Sambhaji composes the Sanskrit literary treatise Budhabhushana

During the seventeenth century, classical education in Sanskrit literature, political philosophy, and statecraft was considered essential for royal princes in India. Prince Sambhaji received rigorous intellectual instruction under the guidance of noted scholars such as Keshav Pandit. By his late teens, Sambhaji had developed deep erudition in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and ancient texts on governance, alongside his mastery of martial arts and military strategy.

In early 1676, at nineteen years of age, Sambhaji composed *Budhabhushana* (also known as *Budhabhushanam*), a sophisticated literary treatise on political science, statecraft, and royal duties (*Rajniti*). Written entirely in classical Sanskrit verse, the text systematically synthesizes principles of governance, ethical leadership, fort administration, judicial conduct, and diplomatic policy derived from classical Indian scriptures and practical administrative experience.

Sambhaji was motivated to write *Budhabhushana* to outline an ideal framework for monarchical governance tailored to the requirements of the newly established Maratha state (*Swarajya*). Drawing inspiration from classical works like Kautilya's *Arthashastra* and Kamandaka's *Nitisara*, Sambhaji organized the work into structured sections (*Prabandhas*) addressing the virtues of a king, qualifications of ministers, management of the royal treasury, military ethics, espionage, and foreign alliances (*Shadgunya*).

The composition of *Budhabhushana* immediately established Sambhaji as a scholar-prince (*Pandit Chhatrapati*) among contemporary intellectuals and statesmen. The work demonstrated that the Maratha leadership was committed not only to military expansion but also to deep intellectual traditions, high administration, and Sanskrit literary patronage.

In the long term, *Budhabhushana* stands as a unique historical artifact—one of the few extant treatises on statecraft written directly by an active Indian monarch. In addition to *Budhabhushana*, Sambhaji composed literary works in Hindi/Braj Bhasha, including *Nakhshikha*, *Nayakabhed*, and *Satsatte*. His literary output highlights his multifaceted legacy, proving that he was both a fierce warrior and an accomplished literary figure.