The novel begins after the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1680). It follows the turbulent 9-year reign of his eldest son, , until his brutal execution by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1689.
Shivaji Sawant spent approximately the life of Sambhaji to write this 800+ page masterpiece.
| Character | Role | |-----------|------| | | Protagonist; eldest son of Shivaji | | Aurangzeb | Mughal emperor; the antagonist | | Yesubai | Sambhaji’s loyal wife | | Soyarabai | Shivaji’s second wife; Sambhaji’s stepmother | | Kavi Kalash | Sambhaji’s friend and poet-companion (executed with him) | | Ganoji Shirke | The brother-in-law who betrays Sambhaji | chhava kadambari
A Hindi film titled Chhaava (spelled with two 'a's) starring as Sambhaji and Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb is set for release. Reading the book before the movie will enhance your experience, as the film condenses many subplots.
: The work emphasizes moral and ethical values like loyalty, righteousness, and the immense personal sacrifices required for the ideal of Swarajya (self-rule) . The novel begins after the death of Chhatrapati
. It stands as one of the most influential works in Marathi literature, dedicated to the life and sacrifice of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj , the second ruler of the Maratha Empire. Overview of the Novel Shivaji Sawant, also known for the classic Mrutyunjay Protagonist:
Yes. An English translation titled Chhava: The Shadow of the Lion is available via major online retailers, though purists recommend reading it in Marathi. | Character | Role | |-----------|------| | |
The novel opens not with a battle, but with a psychological wound. We meet a young Sambhaji feeling suffocated under the weight of his father’s greatness. Shivaji Maharaj is a living god to his subjects, but to Sambhaji, he is a distant, demanding figure.
The recent surge in search volume for Chhava Kadambari is directly linked to Bollywood. In 2024, filmmaker announced the film adaptation titled "Chhaava" (spelled with a double a in Hindi) starring Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji Maharaj, Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai, and Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb.