350th Anniversary Celebrations Of Shivaji Maharaj’s Coronation
Recently, celebrations have begun to mark the 350th anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Celebrations have begun at the Raigad Fort in Maharashtra to mark the 350th anniversary of Shivarajyabhishek of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The coronation of Shivaji Maharaj took place on June 6, 1674 at Raigarh Fort. At the same place he had laid the foundation of “Hindavi Swaraj”. On this occasion, he also assumed the title of ‘Chhatrapati’.
Raigarh Fort is a hill fort. It is located about 25 km from Mahad in Raigad district. The early Europeans called it the ‘Gibraltar of the East’. The chief architect of this fort was Hiroji Indulka.
An artificial lake is visible from this fort. It is known as ‘Ganga Sagar Lake’. The only main road leading to the fort passes through the “Maha-Darwaja” (Great Gate).
The ancient name of Raigarh fort was Rairi. In the 12th century, this fort was under the control of the Maratha Shirke dynasty.
Importance of Raigarh Fort
- The fort helped Shivaji challenge the supremacy of the Adilshahi dynasty. Also, it provided them a way to expand their power towards Konkan.
- This place emerged as the center of Shivaji’s rule.
- Shivaji died in the fort of Raigarh in the year 1680 and was cremated in the fort itself.
Other forts and their significance –
- Murud-Janjira Fort: This fort is situated on the Arabian Sea coast. It is considered one of the strongest sea forts in India. The special attraction of this fort is the 3 giant cannons, namely- Kalalbangadi, Chawri and Landa Kasam.
- Kolaba Fort: This fort was one of the major naval centers of the Maratha Empire.
- Pratapgarh Fort: This fort is famous for the encounter between Shivaji and Afzal Khan.
- Sindhudurg Fort: It is known as one of the finest sea forts in India. It was built during the reign of Shivaji on an island in the Konkan region.
- Shivneri Fort: This fort is the birth place of Shivaji. He never ruled this fort.
- Purandar Fort: This fort is the birth place of Shivaji’s son Sambhaji. It is considered an important fort because of the role of this fort in the Adilshahi dynasty and Shivaji’s victory over the Mughals.
- Torna Fort: This is the first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj at the age of 16.
Source – Indian Express
