Shivaji's Coronation: The Radical Act of Becoming Chhatrapati

In 1674, Shivaji Maharaj crowned himself Chhatrapati at Raigad in a stunningly unconventional ceremony. This episode explores why he rejected a Mughal-sponsored coronation, the Vedic rituals he commissioned from Gaga Bhatt, and the political symbolism of the saffron flag. We discuss the timing—just after Aurangzeb's jizya reimposition—and the message to both Hindu and Muslim subjects. Lucas and Luna unpack the controversy over his 'low' Bhonsle lineage, the role of the Ashta Pradhan council, and how the coronation unified the Maratha Confederacy. We also touch on the forgotten figure of Hiroji Farzand, the architect who rebuilt Raigad. A story of sovereignty, legitimacy, and the cultural roots of Swarajya. #ShivajiMaharaj #Chhatrapati #Raigad #Coronation #MarathaEmpire #Swarajya #GagaBhatt #AshtaPradhan #HindaviSwarajya #Bhonsle #Aurangzeb #Mughal #Deccan #1674 #VedicRituals #IndianHistory #FexingoHistory #History #RaigadFort #PratapgadBattle Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo