Today is the first day of Hindu New Year,but yesterday was the day of martyrdom of Sambhaji Maharaj, a worthy son of Shivaji.
Death of Shivaji Maharaj in 1680 fuelled ambitions in Aurangzeb of finishing off his freedom struggle. Person occupying his throne was his 24 year old elder son who had to overcome internal opposition. Sensing an opportunity Aurangzeb landed in Deccan in 1681 with 7 lac infantry and 3 lac cavalry. Asia's largest empire was trying to gobble up a kingdom which spanned in few districts of today'a Maharashtra and 40-50k army.
To encircle Swarajya he allied with Portuguese of Goa, Siddis of Janjira, Adilshahi and Qutubshahi and asked them to attack from all sides. To give a booster the first fort he attacked was Ramshej which was not fortified much and could be easily won.
For the next 8 years under able leadership of Sambhaji Maharaj, Marathas defeated every Mughal general and inflicted heavy losses. A simple fort like Ramshej was fighting for 8 years and did not budge. Aurangzeb wanted to go back to Delhi but his generals feared that they will be slaughtered once he goes back. Aurangzeb in a fit of rage threw his crown and vowed to not wear it till he catches Kafir's son.
In 1689, due to treachery of Sambhaji's brother in law he was captured by Mughals. On the last day of Hindu new year he was butchered by Aurangzeb at the young age of 32. Aurangzeb felt this was the end of freedom struggle, but every drop of his blood served as nectar for the freedom movement.
Dharamveer Sambhaji Maharaj ki Jai !!
Death of Shivaji Maharaj in 1680 fuelled ambitions in Aurangzeb of finishing off his freedom struggle. Person occupying his throne was his 24 year old elder son who had to overcome internal opposition. Sensing an opportunity Aurangzeb landed in Deccan in 1681 with 7 lac infantry and 3 lac cavalry. Asia's largest empire was trying to gobble up a kingdom which spanned in few districts of today'a Maharashtra and 40-50k army.
To encircle Swarajya he allied with Portuguese of Goa, Siddis of Janjira, Adilshahi and Qutubshahi and asked them to attack from all sides. To give a booster the first fort he attacked was Ramshej which was not fortified much and could be easily won.
For the next 8 years under able leadership of Sambhaji Maharaj, Marathas defeated every Mughal general and inflicted heavy losses. A simple fort like Ramshej was fighting for 8 years and did not budge. Aurangzeb wanted to go back to Delhi but his generals feared that they will be slaughtered once he goes back. Aurangzeb in a fit of rage threw his crown and vowed to not wear it till he catches Kafir's son.
In 1689, due to treachery of Sambhaji's brother in law he was captured by Mughals. On the last day of Hindu new year he was butchered by Aurangzeb at the young age of 32. Aurangzeb felt this was the end of freedom struggle, but every drop of his blood served as nectar for the freedom movement.
Dharamveer Sambhaji Maharaj ki Jai !!
