TLDR;
This video is about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, an iconic figure in Indian history. The discussion covers his birth during a volatile political climate, his childhood marked by political maneuvering, and his complex relationship with his father, Shivaji Maharaj. It also explores Sambhaji's time as a Mughal hostage, his brief defection to the Mughal side, and his ultimate sacrifice for the Maratha nation.
- Sambhaji Maharaj's early life was shaped by the political turmoil and his grandmother Jijabai.
- He faced challenges within his own family, including resentment from Shivaji's other wife, Soyarabai.
- Sambhaji's defection to the Mughals was a complex event influenced by various factors, including perceived slights and Mughal promises.
- His death at the hands of Aurangzeb ignited a fire of patriotism among the Marathas, ensuring the survival of the Maratha Empire.
Intro [0:00]
The video starts with the host, Ranveer, introducing the episode on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj with historian Medha Bhaskaran. They aim to provide a detailed look into Sambhaji's life, a figure not as widely discussed as his father, Shivaji Maharaj, especially on a national level. Medha Bhaskaran expresses her happiness to be back on the show and shares about her recent books.
Shivaji Maharaj's Consciousness and Vision [4:51]
Medha Bhaskaran talks about Shivaji Maharaj's visionary qualities and his ability to see into the future. She mentions his progressive military laws, such as protecting women and children in enemy territory, and his stance against human trafficking, which was prevalent during that time. Shivaji's decisions and vision demonstrate that he was ahead of his time and deeply cared about his people's kingdom.
Birth of Sambhaji Maharaj and Political Climate [8:40]
Sambhaji Maharaj was born at Purandar fort in 1657, a time when the political situation was very unstable. Aurangzeb had attacked Hyderabad and Adil Shahi, but had to leave for Delhi due to his father's illness and concerns about succession. Before leaving, Aurangzeb ordered Adil Shah to capture Shivaji Maharaj, creating a tense environment during Sambhaji's early years.
Absal Khan's Campaign and Sai Bai's Death [11:39]
When Sambhaji Maharaj was a toddler, Adil Shahi sent General Absal Khan to capture Shivaji Maharaj. Absal Khan, a Deccani Muslim with a complex background, harbored envy towards Shivaji. Before the meeting between Shivaji and Absal Khan, Sambhaji's mother, Sai Bai, passed away, and he was then raised by his paternal grandmother, Jijabai. Shivaji Maharaj killed Absal Khan using tiger claws.
Childhood and Mughal-Maratha Politics [20:50]
Sambhaji Maharaj's childhood was very political. After Absal Khan's death, Aurangzeb began sending his own generals to subdue Shivaji. Mirza Raja Jai Singh attacked Purandar, leading to the Treaty of Purandar, where Shivaji had to give up 23 forts to the Mughals. As a guarantee of the treaty, seven-year-old Sambhaji Maharaj was sent to Mirza Raja Jai Singh as a hostage.
Life as a Mughal Mansabdar and Agra Visit [26:28]
Mirza Raja Jai Singh treated Sambhaji Maharaj well. As part of the treaty, Shivaji Maharaj was asked to become a Mughal Mansabdar, but he proposed that his son, Sambhaji, would take the position instead. Sambhaji, at the age of seven, became a Mughal Mansabdar. Later, Shivaji and Sambhaji were summoned to Agra for Aurangzeb's 50th birthday celebration, where they faced disrespect and house arrest.
Escape from Agra and Life in Matura [35:12]
Shivaji Maharaj escaped from Agra, leaving Sambhaji Maharaj behind. Sambhaji stayed in Mathura for a few months, where he learned Bhojpuri and met Kavi Kalash. He then escaped and returned to his family. To protect Sambhaji from Aurangzeb, Shivaji Maharaj spread the rumor that Sambhaji had died and even performed his death rituals.
Weaponry and Training [41:18]
Sambhaji Maharaj received training in cavalry, archery, spear throwing, and sword fighting. Maratha swords were longer and slightly bent at the tip to reach enemies from horseback. After Shivaji Maharaj escaped from Agra, Aurangzeb tried to maintain a facade of normalcy and invited Sambhaji to the Mughal court.
Alliance with Muazzam and Aurangzeb's Plan [45:50]
Shivaji Maharaj sent Sambhaji to Aurangabad to pay respects to Prince Muazzam. Muazzam and Sambhaji developed a bond. Aurangzeb then ordered Muazzam to capture Sambhaji and send him to Gwalior, but Muazzam warned Sambhaji, saving his life. Muazzam later became the Mughal emperor after Aurangzeb.
Family Dynamics and Coronation [54:05]
When Sambhaji Maharaj was 12 or 13, Shivaji Maharaj had a son from another queen, Sohrabai, changing the family dynamics. At the time of Shivaji's coronation, Sambhaji was declared the crown prince, while Sohrabai became the queen consort, creating resentment within the family.
Tensions and Defection to Mughals [56:54]
Sambhaji Maharaj was married to Yesubai, an intelligent woman dedicated to the Maratha cause. However, he had a temper and was sometimes instigated by others. Shivaji Maharaj sent Sambhaji to Shringarpur, away from the capital, and did not take him on his southern expedition, leading to feelings of isolation. Diler Khan, a Mughal general, started sending messages to Sambhaji, inviting him to join the Mughals.
Alliance with Diler Khan and Atrocities [1:08:10]
Sambhaji Maharaj went to Diler Khan, who used him as a shield to attack Maratha forts. Diler Khan's army captured a fort and brutally mutilated 700 Maratha soldiers. Sambhaji was shocked by these atrocities. Diler Khan's army attacked towns and filled wells with corpses. Sambhaji escaped and returned to the Maratha side.
Shivaji's Death and Sambhaji's Ascension [1:17:59]
Shivaji Maharaj died, and Soyarabai closed the gates of Raigad, the capital, without informing Sambhaji. Mohite, a Maratha commander, supported Sambhaji, who then became the Chhatrapati. Aurangzeb introduced the Jizya tax, leading to revolts. Aurangzeb's son, Akbar, joined forces with Rajputs against his father, but Aurangzeb tricked them, leading to Akbar seeking refuge with Sambhaji.
Reign as Chhatrapati and Aurangzeb's Invasion [1:35:09]
Sambhaji Maharaj gave refuge to Akbar, Aurangzeb's son. Sambhaji faced a full-fledged attack from Aurangzeb, who had a massive army. Aurangzeb bribed Maratha fort commanders and reinstated vatandars (local chieftains) to weaken the Maratha kingdom. Sambhaji attacked the Portuguese in Goa to disrupt their support for the Mughals.
Capture and Martyrdom [1:53:54]
Aurangzeb's general, Mukarrab Khan, captured Sambhaji Maharaj at Sangameshwar. Sambhaji was tortured and killed for refusing to reveal the locations of his forts or betray his people. Sambhaji's death ignited a fire of patriotism among the Marathas, who continued to fight against the Mughals.
Legacy and Aftermath [2:04:10]
Aurangzeb spent the next 18 years fighting the Marathas but could not defeat them. He died a frustrated old man in Ahmednagar. Sambhaji Maharaj's sacrifice ensured the survival of the Maratha Empire, which continued to grow. The video concludes with a discussion of Sambhaji's legacy and the importance of documenting these historical events.