Jijabai, Shivaji’s mother, was his most significant and profound influence. She was instrumental in shaping his character and political ideology. She taught him the Hindu epic stories and instilled in him a deep sense of justice and the importance of Swaraj (self-rule). Along with his guardian, Dadaji Kondadev (who trained him in administration), Jijabai provided the moral and religious conviction that underpinned Shivaji’s lifelong mission to liberate the Maratha homeland from foreign rule.