Sambhaji Raje

Early life
Sambhaji was born at Purandar fort.^[1] He was 17 year old when Shivaji was coronated in 1674. His grandmother Jijabai died the same year and Sambhaji lost his mentor and guide. His father, Shivaji, was too busy with the affairs of the state to mentor him.^[2]
In a marriage of political alliance, Sambhaji was married to a minor Jivubai, renamed Yesubai (as per Maratha custom), daughter of Pillajirao Shirke who was a powerful deshmukh in the court of Bijapur state in the "Tal-Konkani" area and provided thus, this marriage in a way provided Shivaji access to Konkan belt.^[3]

[edit] Coronation

Annaji Datto, Somaji Datto and some others in Shivaji's court wanted to oust Sambhaji to enhance their own positions and power in the affairs of the state and use it to their advantage. They poisoned Sambhaji's food but Sambhaji was fortunately saved as the plot was uncovered. Sambhaji forgave them. Still, they conspired again and wanted to arrest Sambhaji at the Panhala Fort, where he was staying at the time of Shivaji's death. They wanted to crown his stepbrother, Rajaram as Maratha king. Rajaram's mother, Soyarabai, Moropant Trimbak Pingle and his son were involved in this plan. However the Supreme Commander of Maratha forces, Hambirrao Mohite, who was Soyarbai's brother, supported Sambhaji as the rightful heir to the throne. It was chiefly because of Hambirrao Mohite's support that Sambhaji was able to ascend to the throne in 1681. Sambhaji pardoned Moropant Pingale and reappointed him Peshwa. Sambhaji and Moropant Pingale together participated in the 1681 Burhanpur war. Others involved in the plan were executed.