them know the management of kingdom and the
style of leadership to be nurtured by the King.
This succession planning policy was laid down
by Shivaji Raje 300 years ago. Empowerment
was well practiced by Shivaji Raje who did not
interfere in the judiciary and hence the judiciary
could take effective decisions without fear or
favor and in the best interests of the people and
of justice. Such a flawless succession planning
would help the kingdom for expansion and
would not cause any rifts. Organizations should
imbibe this learning’s. The author talks about
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the delegation quality of subordinates to whom

the task is delegated should be made to realize
that results obtained by passing correct
procedures are not acceptable, and would harm
the organisation in the long run. This fact should
be ingrained in their minds before tasks are
delegated. Then only the delegation is complete.
The action points here that one should think are
a leader should take high responsibility and
delegate the tasks to the employees for higher
responsibility for the leader.

13. Mantra 13- Leave a Lasting

Legacy for Future Generations to
Build on
Raje started the journey by a piece of jagir
carefully build on a thoughtful and clear vision
by practicing the management principles which
we discuss till date. The childhood was gifted
with the wonderful nurturing and sowing of the
seeds for Swarajya by mother Jijabai and who
pushed this vision by his willing support by
father Shahaji helped Raje build the foundation
of Hindavi Swaraj. This Swaraj was on the
pillars of humanity, values, ethics, management
and leadership. All patriotic individuals could
find safety and security after taking refuge in
Raje’s swaraj. The action points suggest that the
organisation is bigger than any individual and
should last longer than the life of any individual
associated with it. A Janata and Kalyankari king
who would be remembered for all the
generations in future for the massive task of
nation building and uniting people for one
unified cause of building Swarajaya. The king
who has left a legacy of good deeds which if
emulated would create the best of leaders and
world class organizations.

14. Conclusion
For practicing leaders all the mantras would act
as a pill. If taken with the right dosage would
lead to effective practicing of leadership thereby
crafting the organizations from good to great to
survive and sustain.

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