The capital of Shivaji’s empire was Raigad Fort. Strategically located in the rugged Western Ghats, Raigad was Shivaji’s most secure fortress. It served as the administrative, military and political centre of the nascent Maratha state and was the site of his formal coronation as Chhatrapati in 1674. Answer is (D) Raigad
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The capital of Shivaji’s independent Maratha state was the imposing hill fort of Raigad. Chosen for its naturally defensible location high in the Sahyadri mountains, Raigad was transformed by Shivaji into a sophisticated administrative and political hub. Its deep treasury, extensive granaries and strong fortifications made it the ideal centre from which the Chhatrapati could govern the kingdom, demonstrating the Maratha reliance on strong, fortified positions for their political base.