Acharya Nay Padmasagar’s claim that Maharani Tararani was a Jain queen has stirred controversy as the statement goes against history claiming her as the daughter-in-law of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and one the most important figures in Maratha history
-1775026748383_d.png "Acharya Nay Padmasagar’s Maharani Tararani remark triggers political, public outrage")
Maharani Tararani. Representational pic
A recent statement by Jain monk Acharya Nayan Padmasagar has sparked widespread debate and criticism in Maharashtra. Speaking at a Jain community event in Mumbai, the monk claimed that Maharani Tararani, the legendary Maratha queen who fought against Aurangzeb, belonged to the Jain community. Historians, political leaders, and civil society have described the remarks as a distortion of history.
What exactly did Acharya Nay Padmasagar say?
During the event, the monk made the following claimed that that Tararani, the wife of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, was born “to destroy Aurangzeb” and described her as a Jain queen.
In his exact statement, "When Muhammad Ghori invaded the country, a Jain queen of Mewar drew her sword. After that, for many years, no one dared to raise an eye on our country. Taking up the sword to protect traditions and culture is called religion. Vikramaditya helped free the entire India. Aurangzeb captured and mistreated Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. At that time, another Jain queen was born, and she was Tararani."
He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying India became truly independent under his leadership and highlighting Modi’s work on the Ram temple as a gift to Hindus.
Historical facts about Maharani Tararani
However, historical records present a different narrative about Maharani Tararani. She was the daughter of Humbirrao Mohite, the commander-in-chief of the Maratha empire, and belonged to the Mohite clan. Tararani married Chhatrapati Rajaram I in 1682 at the age of eight, becoming the daughter-in-law of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
After the deaths of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Rajaram Maharaj, Tararani led the Marathas in their fight against Aurangzeb for nearly 25 years.Trained from a young age in archery, sword fighting and diplomacy, she had witnessed numerous battles with the Mughals and later established the Kolhapur throne. Her contributions are widely recognized as a symbol of Maratha leadership and resistance.
Reactions from the public and community
The statement by Acharya Nay Padmasagar has drawn strong reactions from civil society and community leaders.
Subhash Talekar, president of the Mumbai Dabewala Association, expressed protest while respecting the monk, stating that monks should preach and give good teachings but should not attempt to alter Maratha history. He emphasised that the Maratha community had fought for Hindavi Swarajya with courage and that historically there is no connection between the Marathas and the Jain community regarding Tararani. Talekar urged Acharya Nay Padmasagar to withdraw his statement and express regret.
While, Sanjay Raut, member of the Rajya Sabha and Shiv Sena (UBT) also took to X asking why the ruling leaders who parade themselves as Marathas remain silent about the controversial statement.
काय सुरू आहे महाराष्ट्रात?
— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) April 1, 2026
शिवरायांचे राज्य इतके नपुसंक का झाले आहे?
एक जैन मुनी उपमुख्यमंत्री एकनाथ शिंदे यांच्या समोर सांगतात की महाराणी ताराराणी जैन धर्मीय होत्या!
औरंगजेबाशी झुंज देणाऱ्या वीरांगना ताराराणींचे धर्मांतर करण्याचा अधिकार याना दिला कोणी?
ताराराणी शिवरायांचे… pic.twitter.com/UaNX3BzKus
Why the controversy matters
Maharani Tararani is one of the most important figures in Maratha history, celebrated for her leadership, courage, and resistance against the Mughals. Claims about her belonging to a different community are seen as a distortion of history. Misrepresenting such historical figures can inflame community sentiments and create unnecessary social debate.
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