PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raj Shivaji Raj Bhosale
Real Name: Sambhaji Bhonsle
Nickname: Shambhuraje
Profession: Ruler of Maratha Empire
Famous for: Being the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Date of Birth: 14 May 1657 (Monday)
Birthplace: Purandar Fort, Ahmadnagar Subah, Mughal Empire (present-day Pune District, Maharashtra, India)
Age (at the time of death): 32 Years
Zodiac sign: Taurus
Religion: Hinduism
Caste: Kshatriyas
Ethnicity: Maratha
Age: 32 Years
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PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): 6′ 0″ (182 cm)
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Royal Family: Bhosale
Marital Status (at the time of death): Married
Wife/Spouse: Jivubai Shirke (Yesubai after marriage)
Children: Son – Chhatrapati Shahu I Maharaj (5th Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire) Daughter – Bhavani Bai
Parents: Father – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Founder and First Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire) Mother – Maharani Saibai (Chief Consort of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) Step-Mother(s) – Maharani Soyarabai, Maharani Putalabai, Maharani Sakvarbai, Maharani Kashibai Jadhav
Siblings: Half-Brother – Rajaram Bhonsle I (3rd Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire; younger) Note: He had seven younger siblings.
Father: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Wife: Yesubai
OTHER INFORMATION
Statehood: From Western Maharashtra , Konkan , Sahyadri Ranges to Nagpur and from North Maharashtra , Khandesh to Thanjavur in South India
Capital: Raigad
Title(s): Chhatrapati, Swaraj Rakshak, Dharmaveer
Reign: 16 January 1681 – 11 March 1689
Coronation: Symbolic: 20 July 1680 in Panhala Official: 16 January 1681 in Raigad Fort
Predecessor: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Successor: Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj
Commander-in-Chief: Commander-in-Chief Hambir Rao Mohite
Anthem: Hindu Pat Patshah
Royal Motto: Sri Shambho: Shivjatasya Mudra Dyauriva Rajate, Yandakasevini Lekha Warte Kasya Nopri
Currency: Hone, Shivarai
Date of Death: 11 March 1689
Place of Death: Tulapur, Ahmadnagar Subah, Mughal Empire
Death Cause: Execution by decapitation
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Sambhaji Maharaj was born into the illustrious Bhosale family, a lineage that would soon play a significant role in shaping the future of the Maratha Empire. Tragically, his life began under a cloud of loss; at just two years old, he lost his mother and was subsequently raised by his paternal grandmother, Rajmata, who provided a nurturing environment in a tumultuous time. From an early age, Sambhaji displayed a remarkable aptitude for leadership, receiving rigorous training in warfare, statecraft, and administration. Under the tutelage of his father, Shivaji Maharaj, and seasoned Maratha military leaders, he developed the skills necessary for governing a burgeoning empire. Despite the affection of his stepmother Putalabai, Sambhaji’s relationship with his other stepmother, Soyarabai, was fraught with tension, particularly as she often undermined his political aspirations.
At the tender age of nine, Sambhaji’s fate took a pivotal turn when he was sent as a political hostage to Raja Jai Singh I of Amber, a strategic move by Shivaji to uphold a treaty with the Mughals. During this time, he was bestowed with the title of Mughal Mansabdar, integrating him into the intricate Mughal hierarchy. In 1666, Sambhaji’s life took yet another dramatic twist when he and his father were invited to the Mughal court in Agra by Emperor Aurangzeb. Their visit quickly escalated into a tense situation, culminating in house arrest. The duo managed to escape in July of the same year, a daring act that would deepen the rift between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire. Following this incident, a temporary reconciliation occurred, allowing for a fragile peace that lasted until 1670.
On June 6, 1674, Shivaji crowned himself as the Chhatrapati of the Maratha Kingdom, and Sambhaji took on a vital role in welcoming delegates to the grand coronation at Raigad. By this time, he had matured into a figure well-versed in political strategies and battlefield tactics. However, his ascent was not without challenges. Following the death of his grandmother Jijau a mere twelve days after the coronation, Shivaji’s intense focus on the politics of Swarajya left Sambhaji somewhat sidelined. This led to conflicts between him and seasoned officials in his father’s court, particularly with Annaji Dutt, who resented Sambhaji’s interference in administrative matters. These tensions ultimately prevented him from joining his father on a crucial campaign to South India, highlighting the complexities of court politics.
In a bid to further develop Sambhaji’s governance skills, Shivaji appointed him as the Subedar of Shringarpur, a move intended to distance him from court intrigues while allowing him to gain practical experience. Nonetheless, Shivaji’s concerns about Sambhaji’s behavior led to his imprisonment at Panhala Fort in 1678, an act meant to curb his indulgences. Yet, Sambhaji’s resilience shone through when he escaped from the fort with his wife, forging an alliance with Diler Khan, a prominent Mughal leader. After a brief stint in exile, he was sent to Sajjangad upon his father’s return, but he struggled to adapt to the strict confines imposed there. Ultimately, the death of Shivaji on April 5, 1680, marked a significant turning point, leaving Sambhaji imprisoned and vulnerable to the machinations of his stepmother and others in the court.
Upon learning of his father’s demise, Sambhaji seized control of Panhala Fort and subsequently Raigad, formally ascending the throne on July 20, 1680. His reign was characterized by a mix of ambition and treachery, as he imprisoned key figures, including Rajaram and Soyarabai, to consolidate power. Yet, the challenges of leadership soon compounded, particularly with the conspiracies brewing against him, including plots involving his half-brother Rajaram. Despite these internal upheavals, Sambhaji aimed to maintain the administrative structure established by his father while facing external threats from the Mughals and other regional powers. His military campaigns during his reign from 1684 to 1688 were marked by both victories and losses, as he sought to assert Maratha dominance in the region.
Sambhaji’s tenure saw significant agricultural initiatives, especially in response to severe droughts that plagued Maharashtra. He implemented various measures to support farmers and encourage agricultural expansion, all while navigating the complexities of court politics and military engagements. His reign was rife with confrontations, including assaults on Mughal-controlled territories, and alliances that were often tenuous. However, as internal strife intensified and external pressures mounted, Sambhaji’s fortunes began to wane. In 1687, he was captured alongside his confidant, Kavi Kalash, leading to a tragic end in March
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.