Coronation of Shivaji
Also called: Shivrajyabhishek · Topic: The Marathas · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 3 "The Marathas"
Meaning
In 1674 Shivaji was crowned king with full Vedic rites at the mountain fort of Raigad. The priest Gaga Bhatt performed the ceremony, which is called the Shivrajyabhishek. Shivaji took the title "Shri Raja Shiva Chhatrapati" and began his own era for counting years, the Rajyabhisheka shaka. The coronation openly declared him a sovereign ruler. He was no longer just a rebel chief or a jagirdar (holder of a land grant).
Example
After his coronation at Raigad in 1674, Shivaji led the dakshina-digvijaya (conquest of the South). This extended his kingdom into present-day northern Tamil Nadu and parts of Karnataka.
Don't confuse with
- Rajgad: Rajgad was an earlier Maratha fort and capital. The coronation took place at Raigad.
- Treaty of Purandar: That was a defeat in which Shivaji gave up land to the Mughals. The coronation came later and marked his full independence.