Soyarabai facts for kids

Soyarabai Bhonsle (born Mohite) was an important queen of Shivaji, who started the Maratha Kingdom in western India. She was the mother of Shivaji's second son, Rajaram Chhatrapati. Soyarabai was also the younger sister of Hambirrao Mohite, a powerful leader of the Maratha army.

Soyarabai's Early Life and Marriage

Soyarabai Mohite was born into the Mohite family. She married Shivaji in 1659 when she was very young. This marriage happened when Shivaji visited his father, Shahaji, in Bangalore with his mother, Jijabai. Shivaji's stepmother, Tukabai, who was also Soyarabai's aunt, strongly wanted the marriage to happen.

After Shivaji's mother, Jijabai, passed away in 1674, Soyarabai became more important within Shivaji's family. She also gained more influence in the Maratha court, which was the government of the kingdom. Soyarabai and Shivaji had two children together: a daughter named Balibai and a son named Rajaram.

After Shivaji's Passing

When Shivaji passed away in 1680, Soyarabai, with the help of some court officials, worked to place her ten-year-old son, Rajaram, on the throne. However, Shivaji's older son and the expected next ruler, Sambhaji, was able to stop this plan. He got help from Soyarabai's own brother, Hambirrao Mohite, who was the army chief.

Sambhaji then took control. He held Soyarabai and Rajaram, and officially became the new ruler, known as the Chhatrapati, on July 20, 1680.

Challenges and Later Life

After Sambhaji became the ruler, Soyarabai tried different ways to remove him from power. In August 1681, some people who supported Soyarabai tried to harm Sambhaji, but he survived. When Sambhaji found out about this plan, he ordered that Soyarabai be given poison, and she died. Many others involved in the plan, including some of Soyarabai's relatives from the Mohite family, also faced severe consequences.

See also

In Spanish: Soyarabai para niños