Shivaji

Shivaji Bhonsle, also known as Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj (February 19, 1630 - April 3, 1680) was the founder of the Maratha empire in western India in 1674.

Coronation

A thread ceremony (Upanayanam) took place on May 29, 1674, and then a Vratya Stoma ceremony was performed.

Related Topics:
Upanayanam - May 29 - 1674

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Shivaji was formally crowned Chatrapati ("Holder of the Umbrella", representing the protection he bestowed on his people) on June 6, 1674 at the Raigad fort, and given the title, Kshatriya Kulavatmsa Simhasanadeeshwar Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Pandit Gaga Bhatt, a Brahmin from Varanasi, officially presided over the ceremony. A few days later a second ceremony was carried out, this time according to the Bengal school of Tantricism and presided over by Nischal Puri.

Related Topics:
June 6 - 1674 - Raigad - Brahmin - Varanasi - Tantricism

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The coronation itself was the subject of controversy among the inner circles of Shivaji, on doubts over Shivaji's status as a Kshatriya, since a Kshatriya alone could be crowned a King {{ref|Sikhs}}. Some historians attribute the need for the coronation to resentment by the other Maratha Deccan nobles of Shivaji's success (he being a Bhosle) and his taking a higher seat than them at state dinners {{ref|Vaidya}}.

Related Topics:
Kshatriya - Deccan

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Henry Oxinden (later Acting President of the Bombay Presidency) from the British East India Company was present at the ceremony.

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