New History of the Marathas v1.c18.81

v1.c18.81

12. Rajaram's death and character.—At this moment of triumph and rising hope, however, the Maratha nation was ordained to suffer a serious loss. Rājārām found the strain of camp life unbearable and his health suddenly gave way. He became ill on the way during his march and had to be carried in a palanquin at a time when Satara was being besieged by the Emperor : so Rājārām made for Sinhagad where he expired immediately after arrival on 2 March 1700, having just completed 30 years of his life. This untimely death of their Chhatrapati following Santājī's tragic end, was another serious blow to the rising fortunes of his nation. One of his wives Ambikā Bai burnt herself on hearing of her husband's death, but the two other wives Tārā Bai and Rājas Bai, long survived him and played their part in future politics.