Parijata‑dhvaja of the Maratha King Sambhaji
By P. K. Gode
Summary
‘Parijata‑dhvaja of the Maratha King Sambhaji’ investigates a ceremonial flag associated with Sambhaji, son of the Maratha king Shivaji. Using Marathi chronicles, court poetry and temple records, the author traces the origin of the Parijata‑dhvaja (banner of the heavenly wish‑granting tree) and its adoption by Sambhaji as a royal insignia. The article argues that the flag symbolised divine legitimacy, connecting the Bhonsle dynasty to mythic lineage and marking their independence from Mughal suzerainty. Detailed analysis of ritual descriptions shows how the flag was hoisted during victories and religious festivals, accompanied by hymns from the Bhāgavata Purāṇa. The author also compares the Parijata banner to other dynastic standards in medieval India, noting similarities with Rajput sun banners and Vijayanagar garuda emblems. The article assesses claims that the flag was used in naval warfare, concluding that there is little evidence for maritime deployment but ample proof of its role in land campaigns and court ceremony. By situating the Parijata‑dhvaja within broader traditions of royal symbolism, the author demonstrates how the Marathas fused Sanskritic mythology with regional identity. The article also highlights debates among historians regarding the earliest references to the flag and argues that its prominence increased under Sambhaji as part of his efforts to legitimise contested succession.
Conclusion
The study concludes that the Parijata‑dhvaja was more than a decorative banner: it was a deliberate political symbol aligning the Maratha state with divine authority. Sambhaji’s use of the flag reflected both his personal piety and his need to assert kingship in the face of Mughal and internal challenges.