Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Biography, Role in Maratha Empire

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was the son of Shivaji Maharaj who was the founder of Maratha Empire. He was a warrior known for his bravery and focused on Maratha heritage and swarajya. He was the descendant of the 96 Maratha Clans well known as ‘Kshatriyas’ or brave fighters. Sambhaji Maharaj, took the responsibility of safeguarding the Maratha Empire against the Mughal Empire in Delhi as well as carrying and promoting the ideologies of Shivaji Maharaj ahead to the future generation.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Early Life

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His mother’s name was Saibai who passed away in 1659 after that he was raised by his grandmother Jijabai. He was well-educated with several languages such as Sanskrit, marathi and hindi.

When Sambhaji was nine years old, he was sent to Raja Jai Singh I of Amber as a political hostage under the Treaty of Purandar (1665) between the Marathas and the Mughals. During his time with the Mughals, he was given the rank of Mansabdar. In 1666 with his father, Shivaji, managed to escape from Mughal captivity. 

Sambhaji Maharaj Role in Maratha Empire

After their escape from the Mughal Captivity, Sambhaji actively supported Shivaji Maharaj in military campaigns. Between 1666 and 1670, he assisted the Mughals against the Sultan of Bijapur before joining his father in expanding the Maratha Empire.

When Chhatrapati Shivaji passed away in April 1680, some court ministers attempted to crown his half-brother, Rajaram, as king. However, Sambhaji quickly took control of key forts like Raigad and Panhala, preventing the capture of these important forts. On 20 July 1680, he was crowned as the Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire.

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Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Important Events

• Capture of Torna Fort (1645)

At the age of 16, Shivaji captured Torna Fort, marking his first major conquest and showcasing his courage and strategic skills. Encouraged by this success, he went on to capture forts like Raigad and Pratapgad. These victories caused panic in the Sultan of Bijapur mind, who imprisoned Shivaji’s father, Shahaji. In 1659, when Shivaji attempted another attack on Bijapur, the Sultan sent Afzal Khan to stop him. In 1662, the Sultan of Bijapur signed a peace treaty, recognizing Shivaji as an independent ruler.

• Battle for Kondana Fort

Kondana Fort was controlled by Nilkanth Rao and later defended by Udaybhan Rathod under Mughal commander Jai Singh I. In a battle, Tanaji Malusare, one of Shivaji’s trusted commanders, led the Maratha forces to capture the fort. Though Tanaji lost his life in battle, the Marathas ultimately secured victory. In his honor, the fort was renamed Sinhagad (Lion’s Fort).

• Shivaji’s Coronation (1674)

In 1674, Shivaji established himself as an independent ruler and was crowned as Chhatrapati at Raigad. His coronation ceremony symbolized the rise of regional powers challenging Mughal dominance. He was given the title “Haidava Dharmodharka” (Protector of Hindu Dharma) and gained the authority to collect land revenue and taxes, strengthening the newly formed Hindavi Swarajya.

• Alliance with the Qutb Shahi Dynasty of Golconda

Shivaji allied with the rulers of Golconda, which helped him launch a successful military campaign in Bijapur Karnataka (1676–1679). Through this alliance, he expanded Maratha influence by capturing important forts like Gingee (Jingi), Vellore, and several strongholds in Karnataka.

The Battle of Wai

The Battle of Wai was a significant Maratha War with the Mughals during the late 17th century. It took place near the town of Wai in Maharashtra, a region strategically important for both sides. The Marathas successfully defeated the Mughal forces in the dense forests of Wai and Mahabaleshwar. The victory came at a great cost, as their commander-in-chief, Hambirrao Mohite, was killed. His loss was a major setback for the Marathas, impacting their military leadership.

The Battle of Wai Aftermath

After the Battle of Wai, Sambhaji faced the loss of his court member against the victory in Maratha War. In February 1689, he was captured at Sangameshwar along with 25 close advisors, including his trusted companion, Kavi Kalash.

He was taken to Bahadurgad in Ahmednagar, where Aurangzeb’s forces subjected him to severe humiliation and torture. Despite this, he refused to surrender or convert to Islam. On 11 March 1689, he was executed by beheading at Tulapur. His courage and sacrifice earned him the title “Dharmaveer”, meaning the Protector of Religion in Maratha history.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj as a Scholar

Sambhaji Maharaj was not only a brave warrior but also a learned scholar. He was fluent in Marathi, Sanskrit, and Hindi. He authored the Sanskrit book Budhbhushanam, which covers politics and military strategies. He wrote Hindi publications such as Saatsatak, Nayikabhed, and Nakhshikha, depicting his deep knowledge of literature and leadership.