Sambhaji joins Mughal general Diler Khan at Bhupalgad

Following his departure from Panhala Fort in late 1678, Prince Sambhaji entered into a complex and dangerous alliance with Diler Khan, the veteran commander of Mughal imperial forces in the Deccan. Diler Khan recognized the immense strategic value of harboring Shivaji's eldest son. The Mughal commander envisioned using Sambhaji as a political tool to divide Maratha loyalties, encourage defections among fort commanders, and break the deadlock against Swarajya. Sambhaji, on his part, initially hoped that this temporary alliance would grant him political leverage to assert his rights and force a resolution regarding his position within the Maratha state.

In April 1679, Diler Khan launched a major military offensive aimed at taking Maratha strongholds in the southern region, taking Sambhaji along to demoralize defenders. The primary target of this operation was Bhupalgad, a critical Maratha military supply post and fort commanded by the loyal officer Phirangoji Narsala. On April 2, 1679, Mughal forces supported by Sambhaji's presence encircled Bhupalgad. The arrival of Prince Sambhaji outside the fort gates created deep psychological confusion among the Maratha defenders, who hesitated to open fire on the heir to Shivaji's throne.

Despite initial resistance, Bhupalgad fell to Diler Khan's heavy artillery bombardments and overwhelming numbers. Following the surrender and capture of the fort, Diler Khan ordered harsh reprisals against the Maratha defenders and local population, executing captured garrison troops and inflicting severe punishments. Sambhaji was horrified by the atrocities committed by the Mughal forces and deeply angered by Diler Khan's refusal to honor his requests for clemency toward the captives. The destruction of Bhupalgad exposed Diler Khan's true intention: the complete destruction of Swarajya rather than an honorable political resolution.

The tragic events at Bhupalgad proved to be a decisive turning point for Sambhaji. Realizing that he was being exploited as an imperial pawn against his own homeland, Sambhaji's disillusionment with the Mughals became complete. Within months, Sambhaji began making secret preparations to break away from Diler Khan's camp, eventually escaping back to Maratha territory in late 1679 to reconcile with Shivaji Maharaj. This harrowing experience permanently shaped Sambhaji's fierce anti-Mughal resolve, defining his relentless resistance during his reign as Chhatrapati.