Timeline of Coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Shivrajyabhishek was the prestigious moment for the Maratha State, as it mark the official social, cultural, political, and religious confirmation to the sovereign authority of Shri Shivchhatrapati over the Maratha State. following timeline attempts to cover few or some events pertaining to the grand coronation ceremony. dates mentioned in the timeline are in dd.mm.yyyy format:
Preparations:
- 32 Man Golden Throne, approximately total weight of throne was 1.280 tons.
- More than 1000 Brahmins along with their families for rituals and population from the different corners of the Maratha State along with the representatives from European trading companies were invited.
- Water from sacred rivers of India.
- Construction of Homa Shala.
- Acquiring necessary material for Ceremony.
| 1672-73 | Preparation for Coronation began. |
| February 1674 | Arrival of Vishweshwarabhatta is also known as Gagabhatta at Raigad. |
| 24.02.1674 | Martyrdom of Commander in Chief of Maratha Army, Prataprao Gujar. |
| March-April 1674 | Hambirrao Mohite was appointed as Commander in Chief of Maratha Army. |
| March 1674 | During the first week of March 1674, Shivaji Maharaj arrived at Raigad. |
| March 1674 | During Third or Fourth week of March 1674, Kashibai, wife of Shivaji Maharaj died. |
| April 1674 | Shivaji Maharaj defeated the Diler Khan, Mughal Governor of Deccan and Bahlol Khan, Adilshahi Commander near Panhala fort. |
| 15.05.1674 | Shivaji Maharaj returned to Raigad. |
| 17-18.05.1674 | worship of Goddess Tuljabhawani at Pratapgad and presented golden umbrella cost Rs. 56,000 to the goddess. |
| 21.05.1674 | Shivaji Maharaj returned to Raigad. |
| 29.05.1674 | Sacred thread ceremony was performed for Shivaji Maharaja and Tuladan was carried out with gold, silver, etc. weight of Maharaj was around 140-150 lbs. i.e., 63 to 68 Kg. |
| 30.05.1674 | Ganesh Pujan, ceremonial marriage ceremony, was carried out between Shivaji Maharaj and his wives. |
| 31.05.1674 | Shivaji Maharaj observed fast and Aindrashanti commenced. |
| 01.06.1674 | Grahayadnya and Nakshatrahoma performed. |
| 03.06.1674 | Nakshatrayadnya and Uttarpujan were carried out. |
| 04.06.1674 | Nivrittiyag was performed at night. |
| 05.06.1674 | Aindrashanti was completed, and from the evening the main ceremony of Maharajabhisheka began. |
| 06.06.1674 | Jyeshtha Shukla Trayodashi, 13th day of bright half of the Jeshtha Month of Shaka 1596, Anand Samwatsar (Name of the Year). Maharajabhishek or Shivrajabhishek or Aindrabhishek was performed. Simhasanarohan (Ascending the throne) One and a quarter hours before the Sunrise. Yuvarajabhishek was performed and Yuvaraj Sambhaji Raje acquired next seat to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja. “Kshatriya Kulawatansa Shri Raja Shivchhatrapti” title was adopted, abhishek with golden coins were performed. Ratharohan (Chariot ceremony) was performed, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj travelled in Chariot with weapons like Bow and arrow. Raja Darshan (court was held and first appearance was made to public) by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shivashaka or Shivrajyabhisheka Shaka began, commencement of new era was initiated for calculating time. |
| 07.06.1674 | Distribution of wealth and material used in Coronation ceremony began, 3 or 4 rupees to each man and 1 or 2 rupees to each woman and children, food, material, and money was distributed for next 12 days. |
After the Grand Coronation ceremony, the Simhasanpatti was levied on Watandars.
The approximate cost of Ceremony was 5 crores as per the Sabhasad Bakhar probably including ceremony, throne, embellishments of the capital. 50 lakhs as per Jadunath Sarkar the cost of actual ceremony.
Forming the Ashtapradhan Mandal, Council of Eight Ministers for the smooth administration of the Maratha State.
Minting New Gold and Copper Coins bearing the Shri Raja Shiv or Chhatrapati.
References:
- Bendrey V. S., Ed., Coronation of Shivaji the Great, Gagabhattakrut ShriShivarajyabhishekprayoga, P.P.H. Bookstall, Bombay (now Mumbai), 1960.
- Mehendale Gajanan Bhaskar, Shivaji His life and Times, Param Mitra Publication, Thane, 2011.
- Sardesai Govind Sakharam, New history of the Marathas, Vol. 1, 2nd ed., Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, New Delhi, 1986
- Sardesai Govind Sakharam, Marathi Riyasat, Khanda 1, 4th ed., Popular Publication, Mumbai, 1988.