Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was not just a fearless warrior and visionary leader but also a king of immense moral fibre. He was born on 14th May, 1657, at Purandar Fort and dedicated his life to protecting and expanding his father’s heritage of Hindavi Swarajya. Despite immense adversity, he stood firm in his commitment to dharma (righteousness), justice, and protection of his people, including women, whose honor he fiercely guarded.
Certain later historians and contemporary Mughal chroniclers, however, attempting to besmirch his name, falsely indicted him for immorality—charges systematically discredited by historical scholarship and documented facts.
The False Allegations: A Political Weapon
All along Sambhaji Maharaj’s life and even posthumously, biased Mughal historians like Khafi Khan and others spread false news portraying him as irresponsible and morally corrupt. The most severe accusation was that Sambhaji Maharaj raped women, including Muslim women, during his military campaigns.
These accusations were politically driven against the Mughals. Sambhaji Maharaj was the strongest opposition of Aurangzeb, and his rebellion against Mughal imperialism caused them unease. By besmirching his personal character, the Mughal empire desired to justify their cruel campaigns against the Marathas and bar him morally.
Debunking the Lies: What the Facts Say
1. Sources of the Allegations
The principal sources of these allegations are Mughal court chroniclers, who were not afraid of embroidering and fabricating occurrences in order to augment their patron’s status. Khafi Khan, for example, was openly biased towards the Marathas and, with rare exceptions, conflicted other reliable reports, like those of European travellers such as Niccolao Manucci and Francois Bernier, who possessed direct knowledge in India during those periods.
2. Inconsistencies based on Unprejudiced Witness Statements
Several foreign guests and historians who penned accounts of events in India never mention any such sexual violence committed by Sambhaji Maharaj. Rather, they described the Marathas as well-disciplined troops with codes of behavior, especially toward women and non-combatants.
3. The Maratha Code of Conduct
Sambhaji Maharaj adopted Shivaji Maharaj’s strict policies regarding the protection of women during war. Shivaji’s army was renowned for its moral behavior towards innocent citizens, and Sambhaji upheld the same thing throughout his reign.
4. Influence of Rajmata Jijabai
Raised under the vigilant care of Rajmata Jijabai, who instilled in Shivaji and Sambhaji the Dharma of virtues, respect for women, and dedication to justice, it was highly probable that Sambhaji would not have engaged in the same. His upbringing by ethics, religion, and justice is widely reported.
Factual Incidents Illustrating Sambhaji Maharaj’s Respect towards Women
1. Restitution of Captured Women to Their Homes
When Sambhaji Maharaj attacked Burhanpur in 1681, even though the Maratha forces overpowered a great deal of wealth from the Mughal fort, strict orders were given that women must not be touched. It is reported that the women who were taken by junior commanders were later returned to their families with dignity on Sambhaji Maharaj’s explicit instructions. He ordered that their honor was not to be violated at any cost.
2. Punishment of Offenders
On more than a single instance, Sambhaji Maharaj has been noticed to discipline Maratha officials who had crossed the code of behavior in the armed forces. Such an instance can be pointed towards when there existed a commander who had behaved discourteously with local customs and civilians in an occupied area; Sambhaji Maharaj immediately took back his command from him and disciplined his behavior openly. This served as a solemn reminder to Maratha soldiers on the untouchability of females’ dignity.
3. His Relationship with His Wife, Maharani Yesubai
Unlike most rulers of the time who practiced polygamy, Sambhaji Maharaj remained devoted to a single wife, Maharani Yesubai. His unwavering loyalty and faithfulness towards her stand as a testimony to his personal integrity and respect for women. His marriage was built on mutual respect, and Yesubai herself emerged as a strong figure during the turbulent times after Sambhaji’s martyrdom.
Swami Vivekananda and Modern Historians on Sambhaji Maharaj
Swami Vivekananda’s Praise
Swami Vivekananda regarded Sambhaji Maharaj as a towering figure of resistance against religious intolerance. He cited Sambhaji’s refusal to convert to Islam under Aurangzeb’s torture as an example of unwavering commitment to dharma. Vivekananda saw him as a martyr who upheld his faith and ideals even at the cost of his life.
Modern Historians’ Views
Eminent historians like Dr. Uday Kulkarni, Govind Sakharam Sardesai, and Jadunath Sarkar (despite his critical tone toward some Maratha leaders) have recognized Sambhaji Maharaj’s valor, leadership, and moral discipline. Dr. Uday Kulkarni, in his well-researched works, emphasizes the falsehood of the allegations made by Mughal chroniclers and highlights Sambhaji’s commitment to ethical governance.
Misrepresentation by Biased Chroniclers
The Mughal propaganda machinery consciously tarnished Sambhaji Maharaj’s image. Court historian Khafi Khan, a hater of Marathas, created legends intended to make Mughal assaults acceptable and vilify their opponents. Present-day historians, from Marathi bakhars (chronicles), Persian descriptions, and neutral European descriptions, have sensibly destroyed these falsehoods.
Martyrdom and Legacy: A Beacon of Virtue and Courage
When Sambhaji Maharaj was captured by Aurangzeb in 1689, he was brutally tortured. However, he never let go of his faith. He refused to accept Islam, despite a guarantee of life and riches, and accepted a martyr’s death rather than a betrayal of his dharma. His cold-blooded assassination was meant to destroy the Maratha spirit but instead ignited an intense and untiring resistance which eventually led to the fall of the Mughal Empire.
His martyrdom and the respect he commanded among his people underscore his position not just as a warrior but as a defender of dignity, morality, and justice.
Conclusion: Sambhaji Maharaj – A Defender of Dharma and Women’s Honor
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s existence was a lamp of courage, wisdom, and unyielding virtue. History attests that even when charges were false against him, his respect for women, his fidelity to justice, and his reluctance to compromise principles remained unchanged. His leadership was not only defended the Maratha Empire but even saved the prestige of dharma and man.
Sambhaji Maharaj remains a lasting reminder of courage, honesty, and righteous leadership, continuing to inspire generations through his unflinching moral strength.
