Vicky Kaushal stars as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Chhaava: Everything to know about the Maratha empire's second ruler

The much-anticipated film Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, is slated to be released in February, and the teaser was debuted on Wednesday during a huge event. Vicky is introduced in the trailer for Chhaava as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of famed Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Let's learn more about the second Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

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Who is Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj?

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was a Maratha warrior king and the son of Shivaji Maharaj, another renowned ruler. The Maratha Empire was built from the ground up by Indian children who sought to overthrow kings who pledged allegiance to the heirs of Turkish, Persian, and Mongol invaders. Sambhaji Maharaj reigned for only 9-10 years before falling to Aurangzeb, yet the Maratha people never forgot his bravery.

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Sambhaji Maharaj, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's son, faced a daunting task: protecting the Maratha kingdom against the might of the Mughal emperors in Delhi, who were later conquered and ravaged by Maratha warriors, while also carrying on Shivaji Maharaj's purpose and ideas.

What is Shivaji Maharaj Empire?

The Shivaji Maharaj Empire was a Hindu warrior tribe in the western region of India's Deccan plateau, where it meets the Eastern Ghats highlands. They defeated Muslim Mughal attacks in northern India and freed themselves from princes in Bijapur, in the southeast.

In 1674, Shivaji Maharaj declared himself Emperor and took on the title of Chhatrapati. He was influenced by the powerful Vijayanagara Empire, which acted as a stronghold against Muslim invasions in South India, as well as Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar, ruler of Mysore.

Sambhaji Maharaj replaced Shivaji Maharaj

Sambhaji Maharaj had witnessed the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb go to exterminate any dissent to Mughal authority. Aurangzeb came to his father's throne by treason and terrible bloodshed.

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After killing his siblings and imprisoning his father, the builder of the Taj Mahal, he is accused of murdering his brother Dara Shikoh's two children and forcing his widows to remarry him. He started pressuring local Indians to convert to Islam and imposing the Jizya charge on non-Muslims.

Following Shivaji Maharaj's death, Sambhaji faced a number of challenges, including the Mughals in the northwest and other nearby powers such as the Siddis, Mysore, and the Portuguese in Goa.

The rebel of Akbar against Aurangzeb

In 1681, Aurangzeb's son, Akbar, came in the Deccan to attempt to rally forces against his father's power in Delhi. Aurangzeb marched from Delhi to Khirki, today's Aurangabad near Maharashtra, with a force of 4-5 lakh troops to quell the uprising and bring an end to the Maratha empire.

In 1682, Aurangzeb sought to invade the Maratha Kingdom from all sides. He intended to take advantage of the Mughals' numerical advantages. Sambhaji was well prepared for the assaults, and the Maratha soldiers swiftly engaged the massively outnumbered Mughal army in a series of minor battles using guerilla warfare techniques.

Aurangzeb's son, Akbar, had sought help from Sambhaji Raje. Shambhu Raje had promised to help him in his war against Aurangzeb.

However, Sambhaji Maharaj fought alongside his commanders in all conflicts and wars in which he was involved. When the fiery Shambhu Raje escorted his heroic father to the Royal Courts in Agra in 1666, Aurangzeb came upon Sambahji Raje.

Sambhaji Maharaj made a place in everyone's heart

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Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's devotion earned him a place of honour in everyone's hearts. On February 1, 1689, Aurangzeb apprehended him through trickery.

On March 11, 1689, Sambhaji Maharaj was hounded for days before being executed in the most horrific way possible. He shown amazing bravery by facing death to protect three of his most valued possessions: Deva, Desh, and Dharma. Because of this, he is adored throughout Maharashtra.

People recognise and respect his refusal to submit to Aurangzeb's ways, preferring to die rather than jeopardise the cause he believed in.

Sambhaji Maharaj's death

The death of Sambhaji Maharaj Sambhaji, along with 25 of his advisers, was apprehended in Sangameshwar in February 1689.

His close friend, Kavi Kalash, was also arrested. Mughals transported Sambhaji and Kalash to Bahadurgad, Ahmednagar District.

They were both severely humiliated and tormented before being executed. Sambhaji was executed on March 11, 1689, in Tulapur.

Sambhaji Bhosale was the Maratha Empire's second Chhatrapati. He was Shivaji's eldest child and the Maratha Empire's founder.

The ongoing wars between the Maratha Empire and the Mughals, as well as other neighbouring kingdoms such as the Siddis, Mysore, and Portuguese in Goa, shaped Sambhaji's leadership.

Rajaram I, Sambhaji's brother, became the next Chhatrapati after his assassination.

Vicky Kaushal's portrayal of Sambhaji is being praised after the trailer launch. The movie will be out on February 14 this year. Check out the trailer of the movie here.

This looks like a sincere attempt at exploring Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's life ?! Rashmika itni pasand nhi aayi, but Vicky looks fine. Baaki movie aane ke baad hi pta chalega!pic.twitter.com/FNf1AbKymb

¡ª Redding Cream (@redding_cream_t) January 22, 2025

Also read: Ahead of Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava, binge these period dramas for a dose of history on OTT

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