Question

Where did the fight between the two campaigns of Sambhaji and Dilerkhan occur in Maharashtra?
A. Purandar
B. Pune
C. Bhupalgad
D. Shirwal

Answer 1

Hint: Sambhaji was considered one of the most enigmatic and controversial leaders in the history of Marathas. He was both loved and loathed by his followers, some of the historians even expressed his character as cruel, hedonistic, and reckless, and yet there were a few to whom he appeared to be one of the bravest Maratha kings that ever existed.

Complete answer: After having a conflict with Shivaji, Sambhaji joined hands with the Mughal forces of Dilerkhan but soon he realized his huge mistake upon witnessing the atrocities of the Mughals on the massacre of the Marathas by Dilerkhan’s army in the fort of Bhupalgad. On seeing the crown prince Sambhaji as the forefront of the Mughal army, the Maratha’s surrendered without a fight. Shivaji was angered by this and he announced a death sentence to Narsala, the fort keeper for such a meek display of courage, and later Shivaji escaped back to the Maratha camp at fort Panhala.

Thus, option (C) is correct.

Additional Information:Sambhaji was the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji. It is said that Shivaji had wanted to divide the kingdom into two halves which caused the conflict between Shivaji and Sambhaji. He wanted to give the northern region to Rajaram, the younger son, and the southern region to Sambhaji.

Note: Sambhaji’s reign was a short one but was filled with turmoil and disasters. Despite his bad image, he gained immense respect and admiration upon his tragic death. After which he was remembered as a true Hindu martyr, one who preferred death rather than life being surrendered. He died on 11th March 1689 and his death led to the reconciliation of all Marathas making them get over their differences and eventually unite under the banner of Chhatrapati Rajaram (Sambhaji’s stepbrother) and continue their fight against the Mughals.