In the magnificent Maratha Empire, the illustrious Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had a youthful prince. Although the prince was known as Sambhaji, his nickname was Chavvva, or "young lion." Chavvva displayed peerless intelligence, valor, and devotion to Swarajya from a very early age
The Making of a Warrior
Sambhaji learned administration, diplomacy, and battle early on. He was a war scholar fluent in many languages, including Sanskrit, Persian, and Portuguese. Unlike the other royal princes, who did not pamper themselves but went with their father to battlefields, he came to understand the true definition of leadership.
When Shivaji Maharaj passed away in 1680, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was able to dismantle the Marathas. Chhavva, however, did not bow down. Ascending the throne at the unusually young age of 23, he resolved to protect his people.
When Shivaji Maharaj passed away in 1680, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was able to dismantle the Marathas. Chhavva, however, did not bow down. Ascending the throne at the unusually young age of 23, he resolved to protect his people.
Chhavva’s Greatest Victories Against the Mughals
One of Sambhaji’s most legendary victories was the sacking of Burhanpur, a rich Mughal city known for its treasury. The Mughals never expected an attack, but Chhavva, with his lightning-fast tactics, raided the city, looted its wealth, and returned to the Deccan without losing a single major battle. This strike shook Aurangzeb, proving that the Marathas were still a force to reckon with.
🔥 Defeating the Mughal General Khan Jahan Bahadur (1682)
Aurangzeb dispatched Khan Jahan Bahadur and a big army to quash Sambhaji. Chhavva attacked the Mughal troops in the rough Sahyadri hills using the guerrilla tactics of Shivaji. Khan Jahan suffered great losses and had to fall back, hence leaving Marathas victorious.
🔥 Battle of Ramsej Fort (1682-1688)
At Ramsej Fort, where Aurangzeb's troops tried to conquer it for more than six years, Sambhaji's soldiers, though outnumbered, held their position against the powerful Mughal resistance by using cunning defense plans and surprise bombardment—a striking illustration of Maratha resiliency. This conflict under Chhavva&'s reign came to represent Maratha resilience.
🔥 Defeating the Portuguese at Anjadiva (1683)
Sambhaji was not only fighting the Mughals but also the Portuguese, who were aiding Aurangzeb. In 1683, Chhavva launched a fierce attack on Anjadiva Fort, crushing Portuguese resistance and proving his strength as a naval commander. His victories at sea were as legendary as his battles on land.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Despite his victories, Chhavva was betrayed in 1689 and handed over to Aurangzeb. The emperor tried to break him—offering him luxury and power in exchange for surrendering his faith and kingdom. But Sambhaji refused to bow down. Even when faced with brutal torture, he remained unshaken, chanting "Har Har Mahadev!" till his last breath.
His sacrifice ignited a fire in the hearts of the Marathas. Within a few years, his brother Rajaram and later his son, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, along with the great Peshwas, led the Marathas to ultimate victory, ensuring that Sambhaji’s dream of Swarajya lived on.
Moral of the Story:
🔥 True courage is standing tall in the face of adversity, even when the world is against you.
🦁 A leader’s legacy is not in the battles he wins, but in the spirit he leaves behind.
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