Sambhaji Maharaj
Sambhaji Maharaj was the 2nd sovereign king of the Maratha Empire after his father Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He ruled from 1681 till 1689. His reign was marked by conflicts with Mughals, Portuguese, Mysore, etc. After his death, his brother, Rajaram, succeded him and carried on the struggle with Mughals.
Table of Contents
Sambhaji's Early Life
Sambhaji was the son of Maratha chief Shivaji and his first wife, Saibai. His mother died when he was just 2 years old and he was raised by his grandmother, Jijabai.
Shivaji signed treaty of Purandar with Mughals in 1665. As part of this treaty, Sambhaji was sent as a political hostage to Raja Jai Singh when he was just 9 years old. Hence, Sambhaji became a Mughal mansabdar.
At Agra, He and Shivaji were called to discuss plans to consolidate Mughal rule in North West Frontier. But they were insulted at the court by being made to stand with low-ranking officers. Shivaji and Sambhaji stormed out of the court but they were immediately captured and arrested. However, later they managed to escape from there. After their escape, Aurangzeb again made good ties with Marathas by giving the title of raja to Shivaji and restoring Sambhaji as the Mughal Mansabdar.
Sambhaji's Marriage
Sambhaji was married to Yesubai. This marriage was more of a political alliance because of which Shivaji got access of Konkan belt. Sambhaji and Yesubai had 2 children- a daughter Bhavani Bai and a son named Shahu I, who later became the king of Maratha Empire.
Sambhaji’s Arrest by Shivaji
The irresponsible behaviour and his addiction made Shivaji to arrest his own son at Panhala fort in 1678. Later, he escaped with his wife and children to secure refugee from Diler Khan (Mughal Viceroy of Deccan). Upon learning his vicious plans of arresting him and sending to Delhi, he returned back. On returning, he was put under surveillance at Panhala.
Sambhaji’s Accession
After Shivaji’s death, debates started as to who would be the next Chhatrapati. At that time, several ministers tried to conspire against Sambhaji to prevent him become the next king. In a rush, they made Sambhaji’s half brother Rajaram the next Chhatrapati who was just years old. On hearing this, Sambhaji plotted his escape and took possession of the Panhala fort. Later he also acquired Raigad Fort and formally crowned himself as the next king on 20th July 1680. He put Rajaram and his mother in jail.
Sambhaji’s Military Expeditions:
Attack on Burhanpur (1681)
Burhanpur chief was collecting Jizya tax from Hindu citizens. On hearing this, in 1681, Sambhaji Maharaj plundered and destroyed Burhanpur.
Mughal Empire
In 1682, Akbar Shah (Aurangzeb’s son) joined Muslim rebels in Deccan. So, Aurangzeb moved his capital to Aurangabad. He defeated all the rebels and Akbar Shah went to seek refugee from Sambhaji Maharaj. But Sambhaji’s ministers again conspired to dethrone Sambhaji. They sent a letter to Akbar Shah promising him they will join him but against Sambhaji. Akbar Shah handed over the letter to Sambhaji. Sambhaji, then executed all the ministers involved. Sambhaji then helped Akbar Shah to get settled in Persia.
Siege of Ramsej (1682)
In 1682, Mughals tried many failed attempts to capture Maratha fort of Ramsej. Mughal attacked Marathas from all directions. Sambhaji was ready with its guerilla military warfare techniques. Marathas were successful in repelling Aurangzeb’s invasions for 3 years.
Mughal Invasion of Konkan (1684)
Aurangzeb decided to attack Marathas capital, Raigad from both North and South. Mughals defeated because of the guerilla tactics and harsh climate of the region. Hence, all attempts of Aurangzeb in conquering Maratha empire failed miserably. After these failures, he shifted his attention to Qutub Shahi and Adil Shahi dynasty.
Sambhaji also tried to expand his territory in the South India but he was repelled by the Wodeyar dynasty.
Capture of Sambhaji Maharaj
In 1689, Sambhaji Maharaj was captured by the Mughal forces. The circumstances of his capture were dramatic and tragic. He was betrayed by his own men and handed over to the Mughals. Sambhaji and his loyalists faced intense torture and persecution during their captivity.
Eventually, in 1689, Sambhaji Maharaj was brutally executed by Aurangzeb. His death marked a significant moment in Maratha history and fueled the Marathas’ determination to continue their fight against Mughal oppression.
Sambhaji’s Successor
After the capture and execution of Sambhaji Maharaj in 1689, the Maratha Empire faced a period of uncertainty regarding succession. Rajaram, the younger half-brother of Sambhaji, was chosen as the next Chhatrapati (monarch) of the Maratha Empire after Sambhaji’s capture and execution. This decision was made to maintain continuity in leadership and keep the Maratha resistance against the Mughals alive.
Sambhaji as a patron of Language and Culture
Sambhaji was a talented poet and wrote poetry in Marathi. He composed several poems, known as “Abhanga” and “Powada,” which were a popular genre of devotional and heroic poetry in Marathi literature. His poems often celebrated Marathi culture, valor, and the spirit of resistance.
Sambhaji Maharaj wrote a significant piece called “Rajmudra” or “Rajabhushan,” which was a royal seal and inscription. In this composition, he praised his father, Shivaji Maharaj, and their ancestors. The Rajmudra is not only a historical document but also a literary work that reflects Sambhaji’s pride in his lineage and heritage.
Sambhaji was keenly interested in history and wrote about the contemporary events of his time. His accounts and writings provide valuable insights into the challenges and conflicts faced by the Marathas during his reign. These writings are considered historical documents and contribute to the understanding of that period.
Sambhaji continued his father Shivaji’s policy of promoting the Marathi language and culture. He encouraged the use of Marathi in official documents and administration. This support for the Marathi language helped in its growth and development as a literary language.
Sambhaji also patronized poets, scholars, and artists, providing them with the encouragement and resources to create literary and cultural works. His court became a hub for Marathi poets and writers.
FAQs
The irresponsible behaviour and his addiction made Shivaji to arrest his own son at Panhala fort in 1678.
Sambhaji was captured by Mughal forces in 1689 and subjected to brutal torture. He was executed by Aurangzeb in a particularly gruesome manner, which involved his limbs being severed before his death.
After the execution of Sambhaji Maharaj in 1689 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, his younger brother, Rajaram Chhatrapati, succeeded him as the third Chhatrapati (emperor) of the Maratha Empire.
Some key events during Sambhaji’s rule include his capture and imprisonment by Aurangzeb, his efforts to resist Mughal forces, and his eventual execution in 1689. His reign was also marked by internal strife and political challenges.