Sambhaji Maharaj was the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the second ruler of the Maratha Empire. He is known for his bravery, resistance against the Mughals, and his martyrdom at the hands of Aurangzeb.
Basic Information on Sambhaji Maharaj
- Full Name: Sambhaji Bhonsale
- Born: 14 May 1657 CE
- Birthplace: Purandar Fort, Maharashtra
- Dynasty: Bhonsale (Maratha Empire)
- Father: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
- Mother: Saibai
- Coronation: 1681 CE (Raigad Fort)
- Major Battles: Mughal-Maratha Wars, Siddis of Janjira, Portuguese conflicts
- Religious Policy: Hindu ruler, protected Hindus from forced conversion
- Major Achievements: Defended Maratha Empire against Mughals, refused to convert to Islam
- Death: 11 March 1689 CE (Executed by Aurangzeb)
Early Life of Sambhaji
- Lost his mother Saibai at the age of 2.
- Raised under the guidance of his grandmother, Jijabai.
- Educated in Sanskrit, Marathi, Persian, and military strategy.
- Captured by Mughals at a young age but escaped.
Accession to the Throne (1681)
- After Shivaji’s death (1680), a succession dispute arose.
- Younger stepbrother Rajaram was supported by some courtiers.
- Sambhaji took control of Raigad Fort and crowned himself as Chhatrapati in 1681.
- Executed ministers like Annaji Datto who opposed him.
Military Campaigns and Battles
1. War Against Aurangzeb (1681–1689)
- Aurangzeb personally led a 27-year-long war (1681–1707) against the Marathas.
- Sambhaji led guerrilla warfare, raiding Mughal territories in Deccan and Gujarat.
2. Battle Against Siddis of Janjira (1682–1683)
- Sambhaji tried to capture Janjira (Siddi stronghold), but failed due to strong fortifications.
- Janjira remained a major threat to the Marathas.
3. War Against Portuguese in Goa (1683–1684)
- Attacked Portuguese-held Goa for supporting the Mughals.
- Portuguese sought Aurangzeb’s help, leading to Maratha withdrawal.
4. Resistance Against Mughal Attacks
- Defended Raigad, Panhala, and Vishalgad forts from Mughals.
- Led surprise attacks on Mughal supply lines.
Capture and Martyrdom (1689)
1. Betrayal by Ganoji Shirke (1689)
- Sambhaji was betrayed by his own relative, Ganoji Shirke, who informed the Mughals.
- Captured near Sangameshwar (1689) by Mughal forces.
2. Aurangzeb’s Demand for Conversion
- Aurangzeb offered Sambhaji a choice:
- Convert to Islam and serve the Mughals, or
- Face torture and execution.
- Sambhaji refused to convert, saying:
- “I would rather die than accept Islam.”
3. Brutal Execution by Aurangzeb
- Tortured for days – eyes gouged, tongue cut, and body mutilated.
- Finally beheaded on 11 March 1689, becoming a martyr for Hinduism and Swarajya.
Sambhaji’s Administration and Policies
1. Strong Defense Strategy
- Continued Shivaji’s guerrilla warfare tactics against the Mughals.
- Strengthened forts and military outposts.
2. Religious Tolerance
- Did not impose religious taxes, unlike Aurangzeb.
- Respected Hindu, Muslim, and Portuguese religious places.
3. Patronage of Literature
- Wrote “Budhbhushanam” (a Sanskrit text on politics and administration).
- Encouraged Sanskrit and Marathi scholars.
Comparison: Sambhaji vs. Aurangzeb
| Feature | Sambhaji Maharaj | Aurangzeb |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Policy | Tolerant, protected Hindus | Strict Sunni Islam, imposed Jizya tax |
| Military Strategy | Guerrilla Warfare, Fort Defense | Large Standing Army |
| Relations with Foreign Powers | Fought Portuguese & Siddis | Allied with some Hindu rulers |
| Treatment of Common People | Respected all religions | Forced conversions, destroyed temples |
| Death | Martyrdom, refused to convert to Islam | Died naturally in 1707 |
Impact of Sambhaji’s Martyrdom
- Marathas intensified resistance against the Mughals.
- Aurangzeb’s rule weakened due to continuous Maratha attacks.
- Rajaram (Sambhaji’s younger brother) continued the war from Gingee Fort (Tamil Nadu).
- Inspired later Maratha leaders like Chhatrapati Shahu and Peshwa Bajirao.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
- Sambhaji Maharaj = “Dharma Veer” (Protector of Religion).
- Crowned as Chhatrapati in 1681 at Raigad Fort.
- Fought against Aurangzeb, Portuguese, and Siddis.
- Betrayed by Ganoji Shirke and captured (1689).
- Refused to convert to Islam, brutally executed by Aurangzeb (1689).
- His sacrifice inspired the Marathas to fight until the Mughals were defeated (1707).
MCQs on Sambhaji Maharaj
1. Where was Sambhaji Maharaj born?
A) Raigad Fort
B) Shivneri Fort
C) Purandar Fort
D) Sindhudurg
✅ Answer: C) Purandar Fort
2. Who betrayed Sambhaji to the Mughals?
A) Jai Singh
B) Ganoji Shirke
C) Mirza Raja
D) Afzal Khan
✅ Answer: B) Ganoji Shirke
3. What was the name of the Sanskrit book written by Sambhaji Maharaj?
A) Rajtarangini
B) Budhbhushanam
C) Ain-i-Akbari
D) Ramcharitmanas
✅ Answer: B) Budhbhushanam
4. When was Sambhaji Maharaj executed by Aurangzeb?
A) 1681
B) 1686
C) 1689
D) 1707
✅ Answer: C) 1689
5. Who succeeded Sambhaji as the next Maratha ruler?
A) Rajaram Maharaj
B) Shivaji II
C) Shahu Maharaj
D) Bajirao I
✅ Answer: A) Rajaram Maharaj
Subjective Questions for Further Revision
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Sambhaji Maharaj, and what were his achievements?
- Why did Aurangzeb execute Sambhaji Maharaj?
- What was the impact of Sambhaji’s martyrdom on the Maratha Empire?
- Describe Sambhaji’s battles against the Mughals and Siddis.
- What was Sambhaji’s contribution to literature and administration?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss Sambhaji’s military campaigns and resistance against Aurangzeb.
- Explain the events leading to Sambhaji’s capture and execution.
- Compare Sambhaji Maharaj’s rule with Shivaji Maharaj’s rule.
- What was the Maratha strategy against the Mughals after Sambhaji’s death?
- How did Sambhaji’s leadership shape the future of the Maratha Empire?