Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (1680-81), the valiant second ruler of the Maratha Empire (the first was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj), remains one of the most fearless and determined warriors in Indian history. His resistance against the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, his strategic military campaigns, and ultimately, his brutal execution by the Mughals form a significant chapter in India’s historical and political landscape.
This article explores the circumstances leading to his capture, the horrific torture he endured, and his final sacrifice, making him a legendary figure in Maratha and Indian history. Facts related to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj death are mostly not part of any curriculum in our studies. This article presents factual history of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj death.
Table of Contents
1. The Capture of Sambhaji Maharaj (1689)
Mughal Expansion and the Search for Sambhaji
By the late 1680s, the Maratha resistance had become a major challenge for the Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb, who had moved to the Deccan to annihilate the Marathas and expand Mughal dominance, faced strong resistance from Sambhaji Maharaj. For nearly a decade, despite being outnumbered, Sambhaji inflicted substantial losses on the Mughal forces through strategic warfare and relentless counter-attacks. His control over key forts and trade routes made him an obstacle to the Mughal ambitions in southern India.
Aurangzeb, frustrated by his inability to subdue the Marathas, intensified his efforts to locate and capture Sambhaji. A network of spies, local informants, and traitors within the Maratha ranks were mobilized to track his movements.
The Ambush at Sangameshwar
In early 1689, Sambhaji Maharaj was in the town of Sangameshwar (modern-day Maharashtra), engaged in strategic discussions with his advisors and commanders, including his trusted aide, Kavi Kalash. At this time, Mughal forces under the command of Muqarrab Khan launched a surprise attack. The Mughals, having received intelligence about Sambhaji’s location, mobilized a strong force of nearly 20,000 soldiers and executed a well-coordinated ambush.
The Marathas, caught off guard and heavily outnumbered, were unable to mount an effective defense. Despite his legendary combat skills, Sambhaji was eventually overpowered and taken prisoner, along with Kavi Kalash. This marked a critical moment in the Maratha-Mughal conflict, as the Mughals had finally captured the Maratha king who had defied them for years.
2. The Torture and Humiliation of Sambhaji Maharaj
The Mughal Court and Sambhaji’s Defiance
After his capture, Sambhaji was taken to Aurangzeb’s court in a humiliating manner. Historical accounts describe how he was paraded before the Mughal emperor in chains, subjected to insults, and presented as a trophy of Aurangzeb’s campaign in the Deccan.
Aurangzeb, seeking to break Sambhaji’s spirit and eliminate the Maratha resistance, offered him a choice—convert to Islam, surrender his kingdom, and serve the Mughal Empire, or face death. However, true to his warrior ethos and Maratha pride, Sambhaji Maharaj refused to submit. Instead of begging for mercy, he openly defied Aurangzeb, reportedly insulting the emperor in front of his court. His refusal to surrender enraged Aurangzeb, who ordered his prolonged and brutal torture.
The Gruesome Torture
Sambhaji Maharaj was subjected to one of the most horrific executions in Indian history, inflicted over several days in a bid to make him suffer and humiliate him before his people. Accounts of his torture, recorded in Mughal and Maratha chronicles, describe the following atrocities:
- Physical Mutilation – His eyes were reportedly damaged, and his tongue was cut off to silence him. His nails were ripped out, and his skin was flayed in places to inflict maximum pain.
- Whipping and Beatings – He was continuously whipped, causing deep wounds and severe bleeding.
- Hot Iron Branding – His body was burned with hot iron rods to cause excruciating pain.
- Starvation and Humiliation – He was deprived of food and water for extended periods while being mocked by the Mughal forces.
- Gradual Dismemberment – His limbs were reportedly cut off one by one over several days, ensuring prolonged agony.
Despite this brutal treatment, Sambhaji Maharaj never renounced his faith or submitted to Aurangzeb’s demands. His resilience and refusal to surrender further infuriated the Mughal emperor.
3. The Execution of Sambhaji Maharaj (March 11, 1689) leading to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Death
The Final Act of Martyrdom
After days of relentless torture, Aurangzeb finally ordered Sambhaji’s execution. The method chosen was designed to be as painful as possible, serving as a warning to others who might resist Mughal rule. Sambhaji was publicly executed:
- Dismemberment – His hands and feet were severed first, prolonging his suffering.
- Decapitation – After enduring extreme pain, his head was finally cut off.
- Disposal of His Body – To prevent any form of honor or funeral rites, his body was mutilated, and the remains were thrown into the river. Aurangzeb feared that a proper cremation would turn him into a symbol of resistance.
4. The Aftermath of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Death and His Legacy
Maratha Reaction and Continued Resistance
Rather than weakening the Maratha movement, Sambhaji’s brutal execution had the opposite effect. His sacrifice inspired widespread anger and a renewed determination among the Marathas. The empire did not collapse; instead, under the leadership of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, his half-brother, and later the Peshwas, the Marathas continued their fight.
Within a few years, the Marathas regrouped, launched guerrilla attacks, and eventually forced the Mughals into retreat. Aurangzeb, despite investing years in his Deccan campaign, failed to subdue the Marathas and died in 1707 without achieving his goal.
Sambhaji Maharaj’s Enduring Legacy
Sambhaji Maharaj’s life and sacrifice symbolize unwavering courage, patriotism, and devotion to one’s principles. His refusal to bow down to oppression made him a hero in Indian history. Today, he is remembered as a martyr who fought against tyranny, and his story continues to inspire generations.
Conclusion
The capture, torture, and execution of Sambhaji Maharaj remain one of the darkest yet most inspiring episodes in Indian history. His defiance in the face of unimaginable suffering and his commitment to his people and faith have cemented his place among India’s greatest warrior-kings. Though he was executed in the most gruesome manner, his legacy lived on, fueling the eventual downfall of Mughal rule and the rise of the Maratha Empire as a dominant power in India.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s life as well as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj death is a testament to resilience, valor, and an undying spirit—a legacy that continues to resonate even centuries after his death.
Sources:
- Shivaji and His Times by Jadunath Sarkar published by Manohar Books in 2025
- Shivaji: The Great Maratha by Ranjit Desai published by Harper Perennial in 2017
- The Life and Death of Sambhaji by Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran published by Penguin in 2021
- Sambhaji by Vishwas Patil, translated by Vikrant Pande published by Eka in 2022
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