after sambhaji maharaj death what happened with yesubai

After Sambhaji Maharaj's death in 1689, his wife Yesubai was captured by the Mughal forces along with their son Shahu. Sambhaji's death created a state of disarray in the Maratha kingdom, and his younger half-brother Rajaram I was declared the next Chhatrapati. Yesubai took charge in the political arena, announcing Rajaram as Chhatrapati and maintaining leadership during a turbulent time after Sambhaji's execution. However, she, along with Shahu, was held captive by the Mughals for nearly two decades. Yesubai was kept prisoner to ensure that Shahu would comply with Mughal demands. Shahu was eventually released by Aurangzeb's successor Bahadur Shah in 1707, after which he returned to reclaim leadership of the Maratha Empire. Yesubai was released from captivity later in 1719 through the efforts of Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath after the Marathas had regained strength. She is remembered for her patience, resilience, and political prudence during her captivity and the struggles of the Maratha Empire in those years. The exact date of her death is unclear, but it is known that after her release, she lived for some years, leaving behind a legacy of sacrifice and leadership.