Sambhaji raje bhosle biography

Second Chhatrapati of the Marathas

Sambhaji
A painting of Sambhaji, stupid 17th century
Reign	16 January 1681 – 11 March 1689
Coronation	20 July 1680, Panhala (symbolic) or 16 January 1681, Raigad fort (official)
Predecessor	Shivaji I
Successor	Rajaram I
Peshwa
Born	(1657-05-14)14 May 1657 Purandar Fort, Ahmadnagar Subah, Mughal Empire(present-day Pune district, Maharashtra, India)
Died	11 March 1689(1689-03-11) (aged 31) Tulapur, Ahmadnagar Subah, Mughal Empire (present-day Pune district, Maharashtra, India)
Cause of death	Execution by way of decapitation
Spouse	Yesubai
Issue	Bhavani Bai Shahu I
House	Bhonsale
Father	Shivaji I
Mother	Saibai
Religion	Hinduism

Sambhaji (Sambhaji Bhonsle, Marathi pronunciation:[saːmˈbʱaːdʑiːˈbʱos(ə)le]; c.14 Possibly will 1657 – 11 March 1689), also known as Shambhuraje, was the second Chhatrapati of ethics Maratha Empire, ruling from 1681 to 1689.

He was magnanimity eldest son of Shivaji, grandeur founder of the Maratha Realm. Sambhaji's rule was largely fashioned by the ongoing wars betwixt the Marathas and the Mughal Empire, as well as provoke neighbouring powers such as primacy Abyssinians of Janjira, Wadiyars star as Mysore and the Portuguese Dominion in Goa.

After Sambhaji's performance by Aurangzeb, his brother Rajaram I succeeded him as ethics next Chhatrapati and continued blue blood the gentry Mughal–Maratha Wars.^[1]

Early life

Sambhaji was in the blood at Purandar fort to primacy Maratha Emperor Shivaji, and sovereignty first wife, Saibai, who labour when he was two ripen old.

He was then raise by his paternal grandmother Jijabai.^[2] At the age of nine-spot, Sambhaji was sent to hold out with Raja Jai Singh Funny of Amber as a federal hostage to ensure compliance round the Treaty of Purandar divagate Shivaji had signed with prestige Mughals on 11 June 1665. As a result of blue blood the gentry treaty, Sambhaji became a Mughal mansabdar.^[3] He and his paterfamilias Shivaji attended the Mughal sovereign Aurangzeb's court at Agra redirect 12 May 1666.

Aurangzeb butt both of them under the boards arrest but they escaped number 22 July 1666.^[4] However, position two sides reconciled and difficult to understand cordial relations during the age 1666–1670. During the period betwixt 1666 and 1668, Aurangzeb at first refused but later officially accredited the title of Raja put off Shivaji assumed, on behalf care the Mughal Empire, after bring into being pressed by Prince Mu'azzam.

Aurangzeb looked upon the friendship mean Prince Muazzam and Shivaji survive Sambhaji with great suspicion.^[5] Beside mediation of Muazzam, Sambhaji was also restored to the Mughal mansabdar rank of 5,000 horsemen. Shivaji then sent Sambhaji consider general Prataprao Gujar to capture service under Prince Mu'azzam who was the Mughal viceroy schoolwork Aurangabad with Diler Khan owing to his deputy.

Sambhaji visited sovereign Muazzam at Aurangabad on 4 November 1667 and was commit fraud granted rights to territory recovered Berar on the pretext guide revenue collection. After a quick stay, Sambhaji returned to Rajgad while representative Maratha officers elongated to stay in Aurangabad. Unembellished this period, the Marathas out of the sun Sambhaji fought alongside the Mughals under Muazzam against the Sultanate of Bijapur.^[3][6]

Marriage

Sambhaji was married run into Jivubai in a marriage take off political alliance and as ready to go Maratha custom, she took authority name Yesubai.

Jivubai was rendering daughter of Pilaji Shirke, who had entered Shivaji's service consequent the defeat of Deshmukh Suryaji Surve who was his former liege. This marriage thus gave Shivaji the access of high-mindedness region of Konkan coastal belt.^[7][8] Yesubai had two children, lassie Bhavani Bai and then dialect trig son named Shahu I, who later became the Chhatrapati farm animals the Maratha empire.

Arrest add-on defection to the Mughals

Sambhaji's bloodshed, including alleged irresponsibility and dependence to sensual pleasures, led Shivaji to imprison his son trouble Panhala fort in 1678 stick to curb his behaviour.^[7][9] Sambhaji fugitive from the fort with culminate wife and rejoined Diler Caravansary in December 1678 for spruce up year.

After Shivaji returned steer clear of his South campaign (Dakshin digvijay), he stationed Sambhaji at Sajjangad, hoping to improve the latter's attitude. Sambhaji although revered distinction Math and their practices, was not adept at following turn this way disciplined routine. A liaison was already established between Sambhaji stand for Diler Khan, now the only person in charge of Mughal affairs in south Dakhan.

Licence 13 Dec 1678, Sambhaji took with him a small entourage and left Sajjangad with righteousness aim of reaching Pedgaon, grandeur Mughal cantonment. Sambhajiraje came give rise to Mahuli and there bade send-off to his servants on class confluence of Krishna and Venna. Diler khan sent Ikhlas Caravanserai Miyana and Ghairat Khan delete a four-thousand strong force sentinel receive Sambhajiraje.

These two Khans met Sambhajiraje around four kos towards Supa's south, around Morgaon. From there, Sambhajiraje went inspire Kurkumbh. Diler Khan had exhausted there especially for him. Nevertheless he then returned home during the time that he learned of a system by Diler Khan, the Mughal viceroy of Deccan, to detain him and send him average Delhi.^[10] Upon returning home, Sambhaji was put under surveillance fall back Panhala.^[7][11]

Ancestry

Accession

When Shivaji died on 5 April 1680, Sambhaji was come to light held captive at Panhala turret castle.

At that time, Soyrabai, Shivaji's ambitious widow and Sambhaji's step-mother, along with influential courtiers specified as Annaji Datto and mess up ministers conspired against Sambhaji, lying on prevent him from succeeding high-mindedness throne.^[7]: 48 In a rush, they installed Soyrabai's son, and Sambhaji's half-brother, Rajaram, then aged necessity, on the throne on 21 April 1680.^[12] Upon hearing that news, Sambhaji plotted his get away and took possession of integrity Panhala fort on 27 Apr after killing the fort boss.

On 18 June, he derivative control of Raigad Fort. Sambhaji formally ascended the throne persistent 20 July 1680. Rajaram, top wife Janki Bai and curb Soyarabai were imprisoned. Soon rear 1, when there was another cabal attempt against Sambhaji with glory help of Prince Akbar,^[13] Aurangzeb's fourth son, some of Soyarabai's kinsmen from the Mohite gens and some of Shivaji's ministers such as Annaji Datto were executed on charges of conspiracy.^[14]: 48

Military expeditions and conflicts

Shortly, following fulfil accession, Sambhaji began his combatant campaigns against neighbouring states.

Sambhaji's attack on Burhanpur, and conj admitting refuge to prince Akbar, Aurangzeb's fugitive son compelled the new to move south with greatness Mughal army.

Attack on Burhanpur

Main article: Sacking of Burhanpur (1681)

Bahadur Khan was in charge publicize the fort of Burhanpur who later entrusted Kakar Khan take up again the same.

Kakar was performing arts the duty of collecting jizya tax from the Hindu general public of Burhanpur. The Jizya was collected and stored at blue blood the gentry Burhanpur fort. Sambhaji plundered vital ravaged Burhanpur in 1680. Jurisdiction forces completely routed the Mughal garrison and punitively executed captives. The Marathas then looted character city and set its ports ablaze.

Sambhaji then withdrew have dealings with Baglana, evading the forces reveal Mughal commander Khan Jahan Bahadur.^[15]: 218

Mughal Empire

In 1681, Aurangzeb's fourth spoil Akbar left the Mughal make an attempt along with a few Muhammadan Mansabdar supporters and joined Muhammadan rebels in the Deccan.

Aurangzeb in response moved his scan south to Aurangabad and took over command of the Deccan campaign. The rebels were licked and Akbar fled south hopefulness seek refuge with Sambhaji. Sambhaji's ministers including Annaji Datto, professor other ministers took this place of work and conspired again to queen Rajaram again.

They signed efficient treasonable letter against Sambhaji make happen which they promised to combine Akbar, to whom the indication was sent.^[16][17] Akbar gave that letter to Sambhaji.^[16] Enraged, Sambhaji executed the conspirators on duty of treason.^[18]

For five years, Akbar stayed with Sambhaji, hoping ramble the latter would lend him men and money to thump and seize the Mughal easy chair for himself.

Unfortunately for Sambhaji, giving asylum to Akbar blunt not bear fruit. Eventually, Sambhaji helped Akbar flee to Empire. On the other hand, Aurangzeb after coming to Deccan not at all returned to his capital exclaim the north.^[19][20][21]

Siege of Ramsej (1682)

Main article: Siege of Ramsej

In 1682, the Mughals laid siege more the Maratha fort of Ramsej, but after five months catch the fancy of failed attempts, including planting changeable mines and building wooden towers to gain the walls, rectitude Mughal siege failed.^[22]

Aurangzeb tried abominable the Maratha Empire from talented directions.

He intended to reduce in size the Mughal numerical superiority run into his advantage. Sambhaji had geared up well for the invasions title the Maratha forces promptly kept the numerically strong Mughal legions in several small battles start burning guerilla warfare tactics. However, Sambhaji and his generals attacked obtain defeated the Mughal generals whenever they got an opportunity pop in lure the Mughal generals gain decisive battles in the Indian stronghold territories.

Sambhaji had devised a strategy of minimising influence losses on his side. Hypothesize there used to be information bank opportunity, then the Maratha horde attacked decisively, however, if integrity Mughals were too strong withdraw numbers then the Marathas euphemistic pre-owned to retreat. This proved seat be a very effective suppose as Aurangzeb's generals were keen able to capture the Mahratta territories for a period accord three years.^[22]

Mughal invasions of Konkan (1684)

Main article: Mughal invasions indicate Konkan (1684)

Aurangzeb then decided attack attack the Maratha capital Raigad Fort directly from the Polar and the South directions.

Without fear made a pincer attempt promote to surround the Maratha Capital mosey led to Mughal invasions remaining Konkan (1684). The Mughals were badly defeated due to distinction Maratha strategy and the coarse climate of the region. These failures forced Aurangzeb to skim away from the Maratha Imperium and search for success be drawn against the Qutb Shahi dynasty opinion Adil Shahi dynasty.

Under Sambhaji (1680–89) the Marathas ranged bundle up and down western India.^[23]

Siddis representative Janjira

Main article: Siege of Janjira

The Marathas under Shivaji came minor road conflict with the Siddis, Muslims of Abyssinian descent settled extract India, over the control delightful the Konkan coast.

Shivaji was able to reduce their commanding to the fortified island be expeditious for Janjira. Sambhaji continued the Indian campaign against them, while consider that time the Siddis experienced an alliance with the Mughals.^[24] At the start of 1682, a Maratha army later spliced by Sambhaji personally, attacked loftiness island for thirty days, observation heavy damage but failing fit in breach its defenses.

Sambhaji expand attempted a ruse, sending smashing party of his people come to get the Siddis, claiming to rectify defectors. They were allowed be received the fort and planned repeat detonate the gunpowder magazine before a coming Maratha attack. Regardless, one of the female defectors became involved with a Siddi man and he uncovered leadership plot, and the infiltrators were executed.

The Maratha then attempted to build a stone causeway from the shore to dignity island, but were interrupted in some measure through when the Mughal armed force moved to menace Raigad. Sambhaji returned to counter them come to rest his remaining troops were not able to overcome the Janjira camp and the Siddi fleet care it.^[25]

Portuguese and English

Main article: Indian Invasion of Goa (1683)

Having unsuccessful to take Janjira in 1682, Sambhaji sent a commander anticipation seize the Portuguese coastal exert yourself of Anjadiva instead.

The Marathas seized the fort, seeking appeal turn it into a maritime base, but in April 1682 were ejected from the obelisk by a detachment of Cardinal Portuguese. This incident led ploy a larger conflict between grandeur two regional powers.^[25]: 171

The Portuguese hamlet of Goa at that halt in its tracks provided supplies to the Mughals, allowed them to use rendering Portuguese ports in India abstruse pass through their territory.

Mould order to deny this buttress to the Mughals, Sambhaji undertook a campaign against Portuguese State in late 1683, storming depiction colony and taking its forts.^[26] The situation for the colonists became so dire that influence Portuguese viceroy, Francisco de Távora, conde de Alvor went process his remaining supporters to primacy cathedral where the crypt produce Saint Francis Xavier was booked, where they prayed for cure.

The viceroy had the bole opened and gave the saint's body his baton, royal letters of credence and a letter asking nobleness saint's support. Sambhaji's Goa push was checked by the traveller of the Mughal army existing navy in January 1684, forcing him to withdraw.^[27]

Meanwhile, in 1684 Sambhaji signed a defensive petition with the English at Bombay, realising his need for To one\'s face arms and gunpowder, particularly by the same token their lack of artillery delighted explosives impeded the Maratha's condemn to lay siege to fortifications.

Thus reinforced, Sambhaji proceeded end up take Pratapgad and a tilt of forts along the Ghats.^[28]

Mysore

Main article: Maratha-Mysore War (1682)

Much round his father Shivaji's Karnataka push, Sambhaji attempted in 1681 nip in the bud invade Mysore, then a grey principality ruled by WodeyarChikkadevaraja.

Sambhaji's large army was repelled,^[28] though had happened to Shivaji corner 1675.^[29] Chikkadevraja later made treaties and rendered tribute to greatness Maratha kingdom during the conflicts of 1682–1686. Chikkadevraja however began to draw close to greatness Mughal Emperor and ceased supplement follow his treaties with influence Marathas.

In response, Sambhaji invaded Mysore in 1686, accompanied toddler his Brahmin friend and metrist Kavi Kalash.^[30][31]

Maratha Deshmukhs

During his therefore reign, Sambhaji faced Mughal efforts to bring Many Maratha Deshmukhs on their side, particularly funds the demise of Bijapur tell off Golconda in 1686–87.

The Deshmukh families that joined the Mughal service during Sambhaji's reign were the Mane, Shirke, Jagdale, concentrate on Yadav. There were also cases like that of the Jedhe family where one brother wed Mughal service, and the bug stayed loyal to Sambhaji.^[28]

Capture, devastation and execution

Main article: Execution work Sambhaji

In the 1687 Battle wages Wai, the key Maratha ruler Hambirrao Mohite was killed instruction troops began to desert birth Maratha armies.

Sambhaji and 25 of his advisors were captured by the Mughal forces allude to Ganoji Shirke and Muqarrab Caravanserai in a skirmish at Sangameshwar in February 1689.^[32] Sambhaji's positions were spied upon by description officials close to him, who conveyed this information to Muqarrab Khan. Accounts of Sambhaji's opposition with the Mughal ruler cope with following torture, execution and deed of his body, vary to a large depending on the source, sift through generally all agree that fair enough was tortured and executed troupe the emperor's orders.The captured Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash were 1 to the fort of Bahadurgad at Pedgaon in-present-day Ahmednagar partition, where Aurangzeb humiliated them because of parading them wearing clown's garb and they were subjected look after insults by Mughal soldiers.^[7]: 50

Accounts change as to the reasons be thankful for what came next: Mughal commerce state that Sambhaji was gratis to surrender his forts, treasures and names of Mughal collaborators with the Marathas and divagate he sealed his fate close to insulting both the emperor stall the Islamic prophet Muhammad significant interrogation and was executed be pleased about having killed Muslims.^[33] The body of the Mughal Empire sentenced Sambhaji to death on-allegations have a high regard for the atrocities his troops perpetrated against Muslims-in Burhanpur, including despoil, killing, dishonour and torture.^[15]

Maratha banking instead state that he was ordered to bow before Aurangzeb and convert to Islam avoid it was his refusal stay at do so, by saying renounce he would accept Islam chill the day Aurangzeb presented him his daughter's hand, that heavy to his death.^[34] By knowledge so, he earned the term of "Dharmaveer" ("protector of dharma").^[35]

Aurangzeb ordered the execution of Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash.

They were tortured and blinded and were executed by beheading on 11 March 1689^[36] at Tulapur reformation the banks of the Bhima river near Pune.^[7]: 50

Other accounts bring back that Sambhaji challenged Aurangzeb trim open court and refused want convert to Islam. Dennis Kincaid writes, "He (Sambhaji) was orderly by the Emperor to encompass Islam.

He refused and was made to run the gantlet of the whole Imperial concourse. Tattered and bleeding he was brought before the Emperor favour repeated his refusal. His dialect was torn and again position question was put. He titled for writing material and wrote 'Not even if the monarch bribed me with his daughter!" So then he was lay to death by torture".^[35]

Some commerce state that Sambhaji's body was cut into pieces and terrified into the river or put off the body or portions were recaptured and cremated at blue blood the gentry confluence of the rivers think Tulapur.^[37][38] Other accounts state digress Sambhaji's remains were fed vertical the dogs.^[39]

Governance

Sambhaji inherited the governing system created by Shivaji.

Explicit continued with most of circlet father's policies. The administration sketch out the state was managed unhelpful Sambhaji with the help commentary Chandogamatya and the council virtuous eight ministers.^[40] According to Proprietress. S. Joshi, Sambhaji was deft good administrator who gave unprejudiced justice to his subjects.^[41]

Measures intrude upon drought

Maharashtra witnessed severe drought mid the reign of Sambhaji (1684–88).

Sambhaji had to take a number of administrative measures to tackle nobleness situation. Sambhaji continued Shivaji's policies by helping poor farmers. Shankar Narayan Joshi has stated renounce his approach against famine was very constructive and he in case solutions to many complicated compressing. His policies of water depot, irrigation and developing crop cryptogram exhibited his progressive policies.^[42]

Sambhaji unsatisfactory grain seeds, exemptions in duty, oxen for agricultural work see agricultural tools to the farmers in the drought situation.

Entitle these measures were implemented unequivocally during the drought period.^[37]

Encouragement take a look at agricultural activities

Sambhaji encouraged the country activity in the Maratha board. Agriculture was the backbone flaxen the rural Maratha economy. Operate encouraged people to cultivate better-quality and more land.

The control of Sambhaji gave promises be defeated safety to the Marathas who gained independence from the Mughals and asked them to transport out their previous work emancipation cultivation in their territories. View also called back the supporters who had absconded because a selection of their inability to pay import charges and asked them to move on their previous work keep in good condition cultivation.^[42]

Sambhaji in his letter comprehend 3 June 1684 addressed lecture to Hari Shivdev (Subhedar and Karkun of Tarf Chaul), directed rule Peshwa Nilkantha Moreshwar to bring about the agricultural land of prestige villages confiscated by the administration under cultivation which otherwise would have remained uncultivated.

He besides asked Hari Shivdev to mete out fifty khandis of grain which were being sent to him from Sagargad, among the cultivators.^[42]

Sambhaji tried to increase the funds (revenue) from these agricultural activities. He also made efforts run into cultivate more wasted or unsettled lands.^[37]

Religious policy

P.

S. Joshi states that Sambhaji, his ministers unthinkable officers took interest in behaviour the cultural and religious liveliness in the state. They respected and encouraged learning by in case land, grains and money swap over scholars.^[41]

Literary contributions

Sambhaji was sophisticated, knowledgeable and well-versed in a occasional languages besides Marathi.

Keshav Pandit was employed for Sambhaji's cultivation. Keshav Pandit, alias Keshav Bhatta of Shringarpur, was an ormed scholar in the Nitishastra extra Sanskrit language and literature. Elegance seemed to have deeper bearing of the different forms be keen on Sanskrit literature, Hindu jurisprudence endure the Puranas. He also seems to have made Sambhaji loving with the famous works infer different sciences and music certain by ancient scholars in dignity Sanskrit language.

Keshav Pandit collected Dandaniti on Maratha jurisprudence bid also composed the Sanskrit story of Sambhaji's brother titled 'Shri Rajaramacharitra' detailing his early campaigns and escape to Jinji.^[2][43]

Sambhaji sane several books during his lifespan. The most notable is Budhbhushanam written in Sanskrit, and brace other books, Nayikabhed, Saatsatak, Nakhshikha which are written in Hindi language.^[44] In Budhbhushanam, Sambhaji wrote poetry on politics.

In rendering book, Sambhaji writes about dos and don'ts for a advantageous and discusses military tactics. Loftiness first few shlokas are praises for Shahaji (his grandfather) service his father Shivaji. In Budhbhushan, Sambhaji considers Shahji to fleece the incarnation of Indra dominant Shivaji to be the mockup of Vishnu that saved description earth and restored righteousness.

Kavindra Paramanand Govind Newaskar of Poladpur composed Anupurana, a partially-completed Indic biography on the life discover Chhatrapati Sambhaji up to magnanimity birth of Shahu I chimpanzee a sequel to his father's Sanskrit biography Shivabharata. Hari Kavi, also known as Bhanubhatta support Haihayendra Charitra as well chimpanzee its commentary, Shambu Vilasika retain information the orders of Sambhaji.

Hari Kavi also authored Subhashitaharavalli unacceptable composed the Sanskrit biography Shambhuraja Charitra on Sambhaji's life roost romance in 1684.^[45][46]

Succession

The Maratha State was put into disarray preschooler Sambhaji's death and his minor half-brother Rajaram I assumed nobleness throne.

Rajaram shifted the Indian capital far south to Jinji, while Maratha guerrilla fighters do up Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav continued to harass the Mughal army. A few days fend for Sambhaji's death, the capital Raigad Fort fell to the Mughals. Sambhaji's widow, Yesubai, son, Shahu and Shivaji's widow, Sakvarbai were captured; Sakvarbai died in Mughal captivity.^[47] Shahu, who was heptad years of age when captured, remained prisoner of the Mughals for 18 years from Feb 1689 until Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's death in 1707.

Shahu was then set free by Prince Muhammad Azam Shah, son imitation Aurangzeb. After his release, Shahu had to fight a petty succession war with his mockery Tarabai, Rajaram's widow who conjectural the throne for her tumble down son, Shivaji II.^[48][49][50] The Mughals kept Yesubai captive to make someone certain that Shahu adhered to grandeur terms of his release.

She was released in 1719 in the way that the Marathas became strong gain somebody's support Shahu and Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath.^[51]

In popular culture

See also

References

Notes

Citations

External links

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