Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
- Context (IE): The eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Sambhaji Maharaj, ruled from 1681 to 1689 and is known for his bravery, resistance against the Mughals, and refusal to convert.
About Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
Early Life and Ascension
- Born on May 14, 1657, to Shivaji Maharaj and Saibai Nimbalkar, at Purandar Fort, Maharashtra.
- Mughal Hostage: Sent to Aurangzeb’s court as part of the Treaty of Purandar at age nine.
- Family Conflicts: Tensions with stepmother Soyarabai, who supported Rajaram’s claim to the throne.
- Political Estrangement: Briefly joined Mughal forces under Diler Khan but returned to Maratha fold.
- Coronation: Crowned on July 20, 1680, at Raigad Fort after overcoming internal conspiracies.
Major Military Campaigns and Resistance
- Battle of Burhanpur (1681): Maratha forces successfully raided this major Mughal trade centre.
- Siege of Ramsej (1682-1688): Marathas fiercely resisted Mughal attacks for six years.
- Konkan Campaign (1683-1684): Fought against Siddis and Portuguese to secure coastal regions.
- Battle of Wai (1687): Marathas won but lost their commander-in-chief, Hambirrao Mohite.
- Defense Against Aurangzeb: Held off a strong Mughal army, preventing North India’s reoccupation.
Contributions to the Maratha Empire
- Expansion: Continued Shivaji’s policies, strengthening Maratha strongholds.
- Naval Engagements: Strengthened coastal defenses against Portuguese and Siddis.
- Religious Devotion: Earned the title “Dharamveer” for his refusal to convert to Islam.
- Maratha Administration: Followed his father’s administrative model & upheld Ashtapradhan system.
Ashtapradhan System (Council of Eight Ministers)
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Capture, Execution and legacy
- Betrayal: Captured at Sangameshwar due to an internal conspiracy. Yet, they refused to meet the conditions to surrender forts and treasures and convert to Islam.
- Torturous Execution: Publicly tortured and killed by Aurangzeb at Tulapur on March 11, 1689.
- Symbol of Resistance: Refusal to bow to Mughal rule and religious oppression.
- Maratha Strength: His struggles laid the foundation for later Maratha resurgence.
Key Battles of the Marathas
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