Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj : The Great Son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Background

In 1677, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had decided to capture south India. This news was spread everywhere. Aurangzeb who calls himself as Badshah of Hindustan also got to know about this mission. He realised that this will be the best chance to destroy the Maratha kingdom because Shivaji will not be there. So he sent his one commander Diler Khan Pathan to attack Maratha Swarajya.

Guerrilla tactics

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was far ahead of thinking in terms of war tactics than any other king. He identified this gap & made a master plan. He knew that if there is any person who can fight with Mughals in terms of Guerrilla warfare, he must be his son Yuvraj Sambhaji Raje (Shambhu Raje). Yuvraj Shambhu Raje was known for his political strategies. He was just 21 years old at that time. The duo of father & son made one plan which was so unpredictable for the others. They made a scenario in which everyone was thinking that there is an internal conflict between Shivaji & Sambhaji. Everything is not good between father & son. Shambhu Raje was sent as Subhedar of Shringarpur by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & he moved to the south campaign.

Meanwhile, Diler khan had come up with a huge army to finish the Maratha kingdom. Shambhu Raje was alone with a small number of soldiers. The Maratha soldiers were weary & tired after south campaign, so to stop Diler Khan one mind game was played by Shambhu Raje. To execute the guerrilla tactics, Shambhu Raje played a trick on Diler Khan & sent him a letter explaining that I am not happy with my father. Diler khan was happy after listening to this. He sent him one proposal to join the Mughal camp. There were lots of letter communication between them. Diler khan was very happy but he was not aware that he will be fooled.

Execution of Plan

In Rainy season, at the banks of Krishna river in Mahuli (near Satara) Shambhu Raje joined their camp by crossing the Krishna River. Shambhu Raje was aware that his life will be in danger. But for him, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was everything. Aurangzeb was in shock & realised it's a trap. He sent a letter to Diler Khan & ordered to attack swarajya at any cost. Diler Khan had forced Shambhu Raje to either win the Bhupalgad or he will destroy its walls by bombs. To save the lives of his fellow soldiers, Shambhu Raje wins that fort for Mughals without attacking. Some people were imprisoned, Khan ordered to cut their hands. Shambhu Raje confronted Diler Khan & also save their life. After this, in a very short time, Marathas recaptured that fort. 

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

Now, Aurangzeb became very angry & gets frustrated. He sent 5000 extra soldiers to arrest Shambhu Raje. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj realised this situation & felt that his son's life is in danger. They Communicate with Shambhu Raje via spies to return on nearest Maratha Fort Panhala. While escaping, Shambhu Raje fought with Diler's advisor & commander Mulla Ahmed and cuts his hand. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj sent his spies-cum-soldiers for this rescue operation. Shambhu Raje escaped safely from Mughal camp & reached to Panhala Fort. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj himself came to meet his brave son & it was known as one of the greatest historical meetings.

Learnings

From the above incident, we can understand how important is a strategy. Nowadays many people are saying think out of the box for innovation & success. 350 years back, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj implements this brave masterstroke which was very unpredictable. Yuvraj Shambhu Raje shows how to be a good son & shows his dedication, determination & love towards his father and Swarajya. You may find wrong information on the web about Shambhu Raje, but when you came to know about the truth & analysis of the situation, You will salute to his sacrifice. 

Thank you !!!