Who killed Shivaji Maharaj?

 It is a controversial topic as it is still unknown if Maharaj was killed or died naturally.

Shivaji Maharaj left this world in 1680 on 3rd April at the age of 52.

It was the day of Hanuman Jayanti.

The reason behind his death is unknown: different claims say different reasons,

• Portuguese recorded cause of death of Shivaji Maharaj is anthrax.
• Britishers say Bloody flux - Dysentery killed Maharaj
• Mughals say blood vomit.
• Krishnaji Anant Sabhasad say reason is fever.
• Some say he was poisoned by enemies

(I personally don’t think this, as he had food tasters)

• Many say he was poisoned by his wife Soyrabai with assistance of minister Annajidatto to make Rajaram king.

I don’t think he was poised by his close ones as no one would dare to do it. Also Maharaj’s minister had feud or disputes with Sambhaji Maharaj as Annaji’s corruption was always questioned by Sambhaji Maharaj after he started taking care of capital fort when Shivaji Maharaj was in battlefields.

If Soyrabai and Annaji Datto wanted to make Rajaram next king, why will they kill Maharaj?

Annajidatto tried to poison Sambhaji Maharaj but he failed due to alertness of guards and food tasters.

Maybe Annaji poisoned Maharaj without knowledge of Soyrabai… God knows what happened, but Annaji was later sentenced to death by Sambhaji Maharaj for betrayal of Swarajya as he tried to help Siddis of Janjira. So it is natural to doubt his minister. There was no caste dispute between Sambhaji Maharaj and Annaji Datto like Brahmin vs. Maratha. This thing was bought to create tension between both communites.

• Some say Shivaji Maharaj died due to natural reasons as he never had luxury life, living in tents during wars, on horse and also he later he stopped himself fighting in wars due to knee pains and arthritis; and used to travel in palkhi. He never stayed at home for rest . So

So due to very heavy, and busy life, he may have died due to natural reasons.

But, whatever may be reason of his death, whole Bharat was in shock and an unusual strange feeling was felt by other Indian kings and Indians.

How did Shivaji use the concept of "sweet baskets" to deceive Aurangzeb's guards and escape from captivity?

 Shivaji’s Daring Escape from Aurangzeb’s Captivity

Surrender and Captivity 🏰

• In 1666, Shivaji surrendered to Aurangzeb and was held captive in the Red Fort of Agra.
• Aurangzeb, confident in his power, relaxed his vigilance over Shivaji.

The Plan Begins 📝

• Shivaji pretended to be ill and started sending out large baskets packed with sweets as penance for the Brahmins and the poor.
• These baskets became a common sight, and the guards grew accustomed to them.

Secret Planning 🤫

• Shivaji observed the guards’ routine and identified a window of opportunity for his escape.
• He secretly planned his move, waiting for the perfect moment.

The Night of Escape 🌙

• On the night of August 13, 1666, Shivaji decided to execute his plan.
• He placed himself in one of the sweet baskets and his son Sambhaji in another.

Deception and Escape 🎭

• The baskets were carried out of the fort by Shivaji’s loyal servants, disguised as Brahmins.
• The guards, thinking the baskets contained only sweets, barely gave them a second glance.

Freedom and Return 🏃‍♂️

• Once outside the fort, Shivaji and Sambhaji emerged from the baskets and made their way to a pre-arranged meeting point.
• They began their journey back to their kingdom, evading Aurangzeb’s forces along the way.

A Masterstroke of Deception 🧠

• Shivaji’s use of the “sweet baskets” was a brilliant act of cunning and bravery.
• By exploiting the guards’ complacency, Shivaji successfully escaped captivity and returned to his kingdom.

Legacy of Bravery 🏆

• Shivaji’s daring escape is a testament to his intelligence and courage.
• It serves as a reminder that even in seemingly impossible situations, there is always a way to find freedom and victory.

What a history!!!😀

What lessons do we learn from Shivaji Maharaj?

 When you are at war, everything you do is a strategy, even surrendering.

During the time period of kings, wars and invasion, a king never used to declare war when they get angry, emotional or lose someone or something. They used to attack when it is the right time.

So when it is was the right time? The right time was basically when a kingdom is vulnerable due to some reason. History tells you everyone kingdom has constantly been through vulnerable phase.

And many kings lost theirs lives, kingdom and people only because they were attacked during their vulnerable period. This was true for Chhatrapati Shivaji too. His kingdom was in vulnerable period many times.

Let’s understand how Shivaji protected his kingdom in vulnerable phase.

Step 1:

He used to identify a vulnerable period is going to come before it comes.

Step 2:

He used to analyse which enemy is more likely to take advantage of this vulnerability.

Step 3:

He used to write a letter to that enemy saying I am fine with working under your rule.

Step 4:

The vulnerability time starts.

Step 5:

The enemy used to think anyhow he has accepted to work under us what is the point to attack Chhatrapati?

Step 6:

This gave Chhatrapati enough time to consolidate his strength.

Step 7:

Enemy sends official Farman (Oder) to join them and work under them.

Step 8:

Chhatrapati refuses.

Step 9:

Enemy lost an opportunity to attack.

Step 10:

Even if they attack now, Shivaji is in a position to defend his Kingdom.

This is why Mughals won against Rajputs but failed to stop Marathas.