Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: The Warrior King of the Marathas

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (1657–1689) was the second ruler of the Maratha Empire and the son of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Known for his courage, military acumen, and resistance against the Mughal Empire, Sambhaji played a crucial role in safeguarding and expanding the Maratha kingdom. Despite facing betrayal and intense struggles, he remained committed to the vision of a sovereign Maratha Empire until his tragic end at the hands of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. His life was marked by relentless warfare, strong administrative policies, and an unwavering commitment to Swarajya (self-rule), making him one of the most influential figures in Indian history.

Born on 14 May 1657 at Purandar Fort, Sambhaji was the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Saibai. His mother passed away when he was just two years old, leading to his upbringing under the care of Jijabai, his grandmother. From an early age, Sambhaji was groomed to become a warrior and a statesman.

He received a well-rounded education, excelling in Sanskrit, Persian, and Marathi languages. He was also trained in military strategy, administration, and diplomacy. His deep knowledge of Hindu scriptures and political science reflected his scholarly interests. His father ensured that he received firsthand experience in military campaigns, fort management, and governance, preparing him for future leadership.

During his teenage years, Sambhaji actively participated in his father’s campaigns against the Adilshahi and Mughal forces. His early exposure to warfare strengthened his strategic thinking and command over his troops.

Sambhaji’s relationship with his father was complicated due to political conspiracies within the Maratha court. Some ministers, including Annaji Datto and Moropant Trimbak Pingle, viewed him as reckless and sought to replace him with his half-brother Rajaram. As a result of internal conflicts, he was imprisoned at Panhala Fort in 1678.

However, after reconciling with his father, he resumed his role as a Maratha commander. Shivaji’s untimely death in 1680 led to a fierce succession struggle, where Sambhaji emerged victorious and ascended the throne in 1681.

Following Shivaji’s death, a faction within the Maratha court attempted to crown Rajaram, his younger half-brother, as Chhatrapati. However, Sambhaji, with the support of key generals like Hambirrao Mohite, swiftly took control of the situation.

• He removed internal threats and consolidated power.

• He officially became Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire in 1681.

• He began preparations for defending the empire against external threats, particularly the Mughals, Siddis, and Portuguese.

His first order of business was to strengthen the military, fortify forts, and ensure that the empire remained stable despite growing Mughal aggression.

Sambhaji was an aggressive and fearless warrior who believed in taking the battle to the enemy. Throughout his reign, he fought multiple battles across India, proving his military brilliance and resilience.

Mughal Wars

Aurangzeb launched a massive campaign to annex the Maratha Empire, but Sambhaji relentlessly resisted him.

• He led successful raids into Burhanpur, Khandesh, and Gujarat, disrupting Mughal supply lines.

• His guerrilla warfare tactics inflicted heavy losses on Mughal forces.

• Despite facing a numerically superior Mughal army, he managed to hold key forts like Raigad and Vishalgad.

Conflict with the Siddis of Janjira

The Siddis of Janjira, a powerful naval force allied with the Mughals, were a major threat to the Maratha coastline.

• Sambhaji launched multiple attacks to conquer Janjira Fort.

• Though he weakened their control, he could not completely subdue them.

Portuguese Resistance

The Portuguese in Goa had been conducting forced religious conversions and oppressing local Hindus.

• Sambhaji retaliated by attacking Portuguese settlements.

• He ensured the safety of Hindu subjects and opposed European influence in Indian politics.

Deccan Expansion

Sambhaji extended Maratha influence into Karnataka and Tamil Nadu by forming alliances with local rulers. His southern campaigns ensured that the Marathas remained a dominant force in the region.

Apart from being a warrior, Sambhaji was also a capable administrator. His governance policies focused on military strength, economic growth, and cultural preservation.

• Strengthened the Maratha navy and built new warships.

• Reformed the taxation system to encourage trade and commerce.

• Maintained diplomatic relations with foreign traders while ensuring Maratha dominance in business.

• Protected Hindu temples and traditions, funding cultural and religious projects.

• Introduced military reforms to improve fort defense and soldier welfare.

His administrative measures laid a strong foundation for the Maratha Empire’s future expansion.

One of the most tragic events in Indian history was the capture of Sambhaji Maharaj.

• In 1689, Ganoji Shirke, a relative of Sambhaji, betrayed him for personal gain.

• The Mughal forces, acting on Shirke’s intelligence, ambushed Sambhaji at Sangameshwar.

• He was captured along with his trusted aide Kavi Kalash.

• Aurangzeb viewed his capture as a major victory and prepared to eliminate the Maratha threat.

Aurangzeb wanted Sambhaji to convert to Islam and surrender Maratha forts. However, Sambhaji refused to bow down, despite facing extreme torture.

• His eyes were gouged out, his tongue was cut off, and his body was mutilated.

• He endured weeks of brutal treatment but never gave in to Aurangzeb’s demands.

• On 11 March 1689, he was publicly executed in Tulang Fort.

• His brutal execution was meant to terrorize the Marathas, but it had the opposite effect.

His martyrdom became a rallying point for the Maratha resurgence, inspiring future generations to fight against the Mughals.

Sambhaji’s sacrifice and bravery left an everlasting impact on Indian history.

• His death ignited a stronger resistance movement under his brother, Rajaram.

• His unwavering courage inspired Chhatrapati Shahu and Peshwa Bajirao, who later expanded the empire.

• He became a symbol of bravery and resilience, worshipped as a hero in Maharashtra.

• His life has been depicted in literature, plays, and folk songs.

• His contributions laid the foundation for the Marathas’ eventual dominance over India in the 18th century.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was more than just a warrior—he was a visionary leader, a fearless patriot, and a symbol of resistance against oppression. His unwavering dedication to Swarajya, his military genius, and his supreme sacrifice ensured that the Maratha Empire remained a formidable force in Indian history. Even today, his name is synonymous with bravery, honor, and an indomitable spirit.

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