Akbar vs. Sambhaji Maharaj: Uncovering Forgotten Hindu Heroes in History
Understanding the Bias in Indian History
Indian history, as presented in academic textbooks, often reflects selective portrayals shaped by external influences, particularly during British colonial rule and the post-independence era. Figures such as Emperor Akbar are celebrated for their “greatness,” while equally important personalities like Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj remain overlooked. This distortion marginalizes Hindu warriors and diminishes India’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
Today, there is an increasing call to reclaim these forgotten heroes, particularly within the Hindutva movement, which seeks to promote Hindu culture and history in a balanced and factual manner. This article explores why Emperor Akbar is glorified in history books while Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj remains underrepresented and how reviving these figures can restore cultural pride and strengthen Hinduism.
Emperor Akbar: The Promoted Image in Academic History
Emperor Akbar (1556–1605) is hailed as one of the greatest rulers in Indian history. His policies of religious tolerance, such as Sulh-e-Kul (universal peace), strategic matrimonial alliances with Rajputs, and administrative reforms helped him consolidate a vast and stable Mughal Empire.
Akbar’s reign is often depicted as a golden age, with a focus on his efforts to create a secular empire. This narrative was cemented by colonial-era historians, who promoted him as a model of governance and integration. His tolerance and inclusivity made him a convenient figure for historians, crafting a narrative of “secular India” while sidelining Hindu warriors who resisted Mughal rule.
However, this glorification of Akbar has led to the marginalization of figures like Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who fought to protect Hinduism.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: A Forgotten Warrior King
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (1681–1689), the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, succeeded his father as the ruler of the Maratha Empire. Despite his short reign, his contributions were immense:
✔ Resisted Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and his expansionist policies
✔ Refused to convert to Islam despite brutal torture
✔ Ensured the Maratha Empire remained a bastion of Hindu pride
His unyielding commitment to Hinduism is unparalleled, yet he has been excluded from mainstream history books. This intentional neglect aligns with the broader trend of sidelining Hindu rulers who actively fought Mughal dominance.
The Marginalization of Hindu Kings in Indian History
The underrepresentation of Hindu rulers stems from colonial historiography, which:
✔ Favored Mughal rulers over indigenous Hindu kings
✔ Emphasized Akbar’s secular policies over Hindu resistance movements
✔ Continued the British-influenced narrative post-independence
Hindu warriors like Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Sambhaji Maharaj were often reduced to regional figures, rather than national icons who defended India’s cultural and religious identity.
Hindutva and Reclaiming the Historical Narrative
The Hindutva movement has led to renewed efforts to revive Hindu warriors like Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Hindutva aims to:
✔ Promote Hindu culture, history, and values
✔ Highlight the sacrifices of Hindu warriors
✔ Correct historical distortions favoring Mughal rulers
By reviving Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy, Hindutva ensures his martyrdom is acknowledged, making him a symbol of Hindu resistance.
Why Emperor Akbar is Celebrated in History Books
✔ Akbar’s policies of religious tolerance were politically convenient
✔ His administrative reforms aligned with modern governance ideals
✔ Colonial and post-colonial historians used Akbar to shape a secular narrative
This selective emphasis resulted in the downplaying of Hindu warriors, despite their historical and cultural significance.
Sambhaji Maharaj: The Hindu Defender
Unlike Akbar, Sambhaji Maharaj’s heroism is defined by his resistance to forced conversions and his defense of Hindu dharma. Even when captured by Aurangzeb, he chose martyrdom over conversion, solidifying his legacy as a Hindu protector.
✔ Fought to defend Maratha sovereignty
✔ Refused to convert under extreme torture
✔ Symbol of Hindu strength and pride
Despite his unwavering courage, Sambhaji Maharaj remains absent from mainstream textbooks, reflecting a politically motivated omission.
The Cultural Erasure: Loss of Hindu Identity
✔ Focusing on Mughals erodes Hindu contributions
✔ Lack of Hindu history leads to generational ignorance
✔ Reclaiming Hindu warriors restores cultural pride
Reviving Sambhaji Maharaj’s story is essential for ensuring future generations recognize Hinduism’s resilience.
The Role of Indian Historians and Scholars in Rewriting History
✔ Historians like V.D. Savarkar and Sitaram Goel have worked to correct distortions
✔ Efforts to bring regional Hindu rulers into national history are increasing
✔ Including Hindu warriors in curricula is key to historical balance
Promoting Hinduism through Historical Revival
✔ Celebrating Hindu warriors like Sambhaji Maharaj strengthens Hindu identity
✔ His sacrifice serves as an inspiration for future generations
✔ Promoting figures like Sambhaji Maharaj fosters pride in Hindu heritage
Conclusion: Embracing a Balanced Historical Narrative
✔ Akbar is glorified for his secular policies, but Sambhaji Maharaj’s contributions are ignored
✔ Rewriting history to include Hindu warriors is necessary for cultural preservation
✔ Reviving Hindu heroes like Sambhaji Maharaj fosters national pride
By reclaiming forgotten Hindu figures, we can restore India’s historical balance and honor those who defended Hinduism against foreign invaders.
FAQs
✔ Why is Akbar celebrated more than Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj?
➡ Akbar’s policies aligned with secular ideals, while Sambhaji Maharaj resisted Mughal rule.
✔ How did Sambhaji Maharaj contribute to Indian history?
➡ He fought against Aurangzeb and defended Hinduism from forced conversions.
✔ How can we promote Hindu warriors in history books?
➡ By including their contributions in academic curricula and public discourse.
