Strong Women Of ZEE5: The Inspiring Tale Of Maratha Queen Yesubai And Her Bravery

History has seen many great female fighters such as Jhansi ki Rani and Razia Sultan. These women defied gender stereotypes and proved that women are equal to men in intelligence as well as strength. Along with Manikarnika, Razia, Maratha King Sambhaji’s wife Yesubai too is an example of the same. Currently being portrayed by Prajakta Gaikwad on the Zee Marathi show Swarajyarakshak Sambhaji, Yesubai is one of the unsung warriors in history.

Watch an episode from the show here.

Yesubai was married off to Sambhaji at a very young age. Their marriage took place due to a political alliance between Sambhaji’s father Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Shirkes, which made the Konkan belt accessible to the former. Yesubai was previously called ‘Jivubai’ and took the name ‘Yesu’ after her marriage. The queen possessed great knowledge of warfare and was very well versed in politics as well. She believed in social reforms and worked with her husband Sambhaji to achieve her father-in-law’s (Chhatrapati Shivaji) dream of Swarajya.

Yesubai was a strong woman who believed in herself. She fought for her husband’s right to the throne against Soyarabai. Yesubai also carried out reforms for the Maratha women like better standard of living and equal rights. She worked alongside Raje and advised him on matters of the court, too.

Yesubai’s life was filled with struggle. Post their marriage, the queen’s relatives started demanding ransom and lands from her, which Raje denied. She was torn between her family and her husband and had to choose Swarajya over her family. She was sad but determined about her choice. Yesubai’s problems were not over just yet. Raje was soon captured by Aurangzeb and tortured until his death. Yesubai lost her husband and the Maratha kingdom lost their king. But it was Yesubai’s relatives that lead Aurangzeb’s soldiers to Raje and she had to bear this betrayal, all her life.

Soon after killing Sambhaji, Aurangzeb held Yesubai and Shahu Raje captive so that Swrajya’s apparent heir could be with him. After 30 long years in struggle and captivity, Yesubai finally gave up on her life. And this was the end of a legend. Not many people know that Yesubai had helped Raje escape from Aurangzeb’s camp earlier and she had even fought alongside him with her sword! A true queen indeed, right? The woman of valor and strength- Yesubai’s story is full of inspiration. Agreed?

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