New Delhi: Chhaava, a historical action Bollywood film based on Maratha Emperor Sambhaji’s life and the Marathi novel Chhava by Shivaji Sawant. The film, which has released on February 14, 2025, has actor Vicky Kaushal essaying the role of Sambhaji. The second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire after Shivaji, Sambhaji was one of the greatest rulers in the Indian history. The film depicts many lesser-known facets of Sambhaji’s life, like his friendship with Kavi Kalash. In this article, we will learn more about this forgotten character in the pages of history.
Who was Kavi Kalash?
Kavi Kalash was a poet and close friend who helped Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj of the Maratha Empire during his reign from 1680 to 1689 and stood with him till the end. The bravery and courage of Kavi Kalash are forgotten today as Chhaava brings forth his life and legacy. Despite being a poet, Kavi Kalash did not shy away from his responsibility towards his friends and helped him as Sambhaji was engaged in a long struggle with the Mughal Empire.
Kavi Kalash was a constant companion of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in many of his campaigns. He was a warrior who was adept in administration, and he had the gift of writing poetry. According to reports, Sambhaji gave him the title ‘Chandogamatya’ which means pinnacle of poets. He played a key role in helping Sambhaji expand the boundaries of the Maratha Empire after the death of Shivaji.
What happened to Kavi Kalash?
Sambhaji’s life was shaped by his conflicts with the Mughal Empire led by its last great ruler, Aurangzeb and he defeated the Mughal forces several times. The situation became such that Aurangzeb was forced to look away from the Maratha Empire after being thwarted in his invasion attempts multiple times. But in 1689, the fortune took a sudden turn.
In December 1687, the Battle of Wai was won by the Maratha forces against the Mughal army, but his close officials were plotting against Sambhaji which made his situation perilous. During a skirmish at Samgamneshwar, the Marathas suffered casualties and were defeated by the Mughals. While Kavi Kalash was captured, Sambhaji managed to flee. However, the Mughals discovered his hiding place and captured him in February 1689. Thus the Mughals captured Sambhaji, his minister Kavi Kalash, and other Maratha officers.
Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash were tortured and himiliated by the Mughals. They were dressed as clowns, paraded and insults were hurled at them. All these were on the orders of Aurangzeb, who offered to let them if they converted to Islam. Both the bravehearts refused, and they were sentenced to death. It is said that when Aurangzeb saw captured Sambhaji, he got down from the throne to pray to Allah on the success and Kavi Kalash composed an instant poetry there. On March 11, 1689, Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash were beheaded.
In Chhaava, the role of Kavi Kalash is played by Vineet Kumar. Among others, Rashmika Mandanna os portraying Maharani Yesubai, the wife of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The role of Aurangzeb is played by Akshaye Khanna. Ashutosh Rana has played the character of Hambirrao Mohite, a general of Sambhaji.
Chhaava, the new Bollywood film on Maratha Emperor Sambhaji, highlights the life of his loyal friend and poet, Kavi Kalash. Kavi Kalash, a skilled administrator and warrior-poet, served Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj faithfully, even facing death alongside him at the hands of Aurangzeb. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
