Shivaji: The Indian Management Guru

As students of MBA, we are pushed to read the book “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu -One of the greatest books on strategy. It’s a known fact that in businesses, we should be taking inspiration, analogies and ideas from the strategies used by the kings and commanders during great wars and battles fought in history. When we speak of strategies, the first name that comes in mind is that of our Swaraj Rakshak Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

There are impeccable lessons that we can learn from the life of Shivaji Maharaj that are relevant today. The only regret is that these lessons have not been practiced nor have been a part of the curriculum taught in Business Schools. One such incidence that I recollect at this instant is the slaying of Afzal Khan. When Afzal Khan arrived with a huge army near the Pratapgarh Fort, Shivaji Maharaj took the initiative to meet this cunning commander and put an end to his dreadful rule. He took into his own hands to execute Afzal Khan in his own way thus depleting the morale of Afzal Khan’s huge army that had besieged the fort. This is the classic citation of “Lead by Example” put forth by Shivaji Maharaj.

Remembering this great Marathi King and able strategist, I have had the pleasure of listening to the lectures about the Management Styles of Shivaji from Mr. S. B. Mantri who has authored a Marathi Book with the same title. Infact, I am very glad to mention that “Vishwakarma Publications” soon would be releasing the translated version of the same book in English.

On the occasion of Shiv Jayanti, I offer my regards to our great king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and pray that all of us are motivated to learn from his stories.

Bharat Agarwal