Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second monarch of the Maratha Empire, remains one of the most resilient and courageous figures in Indian history. As the eldest son of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he inherited a legacy of defiance against tyranny and the sacred mission of Hindavi Swarajya. Known for his military genius and unwavering resolve, Sambhaji Maharaj successfully defended the Maratha heartland for nine years against the overwhelming might of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
In Maratha history, he is revered as “Dharmaveer” (Protector of the Faith) and “Swarajya Rakshak” (Protector of the Self-Rule).
I. Early Life and Education
Born on May 14, 1657, at Purandar Fort, Sambhaji’s childhood was marked by both personal loss and early political responsibility.
- Family: He was the son of Shivaji Maharaj and his first wife, Saibai. Following his mother’s untimely death in 1659, he was raised under the strict but loving guidance of his grandmother, Rajmata Jijabai.
- Education: Sambhaji was a child prodigy. He was well-versed in several languages, including Sanskrit, Marathi, and Hindi. Unlike the typical portrayal of a pure warrior, he was a scholar of politics and literature.
- Political Hostage: At the age of nine, following the Treaty of Purandar (1665), he was sent to the court of Raja Jai Singh I of Amber as a political hostage to the Mughals, where he was granted the rank of Mansabdar.
- Escape from Agra: In 1666, at just nine years old, he accompanied his father to Aurangzeb’s court in Agra and participated in the legendary escape from Mughal captivity.
II. Ascension and Role in the Maratha Empire
The transition of power following the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in April 1680 was fraught with internal court politics.
- Succession Struggle: Some ministers initially attempted to crown his half-brother, Rajaram, as the king. However, Sambhaji demonstrated his strategic foresight by quickly securing key strategic strongholds like Raigad and Panhala.
- Coronation: On July 20, 1680, Sambhaji was formally crowned as the Chhatrapati. He pledged to carry forward his father’s vision of a sovereign Maratha state.
III. Military Campaigns and Battles for Swarajya
Sambhaji Maharaj’s reign was a continuous battle on multiple fronts. During his nine-year rule, he did not lose a single major fort to the Mughals, despite Aurangzeb moving his entire imperial army to the Deccan.
1. Consolidation and Expansion
He actively participated in military campaigns early on. Between 1666 and 1670, he assisted the Mughals against the Sultan of Bijapur before reuniting with his father to expand Maratha borders.
2. The Battle of Wai
This was a pivotal engagement during the Maratha-Mughal wars in the late 17th century.
- The Conflict: Fought near the strategic region of Wai and Mahabaleshwar, the Maratha forces utilized the dense forest terrain to trap and defeat the numerically superior Mughal forces.
- The Cost: While the Marathas were victorious, they lost their Commander-in-Chief (Sarsenapati), Hambirrao Mohite, in this battle. Mohite’s death was a significant blow to the Maratha military leadership.
3. Southern Alliances
Following his father’s footprints, Sambhaji maintained alliances with the Qutb Shahi Dynasty of Golconda. This helped in maintaining influence over the Karnataka region and securing forts like Gingee (Jingi) and Vellore.
IV. The Scholar King: Contributions to Literature
Sambhaji Maharaj was a rare blend of “Shastra” (Weaponry) and “Shaastra” (Scriptures). His scholarly works are highly regarded in Indian literature:
- Budhbhushanam: A profound work written in Sanskrit, covering the nuances of politics, statecraft, and military strategy.
- Hindi Literature: He authored several works including Saatsatak, Nayikabhed, and Nakhshikha, showcasing his deep mastery over linguistic aesthetics and leadership philosophy.
V. Capture, Torture, and Martyrdom
The end of Sambhaji Maharaj’s reign remains one of the most poignant and inspiring chapters of Indian resistance.
- Capture at Sangameshwar: In February 1689, due to a localized betrayal, Sambhaji and his trusted advisor Kavi Kalash were captured at Sangameshwar by Mughal forces.
- Humiliation at Bahadurgad: They were taken to Bahadurgad, where Aurangzeb demanded that Sambhaji surrender all Maratha forts, reveal the location of the royal treasury, and convert to Islam.
- The Ultimate Sacrifice: Sambhaji Maharaj steadfastly refused all demands, asserting his pride in his religion and Swarajya. After weeks of unspeakable torture, he was beheaded on March 11, 1689, at Tulapur.
Legacy: His brutal execution backfired for the Mughals; it ignited a fire of vengeance among the Marathas, leading to a 27-year war of independence that eventually saw the collapse of the Mughal Empire in the south.
FAQs on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
Who was Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj?
He was the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire.
What is the meaning of the title “Dharmaveer”?
It means “Protector of Religion,” a title earned by Sambhaji for choosing death over forced conversion.
Which languages was Sambhaji Maharaj fluent in?
He was fluent in Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi, and several other regional languages.
What is “Budhbhushanam”?
It is a Sanskrit treatise on politics and military strategy authored by Sambhaji Maharaj.
Who was Kavi Kalash?
He was a trusted advisor, poet, and friend of Sambhaji Maharaj who stood by him until their execution.
Where was Sambhaji Maharaj executed?
He was executed at Tulapur, near Pune, on March 11, 1689.
What was the Treaty of Purandar (1665)?
A treaty between the Marathas and Mughals where a young Sambhaji was sent to the Mughal court as a political hostage.
Who was the Maratha Commander-in-Chief during the Battle of Wai?
Hambirrao Mohite, who was martyred during the battle.
Who raised Sambhaji after his mother passed away?
He was raised by his grandmother, the visionary Rajmata Jijabai.
What was the impact of Sambhaji’s death?
It unified the Maratha people in a 27-year long war against the Mughals, leading to the eventual decline of Mughal power in the Deccan.
