Home > Indian History > History of India > Shivaji II
Shivaji II
Raja Shivaji II was the ruler of Thanjavur from 1832 to 1855, was the son of Raja Serfoji II

Share this Article:

Raja Shivaji II, who ruled the fortress of Thanjavur and its surroundings from 1832 to 1855, was the son of Raja Serfoji II. When Serfoji II died in the year 1832, Raja Shivaji II was the only surviving son of the former.

The young Shivaji II has been described as a `pale and sickly child` by the missionary Heber. However, his health seemed to have got better as he grew up for he is popular for his mental and physical attainments. He also contributed to the expansion of Saraswathi Mahal Library and gave many useful books.

Shivaji II is popular among the people for the incidents related to the arrests of Kanchi mutt. The earrings (tatankas) of the Goddess Akhilandeswari in the Jambukeshwarar Temple were replaced with new ones in 1843-44. As a result Kanchi mutt, then based in Kumbakonam, shifted to Trichy with all the retinue in order to conduct a Tatanka-Pratishta ceremony for consecration of the earrings. But a legal procedure led to the delay of ceremonies and court case along with rituals that followed gained great debts on the part of Mutt that they were not able to shift the Mutt back to Kumbakonam. At this point, however, the administrator in charge of the ceremonies, a young Brahmin boy, went to the court of Shivaji II and also requested that the retinue should be allowed to stop at Thanjavur to receive donations from the people. But the Raja staunchly refused.

However, as the palanquin of the Shankaracharya and his retinue were making their way to Kumbakonam they were stopped on the banks of the Cauvery at Thiruvaiyaru by the sepoys of the Raja who surrounded them and respectfully escorted into the city of Thanjavur. At Thanjavur, they were accorded a royal reception by Shivaji II and the citizens of Thanjavur. It was later said that the Raja had had a dream a few nights before in which Lord Shiva had appeared and ordered him to render due honours to the Mutt. This incident is often referred to as the `Arrest` of the Kanchi Mutt.

Raja Shivaji II died in 1855 after a reign of 22 years. After his death, due to absence of legitimate heir to the throne, the kingdom was annexed by British East India Company as per the Doctrine of Lapse.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to [email protected]


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.