The Escape of Shivaji Maharaj

    By Sanjeev

    The Escape of Shivaji Maharaj cover image

    19 Mar, 2024

    a man in a turban standing in front of a building with a man sitting on the ground, samikshavad, an ultrafine detailed painting, Bholekar Srihari, promotional image

    In the grand city of Agra, an eminent guest was held in captivity by Emperor Aurangzeb. This guest was none other than Shivaji Maharaj, the brave and wise king of the Maratha Empire.

    a man in a turban and a group of men in indian garb standing in front of a building, samikshavad, a black and white photo, Bholekar Srihari, jayison devadas

    Kept under strict surveillance, Shivaji Maharaj realised escape was the only way to save his kingdom. He began to formulate a daring plan.

    a painting of a man standing in front of a table with eggs in baskets on it and other men standing around, samikshavad, a detailed drawing, Bholekar Srihari, jayison devadas

    He started receiving large baskets of sweets from his homeland, ostensibly as gifts for the Emperor's court. However, the true purpose was something entirely different.

    a man with a beard and a beard in a black and white photo with other men in the background, samikshavad, an ultrafine detailed painting, Bholekar Srihari, jayison devadas

    Shivaji's son, Sambhaji, was also held captive with him. The young prince, though worried, had faith in his father's plans.

    a painting of men in indian clothing standing next to each other in front of a group of men in turbans, samikshavad, a black and white photo, Bholekar Srihari, set in 1860

    One day, Shivaji Maharaj feigned severe illness, causing a stir in the royal court. Aurangzeb sent his personal physicians to treat the Maratha king.

    a man in a turban sitting on a chair with a beard and a beard on his head, samikshavad, a detailed painting, Bholekar Srihari, professional digital painting

    The physicians declared that Shivaji Maharaj was suffering from a contagious disease. As a result, the guards were reduced around his quarters.

    a man in a turban surrounded by other men in indian garb and headdress, with a red cross on his forehead, samikshavad, a detailed painting, Bholekar Srihari, highly detailed digital painting

    Shivaji Maharaj's plan began to unfold. The baskets of sweets were now used to smuggle tools and messages to aid in the escape.

    a man with a beard and a red dot on his forehead is holding a basket in his hand and looking at the camera, samikshavad, a detailed painting, Bholekar Srihari, epic fantasy character art

    One day, under the guise of the illness, Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji secretly escaped from the fort, hiding in the large baskets.

    a man in a turban carrying a basket of eggs in front of a crowd of people in india, samikshavad, an ultrafine detailed painting, Bholekar Srihari, highly detailed digital painting

    As the baskets were being transported out of the fort, the guards, fearing the contagious disease, did not dare to check them.

    a painting of two men standing next to each other in front of a mountain range with a sky background, samikshavad, a detailed painting, Bholekar Srihari, highly detailed digital painting

    Once outside the fort, Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji quickly changed into disguise and began their arduous journey back to their homeland.

    a man in a turban standing in front of a full moon and trees with a full moon behind him, samikshavad, a black and white photo, Bholekar Srihari, promotional image

    They travelled mostly during the night to avoid detection and navigated through dense forests and rocky terrains.

    a man with a turban and a beard in front of a mountain landscape with a valley in the background, samikshavad, an ultrafine detailed painting, Bholekar Srihari, jayison devadas

    After several days of travel, they finally reached the boundaries of their kingdom. The sight of their homeland filled them with overwhelming joy.

    a painting of a man in a turban and a group of men in turbans standing around, samikshavad, a detailed painting, Bholekar Srihari, official art

    Meanwhile, back in Agra, Aurangzeb was shocked and furious upon discovering the escape of his captives. He immediately ordered his men to find and bring them back.

    a man in a turban standing in front of a crowd of people with swords and a cross, samikshavad, a detailed painting, Bholekar Srihari, official art

    However, Shivaji Maharaj had already reached his kingdom and began fortifying his defenses. He prepared his army for a possible attack from the Mughals.

    a man in a turban standing in front of a crowd of people with his arms in the air, samikshavad, a black and white photo, Bholekar Srihari, award-winning photograph

    The news of Shivaji Maharaj's daring escape spread across the kingdom. His people, filled with joy and admiration, welcomed their beloved king back.

    a man in a turban standing in front of a crowd of men in india, with a flag flying in the background, samikshavad, a digital painting, Altoon Sultan, highly detailed digital painting

    Despite the threat of the Mughals, Shivaji Maharaj was undeterred. He vowed to protect his kingdom and his people at all costs.

    a man in a turban riding a horse next to a mountain range with a castle in the background, samikshavad, a digital painting, Bholekar Srihari, highly detailed digital painting

    His courage and strategic brilliance became an inspiring tale for the people of his kingdom and beyond. His escape from Agra was a testament to his unwavering spirit.

    a man in a turban standing in front of a crowd of people in a black and white photo, samikshavad, an ultrafine detailed painting, Bholekar Srihari, highly detailed digital painting

    Sambhaji, inspired by his father's bravery, pledged to follow in his footsteps. He was determined to uphold the legacy of the Maratha Empire.

    a man in a turban is walking through a tunnel with a gun in his hand and a brick wall behind him, qajar art, an ultrafine detailed painting, Altoon Sultan, professional digital painting

    Shivaji Maharaj's escape from Agra was not just a daring escape, it was a beacon of hope for his people, a symbol of resilience and courage.

    a man in a black and white photo with a beard and a cross on his forehead, standing in front of a mountain, samikshavad, an ultrafine detailed painting, Bholekar Srihari, epic fantasy character art

    His story is a reminder that no matter how daunting the circumstances, with a clever mind and a brave heart, one can overcome any challenge.

    a man in a turban standing in front of a building with a red cross on his forehead, samikshavad, a digital painting, Bholekar Srihari, highly detailed digital painting

    The tale of Shivaji Maharaj's escape from Agra continues to inspire generations, reinforcing the indomitable spirit of the Maratha king.

    a man in a turban standing in front of a crowd of people in india, with a red cross on his forehead, samikshavad, a black and white photo, Bholekar Srihari, highly detailed digital painting

    The legacy of Shivaji Maharaj lives on, not just in the hearts of his people, but in the pages of history, immortalizing him as a symbol of courage and wisdom.

    The Escape of Shivaji Maharaj