Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale (née Jivubai Shirke) was the wife of Chatrapati Sambhaji, and referred to as Chatrapati Maharani of the Maratha Empire. She was also the mother of Chatrapati Shahu I. Chatrapati Sambhaji had shared with her his power as the emperor. When Chatrapati Sambhaji was away from the Maratha capital due to battles, all the political decisions were made by her.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] After Jijabai she is Kulmuktyar (one who can interfere in the case of justice) of Swarajya. After cruel death of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj by Aurangzeb she announced Rajaram as next Chhatrapati of Swarajya. The Mughal Empire captured Raigad in November 1689 and arrested Maharani Yesubai and Shahu Maharaj. The Mughals kept Maharani Yesubai captive to ensure that Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj adhered to the terms of his release. She was released in 1719 when the Marathas became strong under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath.
Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale | |||||
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Chatrapati Maharani of the Maratha Empire | |||||
Queen consort of the Maratha empire | |||||
Tenure | 20 July 1680 - 11 March 1689 | ||||
Predecessor | Saibai Soyarabai | ||||
Successor | Jankibai Tarabai | ||||
Born | Jivubai Shirke 1658 Shringarpur, Kokan | ||||
Died | 1730 Satara, Maharashtra | ||||
Spouse | Sambhaji | ||||
Issue | Bhavani Bai Shahu I | ||||
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House | Bhonsle (by marriage) | ||||
Father | Pilajirao Shirke | ||||
Religion | Hinduism |