2016-02-19 Fri

Shivaji Bhonsle , also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj an Indian warrior king and founder of Hindavi Swaraja was born on February 19th 1630!

In 1674, he was formally crowned at Raigad as the Chhatrapati of his Swaraja which he had built from the declining Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur. He invented military tactics, pioneering the guerrilla warfare methods.

He revived ancient Hindu political traditions and court conventions and promoted the usage of Marathi and Sanskrit, rather than Persian, in court and administration. In an attempt of reviving Marathi and Sanskrit he commissioned the compiling of the “Rajyavyavahara Kosh”, a dictionary of Marathi words for the prominent Persian words then used in Marathi language.

As a symbol of sovereignty, the Rajyaabhisheka Shaka (The Coronation Era) was started and on the occasion of coronation of Shivaji Maharaj, special coins were minted, including a gold coin. The gold coins minted by Shivaji were called as “hons” and the copper were called as “shivrai”. These coins have Shri Raja ShivaChhatrapati, in Devanagari, inscribed on them.

In 1999 an INR 2 copper-nickel coin was issued in his commemoration for general circulation along with two other coins of INR 50 and INR 100 rupees, as uncirculated / proof specimens. Also in 1961 a 15 Naye Paise stamp was issued which depicts the portrait of Shivaji Maharaj in full glory astride a galloping horse. Further two more commemorative stamps were issued to commemorate the coronation and death of Shivaji Maharaj.

To know more about the coins and stamps click on the links below:

http://www.mintageworld.com/stamp/detail/561

http://www.mintageworld.com/stamp/detail/810

http://www.mintageworld.com/stamp/detail/1016

http://www.mintageworld.com/coin/detail/19236