Religion

Shivaji was a devout Hindu and he respected all religions within the region. Shivaji Maharaj had great respect for Warkari saints like Tukaram and Sufi Muslim pir Shaikh Yacub Baba Avaliya of Konkan.[27] He also visited Mouni Maharaj at Patgaon (Bhudargad Taluka near Gargoti) in Kolhapur district.

Maharaj and Samarth Ramdas are said to have first met in 1674. Shivaji said to have requested Ramdas to shift his residence to a fort named Parali & establish his permanent monastery there. The fort was subsequently renamed Sajjangad. Shivaji frequently visited Ramdas to seek his blessings & advice regarding religious issues.

Shivaji allowed his subjects freedom of religion and opposed forced conversion.[8][28] The first thing Shivaji did after a conquest was to promulgate protection of mosques and Muslim tombs.

He commanded the respect and fealty of the Muslims under his command by his fair treatment of his friends as well as enemies.[8] Kafi Khan, the Mughal historian and Bernier, a French traveler, spoke highly of his religious policy. He also brought back converts like Netaji Palkar and Bajaji in to Hinduism. He prohibited slavery in his kingdom.[8] Shivaji Maharaj applied a humane and liberal policy to the women of his state.[29] There are many instances in folklore which describe Shivaji's respect for women, irrespective of their religion, nationality, or creed.

Shivaji's sentiments of inclusivity and tolerance of other religions can be seen in an admonishing letter to Aurangzeb, in which he wrote:'[29][30][31]
“ Verily, Islam and Hinduism are terms of contrast. They are used by the true Divine Painter for blending the colours and filling in the outlines. If it is a mosque, the call to prayer is chanted in remembrance of Him. If it is a temple, the bells are rung in yearning for Him alone