Chhaava: Dharmaveergad, Historical Landmark Where Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Was Tortured And Killed, Rises To Prominence

Chhaava narrates the stories of valour of the great Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The role in the recent Bollywood movie has been played by Vicky Kaushal. As the movie continues to shine at the box office, various aspects of history associated with Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's life and times have generated curiosity. One of them is Dharmaveergad, previously known as Bahadurgad, a small town near Pune, Maharashtra, where Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his confidante Kavi Kalash were tortured for 40 days before being killed by Aurangzeb.

History associated with Dharmaveergad

Bahadurgad was a major Mughal camp. It is said to have been built by Bahadur Khan Kokaltash, the Mughal viceroy to the Deccan. It had several names including Pedgaon Cha Killa and Dharmaveer Gad.

In 1689, when Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was captured at Sangameshwar by Aurangzeb and his army, he was brought to Bahadurgad, as a prisoner. Chhatrapati  Sambhaji Maharaj and Kavi Kalash were subjected to horrific torture for over 40 days when they did not accept to be converted to Islam. Bahadurgad was later renamed Dharmaveergad in the memory of Sambhaji Maharaj.

The place where the Maratha king was tied down and held captive is now a place of worship. The place where Aurangzeb inflicted torture on the Maratha warriors also stands. A shiv ling stands in the exact spot where the valiant Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was subjected to brutality. 

It is said that all the temples in this area were demolished by Aurangzeb and are still in ruins.

The horrific torture endured by Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

After his capture, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was dragged in heavy iron chains. He was humiliated and subjected to unimaginable horrors. It is said that Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's eyes were gouged out by Aurangzeb and his tongue was ripped out. His nails and fingers were also chopped. 

Despite the pain and suffering, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj refused to convert to Islam and was killed.