The Heir to Shivaji's Throne

Born on May 14, 1657, at Fort Purandar, Sambaji was the eldest son of Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Maratha Empire. His mother, Saibai, passed away when he was just two years old. Growing up under the shadow of his illustrious father, Sambaji received extensive training in warfare, administration, and statecraft – essential skills for a future ruler.

When Shivaji Maharaj died in 1680, Sambaji ascended the throne at the age of 23. His coronation took place at Raigad fort, the capital of the Maratha kingdom. However, his accession wasn't without challenges. His stepmother Soyarabai had attempted to place her son Rajaram on the throne, creating initial political turmoil that Sambaji skillfully navigated.

Unlike many royal successions of the era, Sambaji didn't simply inherit a stable kingdom. He inherited a fledgling empire that was surrounded by powerful enemies, particularly the Mughal Empire under Emperor Aurangzeb. The young ruler had to immediately prove his mettle as a worthy successor to his father's legacy.

Military Campaigns and Strategic Brilliance

Sambaji Maharaj continued his father's military strategies, including the effective use of guerrilla warfare tactics. His military campaigns were characterized by swift, strategic strikes against the Mughals, followed by quick retreats into the mountainous Deccan terrain. This approach consistently frustrated Aurangzeb's much larger forces.

One of his notable military achievements was defending the Maratha territory against the Portuguese. In 1683, he captured the Portuguese territories of Goa, forcing them to pay tribute to the Maratha Empire. This demonstrated his understanding of the importance of controlling coastal regions for the kingdom's security.

Sambaji also expanded the Maratha influence into Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, areas where his father had begun making inroads. His campaigns against the Siddis of Janjira and the British at Bombay showed his determination to protect Maratha sovereignty against all foreign powers attempting to gain footholds in India.

Throughout his reign, Sambaji maintained and enhanced the naval power established by Shivaji Maharaj. Understanding the strategic importance of sea control, he strengthened coastal fortifications and continued to develop the Maratha navy, which successfully challenged European powers along the western coast of India.

Resisting the Mughal Onslaught

The greatest challenge of Sambaji's reign was the full-scale invasion by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1682. Aurangzeb, determined to crush the Maratha power once and for all, personally led a massive army into the Deccan. This campaign would consume the last 27 years of Aurangzeb's life and ultimately drain the Mughal treasury.

Despite being vastly outnumbered, Sambaji refused to surrender or accept Mughal suzerainty. He organized a determined resistance, using the mountainous terrain of Maharashtra to his advantage. The Marathas under his leadership conducted lightning raids on Mughal supply lines and outposts, preventing Aurangzeb from establishing firm control over the region.

One of Sambaji's bold moves was supporting Akbar, Aurangzeb's rebellious son who had fled to the Maratha territory seeking asylum. This alliance threatened Aurangzeb with the possibility of his own son claiming the Mughal throne with Maratha support. Though the alliance ultimately didn't succeed in overthrowing Aurangzeb, it demonstrated Sambaji's political acumen in identifying and exploiting divisions within the enemy camp.

The Maratha resistance under Sambaji was so effective that despite committing enormous resources, Aurangzeb failed to subjugate the Maratha kingdom. This resistance laid the groundwork for the eventual Maratha resurgence after Sambaji's death, proving that his defensive strategies were sound and forward-thinking.

Administrative Reforms and Cultural Contributions

Despite ruling during wartime, Sambaji Maharaj didn't neglect internal administration. He maintained the Ashta Pradhan (Council of Eight Ministers) system established by his father, ensuring continuity in governance. This administrative framework allowed the Maratha state to function effectively even during times of intense military pressure.

Sambaji was a scholar and poet in his own right. He composed Budhbhushanam, a text on politics and statecraft, and Saatsatak, a collection of 700 verses in Sanskrit. His literary contributions reveal a refined intellect and deep understanding of philosophy, religion, and politics.

Like his father, Sambaji maintained a policy of religious tolerance. He protected Hindu temples and traditions while also respecting the rights of Muslims and other religious communities within his domains. This approach helped maintain social harmony within the Maratha territories despite the religious tensions fomented by Aurangzeb's policies in other parts of India.

Sambaji continued the fort-building and renovation projects initiated by Shivaji Maharaj. Understanding the strategic importance of these mountain fortresses, he ensured they were well-maintained and adequately garrisoned. Many of these forts would later prove crucial in the Maratha resistance against the Mughals after his death.

The Heroic End and Enduring Legacy

In February 1689, while at Sangameshwar with a small contingent, Sambaji was captured by Mughal forces led by Muqarrab Khan. He was brought before Emperor Aurangzeb at Bahadurgad. What followed was one of the most brutal yet inspiring episodes in Indian history.

Aurangzeb offered to spare Sambaji's life if he would surrender his forts, convert to Islam, and reveal the locations of the Maratha treasuries. Sambaji defiantly refused, choosing torture and death over betrayal of his people and faith. According to historical accounts, he endured horrific torture for over two weeks.

On March 11, 1689, Sambaji was executed. His eyes were gouged out, his tongue cut off, and he was finally beheaded. His body was cut into pieces and thrown into the river Bhima. This brutal execution, intended to demoralize the Marathas, instead galvanized their resistance.

Sambaji's sacrifice inspired a new phase of Maratha resistance. Under the leadership of his brother Rajaram and later Rajaram's wife Tarabai, the Marathas continued to fight against the Mughals. This resistance ultimately exhausted the Mughal Empire, contributing significantly to its decline in the 18th century.

Today, Sambaji Maharaj is remembered as a symbol of unwavering courage and resistance against tyranny. His refusal to surrender, even in the face of unimaginable torture, exemplifies the spirit of freedom that characterized the Maratha struggle against Mughal domination.