State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 05 Jun 2025

Astrolabe Excavated at Raigad Fort

Why in News? 

The Archaeological Survey of India and the Raigad Development Authority jointly unearthed a ‘Yantraraj’ (astrolabe) during an excavation at Raigad, the capital fort of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 

• The excavation also uncovered a variety of artefacts, including Shivrai coins minted by Shivaji Maharaj, clay and glass utensils, as well as weapons and lamps.

Key Points 

• Key Features of the Astrolabe: 
  • The astrolabe is rectangular, made of copper-bronze, and dated Shaka 1519 (1597 CE). 
  • It was in use during Raigad’s renovation in 1656 and at the time of Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation in 1674. 
  • The instrument’s upper surface has inscriptions in the Sanskrit language and in Devanagari script, with two animal engravings—likely a tortoise or snake—at the centre. 
  • It features the inscribed words "mukh" (head) and "poonchh" (tail), likely used to align with the north-south orientation. 
  • Such astrolabes were commonly used by astrologers and navigators to track stars and calculate directions. 
    • This discovery affirms that Raigad Fort, like other Maratha strongholds, was strategically planned, integrating advanced knowledge of astronomy to aid its construction, defense, and administration.

 

• About Raigad Fort (Raigad District): 
  • Significance: On 6th June, 1674 CE a grand coronation ceremony of Shivaji Maharaj was held on Raigad post, during which he attained the title of “Chhatrapati”.  
  • The fort served as the second capital of Shivaji Maharaj and played an important role in the administration and expansion of the Maratha Kingdom. 
  • It is part of the 12 forts nominated for UNESCO World Heritage under the title “Maratha Military Landscapes of India”.  
    • It is the classic example of Maratha architecture and best representation of the capital fort on a hill, showcasing well-integrated design with the terrain and advanced structural typologies. 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj  

 

• About:  
  • Born on 19th February 1630, at Shivneri Fort, Pune was a visionary leader from the Bhonsle clan and the founder of the Maratha Empire, known for resisting the Mughal Empire and striving for self-rule.   
• Major Battles:   
  • Battle of Pratapgad (1659), Battle of Pavan Khind (1660), Sacking of Surat (1664), Battle of Purandar (1665), Battle of Sinhagad (1670), and Battle of Sangamner (1679).   
  • The Wagh nakh (tiger claw-shaped), was used by Shivaji to kill Afzal Khan in the 1659 Battle of Pratapgad.   
• Titles:   
  • Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas, and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak.   
• Administration:   
  • Centralized administration with the Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight Ministers), abolished the Jagirdari System, implemented the Ryotwari System, and built a strong naval force for coastal defense.   
    • Shivaji is renowned for his innovative guerrilla warfare tactics, which influenced subsequent rulers and shaped the Maratha Military Landscapes.