Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a great hero of Indian history, whose name is a symbol of bravery and self-respect. 346 years ago on this day (3 April 1680), he died in Raigarh Fort. At that time the age was only 50 years. However, there are many rumors regarding his death, and these things also make his death mysterious. For this reason, historians have different opinions regarding the death of Shivaji Maharaj.
On the pretext of Shivaji Maharaj’s death anniversary, know how he died? Why is this still a mystery? Was his death caused by poison or natural? What is the opinion of historians in this matter?
Adventure journey from zero to peak
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had reached the peak from zero. He did not come from the royal family. With his wisdom he laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire. He directly challenged the Mughals and the Adilshahi power of Bijapur and emerged victorious. He assumed the throne in the year 1674 and remained on the throne for only six years. He died at the age of just 50. There is clarity about the time of his death, but the reason is still under discussion. Not clear at all.
The mystery surrounding Shivaji Maharaj’s death arose because his death was sudden.
Took his last breath on the day of Hanuman Jayanti
According to most of the historical documents, Shivaji Maharaj died due to natural causes. It is said that in the last week of March 1680 he suffered from high fever. Along with this, he also complained of bloody dysentery. After being ill for about 10-12 days, he breathed his last on the day of Hanuman Jayanti.
Then why did death become a mystery?
The mystery surrounding Shivaji Maharaj’s death arose because his death was sudden. At that time the politics inside Raigarh Fort was quite complex. His elder son Sambhaji Maharaj was in Panhala Fort at that time. There were differences of opinion regarding succession between some ministers of the court and Shivaji Maharaj’s wife Soyrabai.
Soyrabai wanted to place her son Rajaram on the throne. Due to this family and political tension, the rumor spread that the Maharaja had been poisoned. However, contemporary reliable sources do not confirm poisoning.
Historian Jadunath Sarkar Many stories are mentioned in the book ‘Shivaji and His Times’.
What did historian Jadunath Sarkar write?
In the book ‘Shivaji and His Times’, famous historian Sir Jadunath Sarkar has described the life of Shivaji Maharaj in great detail. He has written about the death of Maharaj that he was ill for a long time. According to the government, the Maharaja’s health had deteriorated due to overexertion and frequent war campaigns. He suffered from severe fever and dysentery, which ultimately led to his death. Jadunath Sarkar does not give much importance to the poisoning theory and considers it to be natural death.
James Duff has mentioned the rumors
British historian James Duff has done extensive research on Maratha history. He has mentioned in his book ‘A History of the Marathas’ that at the time of Shivaji Maharaj’s death, factionalism in the court was at its peak. Duff has mentioned the rumors that were spread at that time, in which there was talk of poisoning. However, he also clarified that the official Maratha historical accounts of that time mainly attributed the death to disease.
Many historians completely deny the idea of poisoning.
Was he really poisoned?
Some local folklore and many later articles claimed that Soyrabai had given slow poison to the Maharaja in order to make her son the king. But many historians deny this outright. His argument is that if this had happened, Sambhaji Maharaj would have immediately given death sentence to all those culprits after coming to power. Although Sambhaji Maharaj did punish some ministers, it was mainly because of political conspiracy and not on charges of poisoning.
Promise to protect Swaraj was taken from ministers
According to historians, some time before his death, Shivaji Maharaj had understood that his end was near. He called his ministers and pledged to protect Swaraj. He breathed his last in the soil of Raigarh. The news of his death was kept secret for a few days so that instability does not spread in the state.
In this way it can be said that the death of brave Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a sad chapter in Indian history. Even though some people consider it a mystery, most historical evidence points towards the disease. The biggest reason for his death was his declining health and constant mental and physical stress. Even today, the life and ideals of Shivaji Maharaj inspire us. What is more important than how he died is what he achieved in his life. He laid the foundation of a nation that still stands proudly today. The whole country is proud of him.
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