Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: The Forgotten Hero of Bharat

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Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: The Unsung Defender of Dharma

The annals of Indian history are adorned with the valorous tales of warriors who laid down their lives to protect Sanatan Dharma. Among them, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj stands tall as a true guardian of Hindutva, who defied the mighty Mughal Empire and endured extreme torture rather than forsake his faith. His life is an epitome of unyielding courage, strategic brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to Hinduism.

A Born Warrior and Scholar

Born on May 14, 1657, at the Purandar fort, Sambhaji Maharaj was the eldest son of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was raised under the guidance of his grandmother, Rajmata Jijabai, a staunch supporter of Hindu traditions and ethics. From an early age, Sambhaji displayed an exceptional grasp of languages, including Sanskrit, and was deeply influenced by Hindu scriptures, making him a warrior with both intellect and might. His profound knowledge of the Vedas, Shastras, and epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata shaped his vision of righteous governance.

Battling Betrayal and Adversity

Despite being Shivaji’s rightful heir, Sambhaji Maharaj faced conspiracies within his own family. His stepmother Soyarabai sought to enthrone her son Rajaram, leading to repeated attempts to sideline Sambhaji. Nevertheless, Sambhaji’s resilience never wavered. When his father passed away in 1680, attempts were made to deprive him of his rightful throne. But like a true Kshatriya, he fought back, seized the Raigad Fort, and ascended the Maratha throne on July 20, 1680.

A Crusader Against Islamic Oppression

Sambhaji Maharaj’s reign was marked by relentless battles against the expansionist policies of the Mughals. Aurangzeb had already begun his ruthless campaign to impose Islam over Bharatvarsha, destroying temples and forcibly converting Hindus. Sambhaji emerged as the fiercest Hindu ruler who dared to challenge Aurangzeb’s tyranny.

In 1682, when the Mughal army invaded the Deccan, Sambhaji Maharaj, with his mastery of guerrilla warfare, led his forces to multiple victories. His campaigns, including the audacious attack on Burhanpur, inflicted massive losses on the Mughals. Under his leadership, the Maratha Empire stood as the last bastion of Hindu resistance against Islamic expansionism.

Martyrdom for Dharma

In 1689, through an act of treachery, Sambhaji was captured by the Mughal forces at Sangameshwar. Aurangzeb, in an attempt to break his indomitable spirit, gave him a choice: embrace Islam or face death. The fearless warrior did not waver for even a moment. He looked Aurangzeb in the eye and declared that he would rather die a Hindu than live as a slave.

What followed was one of the most gruesome acts of cruelty in history. For over a fortnight, Sambhaji Maharaj was subjected to unspeakable torture—his eyes were gouged out, his tongue was cut, his limbs were hacked piece by piece, yet he never surrendered. On March 11, 1689, he was finally beheaded, but not before leaving behind a legacy that would inspire generations of Hindus to fight for their dharma.

The Legacy of a Lion-Hearted King

Aurangzeb thought that by killing Sambhaji, he would break the Maratha resistance. But his heinous act had the opposite effect. The entire Hindu community united in defiance, and the Marathas intensified their struggle, leading to the eventual downfall of the Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb, the so-called conqueror of Hindustan, died in the Deccan, unable to achieve his goal. Sambhaji Maharaj’s prophecy had come true—Aurangzeb did not return to Delhi alive.

Sambhaji Maharaj’s sacrifice stands as a beacon of Hindu resilience. His refusal to convert even in the face of excruciating pain signifies the indomitable spirit of Sanatan Dharma. Today, as Bharat rekindles its pride in its glorious past, it is imperative to honor and remember the sacrifices of warriors like Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who laid down their lives so that Hindu civilization could endure and flourish.

Let us pay homage to this great Dharmaveer, the protector of Hindutva, and ensure that his legacy is never forgotten. Jai Bhavani! Jai Shivaji! Jai Sambhaji!