Spreading misinformation appears to be a routine practice for the ruling DMK, with a recent instance involving Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu. While addressing the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, he claimed that no “northern invasion”—from Alexander the Great to Chhatrapati Shivaji—had ever succeeded in conquering Tamil Nadu, highlighting the state’s uniqueness. Though most of his statement was historically accurate, the mention of Chhatrapati Shivaji was factually incorrect which has sparked intellectual debate in social media.
During the debate on the 2025-26 Budget in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu stated, “I don’t need to tell you that Tamil Nadu has never bowed its head to any domination from the North at any point in its history. Alexander the Great came to India but Tamil Nadu was never on the path of his conquest. The Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, could not even touch borders of Tamil Nadu. The wheel of Ashoka’s rule did not turn in Tamil land. Although the Gupta era was called the golden age, the Samudra Gupta’s footstep did not set foot in this Tamil land until the end. Kanishka’s rule never crossed the south of the Vindhya’s. Akbar Badusha’s kingdom could not reach Tamil Nadu. Aurangzeb was not only the Badusha of Hindustan but he also declared himself as the emperor of the universe, even though he could not conquer Tamil Nadu. Even the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was called the mountain rat by Aurangzeb, could not rule Tamil Nadu either.”
“அலெக்ஸாண்டர் முதல் சத்ரபதி சிவாஜி வரை… யாராலும் அது முடியவில்லை; தமிழ் மண்ணுக்கு மட்டுமே உரித்தான வரலாறு இது!” – நிதியமைச்சர் தங்கம் தென்னரசு#TNAssembly | #ThangamThenarasu | #MKStalin pic.twitter.com/54KyagbdCk
— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) March 21, 2025
Did Chhatrapati Shivaji Set Foot In And Conquer Tamil Lands?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, played a significant role in Tamil Nadu’s history through his military campaigns and visits. His influence extended to key regions, including the conquest of strategic forts and cultural engagements.
Shivaji’s Connection To Tamil Nadu:
Conquest Of Gingee And Vellore:
During his Dakshin Digvijay (Southern Conquest) campaign, Shivaji captured the strategic forts of Gingee (troy of the east) and Vellore, strengthening Maratha influence in Tamil Nadu.
Gingee Fort (1677):
Originally built by the Gingee Nayaks, the fort was later occupied by the Bijapur Sultans. Shivaji recaptured and reinforced it, making it a vital stronghold of the Marathas.
Establishment Of The Thanjavur Maratha Kingdom (1675):
Shivaji’s half-brother, Venkoji (Ekoji), established the Thanjavur Maratha Kingdom, further extending Maratha rule in the region.
Stay In Chennai & Interaction With The British:
Historical records suggest that Shivaji stayed near Armenian Street during his visit to Chennai. He even approached Fort St. George, requesting the assistance of British engineers, but the East India Company declined.
Visit To Kalikambal Temple (1677):
In 1677, Shivaji Maharaj visited the historic Kalikambal Temple in Chennai, located in the George Town area.
Rebuilding Of A Shiva Temple:
There are accounts that Shivaji Maharaj took the initiative to rebuild a Shiva temple in Tiruvannamalai, which had been destroyed by the Mughals.
These events highlight Shivaji’s deep connection to Tamil Nadu, challenging claims that he never set foot in the region.
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