The Vengeance of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: How the Marathas Shattered Aurangzeb’s Empire

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant Maratha warrior, was executed in a brutal and torturous manner by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. But Sambhaji’s death did not mark the end of Maratha resistance. Instead, it ignited a flame of vengeance that led to a relentless campaign against the Mughals.

Under the leadership of Rajaram Maharaj, and the fearless warriors Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav, the Marathas avenged Sambhaji Maharaj’s death and shook the Mughal Empire to its core. This article explores how the Marathas exacted their revenge, shattered Aurangzeb’s prestige, and upheld the ideals of Hindavi Swarajya.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s Brutal Execution and Its Impact

In 1689, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was captured by Mughal forces in Sangameshwar. He was tortured for 40 days before being executed in Tulapur, a cruel act that enraged the Maratha Empire.

• The entire Maratha community united to avenge their king.
• All internal conflicts disappeared, and a single goal emerged—to annihilate the Mughal forces.
• Aurangzeb believed that eliminating Sambhaji would weaken the Marathas, but he was gravely mistaken.

As Rajaram Maharaj took the throne, the Maratha warriors prepared for vengeance.

The Rise of Santaji Ghorpade: A Vow of Vengeance

Among the warriors who swore revenge was Santaji Ghorpade, son of Malhoji Ghorpade, who had fought in Sambhaji Maharaj’s final battle.

• Santaji vowed to make Aurangzeb’s life a living hell.
• Alongside Dhanaji Jadhav, he launched a series of bold attacks on the Mughals.
• Their first target: Aurangzeb’s camp at Tulapur.

The Battle of Tulapur: Marathas Strike Fear into the Mughals

Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav led a sudden and ferocious attack on Aurangzeb’s encampment at Tulapur, the very site where Sambhaji Maharaj had been executed.

• Force Composition:
  • Marathas: 2,000 warriors
  • Mughals: Thousands of soldiers
• The Result:
  • The Mughals were taken by surprise and slaughtered.
  • Mughal historian Kafi Khan later wrote: “After Tulapur, the Mughals trembled at Santaji’s name.”
  • Aurangzeb barely escaped with his life.
  • The Marathas seized two golden finials from Aurangzeb’s royal tent and returned in triumph.

Aurangzeb’s Despair and the Maratha Onslaught

• The Tulapur raid shattered Aurangzeb’s confidence.
• His once-proud army now lived in fear of Maratha attacks.
• Soldiers often shouted in panic: “Huzoor, the Marathas are here!”
• The once-powerful Mughal emperor was forced to constantly flee.

The Siege of Raigad: The Fall of Zulfikar Khan

After the Tulapur victory, the Marathas set their sights on Raigad Fort, which had fallen to the Mughals.

• Zulfikar Khan, the Mughal commander, had seized Raigad and imprisoned Yesubai (Sambhaji’s wife) and his son.
• The Marathas attacked Raigad:
  • The Mughals were overwhelmed and decimated.
  • Zulfikar Khan barely escaped with his life.
  • The Marathas reclaimed Raigad and freed Yesubai and Sambhaji’s son.

The Death of Muqarram Khan: Avenging Sambhaji Maharaj’s Betrayal

Muqarram Khan, the Mughal officer who had betrayed and captured Sambhaji Maharaj, was the next target.

• In December 1689, Santaji Ghorpade launched a brutal assault on Muqarram Khan’s army.
• Santaji personally hunted down Muqarram Khan and hacked him apart.
• With his death, the Marathas avenged Sambhaji’s betrayal.

Santaji Ghorpade: The Commander of the Maratha Empire

In 1691, Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj appointed Santaji Ghorpade as the Commander of the Maratha Empire.

• Under his leadership:
  • The Marathas launched devastating guerrilla attacks.
  • The saffron flag was raised over large parts of Karnataka and beyond.
  • With 15,000–20,000 warriors, Santaji reclaimed lost Maratha territory.

Aurangzeb’s Downfall: A Broken Emperor

For 27 years, the Marathas kept Aurangzeb on the run.

• The once-powerful Mughal emperor, who sought to conquer the Deccan, was now:
  • Humiliated
  • His forces decimated
  • His prestige shattered
• Aurangzeb spent his final years hiding in the Sahyadri mountains.
• He died in 1707 in Maharashtra, the very land he failed to conquer.

The Legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and the Marathas

• The Marathas’ vengeance was more than just revenge—it was about:
  • Upholding Hindavi Swarajya
  • Ensuring the Mughal Empire could never threaten Maharashtra again
• Today, the bravery of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and the unyielding spirit of the Marathas inspire generations.
• The Mughals were shattered. Hindavi Swarajya stood strong.

Conclusion

The story of how Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s death was avenged is a tale of valor, unity, and fierce determination.

• Rajaram Maharaj, Santaji Ghorpade, and Dhanaji Jadhav led a fearless campaign.
• Aurangzeb’s ambitions were crushed.
• The Marathas dismantled Mughal rule in India.
• This historical tale reminds us of the power of resistance against tyranny.

FAQs

Who was Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj?

He was the second ruler of the Maratha Empire, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and a fierce warrior against the Mughals.

How did the Marathas avenge Sambhaji Maharaj’s death?

The Marathas launched successful attacks on Mughal forces, killing key Mughal commanders like Muqarram Khan and forcing Aurangzeb into a defensive position.

What role did Santaji Ghorpade play?

He led guerrilla attacks, stormed Aurangzeb’s camps, and personally killed Muqarram Khan.

How long did the Marathas fight against Aurangzeb?

For 27 years, constantly resisting his attempts to conquer Maharashtra and the Deccan.

What was the outcome of Aurangzeb’s campaign?

He failed to conquer the Marathas, suffered continuous defeats, and died in humiliation in 1707.

The Marathas stood victorious. Hindavi Swarajya prevailed.