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| The inscription at the top reads Maharaja Sambhajiraje.source Wikipedia |
The Introduction
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (14 May 1657 - 11 March 1689) was the 2 nd Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire and the first son of the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was an extremely bright child who was endowed with the ability of diplomacy, martial arts, and intelligence. Each chapter of his life is a sign of bravery, self-sacrifice, and perseverance. Sitting on the throne subsequent to the death of his father, who died in 1680, he solidified the reign of the Maratha Empire, firstly, and was engaged in an endless conflict with the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, secondly. His nine-year reign has made him a memorable figure in the history of India since he possessed valour and self self-sacrificing spirit.
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| Sambhaji meeting Kubkullus, source Wikipedia |
Childhood and Early Life
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was born on 14 May 1657 within the Purandar Fort in Maharashtra. He was the sole son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Saibai. Even though she grew up in the hands of the royal family since her birth, the death of her mother during her childhood life had great effect on her life. He was highly inquisitive and curious as a child. He learned Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi, Persian, and even Portuguese. He also showed the same interest in religion, science, history, and poetry. When he had reached nine years of age, he was summoned to the Mughal court as a mansabdar, where he obtained great advantage in the study of political tactics, administration, and diplomacy. He was a good warrior an early as possible, skilled in war, riding, weapons, and the sea. the regulation (s). When Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj died in 1680, Sambhaji Maharaj emerged as the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire. With such a short reign (1680 - 1689), he managed to prove to be a good leader and a wise politician.
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| Stone arch at Tulapur confluence, where Sambhaji was executed , source Wikipedia |
He was also a powerful, wise, and stern leader in the administration of the kingdom. He reorganized the army and the navy and strengthened the treasury. Coexisting in diplomatic terms with the Portuguese, Siddis, and the English, he brought the Maratha Empire to a significant role in the international scene. The constant onslaught of the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, was the primary obstacle that he had to face throughout his reign. However, Sambhaji Maharaj remained loyal to the emperor, steadfast, and maintained the Maratha influence in South India.
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| Watan Patra (grant document), by Chh. Sambhaji source Wikipedia |
War with the Mughals
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was marked with continuous battles against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Then, in 1681, Aurangzeb led the invasion of the Deccan, where he conquered southern India. Since then onwards Sambhaji Maharaj fought a spirited battle against the Mughals in war after another. He constantly destabilized the Mughal armies, outsmarting them by using tactical guerrilla warfare (Ganimi Kawa) and surprise raids. Leading the Marathas, he marched until Burhanpur, Surat, and even Bhopal, ravaging the economy and morale of the Mughal Empire. He fought not only against the Mughals, but also against the Siddis, Portuguese, and other local authorities. His boldness and tact in these combats aided the Marathas to maintain their foothold in being independence.
The martyrdom
Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, understood that so long as Sambhaji Maharaj was alive Maratha Empire could never be subdued. Much love was due to Sambhaji Maharaj because he was betrayed by the fellow war campaigners to the Mughals in 1689. Aurangzeb even asked him to change his religion and join the Islamic faith, but Sambhaji Maharaj strongly declined. He is a firm believer in his own religion, culture, as well as freedom. A consequence of this was that he was put through unimaginable torture and was ultimately cruelly executed at Toranmal Fort on 11 March 1689. His martyrdom is a marker in the Maharashtra history. His acts of valour, not just when he was alive, but even as late as his death, earned him the reputation of a real Dharmaveer.
The Legacy
The example of life and martyrdom of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is unique in Maratha history. His reign only lasted nine years but his heroism, nationalism and self sacrifice has left his mark in Indian history. He was not just a warrior, but a diplomat, polyglot, and a culturally aware ruler. His martyrdom has motivated the young generation of the Maratha Empire to fight the battle of independence.
Even in these times, he is worshipped with devotion in Maharashtra and throughout India as "Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj ". Rajputana-built roads, forts, schools and monuments, and memorials have been named after him to remind the generations to come about his valour.
The Conclusion
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was an Indian warrior who could not compromise even at the point of death. This lesson of his life story is that the struggle of religion, freedom and dignity does not go to vain. He has been an inspiring figure of bravery, sacrifice and patriotism as related in the Indian history.
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