2016-05-14 Sat

Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, also known as Sambhaji Raje Bhosale, was the son Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Born on 14th May 1657, Shambhu Raje was called “Chava” in Maharashtra.

Being the eldest son of Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji grew up observing the efforts taken by his father to build up the Hindavi Swaraj. It was Sambhaji Raje who accompanied his father on every turn of his journey and learnt the same tactics undertaken by Shivaji Maharaj.

However, the entire life of this brave warrior was nothing but a big controversy. Due to his irresponsible behaviour, Shambhu Raje was imprisoned by his father at the fort of Panhala. It escaped from the fort and joined the Mughals and stood against his own father.

When Shivaji Maharaj died in 1680, he became the next Chatrapati. The remarkable things that Sambhaji Maharaj achieved in his short life had far-reaching effects on the whole of India. He valiantly faced the 8 lakh strong army of Aurangzeb and defeated several Mughal chieftains. It was because of him Aurangzeb could not establish a strong hold over Maratha Territory.

Not only the Mughals, had he also given a tough fight to the Siddis as well as to the Portuguese. Though he could not defeat the Siddis and capture Janjira, Marathas could secure the coastal line from the Portuguese and developed friendly relations with the British.

However, before he could prove himself the Mughal army captured him. He was kept captive by at Sangameshwar where he was brutally tortured and killed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

With his death, he achieved what he failed to do in his life. The brave encounter with the death gave the Marathas the power and courage to fight the Mughals. The proof of this is seen in the next phase of Maratha – Mughal wars fought during the times of Rajaram.

As a Chatrapati, a copper coin was minted in his name. The coin bears the legend Devnagari “Shri Raja Shambhu” on the obverse and “Chatra Pati” on Reverse.