Yesubai Bhonsale
Photo: Wikipedia
While much is written about the popular historical figure, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, not many know about his son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his wife Yesubai Bhonsale. The new movie ‘Chhaava’, starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna has brought them to light again. So, read on to know more about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his wife Yesubai Bhonsale:
All about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who is known for his valour and bravery even today, had eight marriages and most of them were mainly for political reasons. From these eight marriages, Shivaj had six daughters and two sons. His eldest son Sambhaji was born from his first wife Saibai, while his youngest son Rajaram was born from his wife Soyrabai. Shivaji’s sons had an age-gap of 13 years.
Born on May 14, 1657, Sambhaji Raje lost his mother at a very young age and he was raised by his grandmother and Shivaji’s mother, Jijabai. Be it his scholarly education or training as a soldier, Sambhaji was quite talented and so he was als popularly called Chhaava– a hindi words which means lion’s cub.
In 1664, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s son Sambhaji’s marriage was fixed with Jeevubai alias Yesubai, who belonged to the Deshmukh family. Sambhaji and Yesubai’s marriage was an important political alliance. The Deshkmukhs were quite powerful in the Tal-Konkani region of Maharashtra, which helped Shivaji and Sambhaji expand the Maratha rule.
All about Sambhaji Maharaj’s wife Yesubai Bhonsale
Jeevubai alias Yesubai was born as Rajau Shirke. She was the daughter of Pilaji Rao Shirke– a Maratha Sardar. In 1664, she was married to Shivaji’s eldest son Sambhaji Maharaj and soon she came to be known as Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale. However, she was not just Sambhaji’s wife but also a political leader who helped safeguard the Maratha Empire, especially during turbulent times. In 1689, when her husband Sambhaji was executed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Yesubai had exhibited remarkable diplomacy and courage in such difficult times.
From 1680 to 1730, Yesubai Bhonsale became a strong pillar of the Maratha Empire. Even when she was imprisoned for roughly 30 years by Aurangzeb, she remained strong and ensured that the Maratha Empire sustained for which is much hailed.
