Shri Vishweshwar Ji Gangabhatt (or Gaga Bhatt) was the eminent Brahmin scholar from Kashi (Varanasi) who officiated Shivaji's coronation in 1674. Gangabhatt’s presence was essential because he was widely recognized as the greatest authority on Vedic learning. . By performing the ancient Vedic ritesRead more
Shri Vishweshwar Ji Gangabhatt (or Gaga Bhatt) was the eminent Brahmin scholar from Kashi (Varanasi) who officiated Shivaji’s coronation in 1674. Gangabhatt’s presence was essential because he was widely recognized as the greatest authority on Vedic learning. . By performing the ancient Vedic rites and declaring Shivaji a Kshatriyakulavatamsa (Ornament of Kshatriya families), Gangabhatt successfully overcame the skepticism of local Brahmins and provided the powerful religious and social foundation needed for a new, independent Maratha monarchy.
Shivaji did not abolish all types of taxes on the occasion of his coronation. This would have been fiscally impossible for a state constantly at war. The coronation was marked by several symbolic acts: he assumed the high titles 'Kshatriyakulavatans' and 'Haindavadharmoddharak', started a new officiRead more
Shivaji did not abolish all types of taxes on the occasion of his coronation. This would have been fiscally impossible for a state constantly at war. The coronation was marked by several symbolic acts: he assumed the high titles ‘Kshatriyakulavatans‘ and ‘Haindavadharmoddharak’, started a new official calendar called the Rajya Shaka (Coronation Era) and minted coins in his own name. . While he rationalized and standardized existing revenue demands like Chauth and Sardeshmukhi, he certainly did not eliminate the state’s entire revenue stream.
Shivaji's last great military campaign was the Karnataka campaign of 1677–1678. This highly ambitious expedition involved marching across the peninsula and capturing key forts like Jinji and Vellore, as well as territories from the Bijapur Sultanate. The campaign served multiple goals: it secured hiRead more
Shivaji’s last great military campaign was the Karnataka campaign of 1677–1678. This highly ambitious expedition involved marching across the peninsula and capturing key forts like Jinji and Vellore, as well as territories from the Bijapur Sultanate. The campaign served multiple goals: it secured his father’s Jagirs, provided a second, secure base area (Jinji) and brought vast new lands and immense wealth into the Maratha Empire, establishing Maratha power in South India just two years before his death.
The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb frequently and contemptuously referred to Shivaji as a 'mountain rat' (pahari chuha) or a 'daring bandit'. These names were an expression of Aurangzeb's profound frustration. Shivaji’s mastery of Bargigiri allowed him to launch lightning raids and ambushes from his mountRead more
The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb frequently and contemptuously referred to Shivaji as a ‘mountain rat’ (pahari chuha) or a ‘daring bandit’. These names were an expression of Aurangzeb’s profound frustration. Shivaji’s mastery of Bargigiri allowed him to launch lightning raids and ambushes from his mountain forts, neutralizing the massive Mughal army’s strengths. The persistent use of such terms in Mughal court records underscores the Mughal inability to deal effectively with the innovative Maratha guerrilla warfare.
The 'Sar-e-Naubat' (literally, Chief of the Military or Senapati) was the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces in Shivaji's Ashtapradhan. This minister was responsible for the overall organization, maintenance and deployment of the army, including both cavalry (Paga) and infantry. Although a key mRead more
The ‘Sar-e-Naubat’ (literally, Chief of the Military or Senapati) was the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces in Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan. This minister was responsible for the overall organization, maintenance and deployment of the army, including both cavalry (Paga) and infantry. Although a key ministerial post, the Sar-e-Naubat‘s power was deliberately limited to military affairs, ensuring the separation of civil and military authority, which was a hallmark of Shivaji’s administrative system.
Which famous scholar from Kashi performed Shivaji’s coronation?
Shri Vishweshwar Ji Gangabhatt (or Gaga Bhatt) was the eminent Brahmin scholar from Kashi (Varanasi) who officiated Shivaji's coronation in 1674. Gangabhatt’s presence was essential because he was widely recognized as the greatest authority on Vedic learning. . By performing the ancient Vedic ritesRead more
Shri Vishweshwar Ji Gangabhatt (or Gaga Bhatt) was the eminent Brahmin scholar from Kashi (Varanasi) who officiated Shivaji’s coronation in 1674. Gangabhatt’s presence was essential because he was widely recognized as the greatest authority on Vedic learning. . By performing the ancient Vedic rites and declaring Shivaji a Kshatriyakulavatamsa (Ornament of Kshatriya families), Gangabhatt successfully overcame the skepticism of local Brahmins and provided the powerful religious and social foundation needed for a new, independent Maratha monarchy.
See lessWhat did Shivaji NOT do on the occasion of his coronation?
Shivaji did not abolish all types of taxes on the occasion of his coronation. This would have been fiscally impossible for a state constantly at war. The coronation was marked by several symbolic acts: he assumed the high titles 'Kshatriyakulavatans' and 'Haindavadharmoddharak', started a new officiRead more
Shivaji did not abolish all types of taxes on the occasion of his coronation. This would have been fiscally impossible for a state constantly at war. The coronation was marked by several symbolic acts: he assumed the high titles ‘Kshatriyakulavatans‘ and ‘Haindavadharmoddharak’, started a new official calendar called the Rajya Shaka (Coronation Era) and minted coins in his own name. . While he rationalized and standardized existing revenue demands like Chauth and Sardeshmukhi, he certainly did not eliminate the state’s entire revenue stream.
See lessWhat was Shivaji’s last military campaign?
Shivaji's last great military campaign was the Karnataka campaign of 1677–1678. This highly ambitious expedition involved marching across the peninsula and capturing key forts like Jinji and Vellore, as well as territories from the Bijapur Sultanate. The campaign served multiple goals: it secured hiRead more
Shivaji’s last great military campaign was the Karnataka campaign of 1677–1678. This highly ambitious expedition involved marching across the peninsula and capturing key forts like Jinji and Vellore, as well as territories from the Bijapur Sultanate. The campaign served multiple goals: it secured his father’s Jagirs, provided a second, secure base area (Jinji) and brought vast new lands and immense wealth into the Maratha Empire, establishing Maratha power in South India just two years before his death.
See lessWho called Shivaji a ‘mountain rat’ and a ‘daring bandit’? (A) Aurangzeb (B) Jai Singh (C) Afzal Khan (D) None of these
The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb frequently and contemptuously referred to Shivaji as a 'mountain rat' (pahari chuha) or a 'daring bandit'. These names were an expression of Aurangzeb's profound frustration. Shivaji’s mastery of Bargigiri allowed him to launch lightning raids and ambushes from his mountRead more
The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb frequently and contemptuously referred to Shivaji as a ‘mountain rat’ (pahari chuha) or a ‘daring bandit’. These names were an expression of Aurangzeb’s profound frustration. Shivaji’s mastery of Bargigiri allowed him to launch lightning raids and ambushes from his mountain forts, neutralizing the massive Mughal army’s strengths. The persistent use of such terms in Mughal court records underscores the Mughal inability to deal effectively with the innovative Maratha guerrilla warfare.
See lessWhat was the meaning of ‘Sar-e-Naubat’?
The 'Sar-e-Naubat' (literally, Chief of the Military or Senapati) was the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces in Shivaji's Ashtapradhan. This minister was responsible for the overall organization, maintenance and deployment of the army, including both cavalry (Paga) and infantry. Although a key mRead more
The ‘Sar-e-Naubat’ (literally, Chief of the Military or Senapati) was the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces in Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan. This minister was responsible for the overall organization, maintenance and deployment of the army, including both cavalry (Paga) and infantry. Although a key ministerial post, the Sar-e-Naubat‘s power was deliberately limited to military affairs, ensuring the separation of civil and military authority, which was a hallmark of Shivaji’s administrative system.
See less