the founding of the maratha swaraj involved a` relentless struggle for over thirty years. maharaj realized that now the swaraj needed to win general recognition as a sovereign, independent state. for legal recognition to the swaraj, a formal coronation was necessary. on 6th june 1674, shivaji maharaj was coroneted at raigad by gagabhatt, a learned pandit of benaras. maharaj ascended the throne of the swaraj. he now became the chhatrapati of the swaraj. as a symbol of sovereignty, shivaji maharaj instituted a new era commencing from the date of his coronation. it is known as rajyabhisheka shaka. shivaji maharaj thus became the founder of a new era. on the occasion of the coronation, special coins were minted- a gold coin called hon and a copper coin called shivraj with the legend shri raja shivachhatrapati inscribed on them. thereafter, all royal correspondence carried the words, 'kshatriyakulaawatansa shri raja shivachhatrapati'.