Discuss the coronation of Shivaji Maharaj.

Instructions:
Your answer should have the following points:

• Why did Shivaji decide to get coronated
• Shivaji Maharaj getting coronated twice
• The activities that took place during the coronation

Solution:

• Shivaji Maharaj had realised that it was vital for the Swaraj to win general recognition as a sovereign independent State.
• For this to happen, a formal coronation was necessary.
• Shivaji Maharaj decided to get coronated twice to honour the Vedic and Tantric traditions of religious ceremonies in India
• Shivaji’s first coronation took place On 6 June 1674, at
• Raigad by Gagabhatt, a learned Pandit.
• His second coronation took place on 24 September 1674 under the guidance of Nischalpuri Gosavi.
• On the occasion of the coronation, special coins were minted – a gold coin called Hon and a copper coin called Shivrai with the legend ‘Shri Raja Shivachhatrapati’ inscribed on them.
• A dictionary showing Sanskrit alternatives for Persian words was also prepared. It was known as Rajya-vyavahara-kosha.