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Ayushree

In Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan, the ‘Sar-e-Naubat’ (also Senapati) meant the Commander-in-Chief. He was responsible for the recruitment, discipline and organization of the Maratha army. Critically, the Sar-e-Naubat was primarily a military officer and had no civil authority, ensuring military power remained ...

Ayushree

The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb consistently referred to Shivaji using derogatory terms like ‘mountain rat’ (pahari chuha) and a ‘daring bandit’. These terms reflected the Mughal court’s frustration with Shivaji’s successful guerrilla tactics and his ability to repeatedly evade capture, undermine ...

Ayushree

Shivaji’s last major military campaign was the Karnataka campaign (1677–1678). This campaign was highly successful, bringing significant territories in the south (including Jinji and Vellore) under Maratha control, extending the state’s reach to the east coast and providing immense wealth, ...

Ayushree

On the occasion of his coronation, Shivaji did NOT abolish all types of taxes. In fact, he started a new era (Rajya Shaka), had a new seal made and assumed grand titles like Kshatriyakulavatans and’Haindava Dharmoddharak. Abolishing all taxes was ...

Ayushree

The famous scholar from Kashi who performed Shivaji’s coronation was Shri Vishweshwar Ji Gangabhatt. Gangabhatt was a highly respected Sanskrit scholar and Brahmin. His participation was crucial as it certified Shivaji’s status as a high-caste Kshatriya, providing the necessary religious ...