New Delhi, May 14: The birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant Maratha ruler and eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was marked with tributes from senior Union ministers Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari, who hailed him as a “symbol of valour” and a defender of Dharma.

Home Minister Amit Shah, in a post on X shared in Hindi and Marathi, praised Sambhaji Maharaj for his lifelong dedication to patriotism, Hindavi Swaraj, and the protection of Dharma. Shah highlighted the Maratha king’s resistance against religious conversions and his ultimate sacrifice for “swadharma, swabhasha, and swaraj.” He noted that Sambhaji liberated strategic territories from Mughal occupation and defeated their armies in numerous battles, embodying the ideals instilled in him since childhood.

“Resolute throughout his life in his commitment to preventing religious conversions, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj never allowed the torch of ‘swadharma, swabhasha, and swaraj’ to be extinguished — ultimately sacrificing his very life for these noble causes,” Shah wrote, offering his “countless salutations to the valiant defender of Dharma.”

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari also paid homage on social media, describing Sambhaji Maharaj as the “symbol of valour and bravery.” Gadkari’s tribute emphasized the Maratha ruler’s enduring legacy as Swarajya Rakshak Dharmaveer — the protector of self-rule and Dharma.

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Born on May 14, 1657, Sambhaji Maharaj ascended the throne in 1681 after Shivaji Maharaj’s passing and ruled until 1689. His reign was marked by relentless challenges, including invasions by the Mughal Empire under Aurangzeb, conflicts with the Siddis of Janjira, Portuguese forces, and other regional powers. Despite these multi-front pressures, Sambhaji carried forward his father’s military vision, adapting strategies to safeguard the Maratha Empire’s sovereignty.

Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy remains deeply revered in Maharashtra and across India, symbolizing courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to cultural and spiritual identity. His martyrdom continues to inspire generations, with leaders and citizens alike remembering him as a warrior who stood firm against oppression and upheld the ideals of freedom and faith.