Today, Maharashtra celebrates the coronation day of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. However, while celebrating this day, we will take a closer look at how leftist and rightist historians have consistently wronged Sambhaji Maharaj.
1) Did Sambhaji Maharaj really sacrifice his life for Hinduism?
Every year, on the occasion of Sambhaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary, death anniversary, and coronation day, Hindutva organizations promote the idea that he was a “protector of religion.” Unfortunately, Maharashtra has fallen prey to this propaganda. While Maharashtra takes pride in the idea of Sambhaji Maharaj as a protector of religion, history is neither good nor bad—it is simply history.
There is no contemporary evidence in Maratha records or in Aurangzeb’s court that proves Sambhaji Maharaj was given the title of “protector of religion.” As usual, Brahmin historians have played a significant role in shaping such narratives. The unfortunate reality is that historians today are not independent but rather serve political parties, writing history as per their needs. These myths are entirely false, and historians lack the courage to refute them.
Here are some questions that Maharashtra must seek answers to:
- If Aurangzeb was truly forcing Hindu rulers to convert to Islam, then why did he not convert Mirza Raja Jai Singh (Rajput), Jaswant Singh, and other Rajputs, Sikhs, Gujjars, Marathas, and Brahmins who served in his court? Why only Sambhaji Maharaj?
- After Sambhaji Maharaj’s death, Aurangzeb captured Raigad, took many Maratha sardars, Sambhaji Maharaj’s wife, and his son, Shahu Maharaj, into custody for nearly 18 years. If Aurangzeb was forcing conversions, why didn’t he convert them? Why only Sambhaji Maharaj?
Some may argue that I am an Aurangzeb sympathizer, but friends, when a history based on myths is passed down to future generations, one day, that false bubble will burst.
2) Did the Mahars really Ravenge Sambhaji Maharaj’s death?
Ambedkarite historians have cleverly planted this myth, and leftist historians have further promoted it. This is particularly evident in the way they have linked the history of Bhima Koregaon with Sambhaji Maharaj’s tomb at Vadhu Budruk.
Sambhaji Maharaj was killed in 1689, while the Battle of Bhima Koregaon took place in 1818—130 years later. The claim that the Mahar community fought against the Peshwas to avenge Sambhaji Maharaj’s death is baseless. Why would they do so after such a long period? What was the reason or need for it? These unanswered questions are something that neither leftist nor rightist historians dare to ask, which is Maharashtra’s misfortune.
Interestingly, there are even songs based on this false history!
3) Were Brahmins responsible for Sambhaji Maharaj’s death?
This myth starts with the claim that Sant Ramdas Swami betrayed Sambhaji Maharaj and handed him over.
Some have further added that Brahmins told Aurangzeb that Sambhaji Maharaj was not a threat to Islam but to their Vedic religion because:
- He traveled by sea.
- He treated women equally.
- He provided water to farmers.
- He wrote a book in Sanskrit.
Based on these reasons, it is said that the Brahmins asked Aurangzeb to blind him, cut off his hands and legs, and execute him.
This is yet another myth propagated by certain historians, especially Shrimant Kokate. The claim that Brahmins handed over Sambhaji Maharaj because he wrote “Budhbhushan” in Sanskrit and, as a result, convinced Aurangzeb to execute him, has no historical evidence.
While it is true that some Brahmins in Sambhaji Maharaj’s court betrayed him, it was not because of their caste. Treachery exists in every community.
4) Sambhaji Maharaj and Gudi Padwa
Another myth states that since Sambhaji Maharaj was executed on Gudi Padwa, Brahmins started celebrating the festival from that day onward. According to this claim:
- The pot placed on top of the Gudi represents Sambhaji Maharaj’s severed head.
- The neem leaves symbolize the ritual performed after cremation.
- Brahmins allegedly carried his severed head on a bamboo stick and danced with joy, and since then, Maharashtra has been celebrating Gudi Padwa.
In reality, Gudi Padwa has a history that dates back thousands of years. The festival has been celebrated in Maharashtra since the Satavahanas defeated the Shakas in 75 CE. Historians have also repeatedly clarified that Gudi Padwa has no connection to Lord Ram.
It is outrageous how far some historians have gone in distorting history. What’s worse is that some of them proudly spread these false narratives in society. People like Amol Mitkari and Andhale Bai have gone to Ambedkarite platforms and spoken irresponsibly about Sambhaji Maharaj.
The hidden agenda behind this is to associate Sambhaji Maharaj with leftist movements and to create social division between Brahmins and Marathas.
Those who genuinely love Sambhaji Maharaj and respect Maratha history should stay away from both leftist and rightist political movements. History should be read as history.
Just as myths have been created about Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur, let’s not allow myths to be created about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj!
I can only say this—blessed are the historians, and blessed are the leaders who support them!
Without evidence or research, these so-called historians and politicians only care about their own movements and parties.
Thank you for reading! I appreciate it!
Jai Jijau! Jai Shivray! Jai Bhim!