Sambhaji and Mirza Akbar: An Alliance Against Aurangzeb

 

Introduction

The alliance between Chhatrapati Sambhaji, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire, and Mirza Akbar, the rebellious son of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, remains one of the most intriguing yet ultimately unfulfilled attempts to challenge Mughal supremacy. The two princes, both in defiance of Aurangzeb’s rule, sought to forge a coalition that could have changed the course of Indian history. However, despite their common enemy, their partnership was fraught with challenges, mistrust, and political complexities.

Mirza Akbar’s Rebellion and Flight to Sambhaji

In 1681, Mirza Akbar, the fourth son of Aurangzeb, rebelled against his father, rallying Rajput forces against Mughal oppression. However, Aurangzeb’s cunning tactics led to Akbar’s defeat, forcing him to flee south. Finding his escape routes blocked, Akbar sought refuge with Sambhaji, hoping to gain Maratha military support in his bid to dethrone his father.

Akbar and his loyal companion, Durgadas Rathod, arrived in Pali near Raigad on June 1, 1681. Sambhaji welcomed him with royal honors, providing accommodation and military assistance. The Marathas, always eager to weaken the Mughals, saw an opportunity to challenge Aurangzeb from within.

The Potential of the Alliance

Both Sambhaji and Akbar shared a common goal: to dismantle Aurangzeb’s oppressive rule.

  • Akbar offered legitimacy: If he could rally Mughal nobles and Rajputs, he could create internal divisions within the empire.
  • Sambhaji provided military strength: The Marathas, skilled in guerrilla warfare, could launch attacks deep into Mughal territory.
  • Strategic advantage: A joint Maratha-Rajput rebellion could have stretched Mughal forces thin, preventing Aurangzeb from focusing entirely on the Deccan.

Why the Alliance Failed

Despite the potential, several factors hindered the success of the Sambhaji-Akbar alliance:

  1. Mutual Distrust: Sambhaji, known for his suspicion of outsiders, feared Akbar might be an agent of Aurangzeb. He did not fully trust the prince’s intentions.
  2. Cultural and Linguistic Barriers: Communication was difficult as the two leaders spoke different languages and came from vastly different backgrounds.
  3. Political Discontent in the Maratha Court: Some Maratha nobles were wary of supporting a Mughal prince, fearing a return to imperial dominance.
  4. Aurangzeb’s Countermeasures: The Mughal emperor was well aware of the alliance and worked tirelessly to create dissent. His spies infiltrated Maratha ranks, spreading misinformation to weaken the relationship between Sambhaji and Akbar.
  5. Lack of Coordinated Action: Although Akbar encouraged a swift march towards Delhi, Sambhaji hesitated, preferring to focus on Maratha expansion in the Deccan. This delay cost them valuable momentum.

Aftermath and Consequences

By 1687, after six years of an unproductive alliance, Akbar lost hope of regaining the throne. He ultimately left Sambhaji’s court and fled to Persia, where he spent the rest of his life in exile.

For Sambhaji, the failed alliance did not deter his fight against Aurangzeb. However, his inability to capitalize on Akbar’s presence was a missed opportunity that could have significantly weakened the Mughal Empire. Eventually, Sambhaji was captured and executed by Aurangzeb in 1689, but his defiance laid the foundation for the future Maratha resurgence.


The collaboration between Sambhaji and Mirza Akbar remains a fascinating ‘what-if’ moment in Indian history. Had they succeeded in mounting a coordinated attack on Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire’s decline might have been accelerated. However, political differences, distrust, and the sheer might of Aurangzeb’s forces ultimately led to the dissolution of their alliance. Still, their brief partnership symbolizes the broader resistance against tyranny and imperial domination, an enduring theme in India’s long and complex history.

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