Sambhaji Maharaj: When even the death felt guilty!
11 Mar 2017 Sat
The "Chava" or the tiger’s cub of Maharashtra was killed even before he could prove himself! Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, also known as Sambhaji Raje Bhosale, was the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His short yet brave life was riddled with controversies and tragedies. Here’s a quick look at some important FAQs that will surely fascinate you.
When was Sambhaji Born? Sambhaji Maharaj Date of Birth
Sambhaji Maharaj was born on 14th May 1857. Saibai was the first wife and chief consort of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Sambhaji's mother, Saibai lost her life when Sambhaji Raje was just 2 years old. Chhatrapati Sambhaji was looked after by his grandmother Jijabai.
Who was Sambhaji Maharaj?
Being the eldest son of Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji grew up observing the efforts taken by his father to build up the Hindavi Swaraj. As a prince of the Maratha Sovereign, Sambhaji proved his bravery and military brilliance on more than one occasion. He led and won his first war in Ramnagar at the age of 16 and during 1675-76 he led successful campaigns in Goa and Karnataka.
Jivubai, also known as Yesubai, was the wife of Sambhaji Maharaj. After this marital alliance, Shivaji got control over the Konkan belt. Shahu I was the eldest son of Sambhaji Raje and Jivubai.
Sambhaji Maharaj and Diler Khan History
As years progressed, due to some family feuds and his irresponsible behaviour, Shambhu Raje was imprisoned by his father, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, at the fort of Panhala. Escaping from the fort, he joined Diler Khan, Aurangzeb's commander, and stood against his own father.He soon learnt that Diler Khan was going to arrest him again and send him to Delhi. Sambhaji escaped from Diler Khan and returned home. However, since there was no change in his irresponsible behaviour, he was kept under surveillance in Panhala.
Who Succeeded Shivaji Maharaj?
Shivaji died in April 1680, but Sambhaji was still in prison. Sambhaji's stepmother, Soyrabai asked his stepbrother, Rajaram, to become the next king of Maratha Empire. On hearing this news, Sambhaji captured Panhala fort and Raigad fort. He became the king of Maratha Empire on 20th July 1680. He later imprisoned Rajaram, Rajaram's wife Janki Bai and stepmother Soyarabai. He also executed Soyarabai, her supporters from Shirke family and ministers of Shivaji for conspiring against him.
The Rise of Sambhaji
There was news of an impending attack of Aurangzeb's army on Maharashtra and at such a crucial juncture, a strong leader like Sambhaji was need of the hour. He valiantly faced the strong army of Aurangzeb comprising of almost 8 lakh men and defeated several Mughal chieftains. It was because of him Aurangzeb could not establish a strong hold over Maratha Territory.
Not only the Mughals, he also had 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. The remarkable things that Sambhaji Maharaj achieved in his short life had far-reaching effects on the whole of India.
Who killed Sambhaji Maharaj?
Curious to know about Sambhaji Maharaj’s Death? Let’s find out. Before Sambhaji could prove himself, the Mughal army captured him. Ganoji Shirke (Brother of Sambhaji’s wife Yesubai) and Aurangzeb's commander, Mukarrab Khan attacked Sangameshwar where Sambhaji had met for a strategic meeting. Members of the Shirke family had spied on Sambhaji. Following a small ambush, Sambhaji and his adviser Kavi Kalash were captured by the Mughal troops on 1 Feb 1689.
How was Sambhaji Maharaj killed?
After being subjected to inhuman humiliation and gruesome torture by Aurangzeb, Sambhaji Raje was mercilessly killed, reportedly by tearing him apart from the front and back with ‘Wagh Nakhe’ (‘Tiger claws). His eyes were gauged out as he kept on praising Lord Shiva. He was beheaded with an axe. His corpse was further subjected to brutal torture, cut into pieces and thrown in the river.
When was Sambhaji Maharaj killed?/ Sambhaji Maharaj Death Date
Sambhaji Maharaj was killed on 11th March 1689 at the banks of Talapur. Yesubai, wife of Sambhaji Maharaj, Sambhaji’s sister, Ranubai and his son Shahu were imprisoned by Mughals.
With his death, he achieved what he failed to do in his life. This brave encounter with the death gave Marathas the power and the courage to fight 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.