Learn how strong Sambhaji Maharaj was physically, his training, discipline, and warrior lifestyle—and how to build strength like him.
Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is an immortal warrior in Indian history. His life story is not just a story of war but also an example of extraordinary physical and mental strength. In this blog post, we will discuss various aspects of Sambhaji Maharaj's physical strength. Starting from his childhood, to his bravery on the battlefield, his extraordinary endurance, and finally his death, everything will be presented in chronological order. This article is based on historical facts, contemporary accounts, and later legends. We will see how his physical strength strengthened the foundation of the Maratha Empire and why he is called 'Dharmavir'.
Early Life: The Birth and Training of a Warrior
Sambhaji Maharaj was born on 14 May 1657, in Purandar Fort, Maharashtra. His father was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and his mother was Saibai Nimbalkar. Immediately after his birth, his life was shrouded in the shadow of war and struggle. When he was just two years old, his mother, Saibai, died, which was a big blow in his life. From then on, he was raised by his maternal grandmother, Jijabai, who also raised Shivaji Maharaj as a warrior. Jijabai's rigorous education and Maratha heritage made him very strong physically.
Sambhaji Maharaj was given rigorous training in his childhood. His daily routine included sword fighting, horse riding, wrestling (kusti), and the use of firearms. According to historical accounts, he practised on the battlefield from an early age. A notable incident is that at the age of just nine, he was sent as a prisoner to the court of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb as part of the Treaty of Purandar. During this time, he stayed with the Mughals and learnt their war tactics, which later formed the basis of his physical and tactical prowess.
His physical strength is evidenced by one incident in his early life: at the age of 9, he accompanied his father, Shivaji Maharaj, to Agra, a long journey of 1,250 kilometres. He completed the journey on horseback, without any difficulty. This is a testament to his extraordinary endurance. According to legend, he knew 13 languages by the age of 13, which indicates his mental strength as well as his physical ability, since learning a language was the result of rigorous practice.
Family conflicts were also a part of his life. His stepmother, Swarabai, wanted Rajaram to claim the throne, which created friction with Sambhaji Maharaj. At one point, he even joined the Mughal general Diler Khan but soon returned to the Maratha camp. These times tested his physical and mental fortitude.
Ascension to the Throne: Facing Internal Conspiracy
After the death of Shivaji Maharaj, on 20 July 1680, Sambhaji Maharaj was crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort. This ascension was not an easy one. Internal intrigues, especially the opposition of Swarabai's party, challenged him. But his physical strength and leadership qualities defeated these intrigues. He suppressed internal rebellions and unified the empire.
One legend of his physical strength during this time is that he wielded a sword weighing 60 kilograms. Although this may be an exaggeration, historical accounts state that his weaponry was extremely heavy, which was impossible for ordinary warriors. He fought 20 wrestlers daily and played with adult lions and tigers, defeating them. One legend says that he tore the jaws of a lion with his bare hands. Such stories are symbolic of his extraordinary physical prowess.
He built his army as strong as his own. He rigorously trained the Maratha warriors to ensure that they were exceptionally effective. This strength made his army invincible against the Mughals.
Major Military Operations and Resistance: Invincibility on the Battlefield
The greatest proof of Sambhaji Maharaj's physical strength is in his military campaigns. He fought 120 to 130 battles and did not lose a single one. This is the result of his extraordinary fighting skills and physical prowess.
In 1681, the Maratha army sacked the Mughal trading post at the Battle of Burhanpur. Sambhaji Maharaj himself led the expedition, a testament to his speed and endurance. Then, in the Siege of Ramses II of 1682–1688, the Marathas held off the Mughals for six years. It took Aurangzeb's large army six years to conquer a fort, a testament to Sambhaji Maharaj's leadership.
In the Konkan campaign of 1683–1684, he fought against the Siddis and Portuguese, securing the coastal region. This campaign saw the use of his navy, a continuation of Shivaji Maharaj's policy. In the Battle of Wai in 1687, the Marathas were victorious, although the commander Hambirrao Mohite was defeated. In this battle, Sambhaji Maharaj himself led the battlefield, demonstrating his prowess in hand-to-hand combat.
Another proof of his physical strength is that he used to fight 3-4 battles at a time. The enemy army believed that Sambhaji Maharaj was aided by mountain ghosts. He looted Burhanpur and bought horses, which shows his kind heart. His army fought guerrilla warfare, taking advantage of the Sahyadri mountains, which proves his ability to march long distances and survive in difficult conditions.
His resistance against Aurangzeb was remarkable. Aurangzeb wanted to conquer South India, but Sambhaji Maharaj frustrated him for 9 years. Aurangzeb died in Maharashtra, which is a testament to the strength of the Marathas. Sambhaji Maharaj built the second sea bridge after Ram Setu, which shows his engineering skills.
Contribution to the Maratha Empire: Administrative and Cultural Power
Sambhaji Maharaj was not only a warrior but also an administrator. He followed his father's policies and strengthened the Maratha forts. He improved the navy and fought against the Portuguese and the Siddiquis. His religious devotion earned him the title of 'Dharmavir', as he refused to convert to Islam.
He maintained the Ashtapradhan system, which was Shivaji Maharaj's administrative model. In this council were:
- Peshwa: Prime Minister, head of the administration.
- Amatya: Finance Minister, revenue administration.
- Shurunavis: Secretary, writing royal orders.
- Mantri: Home Minister, espionage.
- Senapati: Army Commander, war leadership.
- Sumanta: Foreign Minister, diplomacy.
- Nyayadhyaskha: Chief Judge, justice system.
- Panditarao: Chief Priest, religious affairs.
This system shows his administrative power. He composed a Sanskrit book called 'Buddhabhushanam' at the age of 14 and was fluent in 4-6 languages. This is a testament to his mental strength.
Captivity, Torture and Succession: Extraordinary Endurance
On 1 February 1689, Sambhaji Maharaj was imprisoned in Sangameshwar due to an internal conspiracy. The treachery of his brother-in-law, Ganoji Shirk, played a role in this. Aurangzeb asked him to surrender the fort and wealth and convert to Islam, but he refused.
Then began the extraordinary torture. For 40 days, he was tortured by flaying, cutting off fingers, gouging out eyes, tearing out tongues, pulling out nails, applying salt and pepper, etc. But he never showed any pain, only chanting the name of Shiva. This is the ultimate example of his mental and physical endurance. Aurangzeb himself said that if he had had a son like him, the Mughal flag would have flown all over the world.
He was publicly tortured and killed at Tulapur on 11 March 1689. This death became a symbol of Maratha resistance. His legacy was the foundation of the Maratha revival. His struggle inspired subsequent Maratha wars (such as the First Anglo-Maratha War of 1775–1782).
Comparison and criticism of Sambhaji Maharaj's power
Sambhaji Maharaj is considered by some to be 10 times more powerful than Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj defeated Afzal Khan in single combat, but Sambhaji Maharaj's invincibility is unbeatable. Warriors like Netaji Palkar converted, but Sambhaji Maharaj remained steadfast.
However, critics say that he was a warrior, not a king. His reckless battles (such as the Wai) and diplomatic blunders weakened the empire. Shivaji Maharaj used tactics, while Sambhaji relied on force. Despite these criticisms, his power is undeniable.
Poetry and Legacy: Immortality
A Poyada poem says:
Desh–Dharam par mitne wala,
Sher Shiva ka chhaava tha.
Maha-paraakrami, param prataapi,
Ek hi Shambhu raja tha.
Tej-punj, tejasvi aankhen,
Nikleen par jhuki nahin.
Drishti gayi par raashtra-onnati ka,
Divya swapn to mita nahin.
Dono pair kate Shambhu ke,
Dhyeya maarg se hata nahin.
Haath kate to kya hua?
Sat-karm kabhi chhoota nahin.
Jivha kati, khoon bahaaya,
Dharam ka sauda kiya nahin.
Shivaji ka beta tha woh,
Galat raah par chala nahin.
Varsh teen sau beet gaye ab,
Shambhu ke balidaan ko.
Kaun jeeta, kaun haara,
Poochh lo sansaar ko.
Koti-koti kanthon mein tera,
Aaj jay-jaykaar hai.
Amar Shambhu, tu amar ho gaya,
Teri jay-jaykaar hai.
Matribhoomi ke charan-kamal par,
Jeevan pushp chadhaaya tha.
Hai dooja duniya mein koi,
Jaisa Shambhu raja tha?
~ Shahir Yogesh
This poem describes his immortality. The Bollywood film 'Chhava' brings his life to life.
Conclusion: The story of an extraordinary warrior
Sambhaji Maharaj had extraordinary physical strength—invincible on the battlefield, steadfast in torture. His life teaches us courage, perseverance and patriotism. Although there are some criticisms, his legacy is indelible in the resurrection of the Maratha Empire. What a victory for Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj!
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