Shivaji’s Seal Meaning

You saw this photo in history class in school but do you know the meaning of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s official seal & why it’s so important?

Here’s the tea.

Shivaji earned his title because he was the only independent Hindu king who did not bend to foreigners & Mughal invaders, always fighting for the good of our people and standing for true justice.

Much like we have branded letterheads & official logos + signatures for doing business today, in those days, medieval Deccan kings & sultans used seals written in Persian language as a verification of their documents.

Shivaji went against the norm & chose to make his own in Sanskrit, proving his commitment to preserving our culture even in his administration.

The seal reads, "प्रतिपच्चंद्रलेखेव वर्धिष्णुर्विश्ववंदिता।शाहसूनोः शिवस्यैषा मुद्रा भद्राय राजते॥"

“Pratipacchandra-lekheva vardhishnurvishva-vandita

Shahsuno-shiva-shyaishaa mudra-bhadraya-rajate.”

It means that just like the new moon shines & grows in splendour, this seal of the son of Shahaji, Shivaji, will continue to shine for the welfare of its people.

Ultimately, this simple seal stood as a symbol for Shivaji’s dream to grow his Maratha empire.

And today, it must be a reminder for us youth to work hard & serve the purpose of reviving our Dharma.