Yesubai Bhonsale was the wife of ChhatrapatiSambhaji Maharaj, and referred to as Maharani of theMaratha Kingdom. She was second officially coronated Queen of Swarajya. She was also mother of ChhatrapatiShahu I. Later on she becameRajmata in Chhatrapati Shahu I's reign. Chhatrapati Sambhaji had shared his power with Yesubai. When Chhatrapati Sambhaji was away from the maratha capital due to battles, all the political decisions were made by her.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]}

Yesubai was born AD 1660–61. She was the daughter of PilajiShirkey, who the prominent chief of Shringarpur. AfterShivaji defeated the Shirkey Sardars and captured Shringarpur, Shivaji's sonSambhaji married Yesubai.^[8]

AfterJijabai, Yesubai was made Kulmuktyar (one who can interfere in the case of justice) of Swarajya as per custom^{[citation needed]}. After theexecution of Sambhaji by the EmperorAurangzeb, she announcedRajaram as the next chhatrapati of swarajya.^{[citation needed]}For nearly two decades^{[citation needed]}, Yesubai and Shahu were held captive in Mughal custody. During this time, she displayed immense patience and resilience, ensuring her son's survival and preparing him for his future role^{[citation needed]}. Eventually, in 1707, after Aurangzeb's death, a succession struggle within theMughal Empire led to Shahu being released byBahadur Shah I.^{[citation needed]} This event marked the beginning of Shahu's rise to power and the expansion of the Maratha Kingdom.^[9][10]

Many actresses have portrayed Yesubai's life in various films and television shows produced in India. These include:

• Zillu inChhatrapati Sambhaji (1925)
• Prajakta Gaikwad inSwarajya Rakshak Sambhaji (2017–2020)^[11]
• Mohini Potdar inChhatrapati Sambhaji (2024)
• Ayesha Madhukar inShivrayancha Chhava (2024)
• Amruta Khanvilkar inDharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: Chapter 1 (2024)^[12]
• Rashmika Mandanna inChhaava (2025)^[13]

• Vaidya, Sushila (2000).Role of Women in Maratha Politics, 1620-1752 A.D. Sharada Publishing House.ISBN 8185616671.

• 17th-century Indian people
• 18th-century Indian people
• 1730 deaths
• Queens consort of the Maratha Empire

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• Year of birth unknown