SHAMBHAJI MAHARAJ (CHHAAVA)
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Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of the renowned Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji, ascended the throne as the second ruler of the Maratha kingdom following his father's demise. His reign, though brief at nine years, was marked by exceptional courage and unwavering patriotism. He remains a revered figure, especially in Maharashtra, for choosing martyrdom over conversion.
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From 1681 to 1689, his rule was dominated by conflicts with the Mughal Empire, the Siddi of Janjira, the Wadiyars of Mysore, and the Portuguese Empire, shaping the course of Maratha resistance.
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One of Sambhaji Maharaj's most notable military campaigns was the attack on Burhanpur, a vital Mughal trade hub in present-day Madhya Pradesh. Aware of Aurangzeb’s ambitions to expand into the Deccan, Sambhaji launched a strategic offensive that dealt a significant setback to the Mughals.
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Between 1682 and 1688, several battles were fought between the Marathas and the Mughals. Despite Mughal attempts to seize Maratha-held forts, their efforts were largely unsuccessful
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During the autumn of 1687, the Mughal and Maratha armies clashed in the dense forests near Wai and Mahabaleshwar in the Deccan region of India.
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In the Battle of Wai, Hambirrao Mohite, the Maratha commander-in-chief and a key ally of Sambhaji Maharaj, was killed. Although the Marathas emerged victorious, Mohite’s death proved to be a severe setback. His loss led to widespread desertion among Sambhaji’s troops, weakening his position. Eventually, in January 1689, Sambhaji was captured by the Mughal forces.
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Historical records differ on the exact sequence of events that followed, but most accounts agree that Sambhaji was given the choice to surrender his forts, hand over his treasures, and convert to Islam. Refusing to comply, he faced brutal torture and execution
The Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight) was a body of eight key ministers entrusted with the governance of the Maratha Kingdom. This administrative system was introduced by Chhatrapati Shivaji and included the following officials:
- Peshwa – The Prime Minister, responsible for overseeing the overall administration.
- Amatya – The Finance Minister, tasked with managing the empire’s finances and accounts.
- Shurunavis – The Secretary, responsible for drafting royal decrees and official documents.
- Mantri – The Interior Minister, overseeing internal administration and intelligence.
- Sari-i-Naubat / Senapati – The Commander-in-Chief, leading military operations and defense strategies.
- Sumant – The Foreign Minister, handling diplomatic relations with other rulers.
- Nyay Adhyaksh – The Chief Justice, responsible for judicial matters, including civil and criminal cases.
- Panditrao – The High Priest, overseeing religious affairs and spiritual guidance.
Additionally, the Chitnis served as the Personal Secretary to the Chhatrapati, functioning as a senior official responsible for documentation and often acting as the Peshwa’s deputy in their absence
5. Battles fought by Marathas
- Battle of Pratapgarh (1659) – A conflict between the Marathas and the Adilshahi forces.
- Battle of Kolhapur (1659) – A battle fought between Chhatrapati Shivaji and the Adilshahi army.
- Battle of Surat (1664) – A confrontation between Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj and Inayat Khan, a Mughal commander.
- Battle of Purandar (1665) – A war between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire.
- Battle of Salher (1672) – A significant battle fought between the Maratha Empire and the Mughals.
- Battle of Sangamner (1679) – The last battle led by Shivaji, fought between the Mughal and Maratha forces.
- First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–82) – Ended with the Treaty of Salbai in 1782.
- Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–05) – Involved major agreements, including:
- Treaty of Bassein (1802) – Between Peshwa Baji Rao II and the British East India Company.
- Treaty of Deogaon (1803) – Between Raghuji Bhonsle II of Nagpur and Sir Arthur Wellesley of the British East India Company.
- Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–19) – Led to several key treaties:
- Treaty of Poona – Signed with the Peshwa.
- Treaty of Gwalior – Signed with Sindhia.
- Treaty of Mandasor – Signed with Holkar
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For Prelims: Anglo Maratha Wars, Peshwas, British East India Company
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Previous Year Questions
1.Among the Ashtapradhans of Shivaji, who among the following did not hold any military commands besides civil duties? ( Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2025) 1. Peshwa 2. Amatya 3. Sumanta 4. Pandit Rao Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 4 only (d) 4 only Answer (d) Among the Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight) of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Pandit Rao was the High Priest responsible for religious and spiritual affairs. Unlike some other ministers who had both civil and military responsibilities, Pandit Rao did not hold any military command.
Thus, only Pandit Rao among the given options did not hold any military command 2.Chronologically arrange the following treaties/conventions signed between the Marathas and the British (starting with the earliest): (CDS Exam (I) 2021) 1. Treaty of Salbai 2. Treaty of Purandar 3. Convention of Wadgaon 4. Treaty of Surat Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 4-2-3-1 (b) 4-3-2-1 (c) 1-3-2-4 (d) 1-2-3-4 Answer (a) 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
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