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.

Biography of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

 Introduction

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (14 May 1657 – 11 March 1689) was the second ruler of the Maratha Empire and the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was a fearless warrior, a strategic thinker, and a scholar proficient in multiple languages, including Sanskrit, Persian, Marathi, and Hindi. His reign was marked by relentless resistance against the Mughal Empire, which ultimately led to his brutal martyrdom at the hands of Emperor Aurangzeb. Sambhaji Maharaj is revered as "Dharmaveer" for his unyielding commitment to protecting Hindu culture and the Maratha Empire.

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Early Life and Education

Birth and Childhood

Sambhaji Maharaj was born on 14 May 1657 at Purandar Fort to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharani Saibai. Unfortunately, his mother passed away when he was only two years old. After her death, he was raised under the care of his grandmother, Rajmata Jijabai, and received rigorous training in administration, diplomacy, and warfare.

Education and Intellectual Prowess

Sambhaji Maharaj was an exceptionally well-educated ruler. He was fluent in multiple languages, including Sanskrit, Persian, Marathi, and Hindi. He was also well-versed in religious scriptures, Vedas, and political strategies, making him a scholar-warrior. His knowledge extended to diplomacy and administration, which later helped him in governing the Maratha Empire.

Conflict with Shivaji Maharaj and Temporary Imprisonment

As a young prince, Sambhaji was a natural leader, but his strong-willed nature sometimes led to conflicts with his father. In 1678, due to differences in opinions, he left the Maratha court and sought refuge with the Mughals for a short period. However, he realized the mistake and returned. As a consequence, he was kept under house arrest at Panhala Fort by his father, Shivaji Maharaj.

Despite this temporary imprisonment, Sambhaji Maharaj was deeply respected for his intelligence and warrior skills. After Shivaji’s death in 1680, he reclaimed his rightful place as the ruler of the Maratha Empire.

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Coronation and Challenges as Chhatrapati

Following Shivaji Maharaj’s death in 1680, there was a power struggle within the Maratha Empire. A faction within the court, led by Anaji Datto and other ministers, attempted to place his younger stepbrother, Rajaram, on the throne. However, Sambhaji decisively dealt with the conspirators, assumed power, and was officially crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort in 1681.

His reign was immediately challenged by external and internal threats:

1. Mughal Invasion – Aurangzeb launched an all-out war to conquer the Deccan.
2. Portuguese and Siddis of Janjira – They frequently attacked Maratha territories.
3. Rajput and Deccan Sultanates – Several kingdoms were influenced by the Mughals to resist Sambhaji's rule.

Despite these challenges, Sambhaji Maharaj maintained the sovereignty of the Maratha Empire and continued his father’s mission.

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Military Achievements and Battles

1. Defense Against the Mughals

• Sambhaji Maharaj fiercely resisted Aurangzeb’s attempts to annex the Maratha Empire.
• Despite being outnumbered, he adopted guerrilla warfare tactics, ambushing Mughal armies and disrupting their supply chains.
• The Mughals suffered heavy losses under his leadership, prolonging their campaign for nearly a decade.

2. Battle Against the Portuguese in Goa (1683)

• The Portuguese-controlled Goa was a major enemy of the Marathas.
• In 1683, Sambhaji launched a powerful attack on Goa, forcing the Portuguese governor to seek Mughal help.
• However, Aurangzeb's army failed to assist in time, leading to Maratha dominance in the region.

3. Conquest of Southern India

• Sambhaji expanded Maratha influence in Karnataka and attacked Mysore, the Siddis of Janjira, and other local rulers.
• His southern campaigns strengthened the Maratha foothold in South India.

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Capture and Martyrdom (1689)

Betrayal and Capture

• In 1689, Sambhaji Maharaj was captured at Sangameshwar (Konkan region) due to the betrayal of his own men, led by Ganoji Shirke (his brother-in-law).
• He and his advisor, Kavi Kalash, were taken prisoner by Mughal forces under Aurangzeb’s command.

Torture and Execution

Aurangzeb offered Sambhaji a choice:

1. Convert to Islam and join the Mughal Empire.
2. Face brutal execution.

Sambhaji refused to convert, choosing instead to endure extreme torture. He was brutally tortured for 40 days, subjected to:

• His eyes being gouged out.
• His tongue being cut.
• His skin being flayed alive.
• Finally, he was executed by beheading on 11 March 1689 at Tulapur, Pune.

Despite these tortures, Sambhaji Maharaj never surrendered, proving his unwavering devotion to his faith and the Maratha Empire.

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Legacy and Impact

1. Symbol of Resistance Against the Mughals

Sambhaji’s martyrdom ignited Maratha nationalism, leading to the ultimate decline of the Mughal Empire. His sacrifice inspired his brother Rajaram Maharaj and later Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj to continue the struggle.

2. Dharmaveer Title

He is revered as "Dharmaveer", a protector of Hindu culture and traditions, as he chose death over religious conversion.

3. Influence on Future Generations

• His resistance weakened Aurangzeb’s empire, which crumbled within 20 years of Sambhaji’s martyrdom.
• His struggle paved the way for the rise of the Peshwas, who later expanded the Maratha Empire across India.

4. Memorials and Honors

• Tulapur, Maharashtra, where he was executed, is a pilgrimage site.
• Many forts, roads, and institutions are named after him in Maharashtra.
• His legacy is celebrated every year on 11 March as Sambhaji Maharaj Martyrdom Day.

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Conclusion

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was more than just a warrior—he was a scholar, a fearless leader, and a martyr who sacrificed his life for his kingdom and religion. His contributions to the Maratha Empire and his unyielding spirit against the mighty Mughal Empire continue to inspire millions today.

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.

Did Maratha take any actions against the Mughals after Sambhaji Maharaj’s death?

 Yes. Infact torturing and killing Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was the last nail in coffin of Mughal empire. Because it backfired so badly for Mughals that it ended their entire rule in India. Aurangzeb died a lost and wasted man in Deccan. The murder ignited the fire in heart of Marathas and entire Deccan. Infact many Maratha sardars who had defected to Mughals were angry with this and slowly they moved back to Chhatrapati Rajaram.

Now coming to what action Marathas took. The very first action was Maharani yesubai who was Wife of sambhaji Maharaj and queen of Hindavi Swarajya coronated her brother in law and second son of Shivaji Maharaj Prince Rajaram as Chhatrapati of Hindavi Swarajya and ordered them to shift capital to fort of Jinji in Tamil Nadu from Raigad. Then came 2 big actions. Sarsenapati Santaji ghorpade who was present in Sangameshwar during ambush on Sambhaji Maharaj but managed to escape on orders or maharaj himself was burning with fire and he along with his 2000 troops entered right inside the massive Mughal camp and attacked Aurangzeb's personal tent gulal bari. He chopped off the golden pinnacle of Aurangzeb' tent took it with him and presented it to Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj.

Then within few months in October 1689 Marathas Avenged brutual murder of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Sarsenapati Santaji ghorpade was attacking Zulfikar Khan to break the seige of Raigad when he got the news that Sheikh nizam mukkarab who had ambushed and captured Sambhaji Maharaj was camping in kolhapur near fort of Panhala. Santaji decided to finish Mukkarab then and there as he was there when Sambhaji Raje wad ambushed but managed to escape and also his father Sarsenapati malhoji ghorpade died there in Sangameshwar trying to protect Sambhaji Raje.

He arrived on Panhala fort and assembled his troops there with help of Ramchandra pant amatya and shankarji pant. They decided to lure him near foothold of Panhala. According a small maratha contingent attacked Mukkarab and his son iklas and they counter attacked Marathas. Then Marathas tuned their back and Mukkarab and iklas followed them near Panhala and here Santaji and his troops mounted a big attack on Mukkarab from all sides and fierce battle broke out where Santaji ghorpade killed Mukkarab Khan and Inflicted a big defeat on Mughal troops. His son iklas was injured and ran away. Marathas confisticacted their Canons and elephants and returned to Panhala Fort Victorious.

This way Sarsenapati Santaji ghorpade Avenged both Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his father Sarsenapati Malhoji ghorpade.

Images courtesy:-Pinintrest and Google.

What happened later to the Mughals after Aurangzeb executed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj?

After Sambhaji was brutally killed in 1689, it initially seemed like Aurengazeb was victorious. But the Maratha resistance continued under the able leadership of Rajaram and Tarabai. They were assisted by able generals like Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jhadav.

In 1690, a Maratha attack on Mughal camp nearly killed Aurengazeb

While Rajaram was cantoning at Pratapgad, Santaji Ghorpade and Vithoji Chavan accomplished an extraordinary feat of valour and dexterity, which struck terror into the Emperor’s heart. With a few selected followers they made their way on a dark night through torrents of rain to the Emperor’s camp at Koregaum. They fell upon his own royal tent, cut down the supporting ropes and the huge cloth edifice came down in a crash, killing the inmates, including, as was at first supposed, the Emperor himself. They carried away the sets of large gold top-balls of the tent and other valuables and presented them to Rajaram at Pratapgad. Afterwards it was discovered that Aurangzeb by chance was passing that night in his daughter’s tent and thus escaped death. The incident clearly illustrates the nature of Maratha tactics and gave the Emperor a sure foretaste of what he was to expect in future.“

• Page 321, New History of the Marathas, Volume 1

By 1706, Marathas were raiding into Gujarat

The Maratha army stated to be eighty thousand strong under Dhanaji entered into Gujarat, which, in the absence of a proper subahdar, had become virtually defenceless. The deputy governor of the province detached a force against the Maratha army. But the Mughal commanders did not see eye to eye with each other, and hence they defeated the very purpose of an united front against the Marathas. They assembled their forces at Baba Pyara ford on the banks of the Narmada. The forces were lying there over a month without making any operations. From thence these forces advanced towards Ratanpur on the eastern bank of the Narmada near Rajpipla. Here the Maratha force fell upon them mercilessly. A fierce battle took place. Many were lost in killed and wounded on the Mughal side. Many of the soldiers abandoned the battlefield and were on their heels to Broach. Two of their chiefs, Safdar Khan Babi and Nazar Ali Khan, were captured. They paid a ransom of eight lacs of rupees to the Marathas. The Mughal camp, including bag and baggage was looted and many of them were taken as war prisoners. This happened by about 15th March 1706.

• Page 249, The Mughal Maratha Relations: Twenty Five Fateful Years (1682-1707)

Kafi Khan who was a member of Aurengazeb's court writes

Rajaram’s wife, Tarabai, has caused havoc. Her leadership and military organization are unexceptionable, and the result is that the Maratha incursions and harassment go on increasing …Rajaram’s senior wife, Tarabai, has put his three-year old son on the throne and has herself assumed control. The appointments of commanders, their transfers, the administration of the state, the despatching of expeditions into imperial territory are all done under her orders. . . She has won over the loyalty of her chieftains and has organized her army in such a way that the Marathas were able to cause havoc all over the Deccan and even as far as Sironj, Mandsore, and the borders of Malwa. The Emperor spent his life in attacking Maratha forts. He fought Tarabai relentlessly till the end, but the strength of the Kaffirs as well as their virulence grows .... with the Emperor and his Generals engaged in campaigning in difficult mountain terrain, the Marathas made deep inroads into Imperial territory. Wherever Tarabai's commanders went, they consolidated their positions; even appointed their own revenue agents and lived unmolested and in comfort in those far off lands, along with their womenfolk, elephants and tents, for months and years. Their conquests were wholly beyond the bounds of forbearance.”

• Page 51, Chhatrapati’s of Kolhapur.

By 1707, the condition of Mughals in Deccan were incredibly pathetic and Aurengazeb's daughters were begging him to return to Delhi

The wastage of the Deccan war, which raged intensely for over twenty years, was a hundred thousand lives of soldiers and followers and three times that number of animals, elephants, horses, camels and oxen, for each of those years. In the imperial camp pestilence was always present and the daily mortality was heavy from the immense number of men crowded together, the accumulation of filth and flies and the unbearable stench. His soldiers and camp followers suffered unspeakable hardships in marching over flooded rivers, muddy roads, and broken hilly tracks. Posters disappeared, transport beasts died of hunger and overwork, scarcity of grain was ever present in the camp. His officers were awfully wearied. Aurangzeb burst into wrath at any suggestion of return to north India and taunted the unlucky counsellor with cowardice and love of ease.

The last few months of Aurangzeb’s life witnessed the fi.nal break-down. He had no Money : no funds reached him from outside. The Marathas became aggressive. The Emperor’s own wives and daughters came to the point of starving. With a united voice they all pitieously pleaded for a return to Agra. They said, “ It is now thirty years since we have been wandering in foreign land, suffering the hardships of camp life all the while. We were then young and full of youth. Now we have grown old and decrepit. Let us go back to Agra and die peacefully in our homes, without the fear of these vultures tearing us. Let us have peace at least in death.”

• Pages 358–360, New History of the Marathas, Volume 1.

The Deccan campaign was a great disaster for the Mughals and they never recovered from the losses they suffered due to it.