Languages Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Knew
The Linguistic Genius of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of the great Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was not only a valiant warrior and a visionary ruler but also an extraordinary scholar and polyglot. In an era dominated by constant warfare and political unrest, Sambhaji Maharaj distinguished himself as a rare blend of intellectual brilliance and martial courage. One of the most fascinating aspects of his personality was his mastery over multiple languages—an achievement that continues to astonish historians and scholars to this day.
Historical records and biographical accounts suggest that Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was fluent in at least 14 languages. These included Sanskrit, Marathi, Persian, Arabic, Portuguese, Latin, Greek, Kannada, Telugu, Prakrit, Gujarati, Braj Bhasha (a precursor to modern Hindi), Urdu, and even English. His multilingual abilities were not superficial; he had deep literary and philosophical knowledge in many of these languages, showcasing his scholarly depth and cultural awareness.
Sanskrit, the classical language of Hindu scriptures and philosophy, was one of his strongest areas of expertise. He authored a Sanskrit treatise called Budhbhushanam, which reflects his knowledge of statecraft, ethics, and governance. This work alone demonstrates his command over classical Indian thought and his ability to contribute intellectually to it.
Marathi, being his mother tongue and the administrative language of the Maratha Empire, was naturally his primary language for communication and documentation. However, Sambhaji Maharaj’s proficiency in Persian and Arabic—languages of the dominant Mughal administration and Islamic theology—equipped him to understand his adversaries better, both politically and religiously. It also gave him access to diplomatic negotiations and intelligence from various corners of the subcontinent.
His knowledge of Portuguese, Latin, and Greek is particularly impressive, as it indicates his engagement with European languages at a time when colonial powers like the Portuguese and Dutch had coastal settlements in India. This shows that Sambhaji Maharaj was not isolated from global affairs but was instead well aware of the Western intellectual and political landscape.
His fluency in regional Indian languages like Kannada, Telugu, and Gujarati allowed him to connect with local populations and allies across the Deccan and western India. This was an invaluable asset in both diplomacy and warfare.
It is also worth noting that what is today called “Hindi” did not exist in a standardized form in the 17th century. However, Sambhaji Maharaj was fluent in Braj Bhasha and possibly Awadhi, both of which were prominent North Indian dialects and literary languages at the time.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s command over so many languages was not just a scholarly pursuit—it was a strategic strength. It allowed him to read texts from different cultures, negotiate with foreign envoys, issue decrees in multiple regions, and remain intellectually ahead of many of his contemporaries. His linguistic brilliance, combined with his valor, makes him one of the most remarkable figures in Indian history.
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