Which Fort Served as the Capital of the Maratha Empire?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was able to ascend to a hill fort chieftain and architect of Maratha rule, challenging the Mughal rule by daring raids, and using shrewd governance. 

It was the historic coronation of his reign, and in 1674, he was crowned here on the fort of Raigad, which was made the new capital of the Marathas, and declared independent of imperial sanction. 

This act was a symbol of birth of self-rule meaning its inspiration of generations in the power struggles during Deccan.

The Emergence of the Marathas Pre 1674

Shivaji was born in the year 1630 CE in the Shivneri Fort and then his journey began with conquests, which included Torna Fort (1646) against Bijapur Sultanate. 

The main capital since 1648 was Rajgad Fort where key battles were fought including Pratapgad (1659, defeat of Afzal Khan) and escapes during sieges of Panhala. 

Pune became an administrative centre however, as the threats of the Mughals continued to grow under Aurangzeb, there was a need to have a stronghold that was impregnable.

Why was Raigad Chosen?

It used to be Murumbdev under Chandrarao More and was captured by Shivaji some time in 1656 and renamed as Raigad, where he hoped to establish a royal stronghold. 

It was up in the air, 2,700 feet high with sheer valleys that surrounded it, so only one steep route was available with reinforcement with ropes and made it almost impossible to achieve. 

Hiroji Indulkar also supervised expansions such as palaces, cisterns, and markets making it a self-sustaining citadel by 1674. Its location in the heart of the Sahyadri and its closeness to Konkan favored the naval aspirations and eclipsed the weakness of Rajgad.

The Coronation Ceremony of 1674

Between May 19 and June 6, 1674 (Jyeshtha Shuddha Trayodashi), Gaga Bhatta presided over elaborate rites including Vedic purification, wearing of sacred thread and crowning on top of a gold throne. 

Premeditations included offerings at the Bhavani Temple of Pratapgad and 50 days long spectacle of nobles and priests. The debates regarding the kshatriya origin of Shivaji led to a second coronation in 1676 that established his position as Chhatrapati at Jagdishwar Temple.

Raigad as Maratha Capital (1674-1680)

Raigad was the capital and seat of this efficient administration of Shivaji with Ashtapradhan councils, treasury as well as courts. 

It started such campaigns as Surat raids and developed the navy through coast control. With a population of 10,000, it also had granaries, elephant stables and bazaars.

The coronation of Raigad made Maratha statehood valid and this opposition weakened Mughal authority. 

It also encouraged the Marathi culture and Hindu revivalism, and an annual commemoration reiterated Swarajya ideals. Nowadays it is a representation of Maharashtra tradition and attracts trekkers through ropeway.

The events are recorded in Maratha bakhars such as Sabhasad and are supported by Sanskrit records of coronation.