Chatrapati Shivaji coin 1999

A 2 rupees commemorative copper-nickel coin was issued in the respect of Chatrapati Shivaji Mahraj in 1999.This coin was minted in Noida mint.It was the second time when any coin beard the image of  any historic figure from the medieval period.Earlier a commerative coin bearing an image of  Saint Thiruvalluvar was issued in the year 1995.
This coin was issued when NDA party came into power with absolute majority in 1999.NDA comprise of 13 political parties at that time of whuch Shiv-Sena was a important member with a descent number of MPs. Shiv-Sena being an ardent supporter of Chatrapati Shivaji Mahraj may have caused this issue of this coin.

 

Shivaji with the royal title Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj  was a Maratha king who founded the Maratha kingdom. He became the crowned king 'Chatrapati' of the Maratha Kingdom in 1674,because of his struggle against an imperial power, Shivaji became an icon of freedom fighters in the Indian independence struggle that followed two centuries later. He is remembered as a just and wise king and his rule is called one of the six golden ages in Indian history. School texts in India describe Shivaji Maharaj's rule as heroic, exemplary and inspiring and he is considered the founder of the modern Marathi nation; his policies were instrumental in forging a distinct Maharashtrian identity and infusing it with strong martial and moral traditions.