Administrative System of the Marathas c27.s21.4

c27.s21.4

In fact the Mughal influence had so strongly pervaded the different strata of the Hindu society that it could be perceived in their dress, in their manners and even in their religion and festivities. Thus a discerning observer might notice it even in the coronation darbar of Shivaji, the founder of the Hindu Padshahi and the recognised leader of the Hindu revivalists. While describing Shivaji's coronation Prof. Jadunath Sarkar remarks, "The coverings of the royal seat were a grotesque combination of Hindu asceticism and modern Mughal luxury: tiger skin below and velvet on the top!" But this was not all. "On the two sides of the throne, various emblems of royalty and government were hung from gilded lance-heads. On the right hand stood two large fish heads of gold with very big teeth, on the left several horses' tails (the insignia of royalty among the Turks) and a pair of gold scales on a very costly lance-head (the emblem of justice). All these had been copied from the Mughal court. At the palace gate were placed on either hand pitchers full of water covered with bunches of leaves, and also two young elephants and two beautiful horses, with gold bridles and rich trappings. These latter were auspicious tokens according to Hindu ideas."⁶