1. Asserting Sovereignty: Shivaji sought to establish his independence and assert the sovereignty of the Maratha kingdom. By crowning himself king, he declared himself as the legitimate ruler and severed ties with the Mughal Empire, which had previously held significant control over the region.
2. Political Strategy: Crowning himself king was a strategic move to unify the Maratha clans and consolidate his power. Shivaji aimed to create a strong centralized state by bringing various Maratha chieftains under his leadership. By assuming the title of king, he established a symbol of authority and rallied support from his subjects.
3. Inspiration from Chhatrapati Pratap: Shivaji was greatly inspired by the legendary Rajput ruler, Chhatrapati Pratap, who had fought valiantly against the Mughal emperor Akbar. Pratap's refusal to submit to Mughal rule and his commitment to preserving the independence of his kingdom left a lasting impression on Shivaji. He aspired to emulate Pratap's legacy by crowning himself king and fighting for the freedom of his people.
4. Religious and Cultural Identity: Shivaji considered himself a protector of Hindu Dharma and Maratha culture. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of the revered Hindu saint, Samarth Ramdas Swami. By crowning himself king, Shivaji aimed to revive Hindu traditions and customs, protect his people from religious persecution, and assert the distinct cultural identity of the Marathas.
5. Challenge to Mughal Authority: Shivaji's coronation challenged the authority of the Mughal Empire, which was at the time the dominant power in India. By declaring himself king, he openly defied Mughal sovereignty and initiated a series of military campaigns against Mughal forces, aiming to expand his territory and resist Mughal control.
Through his coronation, Shivaji established the Maratha kingdom as a formidable power and laid the foundation for the Maratha Empire, which would go on to become one of the most significant empires in Indian history.