Saibai Bhonsale (née Nimbalkar) (29 October 1633[1] – 5 September 1659) was the wife consort of Chattrapati Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire. She was the mother of her husband's successor Chattrapati Sambhaji. Saibai was a member of the prominent Nimbalkar family, whose members were the rulers of Phaltan from the era of the Pawar dynasty[2] and served the Deccan sultanates and the Mughal Empire. She was a daughter of the fifteenth Raja of Phaltan, Mudhojirao Naik Nimbalkar, and a sister of the sixteenth Raja, Bajaji Rao Naik Nimbalkar.[3] Saibai's mother Reubai was from the Shirke family. Marriage Rani Saibai and Shivaji Maharaj were married while still in their childhood on 16 May 1640 at Lal Mahal, Pune.[4][5] The marriage was arranged by his mother, Jijabai; but was evidently not attended by his father, Shahaji nor his brothers, Sambhaji and Ekoji. Thus, Shahaji soon summoned his new daughter-in-law, son, and his mother, Jijabai, to Bangalore, where he lived with his second wife, Tukabai.[6] Shahaji held a grand wedding ceremony at Bangalore.[7] Rani Saibai and Shivaji Raje shared a close relationship with each other. She is said to have been a wise woman and a loyal consort to him.[8] By all accounts, Saibai was a beautiful, good-natured, and affectionate woman. She is described as having been a "gentle and selfless person."[9] All of her endearing personal qualities, however, were a sharp contrast to Shivaji‘s second wife, Soyarabai, who was an intriguing lady.[10][11] She also had significant influence over her husband and the royal family as well. Saibai is reported to have acted as a counsel to Shivaji when he was invited by Mohammed Adil Shah, the king of Bijapur, for a personal interview.[12] During Saibai's life time, the entire household of Shivaji bore a homogeneous atmosphere despite the fact that most of his marriages were performed due to political considerations.[11] After Saibai's untimely death in 1659 followed by Jijabai's d

Saibai Bhonsale (née Nimbalkar) (29 October 1633[1] – 5 September 1659) was the wife consort of Chattrapati Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire. She was the mother of her husband's successor Chattrapati Sambhaji. Saibai was a member of the prominent Nimbalkar family, whose members were the r