In the mid-17th century, the Deccan region was a battleground for power between the rising Maratha Empire and the mighty Mughal Empire. Amid this turbulent period, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—the visionary founder of the Maratha state—was invited to the Mughal court at Agra by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1666.
This invitation followed the Treaty of Purandar (1665), signed with Mughal general Mirza Raja Jai Singh, under which Shivaji agreed to surrender 23 forts and send his son Sambhaji to serve in the Mughal court. Trusting the promise of safe conduct, Shivaji decided to personally visit Agra—a decision that led to one of the most daring escapes in Indian history.
On May 12, 1666, Shivaji Maharaj arrived at the Mughal court in Agra, where he was formally received. However, during the royal assembly (darbar), he was placed behind lower-ranking nobles—a grave insult to his royal stature. Deeply offended, Shivaji protested openly, angering Aurangzeb.
As a result, he was placed under house arrest in the residence of Faulad Khan, closely guarded by Mughal soldiers. Although treated with formal respect, Shivaji was effectively a prisoner within the imperial stronghold.
Showing exceptional patience and intelligence, Shivaji began to feign illness while in confinement. To appear devout, he requested that daily offerings of sweetmeats, fruits, and gifts be distributed to temples, saints, and the poor—items packed in large bamboo baskets.
Over time, the guards grew accustomed to this charitable routine and stopped inspecting the baskets thoroughly. Once the Mughal guards were convinced of his harmless routine, Shivaji quietly prepared to execute his daring escape plan.
On the chosen day, Shivaji and his young son Sambhaji concealed themselves inside two of the large baskets meant for charitable distribution. Loyal attendants carried the baskets out of the compound as usual, past the unsuspecting guards.
Once safely outside Agra Fort, Shivaji and Sambhaji traveled in disguise—some accounts describe them as holy men, others as merchants—moving stealthily through Mathura, Delhi, and Bundelkhand. Assisted by loyal Maratha agents, Shivaji eventually made his way back to the Deccan and reached Raigad Fort, his capital, safely.
Shivaji’s audacious escape shocked the Mughal administration and embarrassed Aurangzeb, whose efforts to capture him again proved futile. The event became a turning point in Maratha history—it rejuvenated Maratha morale and exposed the limitations of Mughal authority.
After his return, Shivaji reorganized his administration and military, resumed campaigns across the Konkan and the Western Ghats, and in 1674, held his magnificent coronation at Raigad, formally assuming the title of Chhatrapati.
The escape from Agra Fort remains one of the most celebrated episodes in Indian history and a symbol of courage, strategy, and resilience. In Marathi folklore, theatre, and literature, it stands as a testament to Shivaji’s intellect and unyielding spirit of freedom.
Even today, the tale of Shivaji’s escape continues to inspire generations—embodying the ideals of Swaraj (self-rule), national pride, and leadership in the face of adversity.
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