Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire, was a valiant warrior, a shrewd strategist, and a patron of the arts and sciences. Born on May 14, 1657, at Purandar Fort, he was the son of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his first wife, Saibai.
From a young age, Chhatrapati Sambhaji displayed intelligence, courage, and leadership qualities. He was well-educated in Sanskrit, Persian, and several other languages. He also showed a keen interest in military strategy and politics.
Sambhaji Maharaj's life was full of challenges. He faced opposition from within his own family and even spent some time in Mughal captivity. However, he eventually returned to the Maratha fold and ascended the throne in 1681 after the death of his father.
His reign was marked by constant conflict. He fought against the Mughals under Aurangzeb, who was determined to crush the Maratha empire, as well as the Portuguese, the Siddis, and other neighboring powers. Sambhaji Maharaj faced these challenges with extraordinary courage and skill, winning several battles and expanding the Maratha Empire's boundaries.
Sambhaji Maharaj was not only a great warrior and strategist but also a scholar and a poet. He authored a Sanskrit text called "Buddhbhushan" and was a patron of music, dance, and literature.
His reign ended tragically in 1689 when he was captured by the Mughals at Sangameshwar. Aurangzeb offered him his life in exchange for conversion to Islam, but Sambhaji Maharaj refused. He was brutally tortured and executed on March 11, 1689.
The last 40 days of Sambhaji Maharaj's life
The last 40 days of Sambhaji Maharaj's life were marked by unimaginable cruelty and suffering, yet also by unwavering courage and defiance in the face of religious persecution.
After being captured by the Mughal forces in Sangameshwar, Sambhaji Maharaj and his advisor, Kavikalash, were subjected to immense humiliation. They were paraded through Mughal camps in chains, mocked and jeered at by the Mughal soldiers. Aurangzeb, upon hearing of their capture, ordered them to be brought before him in chains.
When presented to Aurangzeb, Sambhaji Maharaj refused to bow down. Instead of pleading for mercy, he boldly declared his faith and mocked Aurangzeb's tyranny. This enraged the Mughal emperor, who ordered Sambhaji and Kavikalash to be imprisoned in Bahadurgarh.
The following 40 days were filled with relentless torture and attempts to break Sambhaji's spirit. He was subjected to various forms of physical and psychological torment. Aurangzeb, obsessed with converting Sambhaji to Islam, offered him freedom and riches in exchange for renouncing his faith. However, Sambhaji steadfastly refused, choosing death over dishonor.
Kavikalash was executed in front of Sambhaji to further torment him. Rohilla Khan, a Mughal officer, was sent to extract information about the Maratha treasury from Sambhaji. But Sambhaji remained defiant, declaring he would gladly face death rather than betray his people.
The torture continued with blinding, mutilation, and other horrific acts. Yet, Sambhaji's spirit remained unbroken. He continued to taunt Aurangzeb and his forces, proclaiming his faith and the inevitable victory of Swarajya.
Finally, on March 11, 1689, after enduring 40 days of unimaginable suffering, Sambhaji Maharaj was brutally executed. His death, though tragic, became a powerful symbol of resistance against religious oppression and a testament to his unwavering commitment to his faith and his people.
This period of immense suffering and sacrifice further solidified Sambhaji Maharaj's legacy as a true hero and martyr. His defiance in the face of death inspired generations of Marathas to continue the fight for freedom and uphold the ideals of Swarajya.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's life and death remain a powerful symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the unwavering pursuit of freedom. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians.
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