Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Birth Anniversary 2025: Why Shivaji Had Him Imprisoned?
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Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's Jayanti: Born in 1657, he ruled the Maratha Kingdom from 1681 to 1689.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Birth Anniversary: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj 's Jayanti is observed annually on May 14. Legendary warrior Chhatrapati Sivaji Maharaj and his first wife Saibai welcomed Sambhaji into the world on May 14, 1657, at Purandar Fort. Sambhaji lost his mother when he was only two years old. He was thus taken care of by his grandmother, Jijabai.
Following the death of his father, Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, assumed leadership of the Maratha Kingdom. Then, from 1681 until 1689, he ruled for nine years as the second Chhatrapati.
Maharashtra celebrates the day with considerable fervour. To honour his legacy, celebrations often include processions, religious meetings, and cultural events.
Why Was Sambhaji Imprisoned By Shivaji?
Sambhaji Maharaj's life was marked by family feuds and political estrangement, which sprang from conflicts within the Maratha royal family. Following the death of his mother, Saibai, Sambhaji's connection with his stepmother, Soyarabai, soured. She favoured her son, Rajaram, and wanted to elevate him to power, resulting in a rivalry between Sambhaji and Rajaram.
Reportedly, Sambhaji became estranged due to the politics driven by Shivaji Maharaj's second wife, Soyarabai, and someother courtiers.
There are reports that Shivaji Maharaj briefly imprisoned Sambhaji after accusing him of scheming against his father. The claims against Sambhaji were motivated in part by Soyarabai and her faction's political manoeuvres, which tried to damage his authority. Sambhaji, on the other hand, was able to escape from captivity and reportedly sought temporary shelter with the Mughals.
For over a year, Sambhaji left Shivaji's realm to join Aurangzeb's commander, Diler Khan, in politics. This approach widened the divide between Sambhaji and Soyarabai. As a result, Sambhaji was not invited to Rajaram's wedding, nor was he notified of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's death.
Despite internal problems, Sambhaji was able to defeat the plots and establish his power owing to his actions and strategic acumen. In addition to symbolising the continuation of Shivaji's legacy, his crowning emphasised how important it is to have strong, cohesive leadership to protect and grow the Maratha Empire in the face of both internal strife and external threats.
First Published:
May 14, 2025, 07:10 IST
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