Life and Death of Sambhaji

by Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran

A HERO WHOSE DESTINY IS WRITTEN IN BLOOD

It begins to dawn on the nine-year-old Sambhaji that his father has fled from the clutches of the Mughal badshah Aurangzeb and left him behind. He must now find his way back home with the help of strangers . . . Under the shadow of an illustrious father, Sambhaji finds himself thrust into the Maratha-Mughal conflict from a tender age. His mistakes cost him dearly and when his father suddenly dies and he becomes the chhatrapati, it is as if he has inherited a crown of thorns. In the nine years that follow, he faces a constant battle-internally, as palace intrigues simmer to kill him, and externally, as Aurangzeb descends on the Deccan with full military force. Even Chhatrapati Shivaji had never faced a full-blown Mughal aggression. Will he be able to protect the Maratha nation and Swaraj that was his father's dream? Will he prove to be a worthy son to his father-in life as well as in death? History has been unfair to Sambhaji, but it can't deny that he inspired a generation of Maratha warriors, who eventually ensured the end of Aurangzeb's Jihad.

Genres: Historical Fiction

435 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran is a microbiologist and has worked for pharmaceutical and food industry in Germany, India and United Arab Emirates. Subjects that interest her are history and pharmaceuticals - or the world of medicines.

Her biography of Chhatrapati Shivaji has been Crossword Bookstores bestseller in 2016-17. The book is nominated in two categories (non-fiction and biography) for Raymond Crossword Book Awards 2017.

Reviews

[Sujata Parashar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read Medha’s earlier book, 'Challenging Destiny,' a historical fiction based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji – the great warrior king and one of the greatest patriots and legendary figures of India, out of curiosity. But I ended up more than enjoying it. In fact, I was in great admiration of the writer for the simple, impactful and engaging way she presented Shivaji’s story.



It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say, that with 'Life and Death of Sambhaji' (Shivaji’s misunderstood son and the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire) she has repeated the same magic.



Seen as an anti- hero by many, Sambhaji is presented as someone who had the same vision, leadership skills and heroic qualities of his father but one who slips... and makes some wrong choices which cost him dearly later in life leading to being betrayed by some of his own people.



The book starts off by giving us a glimpse of a young Sambha ji barely a child who has been left behind in Agra by his father as he fled from the clutches of Aurangzeb. The nine-year-old boy is surrounded by strangers and knows fully well that if he is captured he will be tortured and put to death. The thought that his Aba Sahib had left him behind to face the wrath of badshah Aurangzeb troubles his tender mind often and creates emotional instability. In fact, later it hampers his decision-making skills leading him to commit grave mistakes and causing much damage to his father's idea of swaraj.



However, Sambhaji is his father’s son is evident from the very beginning. The author describes a young Sambhaji as someone who is sharp, courageous, quick-witted and possessing skills of a warrior.



“I have heard horses; I’m not sure if they’re our men or Mughal spies. It’s best to hide, wait and watch. The docile, soft-spoken boy now sounds authoritative.”



“Self-defence, he intended to harm us,” Sambha ji consoles the guilt-stricken Brahmin while gathering the jewels in his hands.



As a reader you’re already immersed in the story and want to know what will become of this young boy whose mother passed away when he was still a toddler. The initial chapters leave no doubt in the mind of the readers that Sambhaji is everything a father and a king like Chattrapati Shivaji would’ve wished for. And the father is proud of his son. But he’s also concerned about him. He knows Sambhaji is emotionally vulnerable and can be easily swayed by self-serving powerful folks from his own family. In his own way, he tries to caution and guide his son. The father- son relationship has been depicted with much depth.

We also get an accurate understanding of some other historical figures who played an important role in Sambhaji’s life including his astute, sensible and brave wife Yesubai, his childhood friend Kavi Kalash, the Chief Military Commander, Hammbhirao Mohite and many others. The setting whether it is Aurangzeb’s grand court, the diwan-e -khas in Agra or the Mughal camps or the impregnable Deccan forts under the Marathas etc. – the description is lucid. I don’t want to talk about the ending except perhaps reveal that it left me feeling melancholic and wanting to know when and how did Aurangzeb’s rule came to an end in India.

History could not have been presented in a more engaging manner than how Medha has presented it. I hope she doesn’t stop here but completes the story and gives us a closure on how Auranzeb’s jihad was finally brought to an end.

[Chetan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read the book Challenging Destiny a wonderfully written book for it sequence, for it storytelling on the era and life's not only that of Chhatrapati Shivarai, but the various important historical aspects and characters during that corresponding time.

This and my interest in understanding more about Chhatrapati Sambhaji lead me to this book and it did not disappoint

What a wonderful read this is and look forward to more.

P.S. If Medha-ji is reviewing these comments and while I know you are already on you next book possibly, please could you plan to write a book on one of Shivrai's closest friend and confidante Baharji Naik
Would love to know more about this spy-master

[Nishant Bhagat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I initially thought this was a history book but soon realised that it was historical fiction. I wish the author had chosen a better name for the book. This book is pretty well written, however I wished it was tighter. I found the entire climax a little abrupt. It left me feeling incomplete. I wish there was a little more on how Sambhaji's death fueled the struggle and made the Marathas a national force. Guess the author might cover that in a different book.

All in all this is a well researched book. I had not known much about Sambhaji. If you do want to read about him then I would say pick this book up.

[Sriram Venugopal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sambhaji and his war against the Mughal barbaric despot Aurangazeb. The focus is on Sambhaji and author has told the story from his eyes. Unputdownable. I finished it within a week. The author has made it very interesting to learn history. Heartbreaking too.

[Riddhi Kubal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for all who want a good English Book on Sambhaji

[Meenal]

3%

Doesn't hold attention

[Mishal Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life and Death of Sambhaji by Medha Bhaskaran is a well-written and informative biography of the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. Sambhaji was a brave and courageous warrior who fought valiantly against the Mughal Empire. He was also a skilled diplomat and administrator.

In addition to the above, I would like to add that Bhaskaran's ability to bring Sambhaji to life is one of the things that makes this book so special. She does an excellent job of showing us the man behind the warrior, and she gives us a glimpse into his thoughts, feelings, and motivations. This makes it easier for us to understand and relate to Sambhaji, and it makes his story even more compelling. It even helps to keep Chathrapathi Sambhaji and the main events in his life in memory longer. Chathrapathi Sambhaji is an inspiration to all generations to our country.

If you are interested in learning more about Sambhaji, I highly recommend reading Life and Death of Sambhaji. It is a well-written, well-researched and informative biography that will give you a deeper understanding of this important historical figure.

[Supriya Tawde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had started with Ranjit Desais book on Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and moved on this one. Sambhaji Maharaj had a very tough life right from the beginning. A step mother who ensured he will always remained misunderstood by the family. Though he made mistakes in his youth due to his own misunderstandings, he spent his short life trying to protect the nation. He created a fire in the hearts of the Marathas by giving his own life and not accepting the conditions of cruel Aurangzeb. The ending is not for the weak hearted. I cried my heart out while reading it. This amazing warrior was so underrated and his story needs to be told to the younger generations so that he continues to live in our hearts forever..

[Ashwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 3 star rating is for the way it is written in an engaging manner.

The book is a historical fiction which means it skips lot of inconvenient truths about Sambhaji and tries to present him in all white mode or a wronged son which is not the case.

Since this is not a non fiction, it gives you overall view of the great Maratha leader whose death lead to downfall of Mughals.

[amit kanhere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sambhaji we never heard

Thrilling consequences
It's a destiny or an example who ebolished mogul to dust, after 150years,
What a badashah Aurangzeb was?
Which reflected in the history of India

[RIDDHI ROHAN KUBAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished reading :)

[Shaikhnagma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read

The one who loves history of maratha would love this book. Truly magnificent and beautifully potrayed the bravery of maratha

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's very detailed and touching at the same time very informative. You can't believe how cruel mugals were.

[Malhar Sawant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Done with this book. I feel not only a Maratha but every Hindu should be reading it, as the author hasn't sugarcoated the facts and has actually depicted the cruelties of the Mughals in depth, which no schools will teach us. 
Although Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's life was complicated from the beginning, the author has simplified it so that even a novice may comprehend it. Additionally the book busted certain myths that have persisted for ages.
Finally, the end reminds me of a Marcus Aurelius quote: "Death smiles at us all, all a man can do is smile back."

@MedhaDB I hope this message finds you in good health. First of all, thanks very much for bringing in such well-researched books to us. Secondly, please write a book focusing on Maharani Tarabai's life journey. Thanks in advance. 🚩

[Arjun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Post watching Chhava, was very curious to learn more about the life of the very dynamic, patriotic, brave people’s leader Chattrapati Sambhaji Maharaj ! Which is why I was fortunate to get my hands on this gem from Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran ! Sambhaji Maharaj’s life and death is an ode to the unyielding spirit and resolve that was unfazed even when confronting the most gruesome death ! All for the cause of Swaraj ! Would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for inspiration amidst adversity ! Think of Sambhaji and how he went !#Book Review#Life and death of Sambhaji #Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran

[Soujendra Patra · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I felt it was essential to learn about his son—what happened after his father’s death and how the kingdom survived in the absence of such a great leader. While I already knew the fate of Chhatrapati Sambhaji, my main interest lay in understanding what he did for his people. His evolving personality was another aspect that fascinated me.

[Vikram Ketkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a very comprehensive and breezy read. Cover centre life history of Sambhaji along with all the other things which were happening in India and that point of time. It is factual but at the same time not boring and reads like a story. The book manages to dramatize the events very successfully.