How Did Shivaji Maharaj Died?

Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a Maratha warrior and a fearless leader who is celebrated to this day. However, the circumstances surrounding the death of Shivaji Maharaj have been a subject of debate and intrigue, with various theories surrounding the circumstances of his passing. Some believe he had been suffering from a high fever and dysentery in the final days leading up to his death while for some it was a conspiracy theory of assassination. In this blog, let’s explore the different historical accounts suggesting how did Shivaji Maharaj died. 

Illness and Death

Shivaji Maharaj passed away on April 3, 1680, at the Raigad fort, which was his capital. He died at the age of 50 years. The exact cause of his death is not definitively known, but historical accounts suggest that he died due to a combination of illness and old age. Shivaji Maharaj’s funeral procession was a grand and solemn affair, attended by thousands of mourning subjects and dignitaries. His son, Sambhaji, succeeded him as the ruler of the Maratha Empire, carrying forward his father’s legacy and vision.

Also Read – How Did Chandragupta Maurya Die?

Different Historical Accounts

Many sources claim different yet similar reasons for the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Some of the historical accounts are – 

1. Krishnaji Anant Sabhasad – An autobiography of Shivaji and the oldest written source on Shivaji says Shivaji Maharaj died with a fever of type Navajwar.
2. Mughal Records – According to some Mughal sources, he died of the vomiting of blood.
3. Portuguese Sources – The records show that the cause of his death is Anthrax ( Abscess).
4. British Accounts – They say Shivaji died because of Bloody Flux and Dysentry and was suffering for 12 days because of fever.
5. Some other sources claim he was poisoned by his second wife Sorabai for her son to be the next king.

After examining various historical accounts and piecing together the available evidence, it is most likely that Shivaji Maharaj died due to natural causes. Despite the many rumours and conspiracy theories that have circulated over the centuries, the consensus among scholars is that his death was a result of age-related ailments and the toll of his military exploits. The death of Shivaji Maharaj was the end of an era, but speculations surrounding his death are still hidden in history chapters.

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