As I explore the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, I am struck by his relentless spirit, his unwavering commitment to Hindavi Swaraj, and his valiant struggle against the Mughal Empire. The son of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, his legacy is often overshadowed by his father’s towering stature. However, when I truly study his life, I realize that his contributions were equally remarkable, shaping the destiny of the Maratha Empire against all odds.
“A lion does not fear the jackals.” – This saying resonates deeply when I think of Sambhaji Maharaj, who stood against the mighty Aurangzeb with unparalleled courage.
The Rise of a Warrior
Born on May 14, 1657, at Purandar Fort, Sambhaji was raised under the guidance of his grandmother, Jijabai, after his mother, Saibai, passed away when he was merely two years old.
His education was rigorous, encompassing Sanskrit, Persian, politics, and warfare, making him a well-rounded ruler in the making
However, his path was fraught with trials. As a child, he was sent to the Mughal court as a political hostage under the Treaty of Purandar. This early exposure to Mughal strategies would later shape his own military tactics.
Following Shivaji’s demise in 1680, Sambhaji faced opposition from within his own court. A faction led by his stepmother, Soyarabai, attempted to install his younger half-brother, Rajaram, on the throne. Overcoming these betrayals, he ascended the throne on July 20, 1680, and swiftly consolidated his power.
Family Structure of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
| Relation | Name | Additional Information |
| Grandfather (Paternal) | Shahaji Bhosale | Military commander of the Deccan Sultanates |
| Grandmother (Paternal) | Jijabai Bhosale | Influential in early Maratha administration |
| Grandfather (Maternal) | Mudhoji Rao Naik Nimbalkar | A noble from the Nimbalkar family |
| Grandmother (Maternal) | Reubai | Wife of Mudhoji Rao |
| Father | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj | Founder of the Maratha Empire |
| Mother | Saibai | First wife of Shivaji, died when Sambhaji was 2 years old |
| Siblings | Rajaram I | Half-brother, son of Soyarabai, succeeded Sambhaji as Chhatrapati |
| Wife | Yesubai | Daughter of Pilaji Shirke, played a key role in Maratha politics |
| Son | Shahu I | Later became Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire |
| Daughter | Bhavani Bai | Daughter of Sambhaji |
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Military Campaigns and Administration
Sambhaji Maharaj inherited his father’s vision of Hindavi Swaraj and displayed exceptional military prowess. Despite being outnumbered, He utilized guerrilla warfare, a tactic pioneered by his father, to weaken Mughal advances.
Major Campaigns
| Year | Campaign | Outcome |
| 1681 | Attack on Burhanpur | Marathas looted the city, disrupting Mughal supply lines. |
| 1682 | Siege of Ramsej | Successfully defended against Aurangzeb for months. |
| 1683 | Invasion of Goa | Weakened Portuguese influence. |
| 1685 | Conflict with Siddis of Janjira | Marathas faced setbacks due to Janjira’s stronghold. |
Governance and Economic Policies
Sambhaji’s administration was structured and efficient, following Shivaji’s legacy while introducing new measures:
- Agricultural Reforms: During the droughts of 1684-1688, Sambhaji provided seeds, tax exemptions, and irrigation initiatives to aid farmers.
- Decentralized Governance: He maintained the Ashta Pradhan council, ensuring expert administration.
- Cultural Patronage: He was a scholar and wrote Budhbhushanam, showcasing his intellectual depth.
Terminologies in the Maratha Empire
To better appreciate Sambhaji’s role, it is essential to understand key terminologies of the Maratha administration:
| Term | Meaning |
| Chhatrapati | Supreme sovereign of the Maratha Empire. |
| Peshwa | The Prime Minister and key administrative head in the Maratha state. |
| Swarajya | Self-rule, a concept pioneered by Shivaji. |
| Deshmukh | A regional head responsible for local governance. |
Betrayal, Captivity, and Unshakable Bravery
In 1689, Sambhaji was betrayed by his own men, which led to his capture by the Mughals. He was betrayed by his brother-in-law, Ganoji Shirke, who provided intelligence about his whereabouts to Aurangzeb’s commander, Muqarrab Khan. Despite being surrounded by Mughal forces, Sambhaji fought till the last moment before he was overpowered and taken prisoner.
What followed was one of the most gruesome episodes in Maratha history. Aurangzeb, enraged by Sambhaji’s defiance, ordered him to convert to Islam in exchange for his life. Even under unimaginable torture—his eyes were gouged, his tongue was cut, and his flesh was torn—Sambhaji refused to renounce his faith or submit to the Mughal emperor. His courage was so formidable that even the Mughal soldiers marveled at his unyielding spirit.
After weeks of relentless torment, Sambhaji was executed on March 11, 1689, in the most brutal manner. His body was dismembered and thrown into a river to prevent his followers from giving him a proper funeral. However, his martyrdom did not weaken the Maratha spirit. Instead, it ignited a fire of rebellion that ultimately led to the downfall of the Mughal Empire in the Deccan.
As I reflect on Maharaj’s life, I see not just a warrior, but a visionary who upheld his father’s ideals in the face of overwhelming adversity. His relentless spirit, military brilliance, and administrative foresight make him an integral part of India’s history. Though his reign was short-lived, his sacrifices ensured the survival of Hindavi Swaraj, inspiring generations to come.
REFRENCES
Struggle & Sacrifice Contribution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in the conservation of Hindavi Swarajya: N. K. Mhaske : Free download, borrow, and streaming : Internet Archive (2014, January 1). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/struggle-sacrifice-contribution-of-chhatrapati-sambhaji-maharaj-in-the-conservat/mode/1up?view=theater
How Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, his son Sambhaji fought for the legacy of Marathas | explained. (2025, February 19). News18. https://www.news18.com/explainers/how-chhatrapati-shivaji-maharaj-his-son-sambhaji-fought-for-the-legacy-of-marathas-explained-9232635.html
Wikipedia contributors. (2025, February 19). . Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambhaji
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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) about Sambhaji Maharaj
How many battles did Sambhaji fight?
Sambhaji fought numerous battles throughout his reign, engaging in conflicts against the Mughals, the Portuguese, the Siddis of Janjira, and other regional powers. His key military campaigns include the attack on Burhanpur, the defense of Ramsej Fort, the invasion of Goa, and prolonged resistance against Aurangzeb.
Who was the best friend of Sambhaji Maharaj?
One of Sambhaji’s closest allies and confidants was Kavi Kalash, a learned Brahmin poet and advisor who stood by him till the end. Kavi Kalash was captured along with Sambhaji and suffered the same brutal fate.
Where was Sambhaji caught?
Sambhaji was captured at Sangameshwar in Konkan while discussing strategic plans with his commanders. He was surrounded and overpowered by Mughal forces led by Muqarrab Khan.