"Saying that Shivaji Maharaj looted Surat would be an insult to the Maratha warrior," said Modi during a function at the Raigad fort organised by Sangli-based foundation Shiv Pratishthan.
"He looted Aurangazeb's treasure with help of local people which was used for welfare of the common man," he said. A "distorted" image of Shivaji has been projected for long, Modi said.
"He is shown just as a warrior. But, Shivaji was an excellent administrator whose style of functioning is relevant even today. This aspect is ignored," he added.