Born in 1630, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the Maratha Empire in Western India. Rising from a regional chieftain to an esteemed warrior, he established a strategic and progressive realm renowned for its governance, promotion of a secular national identity, and pioneering naval strength to safeguard India's coastline. Crowned in 1674, Shivaji’s enduring legacy as a symbol of resistance, justice, and visionary leadership continues to inspire generations across India.
In alignment with the Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies (CMHCS) charter, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Chair of Excellence was created in 2001 to nurture the next generation of military historians and strategic thinkers. This initiative reaffirms CMHCS’s commitment to excellence in research, education, and outreach in the field of military history. The first Chair was awarded to Lt Gen Gurbir Mansingh (Retd) for research on the subject of ‘French Military Influence in India’.
At present the Chair is vacant.
|
Year |
Chair of Excellence Awarded to |
Research/Publication |
|---|---|---|
|
2001-02 |
Lt Gen Gurbir Mansingh (Retd) |
‘French Military Influence in India’ |
|
2002-03 |
Air Cmde A K Tiwary, VSM |
‘Operational History of the Indian Air Force’ |
|
2006-07
|
Maj Gen VK Singh (Retd) |
‘Contribution of the Armed Forces to the Freedom Movement in India’ |
|
2008-09 |
Col AA Athale |
‘In-depth Comparative study of Insurgencies and Peace Processes’ |
|
2009-10 |
Brig SP Sinha, VSM (Retd) |
‘Customs and Traditions of the Indian Armed Forces’ |
|
2013-14 |
Dr. Amit Pathak
|
‘Alha-Udal Ballad Rendition of Western UP’ |
|
2014-15
|
Air Mshl Bharat Kumar, PVSM, AVSM (Retd) |
‘Air Power in Support of Operation Pawan’ |
|
2015-16 |
Maj Gen Ian Cardozo, AVSM, SM (Retd)
|
‘India in World War I’ |
|
2019-20 |
Col Mandeep Singh (Retd) |
‘History of Indian Air Defence Artillery 1940-45’ |
|
2020-21 |
Maj Gen Ardaman Jit Singh Sandhu, VSM (Retd)
|
‘Military Biography of the Late Lt Gen Jaswant Singh, PVSM, AVSM**’ |