Sai Bhonsale

Sayeebai (or Sai Bai, died 5 September 1659) was the first wife of king Shivaji of the Maratha Empire, and mother of Sambhaji, who succeeded Shivaji as the king.

Before marriage her name was Sayee Nimbalkar, and she was daughter of Mudhojirao Nimbalkar. She was married to Shivaji when she was seven years old and he was eleven years old. She was said to be a great beauty, and "wheatish" in complexion. Sayeebai and Shivaji shared a close relationship,but when shivaji married soyrabai saibai as well as Shivaji was deeply hurt. She controlled her emotions and attended his marrage.

Progeny

They had three daughters followed by their son Sambhaji. Their daughter Sakhubai was married to the son of Sayeebai's brother, Bajaaji Naik Nimbalkar,to bring him back to Hinduism as he was converted to Islam by Aurangzeb.

Death

She died at the age of 26 at the fort Rajgad while Shivaji was making preparations for his meeting with Afzal Khan at Pratapgad. She was ill from the time she gave birth to Sambhaji. Sambhaji was two years old at the time of her death. He was brought up by Jijabai, the mother of Shivaji. Shivaji loved Sayi bai so much. It is said that on deathbed his last word was 'Sai'.