The Maratha chief Sambhaji, Shivaji’s son and successor, was captured and assassinated by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1689 AD. Aurangzeb, who was personally present in the Deccan ordered the brutal execution. This act, meant to end the Maratha threat, ironically galvanized the Marathas into a long and determined War of Independence. ANSWER: (C) Aurangzeb
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Chhatrapati Sambhaji was captured by Mughal forces in 1689 AD and executed on the orders of Emperor Aurangzeb. Sambhaji was brought before Aurangzeb and reportedly offered his life if he converted to Islam, which he vehemently refused. His defiant martyrdom became a powerful symbol. Instead of extinguishing the Maratha state, his death fueled the Maratha War of Independence (1689–1707), compelling the Mughals into a disastrous 27-year campaign in the Deccan.