Capture of Sambhaji

A millitary engagement between  under Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Mughals under Muqqrab Khan and Ganoji Shirke in which Marathas were defeated resulting in death of Maloji Ghorpade and Raiba Malusare as well as capture and execution of Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash.

### According to Massir–i–Alamgiri

While Aurangzeb was besieging Golconda and Bijapur, Sambhaji observed from Panhala. After capturing these forts, Aurangzeb deployed Sarja Khan, a seasoned general, to the Deccan. In December 1687, the Marathas, led by Hambirrao Mohite, defeated the Mughals at the Battle of Wai, though Mohite was killed. Following the battle, Sambhaji's forces weakened, and his movements were betrayed by Soyarabai and the Shirkes to the Mughals. Sambhaji was eventually caught by Mughal commander Muqarrab Khan supported by Ganoji Shirke after a defeat at Samgamneshwar on 1 February 1689. He was captured along with his minister Kavi Kalash and 25 officers. Aurangzeb, pleased with the capture, renamed Akluj to Asadnagar.

### According to Futuh-i-Alamgiri

Sambhaji grew jealous of Kavi Kalash’<nowiki/>s growing influence and plotted with others to remove him from power, spreading lies that led to his dismissal as Diwan. Disgraced, Kavi Kalash moved to the fort of Khulna, but Sambhaji’s hostility continued, forcing him to seek refuge at the Mughal court, where the emperor rewarded him and his supporters with positions. Enraged, Sambhaji imprisoned their families and lost many followers to the imperial service, weakening his rule. When Mughal forces advanced and captured nearby forts, Sambhaji, fearful and desperate, tried to reconcile with Kavi Kalash through letters, pretending regret. Outwardly forgiving, Kavi Kalash secretly planned revenge and lured Sambhaji to Khulna. Once Sambhaji arrived, Mughal commanders Ikhlas Khan and Bahadur Khan surrounded the fort. Lacking supplies and hope, Sambhaji tried to break out with a few men but was defeated after heavy fighting. Four hundred of his men were killed, and he was finally captured by imperial soldiers, while Kavi Kalash, pretending loyalty, was also “arrested” for safety.

## Aftermath

Kavi Kalash and Sambhaji, captured by the Mughals, were humiliated and paraded through the Mughal camps before being presented to Aurangzeb. He offered to spare Sambhaji’s life if he surrendered his forts, disclosed his treasuries, and revealed Mughal officers aiding the Marathas, even offering him conversion to Islam. However, Sambhaji insulted Aurangzeb and Muhammad, leading the Ulema to sentence him to death.Then he was tortured, blinded with red-hot irons, and beheaded on 11 March 1689 at Koregaon marking the end of resistance in the region.

## Infobox (military conflict)

- **conflict**: Skirmish at Sangameshwar
- **partof**: Deccan Wars
- **caption**: Sambhaji I, Sambhuji captured by Mughals, Mughal forces under Muqqrab Khan and Ganoji Shirke
- **date**: February 1689
- **place**: Sangameshwar or Khelna, Modern day Maharashtra
- **result**: Mughal Empire, Mughal victory
- **combatant1**: Mughal Empire
- **combatant2**: Maratha Empire
- **commander1**: -----

Kavi Kalash
Ikhlas Khan
Bahadur Khan
Fath Jang Hyderabadi
- **commander2**: Sambhaji I
Kavi Kalash
Maloji Ghorpade
Raiba Malusare
Suryaji Jake
Mahumad Ghazi
Santaji Ghorpade
Dhanaji Jadhav
_Capture of Sambhaji#Battle, and 25 other officers........_
- **territory**: Sangameshwar or Khelna captured by the Mughal Empire.
- **strength1**: --------

2000 Mughals
- **strength2**: --------

1000 Marathas