Swarajyarakshak Sambhaji Maharaj

Swarajyarakshak Sambhaji Maharaj

  

            14th May is the birth anniversary of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Kingdom, and is celebrated as Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti across Maharashtra and other parts of the country.

        Sambhaji Bhosale, the eldest son of Shivaji Maharaj, became the second ruler of Maratha Kingdom after his father’s demise. Sambhaji Bhosale was born on May 14, 1657. The second leader of the Maratha Kingdom was born to Shivaji and Saibai. He lost his mother at the age of 2 and was raised by Jijabai, who instilled in him the same values and strong spirits that Chraprapati Shivaji Maharaj boasted. Sambhaji led the Maratha army for the first time in the victorious campaign of Maratha occupation of Kolwan in 1672 along with Peshwa Moropant Pingle

          Every year on 14th May people celebrate  Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti as a tribute to his contributions to the Maratha reign. Sambhaji’s journey to the throne was also filled with an array of challenges, but he went on to rule for 9 years. His rule was largely shaped by the ongoing wars between the Maratha kingdom and Mughal Empire as well as other neighbouring powers such as the Siddis, Mysore, and the Portuguese in Goa.