Archive · 1 Dec 2025
No Records of Sambhaji Maharaj's Cremation Found
A retired government officer and author named Vishwas Patil told a special commission that there are no old records showing how Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a famous king, was cremated after he was killed in 1689.
The commission is looking into a fight that happened in 2018 because of a dispute over who performed the king's last rites.
Some people say it was their ancestors, while others say it was a man named Govind Gopal Mahar.
Patil's book about Sambhaji mentions Govind Gopal, but there's no proof that he was involved in the cremation.
The commission wants to look at old village records to learn more.
Vishwas Patil testified before the Koregaon Bhima Commission of Inquiry, stating no historical records of Sambhaji Maharaj's cremation exist.
Patil's novel 'Sambhaji' mentions Govind Gopal Mahar's involvement in the cremation, but no contemporary evidence supports this claim.
The dispute over Sambhaji Maharaj's cremation involves the Maratha community and the Dalit Mahar community, each claiming different ancestors performed the last rites.
A board erected in Vadhu Budruk in 2017, detailing the disputed history of Govind Gopal, triggered violence in Koregaon Bhima on January 1, 2018.
Patil requested time to inspect Vadhu Budruk village records, with the commission adjourning his cross-examination until December 15.
- Who
- Vishwas Patil, a noted author and retired IAS officer, testified before the Koregaon Bhima Commission of Inquiry.
- What
- Patil stated there are no historical records of the cremation of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
- When
- The testimony was given on Monday, with further cross-examination adjourned until December 15.
- Where
- The hearing took place in Pune, with references to Vadhu Budruk village.
- Why
- The commission is investigating the causes of violence in Koregaon Bhima on January 1, 2018, which was triggered by a disputed historical board.
- Witness
- Vishwas Patil (author, retired IAS officer)
- Commission
- Koregaon Bhima Commission of Inquiry
- Location
- Vadhu Budruk village, Pune district
- Historical Figure
- Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
- Disputed Figure
- Govind Gopal Mahar
- Event
- Assassination of Sambhaji Maharaj in 1689
- Novel
- Sambhaji by Vishwas Patil
- Commission Members
- Justice J N Patel (head), Sumit Mallick (member)