tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46142313504080519752024-02-18T20:55:37.426-08:00Maratha ChroniclesAcehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-5309420056202891042012-02-23T06:54:00.001-08:002012-02-23T07:31:03.378-08:00Kavi Bhushans poem eulogising Ch. Shivaji Maharaj (Video)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/H0KhN6txAwc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
Source: www.youtube.com [<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0KhN6txAwc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0KhN6txAwc</a>]<br />
<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Uploaded by </span><a class="yt-user-name author" dir="ltr" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/SJisBack" rel="author" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ebebeb; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #1c62b9; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">SJisBack</a><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> on </span><span class="watch-video-date" id="eow-date" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ebebeb; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Feb 20, 2011 Album: Shivkalyanraja, Music: Hridayanath Mangeshkar, song: Lata Mangeshkar</span></div>Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-37064242843119741662012-02-23T06:18:00.009-08:002012-07-19T12:13:33.512-07:00Samarth Ramdas Swami's letter to Ch.Shivaji Maharaj : Shivakalyaan raja<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/uT5hvx-htkU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Source: www.youtube.com [ <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT5hvx-htkU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT5hvx-htkU</a> ]<br />
<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Uploaded by </span>SJisBack<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> on </span><span class="watch-video-date" id="eow-date" style="background-color: #ebebeb; border-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Apr 17, 2010 , Album Shivkalyan raja , Music Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Song Lata Mangeshkar</span><br />
<span class="watch-video-date" style="background-color: #ebebeb; border-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="watch-video-date" style="background-color: #ebebeb; border-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Samarth Ramdas swami (Narayan Suryaji Thosar) was a 17th century saint , poet, philosopher and guide (a contemporary of Ch.Shivaji Maharaj).</span></div>Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-53932749549588959472011-06-01T07:02:00.000-07:002015-06-28T04:34:33.022-07:00The Coronation of Shivaji<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The coronation of Shivaji Maharaj was a watershed event in the history of Maharashtra.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a long hiatus of foreign rule, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had managed to carve out a Hindu kingdom in an Islamic India. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Those were troubled times. The foreign rulers always displayed religious arrogance towards their hindu subjects. Justice was never even and lawlessness was rampant. Even their royal courts produced rival factions, with the I<i>rani </i>(Persian)<i> / Turani</i> (Central Asian) stock getting precedence over the indigeneous <i>Hindustani</i>. Their hindu fief holders were more interested in retaining their estates and turned a blind eye to the fanaticism of their masters. Hence there was a general discontent amongst the populace albeit muted. However, people secretly desired a liberator. That was when Chatrapati Shivaji maharaj arrived on the scene.</div>
Such was the personal charisma and persuasiveness of the king, that his every follower identified with his cause and joined him in large numbers. He gave them a hope to cling on to and a dream to cherish. He promised them a land they could call their own. A land free of oppression and religious bigotry, a land where justice prevailed, a land where people were heard and had their say . Ofcourse it was to be a monarchy but a very benevolent monarchy.<br />
Eventually, it took Shivaji almost three decades to translate his dream into reality. His kingdom was duly named ‘<i>swarajya</i>’ or self rule. Though popularly known as <i>Hindavi swarajya</i>, it wasn’t just a <i>swarajya</i> for the hindus but a <i>swarajya</i> for all those who considered themselves to be the sons of the soil (sons of hind - hindustan) .</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to the historian Sir Jadunath Sarkar, Shivajis greatness lay not in his creation of a kingdom, but in the circumstances in which he created it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(.....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> from the survey of the conditions amidst which he rose to sovegreignty)</span></span>. Shivajis swarajya was accomplished amidst extreme adversities. This was something nobody had envisaged. After decades of enslavement, the most fierce of warriors had turned benign and resigned to their fate of subservience . This remained the case until the advent of Shivaji. He stirred them up from their slumber and ignited in them the spark of freedom. After almost three and a half centuries of a foreign rule (of the Afghans , the Mughals or the Sultans of Persian descent), finally the people had a king who had risen from their own stock.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To achieve his goal Shivaji had to tackle not one but two formidable empires. The Adilshahi Sultanate of the south and the mighty Mughal Badshahi of the north (not to mention irritations from the Europeans). It was no mean achievement by Shivaji. He was tremendously constrained in terms of resources and manpower. But nevertheless he succeeded in his quest by sheer grit, a brilliant acumen , a daring approach and an endurance of spirit. As the adage goes, that luck favours the brave, mother destiny too showered her gracious fortune on this entrepreneurial son of hers. Shivajis courage was rewarded with some early successes and his ambitions soared new heights. But one of Shivajis great qualities was, while his head always looked up to the sky, his feet were always firmly entrenched on the ground.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shivaji was undoubtedly a very courageous person, but his courage was never impaired by recklessness but rather embellished by caution. Like a seasoned general, he knew exactly when to attack and when to retreat. He was extremely circumspect while fighting the enemy . He did so with extreme cunning , a knowledge of not just his own strengths and weaknesses but also that of his enemy. Something which he acquired through his resourceful spy network. Hence more than often the place and time of his battles were his own choosing , something which gave him an distinct edge over the enemy. Thus, Shivaji always proved to be a step ahead of his rivals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Starting as a teenaged leader of a band of young Mavales (inhabitants of the Maval region around Pune), Shivaji was quick to comprehend the geographical intricacies of Sahyadri terrain . He used these mountains virtually as his armour while battling some very daunting foes. Lightening in his movements he swept down on his unsuspecting enemy and before the latter could react, disappeared into the darkness of the night or back into the thickly vegetated camouflage of the hills. Thus the enemy despite the colossal size of their armies and their great wealth, soon found themselves helpless against the brilliance of Shivajis strategems.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shivaji practised the Kautilya neeti of Chanakya, whereby the end was more important than the means. Afterall his enemy was powerful and crafty and it was more often necessary for Shivaji to match deceit with cunning. He never made any pretentions of chivalry or magnanimity towards the enemy , (which history repeatedly shows has led many a great warrior to their peril) and crushed his enemies with ruthlessness. Thus, even the veteran generals like the Goliathic Afzal Khan and powerful Shaista Khan found it difficult to match Shivaji in terms of guile and they soon found themselves at their wits end.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shivaji was a born leader of men . He inspired loyalty in his soldiers to such an extent that many a gallant knight like Tanaji Malusare, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Prataprao Gujar, Baji Pasalkar ….. readily sacrificed themselves at the altar whenever the need so arose. In fact no era ever witnessed such a regularity of martyrdom as during Shivajis time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though it is true that Shivaji was a devout Hindu who fought enemies many of whom were incidently Islamic by faith, it will be factually incorrect to label Shivaji as a Hindu zealot or anti Muslim. On the contrary, his secular credentials were always impeccable. He regularly prayed at Muslim <i>dargahs</i> and sought blessings from Sufi peers like Baba Yakut. Muslims were free to practice their religion in his kingdom without any hinderance. Shivaji was even magnanimous in allowing the tomb of his arch foe , Afzal Khan to be built at the site where he was killed. Never did Shivaji ever raze down a mosque in victory nor allowed anyone to desecrate the holy Koran during his raids. He disallowed defilement of womenfolk even from the enemy camp. He had issued strict warnings to his men to refrain from such acts and meted out the strictest punishment to those found guilty of breaking these cardinal rules. This fact has been acknowledged even by the mughal chronicler Khafi Khan, one of Shivajis severest critics. Moreover, Shivaji freely employed muslims in his army at various positions . There are examples of them reaching high positions viz. Noor Beg, Haider Ali Kohari, Daulat Khan,Ibrahim Khan …just to name a few.But at the same time Shivaji never hesitated to take up cudgels for his hindu bretheren. His bold letter chastising mughal emperor Aurangzeb for the oppression of the hindus is quite well known. Hence, It wasn’t a war between Hindus and the Muslims as such, but more of a war between the aborigine and the oppressive invader. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shivaji began his quest with a small heridatory fief, but increased it ten fold by capturing a large region that stretched from <i>ghats</i> bordering Pune to coastal plains of the Konkan. Hence it became all the more imperartive that the Marathas declare their own king to rule this vast land. Eventually a <i>pandit</i> from Kashi by the name of Gaga Bhat suggested that the Rajyabhishek of Shivaji take place and Shivaji be crowned the king of kings , the Chhatrapati. The coronation ceremony was thus conducted on 6th June, 1674, on the fort Raigad amidst great pomp and splendor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The English envoy Henry Oxinden who witnessed the ceremony writes, ‘… This day, the Raja, according to the hindu custom was weighed in gold and poised about sixteen pagodas which money together with one hundred thousand more, is to be distributed after his coronation onto the Brahmins who in great number are flocked hither from all the adjacent countries…’.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Jedhe Chronicle mentions ‘…on 30<sup>th</sup> May 1674, Shivaji was invested with the holy thread and he married again according to the Vedic mantras’.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Records also mention the presence of the heir apparent Sambhaji with Shivajis queens, his mother Jijabai amongst the many royal attendees, dignitaries and soldiers. There were several elephants and horses present on the fort as observed by Oxinden.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sabhasad mentions ‘ A golden throne weighing thirty two maunds was made and inlaid with the choicest and the most precious jewels of nine kinds procured from the treasury……the total expenditure incurred in the cost of the ceremony amounted to one crore and forty thousand honas. The <i>ashta pradhans</i> (eight ministers) were honoured with a lakh of <i>hon</i> each besides a elephant, a horse, clothes and ornaments….thus the Raja ascended the throne.’<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: The throne was designed by one Ramaji Datto Chitre of Kolhapur. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Shivajis court at the time of his coronation has been described as - Shivaji arrived in the court (wearing gold <i>toda</i> around the suruwar around the legs, jewellery around the neck a <i>kavda</i> necklace</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-over the <i>angarkhaa, kambarpatta</i>,...),with his right hand weilding a golden bow and his left hand held a golden Vishnu idol (the king symbolises the incarnation of Vishnu on earth). The ashta pradhans (Moropant Pingale held a gold kalash with perforations,Hambirao Mohite held a silver kalash, etc) flanked the throne.On the right side stood Balaji Avji Chitnis and on the left side stood Nilopant Farasvis. Madari Mehtar (who was given the title Takht Firosh, caretaker of the throne). One sardar Vishwasrao Gaekwad held <i>Bhavani</i> the bejewelled sword of the king. The men around the throne weilded the royal sceptres-insignias (gold <i>chavri, morchel</i>,gold spear with a weighing scale symbolising even justice and fair commerce,gold spear with fish head symbolising control over seas,gold spears with horse head symbolising a powerful cavalry). Gagabhat held the royal umbrella over the king......... - Shivcharitrakathan by Shivshaahir Babasaheb Purandare.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shivaji struck his own coins and inaugurated a new era called <i>Rajyashaka</i>. Also the fort Raigad was declared the new capital of the kingdom. A blueprint on the proposed administration of the kingdom was drawn out. It was executed by Ranganath Pandit and was called the <i>Rajyavyavaharkosh</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But a tragedy struck Shivaji, when he lost his mother Jijabai hardly within a months time after the coronation. Shivaji considered it a bad omen and re conducted the coronation ceremony this time as per tantric traditions. The ceremony was conducted by one Nischalpuri Gosavi. This ceremony was however a very simple affair and lasted just for a day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shivaji didn’t rest on his laurels and conducted several successful incursions in the south (northern Karnataka and Ginjee in Tamil Nadu) which brought him more territory , wealth and glory.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shivaji could have achieved much more if the jaws of death hadn’t snatched his eventful life. Shivaji fell ill and breathed his last on 3<sup>rd</sup> April 1680, almost six years after his coronation. He was just 53. Shivaji left behind a legacy. A legacy which empowered the future generations of the Marathas , providing them with a self belief that propelled them to rise as major force in the political scene of a greater India.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-91683068998310669062011-05-24T12:05:00.000-07:002012-08-05T23:55:17.766-07:00Medieval Weapons of the Marathas : Terminology<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ig0A0aTO8N01AuUS_xhel_spwnZsrOyjsVSE4_7IlKgQTm7l0nvPX1u7hrnbtEbUXNoQCCAJOGFqA4nrwubu6Y9dyMwL_3dDtaMz6dEuDHJBifZsWtMy24AaUNu-uwVd59-TOclAlpah/s1600/SWORD+TYPES+Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ig0A0aTO8N01AuUS_xhel_spwnZsrOyjsVSE4_7IlKgQTm7l0nvPX1u7hrnbtEbUXNoQCCAJOGFqA4nrwubu6Y9dyMwL_3dDtaMz6dEuDHJBifZsWtMy24AaUNu-uwVd59-TOclAlpah/s400/SWORD+TYPES+Picture1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Marathas by their valour, ferocity and martial skills, have traditionally been a warrior force to reckon with.<br />
In the 18th century, they created a large empire encompassing a major part of Deccan and central India (besides strong influence in regions of northern and eastern India).<br />
The marathas relied mainly on their infantry and cavalry during war.<br />
The mountainous terrain of the Sahyadris made the Marathas a strong, nimble footed and athletic lot.<br />
The terrain also made them use light weaponary especially during the gureilla type of war that they fought. This enabled them to make quick movements and swift strikes on unsuspecting enemies and then disappear into the darkness of the night or the shield of the thickly vegetated mountains during the day, (before the enemy could gather their wits).Ofcourse, with increase in their military power, their gureilla style often made way for the open pitch style of warfare. It also brought in a certain amount of sophistication in their weaponary.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of the medieval weapons traditionally used by the Marathas were the variants of swords like the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">talwaar</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">firangi</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">khandaa</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">paataa</i> ,and the variety of daggers like the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kataar</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shamsher</i>,the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">jaambiya . </i>Also prevalent were the ancient <i>bhaalaa</i> (spear), <i>dhanushya baan</i> (bow and arrows), <i>kurhaad</i>( battle axe), <i>parshu</i> (axe variant), <i>gadaa / gurz </i>(mace) or unique weapons like the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">waagh nakh </i>(tiger claws).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These weapons were made as per the quintessential designs borrowed from the Rajputs, the Mughals,the Persians,the Afghans and the Europeans. But were often modified to suit the Maratha style of martial art.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Anatomy of a sword</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9_qpBeDXCPUGtP1Y01O_mOcfC5O3h2c_8CrBQpmMqC2e-ofJ-yRqaN0i_bieTFKGjXGfeR0kwR6ZXxuf6P37-VuZf_CJw-2DuZzUFuVZeDXxc7xK0GemmCWMIwYk2N0ngbA_b0dz3Ym9/s1600/sword+Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9_qpBeDXCPUGtP1Y01O_mOcfC5O3h2c_8CrBQpmMqC2e-ofJ-yRqaN0i_bieTFKGjXGfeR0kwR6ZXxuf6P37-VuZf_CJw-2DuZzUFuVZeDXxc7xK0GemmCWMIwYk2N0ngbA_b0dz3Ym9/s400/sword+Picture1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<o:p><br />
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A few Maratha weapons<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Talwar </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">is an Indian sword, with a curved blade, with the hilt covered by the enclosed flange, which extends from the guard to the pommel. It is often double edged and having a pointed tip. The talwar was used by both the infantry as well as the cavalry because of its effective draw cut. The handle of the talwar often displayed intricate engravings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Firangi </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">is an sword with a long straight heavy blade like its European counterpart and a pointed tip. It has a full sharp edge on one side and the other side has around six inch sharp edge.It was used by the cavalry.The hilt has a knuckle guard (basket hilt). Shivajis famous 'Bhavani ' & 'Jagdamba' talwar were styled in this fashion.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Kirach</b> is an sword similar to the firangi, except that the blade is broad, single edged and comparatively short and having a basket hilt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Shamsher </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">is a sword in its Persian form. The blade is generally curved (but also straight and double edged) like the talwar but less wide. It has a slash cut operation. There is no pommel and the hilt continues in a curve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWiO4oxgbl0MxmszW7uSfU69bn3RjmER772-KkedtmiVmDn5DfeAWJy3iv2veddMlfOefJAC_AUTBJsNmhKUypif5e-cnJ4JE43FwFha_POQ3vynr9_VloQATyMibYtdhT16aK9nEHkjs/s1600/medeival+weapons+Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWiO4oxgbl0MxmszW7uSfU69bn3RjmER772-KkedtmiVmDn5DfeAWJy3iv2veddMlfOefJAC_AUTBJsNmhKUypif5e-cnJ4JE43FwFha_POQ3vynr9_VloQATyMibYtdhT16aK9nEHkjs/s400/medeival+weapons+Picture1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Khanda </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">is a sword used in hacking operations. It has a wide blade that broadens in length and is double edged with a flange connecting the guard to the pommel and covering the hilt.The tip of the blade is not distinctly pointed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sosun Pata</b> was a serated recurved blade with a pommel and a knuckle guard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Danda Pata </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">is<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>a sword that gets integrated in a gauntlet. The blade is often long and flexible (varchi) and tied as a belt and whisked out when wanting to be used. Its long blade was fiercely waved in a circular eliptical motion to keep away the attacking enemy. It was said to have been famously used by Baji Prabhu Deshpande to ward off the Siddis army, giving his master Chatrapati Shivaji enough time to escape the fort. Adilshahai general Afzal Khans bodyguard Syed Banda was said to be a expert with this weapon.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Jamdaad</b> (literally means Yamachi daadi or beard of Yama, the lord of death n the underworld) is a double edged snake like wavy sword. It was one of the swords gifted by Mughal commander Diler Khan to Shivaji during course of negotiations.It was also carried by Afzal Khan when he went to meet Shivaji at Pratapgad.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Khanjar </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">is a dagger originating in the Arabian regions, which found its way to India. The blade is short and double edged. It is carried in a engraved sheath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Kataar </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">is a type of a short punching dagger with a horizontal ‘H’ shaped handle.Used when the enemy is close.It often opened displaying two more blades.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Katyar</b> is a dagger with a curved blade to first stab and twisted around for maximu damage.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Guptis</b> were poined swords with straight blades concealed in a scabbard resembling wooden stick .</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>Bhaala </b>is the marathi term for a spear. It was a wooden shaft with a sharp mettallic head.It was used both by the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">infantry</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> as well as the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">cavalry. The cavalryman used to throw the spear at the enemy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> and then followed it up by whisking out the sword. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>Kurhaad</b> is the marathi term for a battle axe. It has a lunar shaped sharp edged small metal toolhead mounted </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">on a wooden shaft.Its variant was the ' <b>parshu</b>' an a</span>xe with a sharp broad semi lunar shaped blade and pointed curved hook at the other end (the curveed hook wasnt present on the kurhad.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>Gurz</b> is a mace like iron club with spikes used to strike on a enemy wearing a helmet and armour.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>Madu</b> was a shield with a handle and two pointed antelope horns protruding from both sides.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uQRTJNPrZrdXGf8DlpIEefP9RehPQzH7PBDA29l9wRnZ9ujGGKNxh_lns2Yggu-paRvG3PbY35eBfNpq6wyv9Wdz79u4RIpA8KmJAAAZaVGx0YGy3xyPypn858WzrH667KOK9QYa9JmT/s1600/weapons+Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uQRTJNPrZrdXGf8DlpIEefP9RehPQzH7PBDA29l9wRnZ9ujGGKNxh_lns2Yggu-paRvG3PbY35eBfNpq6wyv9Wdz79u4RIpA8KmJAAAZaVGx0YGy3xyPypn858WzrH667KOK9QYa9JmT/s400/weapons+Picture1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bichwa </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">is a doubly curved doubly edged S shaped bladed dagger with a looped hilt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jambia </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">is a short dagger that originated in Yemen having a curved steel blade. The hilt was often called a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">saifani</i> hilt and was made of rhinocerous horns. The sheath was made of wood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Dhanushya Baan </b>is the term for a bow and arrow. The bow is a flexible wooden arc with a strong string tying its both ends. It propels a arrow that acts as a projectile hitting a target.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Waagh nakha</b> was made famous by Ch.Shivaji maharaj when he used it to disembowel the mighty Afzal Khan. It acts as a ring like weapon that fits around the knuckles. It remains concealed when the palm is closed but when the palm opens it reveals barring out sharp edged pointed claws made of steel that can tear apart the human body.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Text & Diagrams : Abhijit Rajadhyaksha</div>
</div>Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-65861197629630085442011-03-29T12:22:00.000-07:002012-08-16T11:15:40.471-07:00Forts of Maharashtra<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqlAF148QbZF2SSxFbS6ndJnAMn7drfOg3zYYyCx8y5wFz24GfPKkVU2JEcx916S-SNtxyq6YqzNk4EXQJGXi49bNdhD3Rc37AvVkwfaCKLYNCw9jdoI9m_4tQXixwFKnxh3_QhOk3vht/s1600/bhu+durg+Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqlAF148QbZF2SSxFbS6ndJnAMn7drfOg3zYYyCx8y5wFz24GfPKkVU2JEcx916S-SNtxyq6YqzNk4EXQJGXi49bNdhD3Rc37AvVkwfaCKLYNCw9jdoI9m_4tQXixwFKnxh3_QhOk3vht/s400/bhu+durg+Picture1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘Sampoorna rajyaache saar te durg. Gadkot hetch raajya, gadkot mhanje raajyaache mool,gadkot mhanje khajina, gadkot mhanje sainyaache mool,gadkot mhanje raajya laxmi, gadkot mhanje aapale praan sarakshan’ </i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">– Aadnyaapatra by Ramchandra pant Amatya, the chief minister of Rani Tarabai.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br />
</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Translation – Forts are the very basis of a kingdom. Forts themselves are the kingdom, forts are the origin of the kingdom, forts are the real treasure of the kingdom, forts are the basis of an army, forts are the wealth of the kingdom, forts are our best form of defence.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br />
</i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The English word Fort is derived from the Latin word 'fortis' meaning strong.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Forts were a primary defence mechanism in Maharashtra against enemy invasions since the ancient times and are known in the local language as ‘<b>killa</b>’ (Qila in urdu). They were naturally and artificially protected human settlements, guarded by elements like the hills, the forests, the desert, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">the sea,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> and the man made stone structures that formed a armour around them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59jkXRtOnV14nNPUut-ABNnSQCorqivdlgb0aX780w1Th0cYABTkRjhFA3X1fsnfI9uV1ZwcAvu7a_2HVZcNgCtu_6dbks-AWlKB_EYHB6ZjIFmCM5yfXBqj3D2oTZvn3S3xD9kQChzon/s1600/shivneri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59jkXRtOnV14nNPUut-ABNnSQCorqivdlgb0aX780w1Th0cYABTkRjhFA3X1fsnfI9uV1ZwcAvu7a_2HVZcNgCtu_6dbks-AWlKB_EYHB6ZjIFmCM5yfXBqj3D2oTZvn3S3xD9kQChzon/s320/shivneri.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the early reference to Forts in the sub continent occurs in the ancient political treatise ‘Arthashastra’ by Kautilya, whereby Kautilya classifies the forts as Jal durg (water forts), Giri durg (mountain forts),Vana durg (forest forts),Dhanu durg(arid/desert forts located in conditions devoid of easy water supply),Mahi durg (brick forts) and Nar durg(human forts). Not to mention the ancient cities in kingdoms like Mathura, Magadha etc were also mentioned being fortified settlements. The social treatise ‘Manusmriti’ by Manu also describes the advantages and disadvantages of different classifications of forts.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Maharashtra due to its peculiar topography has always revelled in different forms of fort constructions. Its structures and architectural designs have differed depending upon their region and location viz the plains, the coastal areas, the hilly terrain or the dense forests.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The forts in Maharashtra were constructed since the time of some its early ruling dynasties (and their feudatories) like the Satvahanas, the Rashtrakutas, the Kadambas, the Chalukyas ,the Yadavas, the Afghans, the Bahmanis, the Gonds in Berar,the Sultanates of Ahmednagar,Bijapur and Berar, the Siddis, the Europeans (British,Portuguese) and last but not the least the Marathas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Marathas gave tremendous importance to Forts as they were their strongest defence against the marauding invaders. Due to the inherent hilly terrain of the Sahyadri range, most of their forts belonged to the ‘hill’ category. These forts protected the army and the wealth of the kings and housed virtually a village inside the fort.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Traditionally the Forts in Maharashtra were of the following types:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx4J0osWhNcn1L0kIz6METnpa7U2VyzeGnLybwstKpLZG7ymXgqYahtvi12po6tZnmh1Ig2Lu1rfWTKYCrqFhCF9-fUKCSFCl7PQ1PPRr5RMTMZs3zt39MxjaFUaGeyN4tqzRqFU5Pa7X/s1600/shivneri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx4J0osWhNcn1L0kIz6METnpa7U2VyzeGnLybwstKpLZG7ymXgqYahtvi12po6tZnmh1Ig2Lu1rfWTKYCrqFhCF9-fUKCSFCl7PQ1PPRr5RMTMZs3zt39MxjaFUaGeyN4tqzRqFU5Pa7X/s400/shivneri.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Hill Forts</b>: These forts were constructed on the high hills and made from stone cut out from those very mountains. The high altitudes and the steep walls made these forts daunting for the enemy. In the vernacular Marathi language they were called as ‘<b>Giri Durg</b>’ (‘Giri’ means the mountain and ‘Durg’ is the term for a fort).They were considered the most reliable in comparison to land forts e.g Raigad,Rajgad,Purandar,Sinhagad,Pratapgad,Shivneri,Rajmachi etc<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxfhY-jOMJy7A7aNaZAq_7lYESvEUcHjerVhdV75OUeWXdoZq4dY2k5MJQbi7w2lCN4Z_MoUcObA6Jw01lFeZkXOAs_3vo8IZTPc1xEFVSXaPTlarWD8cEJiz_Er7ApoyA6Y5Q68HKenH/s1600/P1010003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxfhY-jOMJy7A7aNaZAq_7lYESvEUcHjerVhdV75OUeWXdoZq4dY2k5MJQbi7w2lCN4Z_MoUcObA6Jw01lFeZkXOAs_3vo8IZTPc1xEFVSXaPTlarWD8cEJiz_Er7ApoyA6Y5Q68HKenH/s320/P1010003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Land Forts</b>: These forts were created on the plains. In Marathi they were called ‘<b>Bhuikot</b>’ (Durg).e.g Chakan fort,Bahadurgad,Solapur fort,Ahmednagar fort etc.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1NwcK3iC71croJ5ZMksuWgNdcQnA4tj1c0YC8PhjBIM-GuUv_WcWYk_-oWQtQLSSMxpfyUShUxUKl1Rv3QLpKX0674KNNqmbLVGyAwqvcn23Wi7dlKKiDTwJ8rllrTQUn6svwGaqdBh2/s1600/janjira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1NwcK3iC71croJ5ZMksuWgNdcQnA4tj1c0YC8PhjBIM-GuUv_WcWYk_-oWQtQLSSMxpfyUShUxUKl1Rv3QLpKX0674KNNqmbLVGyAwqvcn23Wi7dlKKiDTwJ8rllrTQUn6svwGaqdBh2/s320/janjira.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Sea Forts:</b> These forts were created in the middle of the sea (at a shallow point with a solid foundation base) and protected by its vicious waves. In Marathi they were called ‘<b>Jal Durg</b>’ . ChShivaji was quick to realise the importance of sea forts. They provided a efficient base for controlling sea traffic and trade. e.g Janjeera (the fort of Janjeera was considered virtually impregnable and was held by the Siddis, enabling them to withstand the most extreme of enemy pressures) , Sindhudurg (built by Ch Shivaji) ,Padmadurg (built by Ch Sambhaji) , Khanderi , Underi etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Forest Forts:</b> These forts were created amidst a dense jungle, protected by the trees, the reptiles and wild animals. They were the ‘<b>Vana Durg</b>’.e.g Javali.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Human forts</b>: human war formations , encampments often resembled forts. These were the ‘<b>Nar durg</b>’.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkAP5hOXsU8F1wfSUPt-F6Qp5eUyPc9M6XZAjDzIAt08GX8dFeJ-4D5NU00yKbdLvhWEhX7wA9CMPtr9uXm2ZraDaXZZrpeg8jn5UFejND66WMV4dx9feu4ljO-Uqel6Dguy9JyPOGqNh/s1600/lohgad1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkAP5hOXsU8F1wfSUPt-F6Qp5eUyPc9M6XZAjDzIAt08GX8dFeJ-4D5NU00yKbdLvhWEhX7wA9CMPtr9uXm2ZraDaXZZrpeg8jn5UFejND66WMV4dx9feu4ljO-Uqel6Dguy9JyPOGqNh/s320/lohgad1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Barring the last which is a type of a field fortification, the rest are all of a permanent nature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Forts in Maharashtra were often a combination of land and sea forts e.g Vijaydurg or mostly hill and forest/land forts e.g Daulatabad etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The forts in Maharashtra weren’t as picturesque or aesthtic as their northern counterparts but were most practical under the circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Hill Forts are most common in Maharashtra and scattered all around the Sahyadri mountains. They are located at short distances from each other and were accessed by crossing a couple of mountains. This helped the king and his officials escape from one fort to other in case the earlier fort was captured by the enemy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Pune district (area 15642 sq kms) itself has around forty forts big and small , while Nasik district (area 15,530 sq km) has approximately fifty five forts. Besides Pune and Nasik there are several forts in Mumbai Thane (mainly built by the Portuguese and the English), Raigad,Marathwada,Southern Maharashtra,Vidharba and Konkan .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcR6cStUh5F5mxl9CcW8FGU3ZEkuOYx9QXD3sr3YhhzdNfhwHYknbkn0qykurGW_WOrpKSqKcurn-xLnBNGx6kehTZR4XEyv22jjKJiw9M7wg092Vm7x4o09zcCSjuzP6r4DoEr4YJfzF/s1600/purandar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcR6cStUh5F5mxl9CcW8FGU3ZEkuOYx9QXD3sr3YhhzdNfhwHYknbkn0qykurGW_WOrpKSqKcurn-xLnBNGx6kehTZR4XEyv22jjKJiw9M7wg092Vm7x4o09zcCSjuzP6r4DoEr4YJfzF/s200/purandar.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The hill forts were constructed from stones carved out from the very mountains and joined (as per the design) with the help of lime,rubble,gravel,stones,bricks (used mainly in land forts/smaller forts),molten metal and sand. Lime/mortor was ground on the fort itself (in what were called the '<b>Chunyaachya ghaani</b>'. Chuna being the term for lime) with the help of a roller passing though a circular channel . The stones formed the outer layer of the fort. Stone layers were often sandwiched between earth,rubble and mortar. At several places the stones appear joint in the male female format devoid of any use of mortor. The stones were joined by mortar. There were even instances of molten metal (lead) used to fill up fissures and strenthen the construction.e.g at Sindhudurg. Together they gave a construction that’s lasted for centuries.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Some of the main features of a typical hill fort are:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-wX5piZ5iAdwHbRYxV_UvBYKG7M3AZHFUJPlfooN78_B_08O5Ga6wTXg3pfdg2oHziFf0dvF6dluBudSmDP0RZSoMqGc2OOUOQQbLXrmELKuugL_1kZ6sYhfru5DGucaDzabrOTkET-n/s1600/lohgad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-wX5piZ5iAdwHbRYxV_UvBYKG7M3AZHFUJPlfooN78_B_08O5Ga6wTXg3pfdg2oHziFf0dvF6dluBudSmDP0RZSoMqGc2OOUOQQbLXrmELKuugL_1kZ6sYhfru5DGucaDzabrOTkET-n/s200/lohgad.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Ghera</b>’ or the outermost boundary that encompassed (besides the main fort) the many villages in its vicinity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Chowkis</b>’ or outposts were present near the forts to warn the people within the fort of any impending danger, keep a check on travellers etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqas_C_d8VAdIaTKCQkR5MJOAiwBm7vFVZtl-RkrlbK4gWtfa38PoRLBMlgt6fwbGHQV5RCJ9pi5URr04SuGeDtyYCGyZn9tfm2zujdn8uvk-JRgjpIOGcGsNat-WcheMc-7LC-KEGQXmU/s1600/sinhagad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqas_C_d8VAdIaTKCQkR5MJOAiwBm7vFVZtl-RkrlbK4gWtfa38PoRLBMlgt6fwbGHQV5RCJ9pi5URr04SuGeDtyYCGyZn9tfm2zujdn8uvk-JRgjpIOGcGsNat-WcheMc-7LC-KEGQXmU/s200/sinhagad.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Besides there were ‘<b>Mets</b>’ (smaller outposts on flat areas) midway to the fort, manned by locals and tribals like Kolis,Ramoshis,Maangs who were familiar with the surroundings and could even maintain a vigil at night.e.g Several such mets can still be seen at Sinhagad in Pune.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0vYAhyo2TiuE1ly9zwdVq0SC2hVWUR-OWE12GDoTYdQiGpu9-fMlmJdeBcTfPxEB7DfNe8Q2fEBQjB-OAT2cD8kFSsb5MaBgNBXm5xvZGjbjwvVkGwOkMFBgpIg7inFj65o5o_3wijgH/s1600/tanaji+kada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0vYAhyo2TiuE1ly9zwdVq0SC2hVWUR-OWE12GDoTYdQiGpu9-fMlmJdeBcTfPxEB7DfNe8Q2fEBQjB-OAT2cD8kFSsb5MaBgNBXm5xvZGjbjwvVkGwOkMFBgpIg7inFj65o5o_3wijgH/s200/tanaji+kada.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Kada</b>’ or the vertical portion of the fort and the most difficult one to scale. History mentions Tanaji Malusare, a commandent of Shivajis forces climbing the hill fort of Sinhagad from the ‘Donagiri kada’ as the other entrances were heavily guarded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_7LwLc4mCherqFPvziyM5rw_Vhfr8oALg2pU_SiF3nybDsIofaY7d6mrRV4e8nIJU4hOM7w9lFhuEeR7K5Frlnoed_pF4QtVWrz-HLdomtjdaBKLm1OAd4He5dg58nclN-0bhjGLpcfb/s1600/FORT+WALL+TERMINOLOGY+Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_7LwLc4mCherqFPvziyM5rw_Vhfr8oALg2pU_SiF3nybDsIofaY7d6mrRV4e8nIJU4hOM7w9lFhuEeR7K5Frlnoed_pF4QtVWrz-HLdomtjdaBKLm1OAd4He5dg58nclN-0bhjGLpcfb/s400/FORT+WALL+TERMINOLOGY+Picture1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Tat bandi</b>’ or high stone walls of the fort. They comprise of the rampart with a <b>Naal / Faanzhi </b>or<b> </b>running parapet (allowing passageway for minmum one person, generally a sentry), streanthened by the fort walls with the ‘<b>charyaa</b>’ (merlons) and ‘<b>jangyaa</b>’ (embassures) punctuated within them. The semi circular merlons (a crenel between two merlons) gave a cover for the guards and the embassures that pierced through the merlons a view at the enemy on the crowd below. There were even machicolations made and used for pouring hot oil, throwing stones at the attackers from within their apertures.Some fort walls were kept high and one had to climb stairs to access the parapet way alongside them. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In case the walls were made from wood (as in European or American forts) they were termed as ‘<b>medhekots</b>’. Around the fort (excluding the walls themselves. Weeds,plants on the fort walls were removed/ burnt out so that the enemy soldiers cant use them to climb the fort) thick vegetation was encouraged, so that </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">a contingent of soldiers could be hidden to launch the first attack on a approaching enemy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2-goX3TCVArS1pIsUVkMSQVQ5lKLISuu6Oa-QRQqann27WhLDywVXIJcYEHxm0vH1yGyIAzqYOwvE1YWGnq0oNglqCgkTD0_xr3ictXm6CaPLBuVP8NjRYJa4BDg0EufRUyVrpZ4JN6q/s1600/bastions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2-goX3TCVArS1pIsUVkMSQVQ5lKLISuu6Oa-QRQqann27WhLDywVXIJcYEHxm0vH1yGyIAzqYOwvE1YWGnq0oNglqCgkTD0_xr3ictXm6CaPLBuVP8NjRYJa4BDg0EufRUyVrpZ4JN6q/s200/bastions.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Buruj</b>’ or Bastions were built joining the fort walls and inadvertently streangthened them. They were semi circular (semi cylindrical etc) extentions of the fort walls that protruded on the outside (unlike the British ones which were square and the Portuguese bastions being pentagonal in shape). They also served as watch towers (<b>tehelnicha buruj</b>) or bases for firing cannons.e.g Naldurg has around 113 bastions.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3V7gcRkVhorX0WkCfdQoXiPL2FdsHRkPF2lq620ZbAe7yhaxjL3vKR9FD7C8JysDFzhw9DG4J4PjJUxsL1o4WsN3huWbvdeCXnyOSVjqL9Wb6ds4lusAbp0LbM_F_TDd_7Met03vOK05y/s1600/124way+up+to+the+galleries+%252819%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3V7gcRkVhorX0WkCfdQoXiPL2FdsHRkPF2lq620ZbAe7yhaxjL3vKR9FD7C8JysDFzhw9DG4J4PjJUxsL1o4WsN3huWbvdeCXnyOSVjqL9Wb6ds4lusAbp0LbM_F_TDd_7Met03vOK05y/s320/124way+up+to+the+galleries+%252819%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Mahadarwaza</b>’ was the main entrance (gate) of the fort, built large enough for an elephant to pass through. It generally had huge wooden (and metallic) gates with rows and columns of long iron spikes afixed in order to prevent a enemy elephant or a wooden rammer from forcing open the gates e.g the Mahadarwaza or Dilli darwaza at Shanivar wada in Pune. There were often more than two to three entrances one after the other at short distances (e.g Pune darwaza at Sinhagad).Alongside the doors there were spaces called <b>Jibhi</b> where stone plinths available where the sentries rested or kept their belongings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thousands of stone steps took one onto the mahadarwaza e.g Raigad built at 2851 feet above sea level has around 1500 stone steps leading to the fort.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Some ‘<b>Pedhis</b>’ or smaller forts (fortalices) had these <b>nagarkhanas</b> (drum houses also used as administrative offices and watchposts. If attention of the people below the fort was sought, then these nagars/drums were often sounded) built right over the mahadarwaza e.g as seen in the Shanivar wada, the Peshwa's residential citadel in Pune. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZP7AZU13CsXx0IoskEo1OqbT5ZKhKZqTwwvXoRJn-QbkETKuVrfehyWfFH8NRygj0sGH_OruILPEUxYY1U2G662Utz0cASbcM1NRVcyAairTLhh1xaOoUB6Mgb57StarGZ0fMK0K8jzi/s1600/sharabh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZP7AZU13CsXx0IoskEo1OqbT5ZKhKZqTwwvXoRJn-QbkETKuVrfehyWfFH8NRygj0sGH_OruILPEUxYY1U2G662Utz0cASbcM1NRVcyAairTLhh1xaOoUB6Mgb57StarGZ0fMK0K8jzi/s200/sharabh.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The walls surrounding the gates usually had mythological figurines of <b>Gandabherund</b> (two headed eagle),<b>Sharabha</b>(half bird,half beast) or those of <b>Hatti</b> (elephant), <b>Vyaal </b>(tigers), <b>Sinha</b> (lion), <b>Sarp </b>(serpents) carved on them (as a part of fort iconography).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Dindi darwaza</b>’ or the wicket gate was small enough to let one man pass through and was built within the main gate. It could be opened and shut to let through small human traffic without opening the main gate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Bhuyaar</b>’ or secret tunnels (from the fort to the safe plains below the fort) provided a escape route to the nobles and their families incase the fort fell to the enemy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWclOrLAM6jNHjdxOfuAGUOQN7VHOGn9r6hd2RIxgUvxHaiE5RCgXimin0rvtpPl3Z_PlKR4TFtVd3ZhLH04VS9416LPOiZMI1E1yBuAXXIcRLdasACejdGuqKgRzGGJ9Uak2cUy9oacBI/s1600/lohgad2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWclOrLAM6jNHjdxOfuAGUOQN7VHOGn9r6hd2RIxgUvxHaiE5RCgXimin0rvtpPl3Z_PlKR4TFtVd3ZhLH04VS9416LPOiZMI1E1yBuAXXIcRLdasACejdGuqKgRzGGJ9Uak2cUy9oacBI/s200/lohgad2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Gomukhi dwar rachana</b>’ (cow mouth gate formation) was a special formation of bastions including the ones flanking the main entrance gates . The bastions were often more than one and built in the form of a cows mouth. Hence the name. The pathway had a curvature preventing a direct frontal attack with a rammer or a elephant. The idea was, if the enemy attacks the main gate, then the gate could be defended from the front as well as the rear as the view of the main entrance was also made possible from the adjoining bastion. A fine example of the Gomukhi dwar rachana is at fort Raigad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Maachi</b>’ or <b>Upatyika</b> was the vast expanse of plain ground accessed after entry from the gate. Its peripherey was fortified by the stone walls.There used to be residential quarters, administrative offices built on these Maachis. The periphery of this Maachi was always fortified by high walls. e.g Sanjeevani maachi on fort Raigad.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLQ_c3IjR9jp-TibECqhHYQsQMCytzJYm_Fz0qyAKcRhKWeqsoM7EYSlzndF0d6jotNW5JECLnLYUZI1LTroLyoAjlwN38ucs6kWzB670eIMaqksn3qPLrZp7rfoLNerTPWTm7e2la3zh/s1600/PLAN+OF+FORT+Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLQ_c3IjR9jp-TibECqhHYQsQMCytzJYm_Fz0qyAKcRhKWeqsoM7EYSlzndF0d6jotNW5JECLnLYUZI1LTroLyoAjlwN38ucs6kWzB670eIMaqksn3qPLrZp7rfoLNerTPWTm7e2la3zh/s400/PLAN+OF+FORT+Picture1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Raj sadar</b>’ or the offical quarters of the chief of the fort (or the king) was also the place for discussing important official matters. Ofcourse the tallest building on the fort was the '<b>Raj mandir</b>' and belonged to the king and served as his residential quarters. Besides the Raj sadar and Raj mandir there used to be the ‘<b>khalbatkhaanaa</b>’ (place for secret/ strategic discussions),’<b>bandigruha</b>’ (prisons), ‘<b>kadeloat</b>’ (steep edges of the fort from where traitors,convicts were pushed down to their death).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_n8xTBxIq_Negi7YGxRpZCd2oxwLdVb6SxX7cPH3vmgTILfD4kGFIAnvrw4FeeEjToIHVvvJ71NMkNDI70KkoCgTNvLpJb2RQsNN7ajFOEsIoduGAGuTudhRkyUxCiXPiREBLJAnEAEM/s1600/temple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_n8xTBxIq_Negi7YGxRpZCd2oxwLdVb6SxX7cPH3vmgTILfD4kGFIAnvrw4FeeEjToIHVvvJ71NMkNDI70KkoCgTNvLpJb2RQsNN7ajFOEsIoduGAGuTudhRkyUxCiXPiREBLJAnEAEM/s200/temple.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There were also simple temples,mosques,churches,samadhis,centotaphs,tombs,<b>veergals</b> (hero stones in the memory of the slain warriors),smaller residential quarters, clerical and administrative offices,toilets etc present on the fort.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISLfzCzFVpd0PBK4uF0EYNh4RUfCDhy7TrFkY1lEuoV-8ACRTbiOe813j6EIk77V5uBqAge2jUg2foWMOFgOCpuirMxMRTWNGrANgtj0y5g0qmAzh3HxP2QQs1xd00NoobeACWGCAWDOn/s1600/ambarkhana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISLfzCzFVpd0PBK4uF0EYNh4RUfCDhy7TrFkY1lEuoV-8ACRTbiOe813j6EIk77V5uBqAge2jUg2foWMOFgOCpuirMxMRTWNGrANgtj0y5g0qmAzh3HxP2QQs1xd00NoobeACWGCAWDOn/s200/ambarkhana.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Ambaarkhaana</b>’ was the storehouse for consumables /grainery.e.g Ambarkhana of Panhala fort has three store houses named Ganga,Jamuna and Saraswati. Ganga is the largest one at 35 feet high and covering 10,200 sq feet with a capacity to store 50,000 maunds of grain (1 maund= 40kgs).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHed6LiPufY3JT0nqO31yhXrcWcaBIgAeQudqiMpkrpgpdaempS_diBJFzG8Am8ieHXc9UdSbAYYAKCjXSoMr9XbIur7lZVGbtYf7lNSwD8XXvCRt3kIohEywOpPtImRYkbDdgpMKFsvZ/s1600/toff+khana111a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHed6LiPufY3JT0nqO31yhXrcWcaBIgAeQudqiMpkrpgpdaempS_diBJFzG8Am8ieHXc9UdSbAYYAKCjXSoMr9XbIur7lZVGbtYf7lNSwD8XXvCRt3kIohEywOpPtImRYkbDdgpMKFsvZ/s200/toff+khana111a.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Toffkhaanaa</b>’ was place to store gun powder. It was a highly guarded and water tight place lest the moisture dampened the gunpowder rendering it ineffective.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">'<b>Shastra shala</b> <b>aani taalmichi jaaga</b> ' was the place where arms were kept (in the <b>shastragaar</b> or arms depot) and soldiers practised their martial skills.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpTJyCBYcXDYYrQX0ElLCh4CoCjJ7OReAJBv2NMj0TJ9UFH5gI9QiTZzvxesBtUPoTaaIiK5BohkfjDf3YYxb-MckMyxWPL-7oFwNQxEFjtghyphenhyphenNqHkPNhxa6v-mNsvr7j6E4cCJevIYvK/s1600/ghodyachyapaga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpTJyCBYcXDYYrQX0ElLCh4CoCjJ7OReAJBv2NMj0TJ9UFH5gI9QiTZzvxesBtUPoTaaIiK5BohkfjDf3YYxb-MckMyxWPL-7oFwNQxEFjtghyphenhyphenNqHkPNhxa6v-mNsvr7j6E4cCJevIYvK/s200/ghodyachyapaga.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Ghodyaachya paagaa/ashwa shaalaa</b>’ were the horse stables on the fort (as were also stables for the elephants viz ‘<b>Hattishaala</b>’).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7i0hyD1jDWi1hStT99Sfma6LDvI158yN6JeG8KjLASYpraOtCVj9yaINDMweN4J0RUWipKdBbQWbTHuUZuu5sukWVJp_gTXJ6gcktCM0uf6oAgQhVGLn1JvBqeFqD-8_c_atNuKJf2Ha/s1600/talao.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7i0hyD1jDWi1hStT99Sfma6LDvI158yN6JeG8KjLASYpraOtCVj9yaINDMweN4J0RUWipKdBbQWbTHuUZuu5sukWVJp_gTXJ6gcktCM0uf6oAgQhVGLn1JvBqeFqD-8_c_atNuKJf2Ha/s200/talao.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Paanyaachya taakyaa</b>’ were the water reservoirs providing water supply for the forts occupants e.g Ganga Jamuna water cisterns at Shivneri fort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Baalekilla</b>’ or <b>Adhityika</b> was the pinnacle point (plain with the highest altitude) of the fort. It was fortified so as to be a fort within a fort. In case the enemy did manage to enter the fort, then the Baalekilla became the last point for defence.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcswWkt5wsO7MMcz4oN-GZA-83YEkgmOADbQUBW0cqZovt1s8lmKezrV4OtymlEvcsK5aJaodNN4PclxWEJLQhwb4Qzf8jCm_xvTw6ZuRfnZaXoxIMzSxxuOpnFjhyphenhyphen9SvrXSe8lCpLWAL/s1600/Vintage+Postcard+THE+FORT+BELGAUM+India.ebay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcswWkt5wsO7MMcz4oN-GZA-83YEkgmOADbQUBW0cqZovt1s8lmKezrV4OtymlEvcsK5aJaodNN4PclxWEJLQhwb4Qzf8jCm_xvTw6ZuRfnZaXoxIMzSxxuOpnFjhyphenhyphen9SvrXSe8lCpLWAL/s320/Vintage+Postcard+THE+FORT+BELGAUM+India.ebay.JPG" width="195" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘<b>Khandak</b>’ or <b>Parikha</b> were the Moats were used in land forts. These were deep wide trenches dug around the periphery of the fort, filled either with water, spikes or thorny shrubs (even crocodiles and poisenous reptiles) that provided a defence to the fort from an oblivious enemy. The access to the fort was made possible by a drawbridge that over crossed this trench.e.g Ahmednagar fort has a moat 80 feet wide and 20 feet deep. The space between the fort walls and the moats was called <b>Revni</b>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chhatrapati Shivaji maharaj the Maratha king clearly understood the importance of forts. He laid more emphasis to the forts than land below and ensured that the forts were always in the possession of the king. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ch.Shivaji ensured more than three to four top officers (besides the <b>killedar</b> or fortkeeper)of different castes viz the Maratha '<b>Sarnobat</b>' and '<b>Havaldar</b>'(for guarding the fort), </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">the Brahmin '<b>Sabnis</b>' (general administration) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">the Kayastha '<b>Karkhanis</b>'(maintaining accounts,treasury) but of equal rank </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">on the fort to keep a watch over each other lest one was corruptted and conspired to hand over the fort to the enemy. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Moreover the officers always competed with each other to provide a better administration within his jurisdiction thus improving the overall administration on the fort. The posts were never heridatory (and never for long tenures) and one had to rise in heirarchy. The officials were normally suffled from one fort to the other after approx 5 years.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">No officers in relation were given charge of forts in proximity of each other. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">An adequate number of craftsmen like masons, carpenters,cobblers,blacksmiths,tailors etc were also kept on the fort in addition to the soldiers and other officials. There were also a presence of priests, <b>vaidya</b> (practioners of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><b>ayurveda</b> , the Indian science of medicne</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">) etc on the fort. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">The access to the fort was kept as difficult as possible by planting trees shrubs, which even provided a cover for guards or army contingents placed below the fort.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">If a hill fort had another hill in very close proximity, then another fort would also come up on that hill and both served as twin forts.e.g Purandar gad and Vajragad or Lohagad and Visapur gad etc.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Broken bastions, fort walls were immediately repaired without delay.</span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">The main gates of the fort were always opened and closed at fixed timings and exceptions were made for none except perhaps the king. A strict vigil was always maintained on and around the fort.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Discipline was always paramount and there was no scope for laxation of rules.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ch.Shivaji spent a considerable part of his revenue on the upkeep of his forts. He refortified and streangthened the forts in his control.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The king personally supervised his design and construction of forts and often gave several valuable inputs. Some of his notable forts were Pratapgad, Sindhudurg,Vijaydurg etc.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In Ch.Shivajis own words, ‘the forts ought to be so impregnable that even if mughal emperor Aurangzeb fights for a year to conquer one fort, then to capture the total three hundred and sixty forts in Maharashtra, it should take him a three sixty years ( which was humanly impossible)’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sources: This article is based on the work in the marathi language by Shree Pravin Bhosale, </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Shree P .K Ghanekar, Shree Mangesh Tendulkar</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">One can also view this article at</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/FeaturesFarEast/India_Modern_Forts01.htm">http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/FeaturesFarEast/India_Modern_Forts01.htm</a></span></i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Text: Abhijit Rajadhyaksha</span></div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-12031634867786458502010-11-20T12:47:00.007-08:002015-06-28T04:35:05.189-07:00Peshwas (Part 5) : Decline of the Peshwas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Refer previous Peshwa articles to get a sense of continuity viz. Peshwas Part 1: Early Peshwas (Sonopant,Shyampant,Moropant,Nilopant,Bahirojipant,Ramchandrapant and Balaji Vishwanath Bhat), Part 2: Glory of the Peshwas (Bajirao I), Part 3: Peak of the Peshwas and Debacle at Panipat(Balaji Bajirao), Part 4: Strife within (Madhavrao, Narayanrao,Raghunathrao,Sawai Madhavrao), Part 5: Decline of the Peshwas (Bajirao II, Amritrao, Nanasahib).</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The late 18th century marked the decline of the maratha empire. The premature death of Madhavrao Peshwa had left behind a great void in the maratha empire. He was probably the last unifying force amongst the marathas. Stalwarts like Mahadji Shinde, Nana Phadanvis etc did try to sustain the empire , but they were not cohesive enough to provide a unified command to the marathas. Thereafter the empire was wrecked by individual vested interests who were more interested in furthering their own small causes rather than that of the maratha empire as a whole. During this period was born Bajirao II who only proved to be a product of his times.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 21px;">Peshwa Bajirao II</span></strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>(b.1775 in Dhar,M.P , rule: 4 Dec.1796-3 Jun.1818, d.28th Jan 1851) was the eldest son of Raghunathrao Peshwa and Anandibai. During this time his father was at Surat allied with the English.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Political intrigues before accession</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The ailing Peshwa Madhavrao II on his deathbed had named (allegedly) his uncle, Bajirao II, as his heir.<br />
Note, earlier Bajirao II had started communication with his cousin and gained his sympathy by using the name of Nana Phadanvis as their common cause of discomfort. It was done through Balwantrao Vamorik whom Nana himself had posted to keep a watch on Bajirao II. But Balwantrao developed a tilt towards Bajirao II. When Nana got the whiff of this, he had Balwantrao arrested.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But his old regent Nana Phadnavis was never comfortable with the idea of Bajirao II as the next Peshwa.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Nana knew very well that Bajirao resented him and would try his utmost to undermine his authority.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Nana therefore convinced Madhavraos widow to adopt a son whom, Nana would then anoint as the next Peshwa, thus continuing to rule as a regent on his behalf.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But Bajirao II (who was in prison) had other plans. He wooed over Sardar Baloba Tatya Pagnis, the influential minister of Daulatrao Shinde (anglicized as ‘Scindia’), by promising him Nana's position. In return, Pagnis was to persuade Scindia to throw in his might behind Bajirao II in the race for Peshwa's seat.</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But Nana got the whiff of Bajirao's clandestine plans and started planning his counter move.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Nana knew very well that he could never match Scindia's might. So he thought it would be prudent if he came to an understanding with Bajirao II. Subsequently, Nana had Bajirao released from prison.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thereafter, Nana made a pact with Bajirao whereby Bajirao would be made the next Peshwa and in return Bajirao would allow Nana to continue as the chief minister.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bajirao too agreed with the proposal, as he knew that having the duo of Baloba Pagnis and Scindia around him for too long would also be counterproductive in the long run. He knew the duo would never allow Bajirao to function freely as the Peshwa, so he thought it was best that he for the time being agree to Nana's proposal.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thus Bajirao II was declared the next Peshwa. In return, Bajirao withdrew his original commitment to Sardar Pagnis and declared that Nana would continue as his chief minister.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
However, Nana was well aware that Baloba Pagnis would never take this lying down and would instigate Scindia to dislodge Bajirao and himself from their posts.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thus before Scindia's forces (led by an disgruntled Baloba Pagnis) could march onto Pune, Nana took refuge in the fort of Purander on the outskirts of Pune.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Predictably, Sardar Pagnis urged Daulatrao Scindia to appoint Bajirao II's younger brother Chimnaji Appa as the next Peshwa.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The wily Nana Phadanvis who had by now shifted base to Mahad, began secret negotiations directly with Daulatrao Scindia (Nana also sought help from the English,Nizam,Tipu,Nagpukar Bhosales,Holkars,Karveerkars to isolate Scindia and put pressure on him via what is now famously known as Mahad conspiracy).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Nana tacitly gave his approval for the appointment of Chimnaji as the next Peshwa, in return for his continuation as the chief minister.</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Note, initially Nana had wanted to declare Shahu II of Satara as the king and rule as his prime minister. But due to Shahus uncertainties, Nana extended his support to <b>Chimnaji </b> (younger brother of Bajirao II) as the next Peshwa.Chimnaji was thereby adopted by Yashodabai, the widow of Sawai Madhavrao and he was declared the Peshwa and Bajirao II was once again confined to prison.</div>
<div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;">
Meanwhile, Sardar Pagnis who would settle for nothing short of replacing Nana Phadanvis, was making plans of seizing Nana. He had already started poisoning Scindias mind against Nana.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;">
Nana on his part also never underestimated Pagnis's influence over Scindia. So in anticpation of a possible imprisonment, Nana went underground once again.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;">
He renewed his pact with Bajirao to get him released from prison and make him the Peshwa, but both knew this wasnt possible without the approval of Daulatrao Scindia.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;">
They knew, they had to wean away Daulatrao Scindia from Pagnis's side and over to their own .</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
They therefore utilised the offices Sardar Sakharam Ghatges (of Kagal) . They persuaded Ghatge to send the marraige proposal of his beautiful daughter Baijabai, to Daulatrao Scindia.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
In return they promised him a greater say in the affairs of Pune. As per their expectations Daulatrao accepted the marraige proposal. Thus Sakharam Ghatges influence over Daulatrao Scindia increased considerably.This isolated Sardar Pagnis.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Note: But Sarjerao Ghatge also became notoriously famous for taking advantage of the situation and looting Pune in 1797. When Bajirao II couldnt cough up the promised sum to Daulatrao Shinde, he let loose his father in law on the happless city of Pune. What followed was a period of absolute cruelty. Ghatge looted Pune with glee abandon. He threatened all of Nana Phadanvis's supporters to not lend him funds or financial support. He extracted lakhs from them and rendered them all financially weak so as not to be in a position to support Nana. Later Daulatrao Scindia captured Nana by deceit in connivance with Peshwa Bajirao II and imprisoned him at Ahmednagar fort.</span><br />
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;">
Thus Bajirao II was declared the new Peshwa with Daulatraos support and Nana Phadanvis remained his prime minister.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;">
But heart in heart , Bajirao II was never in favour of Nana Phadanvis. He held Nana responsible for his father Raghunathrao's ouster from the Peshwaship. Hence once Bajirao felt himself in control, their old rivalry resurfaced .</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;">
Bajirao II induced Sardar Sakharam Ghatge to put Nana Phadanvis behind bars and instead promised him Nanas authority. Thus several charges were levelled against Nana and he was imprisoned in the fort of Ahmednagar.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;">
But in a matter of time,Bajirao realised that this wasnt such a wise move afterall.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;">
He was finding Daulatrao Scindia's (and Sakhatam Ghatge's) behaviour overbearing and beyond his control.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;">
This was the time he realised the value of Nana's wise counsel.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;">
Thus Bajirao II had his rival Nana Phadanvis released from prison, and reinstated him in his old position albeit with much lesser authority.</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;">
By now, Nana Phadanvis was a tired man . His days in prison had also taken a toll on his health and he soon died in a couple of years time in 1800, leaving Bajirao II back to his dependency on Daulatrao Scindia.</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Treaty of Bassein</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile Tukoji Holkar had died at Indore leaving behind two sons Kashirao and Malharrao II and two illegitimate sons Jaswantrao (Yeshwantrao) and Vithoji. Kashirao being the elder was made Tukojis successor, but was challenged by Malharrao. Even the illegitimate brothers Jaswantrao and Vithoji supported the cause of Malharrao .But Kashirao asked Daulatrao Scindia for his help.Daulatrao tried to seize Malharrao in person and in the fight that ensued Malharrao II was killed. His son Khanderao was then taken as a prisoner to Pune. Jaswantrao fled to Nagpur while Vithoji fled to Kolhapur. Vithoji was later captured near Bhamburda and taken to Pune. Jaswantrao meanwhile built a large army and planned an attack on Scindia who had seated himself at Pune (much to the Peshwas dismay as the latter was in his control). Scindia sensing an attack by Jaswantrao , extracted fourty seven lakhs from the Peshwa, marched out from Pune. Both Scindia and Jaswantraos armies clashed, and after a fierce battle Jaswantrao was forced to retreat.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile Peshwa Bajirao II now feeling free from Daulatrao Scindias stranglehold, now desired to establish his complete control over Pune. He first decided to eliminate those families whom he considered his rivals (like Raste family) or those that were in opposition to his father Raghunathrao (self aggrandisment at the expense of his nobles may have been another motive). The vindictive Bajirao II was merciless with his enemies. Even Vithoji Holkar +(brother of Jaswantrao Holkar) and a friend of Nana Phadanvis ( and someone whom Bajirao believed fancied Amritrao as a Peshwa rather than Bajirao II) , was tied to an elephants leg and dragged through the streets of Pune , till he died . (ref.Kincaid).<br />
<br />
+[Vithoji Holkar had managed to stir a rebellion against Bajirao II around the Pune region while his brother Yeshwantrao (Jaswantrao) managed the affairs in central India]<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Jaswantrao Holkar when he heard about his brothers death was furious and swore revenge on the Peshwa . He once again gathered his forces and marched onto Pune. He dodged Scindias forces on the way and made way to Pune. The Peshwa Bajirao II immediately fled Pune and sought refuge on its outskirts at the fort Sinhagad.(Bajirao did not want to seek help from Scindia, as that would be inviting his control over Pune, once again, so he decided to seek help from the English). From Sinhagad, he fled to the Konkan, where he boarded a English ship at Rewandada and sailed to the port town of Bassein (present day Vasai).There he signed a treaty (6th Dec 1802, Treaty of Bassein) with the English seeking their protection against his enemies.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #333399;">Note: Earlier in 1791, the Peshwa Sawai Madhavrao had flirted with the English, when he supported them in their battle against Tipu Sultan of Mysore. For his services the Peshwa had been suitably rewarded with vast lands of Tipu’s territory.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">Meanwhile Jaswantrao Holkar had sacked Pune and after installing the Peshwas brother </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Amritrao</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"> (as per some reports Amritraos son <b>Vinayakrao</b>) in the place of Bajirao II, he had left for Indore. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><br />
</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300; font-size: xx-small;">Note: Amritrao had been adopted by Raghunathrao after the death of his sons in infancy and the next offspring being a daughter. But subsequently Bajirao II was born followed by Chimnaji.</span><br />
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">The British army accompanying Bajirao II entered Pune. The British army was led by General Arthur Wellesely (brother of , the Governor General) . </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">On the way they were joined by Peshwas aides like Patwardhan,Bapu Ganesh Gokhale,Appa Nipanikar,Patankar and Vinchurkar (grandson of Vithal Shivdev Vinchurkar). </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">Amritrao was pensioned off by the English to Benaras with his family to Varanasi.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"> Bajirao II was once again reinstated as the Peshwa at Pune.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">Note: Amritrao's son Vinayakrao maintained good relations with the English. He lived in Varanasi </span><br />
<span style="color: #993300;">(later Karvi in Banda state) with a comfortable princely amount sanctioned by the English. Vinayakrao adopted a son Narayanrao. But later relations soured between the father and his adopted son and another son Madhavrao was adopted. But the family lost a major chunk of their wealth when in 1857 they were suspected by the British of colluding with the mutineers.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Defeat of the Scindias and the Holkars</strong><br />
Scindia did not appreciate Peshwas proximity to the English and nor did Raghuji Bhosale of Nagpur.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Rather both resented the the fact that Bajirao had preferred a foreigners help over their own, not to mention decrease in their clout over Pune.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
They also felt that the English were unnecessarily interfering in what they considered the Maratha affairs . They therefore decided to punish the English and collected an large army to take them on headlong.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Scindia was confident of a victory over the English, mainly because of his strong artillery and cavalry cultivated and commanded by a Frenchman called De Boigne.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Jaswantrao Holkar who had a disdain for both Scindia and Bajirao stayed neutral.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But Daulatrao Scindia soon realized that he had underestimated the English.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Scindias army were the first to face defeat (at the battle of Assaye on 21st Sept 1803).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Raghuji Bhosale followed next at Argaon in Berar (on 29th Nov 1803, forcing Raghuji to sign the treaty of Devgaon).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Scindias army were also defeated by Col.Woodington at Bharuch, Champaner,and by Col Lake at Aligad , Delhi and Laswari .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bundelkhand was reduced by Col Powell.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Finally Daulatrao Scindia accepted defeat and on 30th Dec 1803 signed the Treaty of Surji Anjangaon. Scindia ceded all his lands between rivers Jamuna and Ganga and control of his lands in Rajputana. Ahmednagar and Bharuch forts were also given away to the English.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The treaty of Surji Anandgaon was supplemented by the treaty of Burhanpur on 27th Feb 1804, whereby Scindia became an ally of the English.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile successes of the English alarmed Jaswantrao Holkar, who feared for his own possessions. He probably feared that if Scindia allied with the English, then it was possible that they collectively might encroach on his dominions.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Jaswantrao Holkar started planning an preemptive attack on the English. He raised an army and attacked the English divisions. But he was isolated against the collective might of the English.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
General Wellesely and his troops clashed with the forces of Holkar and soon Holkar too was subdued.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
On 14th Dec 1805,Jaswantrao Holkar too became an ally of the English vide the treaty of Beas. But the treaty weighed heavily on his mind . He tried uniting the Marathas against the British until his premature death by a brain stroke on 20th Oct 1811 at Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh. He was just thirty five.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #000099;">Note:Jaswantrao Holkar allegedly (as per British historians like Kincaid and Duff ) went insane and had his brother Kashirao and his nephew Khanderao killed.Though some historians mention Khanderao dying of Cholera.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #000099;"> Jaswantrao was succeeded by Malharrao Holkar III under the regency of Jaswantraos widow. But the English allegedly plotted her death. Malharrao III and his later wife Bhimabai continued their struggle against the English inspite of a defeat at Mahidpur. Indore was later incorporated by the English as a princely state in the Central India Agency.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bajirao II’s reign and friction with the English</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bajiraos reign was marked by vindictiveness and perfidy. His entire exercise seemed to be acquiring the estates of his nobles, sometimes over the flimsiest of pretexts. Earlier it had been the estates of Sardar Raste , Nana Phadanvis.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It was followed by the estates of the Pant Pratinidhi and Pant Sachiv. Bajirao also unsuccessfully tried to acquire the estates of the Sawantwadi nobles, when the latter were fighting with the Raja of Kolhapur.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bajirao II imprisoned Baburao Phadke the son of gallant warrior Hari Ballal Phadke who had so courageously served the Maratha kingdom.He confined Baburao at Bassein fort where he died.Thereby the Peshwa attached his property.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Peshwa even attached some lands of Gaekwads of Baroda over a revenue dispute. The English then intervened and had the Gaekwads send a representative to negotiate matters with the Peshwa. But the Peshwas aide Trimbakji Dengale (as alleged by the English chroniclers) had Gangadhar Shastri, the representative of the Gaekwads, murdered.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The English were incensed becaused of this act and arrested Trimbakji. But the man broke free from the Thana prison and gathered a small army around himself. Bajirao too was beginning to dislike the regular interference of the English in his affairs and actively encouraged Trimbakji Dengale.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then the Resident Monstuart Elphinstone, openly asked for the arrest of Trimbakji Dengale and the surrender of forts like Sinhagad,Purander and Raigad. When Bajirao refused, Pune was encircled by the English troops forcing the Peshwa too sign the treaty of Puna on 8th May 1817. Along with the forts the English also forced the Peshwa to give up all the estates of his nobles which he had acquired in these years.Bajirao was even asked to dismantle his forces.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 12px;">Note: To the credit of Bajirao II, he never surrendered Trimbakrao Dengale to the English, though the latter was captured shortly near Khandesh.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">By now Bajiraos dislike for the English had turned into intense hatred. He soon started building an army for himself under the guidance of his confidante Bapu Gokhale. He also tried to seduce the Indian guards in the English army with emoluments. On 5th Nov 1817, the Peshwas troops and the English troops clashed at what we now know as the battle of Khadki. Peshwa himself retreated to the temple of Parvati at a hill top and watched the entire proceedings of the battle. But seeing his army being routed, the Peshwa fled from battle (earning him the nickname ‘Palputaa’ or the ‘Fleeing one’). Rest of the period was spent running from fort to fort (Satara,Nagpur,Kopargaon,Chanda), pursued furiously by the English forces.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Finally on 3rd June 1818, Peshwa Bajirao II surrendered to Col John Malcolm at Mhaw near Indore.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The British were careful so as not to humiliate the Peshwa, or imprison or execute him, lest he rebels, or is able to generate sympathy (as in the case of Ch.Sambhaji) which leads to other marathas rallying under a common banner. Col Malcolm himself has outlined the British policy to be followed in India. they preffered to purchase the individual loyalties of each maratha sardar, divide them and thus rule by proxy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> The English exiled the Peshwa to the town of Bhramhavarta or Bithur near Kanpur on the banks of the Ganges, which was to be his jagir for retirement. He was sanctioned an princely pension to meet his royal expenses.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bajiraos family</span> </strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bajirao II had eleven wives, but none could produce an male heir (his only son through his eldest wife Varanasibai had died in his infancy). Therefore on 6th June 1827, Bajirao II adopted a boy, Dhondopant Narayan Bhat, a son of a priest from Venegaon near Bhor ghat. Subsequently he adopted Dhondopants brothers Sadashivarao and Gangadharrao. Dhondopant succeeded Bajirao II as the next Peshwa and came to be known as Nanasaheb. Bajirao's daughter Bayabai was probably the last survivor amongst his children.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Death</span> </strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bajirao II died in 1851 at a ripe age of eighty.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An estimation of Bajiraos character</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bajirao II remains one of the most controversial Peshwas in Maratha history. Most denounce him as vindictive, cruel, greedy, extremely money minded, myopic and cowardly (known as ‘Palputaa Bajirao’ or the ‘Fleeing Bajirao’), while some term him as a victim of circumstances.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Most of Bajirao IIs formative years were spent in prison. Thus his administrative/political education was neglected , perhaps deliberately (but he was said to be keen on outdoor activities like wrestling , malkhamb, knowledge of arms-archery,spear throwing,swordsmanship ref.Grant Duff. Bajirao was also said to be good in the shastras and was a ardent Shivbhakt) and due to the constant hostilities surrounding him, he grew up to be a very suspicious and vengeful person. He never had the chance to hone up the qualities of a good ruler, let alone be a capable general like his forefathers. His personal life was also no different than the princes of those times and quite amorous. His rule has been largely criticised for the prevailing lawlessness, nepotism, casteism and wasteful expenditure in superstitions and rituals. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Because of his nature , Bajirao II lost several supporters (his equation with his foster brother was also one of suspicion and they never got along. Bajirao had even imprisoned his younger brother Chimnaji for he feared that someone might use him as a tool to upstage him) and eventually he was isolated and forced with no other option but to seek the help of the English, which paved the way for their rule in the country.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">In the words of Grant Duff ' No other empire was so foolishly lost '.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 18px;">Nanasahib Peshwa</span></strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(b.1824) a.k.a Dhundiraj a.k.a Dhondopant, is remembered in the pages of history as the last Peshwa.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nanasahib was the adopted son of Peshwa Bajirao II. Dhondopant was the biological son of an priest, Narayan Bhat and Gangabai.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nanasahib was declared the next Peshwa after the death of Bajirao II.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sepoy Mutiny of 1857</span> </strong><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Though Nanasahib outwardly professed loyalty to the English, he always resented their sway over the Maratha dominions. Moreso, he was incensed when he was refused (1853) the title of the Peshwa (he was known simply as the Maharaja of Bitthur) and his entitlement to the pension by the English Governor General Lord Dalhousie. The British also started interfering in the Peshwa's financial and internal matters (On one occassion a property case was filed on the Peshwa indirectly by the British and the womenfolk in the Peshwas household were summoned to the court).This infuriated Nanasaheb to no end.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Opportunity to get back at the English came his way, when in 1857 the Indian Sepoy Mutiny broke out in India.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nanasahib collected a fifteen hundred strong contingent, maintaining that it was for the protection of the English lest the rebellion spreads to Kanpur. But on 5th June 1857, he surrounded the 53 Native Infantry division of the British East India Company and declared himself on the side of the mutineers.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: As per some reports Nanasahib was a reluctant leader and was forced to take charge by the mutineers. Acc. to reports neither was Nanasahib trained militarily nor did he have the basic requisites to be a general. Since the British treasury and arms at Kanpur were in his temporary charge, he was forced by the mutineers to join in the rebellion.</span><br />
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nanasahib then proceeded to loot the treasury.He then came across an contingent of mutineers who were on their way to Delhi. They were soon induced to his cause. He attacked the British entrenchment led by General Wheeler, the next morning. The English held on to the entrenchment till June 26th. Thereafter they surrendered to Nanasahibs army on an assurance that he would give them an safe passage to Allahabad.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Satichaura Ghat and Bibighar Massacare</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">On 27th June, the English column consisting of soldiers and their families reached the Satichaura Ghat, from where they were to proceed by boat. For reasons unknown some India boatmen jumbed in the waters and started swimming to the banks. In the process some lanterns were knocked off setting some boats ablaze. This led to a lot of confusion. Someone fired the first shot, and soon there was exchange of fire between the mutineers and the English soldiers. Tatya Tope an aide of Nanasahib was leading the mutineers that fired upon the English. Many Englishmen were massacared that day. The women and the children were pulled away and taken prisoners to the Savada House, and later to Bibighar House (under the supervision of a prostitute by the name of Begum Hussaini Khanum), where they were united with the other English imprisoned womenfolk from Fatehgad.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile a strong English contingent (consisting of Sikh soldiers) led by General Havelock had set out from Allahbad to take on the mutineers at Kanpur and Lucknow. They defeated Nanasahibs army at Fatehgad. They further defeated the army led by Nanasahibs brother Balarao at Aong on 15th July. They were also said to be perpetrating atrocities against the Indian villagers on the way.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When this news reached Nanasahibs camp, the mutineers were furious. They wrecked their anger against the hapless women and children at Bibighar. They were mercilessly gunned down (despite Nanasahebs protests).</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This sordid incident goes down in history as the Bibighar massacare.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The English forces soon reached Kanpur and captured the town. Nanasahib and his men escaped to Bithur. The English who by now had gotten to know about the Bibighar massacare went on a rampage, indulging in arson,loot and killing.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The English troops later entered Bithur. But found that Nanasahib had escaped from there as well.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nanasahibs general Tatya Tope continued offer a stiff resistance to the English.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It is said that Nanasahibs confidantes like</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #33cc00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Tatya Tope, Rani Laxmibai</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">and Raosaheb (Nanasahibs nephew and close associate) met at Gwalior (June 1858) and declared Nanasahib as their Peshwa and vowed to continue their fight against the English.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But Rani Laxmibai met her valorous end at Jhansi .Tatya Tope also led an brave gureilla campaign against the English until his alleged capture and execution at Shivpuri.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Note</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">: </span></span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Tatya Tope</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">(b.1814-d.1859) was the son of Pandurangrao Tope, an courtier of Bajirao II. Tatya was born at Yeola in Maharashtra. He along with Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi were the childhood friends of Nanasahib Peshwe. He became the commander in chief of Nanasahibs forces and led an extensive gureilla campaign against the English forces. His skills in gureilla strategemns were praised even by his enemies.He was captured because of betrayal by a friend and finally executed.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Rani Laxmibai </span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span">a.k.a Manikarnika a.k.a Manu (19 November 1828 – 17 June 1858) was the Queen of Jhansi.She was the daughter of Moropant Tambe an courtier of Peshwa Bajirao II. She married Gangadharrao Newalkar, the Raja of Jhansi. Her son died in his infancy and was soon followed by her husband. She having no son wanted her adopted son Damodar rao to succeed her. But the English wouldn’t allow it.When the English led siege to the Jhansi fort, Rani escaped and she joined the cause of the mutineers in 1858. They captured the fort of Gwalior and carried on its defense with the other rebels. This brave woman preffered to fight the English rather than surrender and met her glorious death in battlefield at Kotah ki Serai,Phoolbagh near Gwalior. General Sir Hugh Rose commented upon her death that the Rani "remarkable for her beauty, cleverness and perseverance" had been "the most dangerous of all the rebel leaders”.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Both Rani Laxmibai and Tatya Tope are revered as the icons of the First Indian Freedom Movement against the British</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Disappearance of Nanasahib</span></span></strong><br />
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></strong></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Nanasahibs whereabouts were never known. Some reported that he escaped with his family to Nepal and died a fugitive in that country. While some claimed sighting him at Constantinople, while there were also rumours of him having escaped to Tibet. An person resembling Nanasahib was also caught at Gwalior by Maharajah Scindia, but its veracity was never confirmed. A ascetic alleged to have been Nanasaheb was also said to be living in the whereabouts of Sihor, Gujrat. In recent years there were even documents produced by a family living in Gujrat claiming to be the descendents of Nannasaheb.But none of these reports could be substantially confirmed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">The last Peshwa of the Marathas seemed to have disappeared in thin air.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><strong>Sources:</strong></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;">1. Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1701-1813 .Jaswant Lal Mehta (New Dawn Press - New Delhi )</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;">2. New Cambridge History of India: The Marathas, 1600-1818 By Stewart Gordon, Cambridge University Press.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;">3. A History of the Maratha People by G.A.Kincaid and Rao Bahadur D.B.Parasnis (Humphrey Milford Oxford University Press).</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;">4. History of the Mahrathas by James Grant Duff (Exchange Press, Bombay)</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-23229392167636292052010-11-20T12:46:00.003-08:002015-06-28T04:35:36.449-07:00Peshwas (Part 4) : A Strife Within<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Refer previous Peshwa articles to get a sense of continuity viz. Peshwas Part 1:Early Peshwas (Sonopant,Shyampant,Moropant,Nilopant,Bahirojipant,Ramchandrapant and Balaji Vishwanath Bhat), Part 2: Glory of the Peshwas (Bajirao I), Part 3: Peak of the Peshwas and Debacle at Panipat(Balaji Bajirao), Part 4: Strife within (Madhavrao, Narayanrao,Raghunathrao,Sawai Madhavrao), Part 5: Decline of the Peshwas (Bajirao II, Amritrao, Nanasahib).<br />
<br />
</span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 21px;">Peshwa Madhavrao I</span></strong> a.k.a Madhavrao Ballal a.k.a Thorale Madhavrao (b.15th Feb.1745-rule starts 1761-d.18th Nov.1772) was the second son of Balaji Bajirao from his wife Gopikabai.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Succession Differences </strong>The Post of Peshwa, by now had become heridatory . After the death of Balaji Bajiraos eldest son Vishwasrao at Panipat, there were differences as to who should succeed the Peshwa.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
A camp led by Gopikabai (widow of Balaji Bajirao) and her brother Sardar Raste, wanted the second son Madhavrao to succeed, whereas another camp led by Anandibai (wife of Raghunathrao) and Sakharambapu Bhagwant Bokil (a friend of Raghunathrao and the Kulkarni of Hivare) wanted the Peshwas younger brother Raghunathrao to become the next Peshwa.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Both Gopikabai and Anandibai were cousins. Also, both , inspite of their little education in statecraft were ambitious and wanted to control the affairs through their respective nominees.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
And both were to play a dishonorable role (moreso Anandibai) in the years to come.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Eventually it was decided that Madhavrao Peshwa would be the next Peshwa and his uncle Raghunathrao would act as the Regent and Sakharambapu as the Diwan.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Initially, matters went on smoothly, until Madhavrao attained maturity.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
At the bidding of Gopikabai, Madhavrao started looking over the matters of the state personally. This was the start of the friction between the nephew and his uncle.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #000099; font-size: 14px;">Note: Both the nephew and the uncle had their own coteries. Madhavraos camp consisted of Gopalrao Govind Patwardhan (Sangli), Triambakrao (Mama)Vishwanath Pethe (Maternal uncle of Sadashivraobhau), Baburao Phadnis, Balaji Janardhan Bhanu (Nana Phadanvis),Hari Ballal Phadke and Ramshastri Prabhune.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #000099; font-size: 14px;"> Whereas </span><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 14px;">on Raghunathraos side were Sakharambapu Bokil, Gulabrao and Gangoba Tatya.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Start of the reign and his subsequent campaigns</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Because of the defeat at Panipat, the Maratha treasury was virtually bankrupt and heavy in debt. To top it all the women in the household (especially Gopikabai) were indulging in daily religious rituals which were draining the already strained exchequer.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Madhavrao first started discipline from his own home. He first curtailed the household expenditure on daily religious practices.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Later when Madhavrao started demanding more say in the matters of the government, both Raghunathrao and Sakharambapu resigned from office to put pressure on the young Peshwa (hoping that Madhavrao will feel powerless without them).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>But they had underestimated Madhavrao. He filled in the post of Regent with his own man Trimbakrao Pethe and made Nana Phadanvis and Hari Ballal Phadke his secretaries.</i> <i>Ramshastri prabhune was made the chief justice. Sakharambapu who though the diwan was sidelined as he was Raghunathraos loyalist.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Earlier when the Nizam presuming the depleted might of the marathas attacked them , but was repelled by the marathas. Raghunathrao had an oppurtunity to exterminate the threat of the Nizam once and for all, but he rather let him off with leniency, ostensibly because of the advice by his aide Sakharambapu Bokil. The idea was to use the Nizams services in the future, incase he came into direct confrntation with his nephew the Peshwa.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
That was when Raghunathrao (assisted by Janoji Bhosale) secretly sought the help of Nizam Ali (who had by then deposed his brother Salabat Jang to become the Nizam ul Mulk) to help him overthrow his nephew.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Nizams army launched a surprise attack on Pune.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The forces under Raghunathrao also looked the otherway, as Nizams army reached the outskirts of Pune.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Peshwas army , already divided because of Raghunathrao couldnt match up to this surprise attack.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The biggest sufferers were the residents of Pune. They were robbed and harrased by the invading army.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Eventually Madhavrao deciding to put an end to the quarrel, himself rode to his uncles camp and put him at his mercy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Blood being thicker, Raghunathrao too treated his nephew with due courtesy. But he removed all the Peshwas men from their offices and confiscated their properties.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But soon Nizam Ali revealed his true intentions. Through his agent, Vithal Sundar, he led both Janoji Bhosale and the king of Kolhapur to believe that he was giving them the regency of the Maratha kingdom by displacing the Bhat Peshwas.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
When Raghunathrao heard this, he once again reconciled with his nephew Madhavrao. Their collective armies then besieged Nizam Alis forces. Nizam Ali when he he realized that his plan had been exposed, quickly begged forgiveness from Raghunathrao (blaming his agent Vithal sundar for ill advice),something which a rather naïve Raghunathrao bought hook , line and sinker.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Madhavrao was reinstalled as the Peshwa by Raghunathrao while Madhavrao reinstated his uncle to his original position.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Madhavrao also on his part agreed to give due credence to the authority of Raghunathrao.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span>In 1764, there was a provocation from Hyder ali of Mysore. In response to which the young Peshwa led an assault on the Mysore forces .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Again he had a altercation with his uncle Raghunathrao, who himself wanted to lead the forces. But Madhavrao eventually had it his way. He and his forces completely routed Hyder Alis army, and returned back victorious.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Hyder Ali sought escape by coming into an understanding with Raghunathrao, who prevailed upon his nephew to forgive Hyder Ali.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Reluctantly, to placate his uncle, the young Peshwa agreed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile Janoji Bhosale (who had earlier assisted Raghunathrao and Nizam Ali), whom the Peshwa had publicly rebuked, tried to stir a revolt against the Peshwa. But the Peshwas vigilant secret service got a whiff of this. Peshwa then conspired with Janojis old ally Nizam Ali and raided Berar provinces of Janoji Bhosale.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #000099;">Note:The perfidious Nizam Ali even offered help for the Marathas against Hyder Ali, at the same time conspiring with the English to defeat both Hyder Ali and the Marathas.To top it all , Nizam Ali offered help to Hyder Ali to gain Arcot from Muhammed Ali.</span> </span>In 1766, Madhavrao again led successfull campaigns against Hyder Ali who had gone back on his earlier promises. Meanwhile Madhavraos successes couldn’t be matched by Raghunathrao who had engaged in his own campaigns in the north.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Envious of his nephews success , Raghunathrao once again fell back to the evil advice of his wife Anandibai, who asked him to demand from Madhavrao, half the kingdom .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Madhavrao predictably refused.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
As a result Raghunathraos forces (in assistance from Janoji Bhosale) and Madhavraos forces again clashed at Dhodap fort near Nasik. Raghunathraos army was badly mauled and he himself was taken a prisoner and sent to house arrest at Shanivarwada in Pune. Janoji Bhosale too was forced to sue for peace and pay a war indemnity of five lakhs and accept allegience to the Peshwa.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In 1769, Hyder Ali again provoked the Marathas by breaking his treaty.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Madhavrao , then marched with his army to the Karnataka regions. His army reached Bangalore without opposition. He then took Kolar, Nandidurg,Mulwagar by forced assault.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In June 1770, Madhavrao was struck by illness and had to return back to Puna, and sent Trimbakrao Pethe and Appa Balwant Mehendale against Hyder Ali.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In Jan 1771, Hyder Alis army was subdued at Balapur. Pethe then proceded ,taking over one district of Mysore after another.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In March 1771, Pethe inflicted another defeat on Hyder Ali at Cherkoli Hills.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In June 1772, Maratha army reached Srirangapattam, which was the capital of Hyder Ali.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Hyder Ali finally sued for peace.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He ceded Kolar,Bangalore,Ouskota,Balapur ,Mudgiri,Gurukonda to the Marathas and thirty six lakhs as war indemnity and an annual tribute of fourteen lakhs per annum.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #000099;">Note:But when the deposed king of Mysore, Nandaraj tried to appeal to the Marathas to have him instated on the Mysore throne, Hyder Ali had him murdered in his bathtub and replaced him with his brother Chamraj instead.</span><br />
<span style="color: #000099;">Note1: On one occasion there was an attempt on the life of Madhavrao by one of his men Ramsingh.Madhavrao had escaped with a bruise on his shoulder. But Madhavrao believed it to be done at the behest of his uncle. As there was no proof, Raghunathrao went unpunished, but Ramsingh was excecuted.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Scene at Delhi after Panipat</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile, Abdali had left for Afghanistan(22nd Mar 1761).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 14px;">Note: Between 1762-67, the Sikhs thwarted Abdali's attempts to gain control of Punjab.<br />
April 14th,1772, Abdali dies. [courtesy Ambareesh Phadanvis]</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Mughal Emperor had sought refuge with Shujaud daullah the Nawab of Awadh, while Najib ud daullah Khan(agent of Abdali) ruled Delhi in his absence. After the fall of Awadh(Oct 1764) to the English(at Buxar), the Emperor sought the protection of the East India Company. Suraj Mal the Jat king tried to take over Delhi, but was killed in the fight with Najib. But the war between the Jats and the Rohillas continued through their respective sons.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Malharrao Holkar had already died in 1766. His predeceased son’s (Khanderao’s) widow Ahilyabai had adopted one Tukoji Holkar,no immediate kin,but one of Malharraos trusted officers, to succeed the Holkars.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Ranoji Scindia too was dead and his successor was an illegitimate son, Mahadji Scindia, who had already distinguished himself in Panipat.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Peshwa Madhavrao wanted to extract revenge of Panipat . He therefore sent a huge Maratha army under the command of Visaji Krishna Biniwala and assisted by Tukoji Holkar and Mahadji Scindia.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Maratha armies swept across the north.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
First the levied ten lakhs as a tribute from Rajputana.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Then they extorted the Jats to cough out sixty five lakhs.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Then they turned their wrath against the Rohillas. They ravaged the Rohilla land between Ganga and Jamuna and captured the Etawah fortress of Doab. Soon entire Rohilkhand fell to the Marathas.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This prompted the Mughal emperor Shah Alam to switch sides from the English, over to the Marathas.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shah Alam was once again restored to the throne of Delhi by the Marathas (in the leadership of Mahadji Shinde) .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Rohilla chief Najib ud daullah Khan had died by then and he was succeeded by his son Zabita Khan.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Marathas held Rohilakhand (along with its harem) for huge ransom and returned its possession to Zabita khan (who had fled to the hills) only after the ransom was paid.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 14px;">Note: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sequence of events in the north</span> (courtesy Ambareesh Phadanvis)<br />
1769 - Marathas proceed Northwards<br />
April 5 1770 - Battle of Govardhan, Marathas victorious, take possession of Agra and Mathura. Marathas enter Doab against Bangash Nawab and encamp at Ramghat<br />
Sept 1770 - Treaty of peace with Jats.<br />
Feb 10, 1771 - Mahadaji takes possession of Delhi<br />
March 4, 1771 - Mahadaji captures Shukratal<br />
April 14 1772 - Abdali dies. Marathas capture Najibabad, spoils of Panipat recovered by Marathas. Mahadaji and Visaji Krishna arrange affairs of Delhi</span>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Death of the Peshwa</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Peshwa who had returned to Puna cutting short his Karnataka expedition, met an premature end by Tuberculosis on 18 th Nov 1772. The great Peshwa died at the precincts of the Chintamani temple at Theur near Puna. Madhavrao was just twenty eight at the time of his death.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
An promising life was snatched by the clutches of death.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Madhavraos wife Ramabai (daughter of Shivaji Joshi Ballal , killedar of Solapur fort) keeping the traditions attained Sati.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Contributions of Madhavrao Peshwa</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In his very short tenure Madhavrao, inspite of opposition, contributed tremendously to the Maratha kingdom. Madhavrao was an symbol of equanimity. He was an astute judge of character , an efficient administrator and a brave general.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
After the debacle of Panipat, he rekindled the Maratha spirit by his unwavering leadership. He resurrected a flagging economy and replenished the treasury of the Maratha kingdom through various expeditions. Madhavrao was known to be a benevolent Peshwa who cared for his subjects. He ensured every man in his kingdom was heard and proper justice was meted to all.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Inspite of differences with his uncle, he always was respectfull at a personal level. Though he had kept his interfering mother Gopikabai at a distance (at Nasik), he was always respectful towards her and was always enquiring about her well being.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He was never vindictive towards his enemies. Like in the case of Janoji Bhosale, whom he had severely reprimanded, but never humiliated beyond a point, nor were his personal possessions every taken away by the Peshwa inspite of repeated provocations.That was an indication of the magnanimity of Madhavraos character.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #000099;">Note: Sardar Jivajipant Khazgiwale an noble in the court of Madhavrao had developed Ganesh Peth (Pune) in 1775 ,named after Lord Ganesha.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #000099;">Madhavrao redeveloped Mohitabad and renamed it Budwar Peth (Pune).</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 21px;">Narayanrao Peshwa</span></strong> (b.10 aug.1755,rule started on:13th Dec 1772, d. 30 aug.1773)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Madhavrao having no son , was succeeded by his brother Narayanrao.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Narayanrao continued with Sakharambapu as the diwan, and other advisers like Nana Phadanvis, Moroba Phadanvis, Hari Ballal Phadke (military) and Babaji Barve.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>A very brief reign</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Narayanrao, unlike his brother lacked the fortitude of character. Soon he found himself completely under the sway of his mother Gopikabai, who since the death of her son Madhavrao had resumed her stay at Puna (from Nasik, where she had been kept by Madhavrao to prevent her interference in the daily affairs of the state). Raghunathrao who had escaped from Shanivarwada had been rearrested and confined to prison by Madhavrao, but soon released after he got a solemn oath from his uncle, that he would accept Narayanrao as a heir. Initially Raghunathrao kept his promise, but soon differences started arising between Narayanraos mother Gopikabai and her cousin Anandibai, the wife of Raghunathrao (who in turn was completely enamoured by his wife).Raghunathrao for his treacherous ways was captured and imprisoned.<br />
However on Gopikabais instructions (and much against the wishes of Nana Phadanvis), Narayanrao turned Raghunathraos imprisonment into a house arrest at Shanivarwada.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Narayanrao's youthful impetuousness (as also certain policies e.g mainly towards the Kayathas, whom he refused to recognise on par with the Brahmins) also inadvertently led to antagonising some nobles who crossed over to Raghunathraos side. Even the Peshwas closest advisers, Nana Phadanvis and Sakharambapu were not very happy with the immature Peshwas conduct. It is also possible that the young Peshwa was trying to assert himself much to the chagrin of his nobles who had wanted to control him. The nobles may have also wanted to replace Narayanrao with Raghunathrao.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Hyder Ali and his son Tipu were witnessing the strife in the Maratha kingdom and wanted to take advantage of it. So they started raiding the Mysore regions. Narayanrao therefore decided to launch an offensive in Karnatak. So he recalled Visaji Krishna Biniwala, his agent in the north back to Pune with his army. As a result Maratha stranglehold in the north collapsed. Other enemies of the Marathas like Nizam Ali, Najaf Khan, Shuja ud Daullah also started raising their tentacles.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Narayanraos Murder </strong>The women of the Peshwa household especially Gopikabai, used to perform a lot of daily religious rituals and spent huge amounts of money in giving away alms to the Brahmins. This hampered the treasury leading to non payment of the soldiers and other employees. There was discontent amongst many including the ‘Gardis’ a community who were the traditional bodyguards of the Peshwas. Raghunathrao sent them overtures promising them higher payscales provided he was assured of their help.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Raghunathrao sent the chief of the Gardis a letter stating that he would intervene and settle the pay dispute. But for the same Narayanrao should be seized (‘dharaa’ in Marathi) and be produced before him. But as the legend of the bakhar goes (though there are no conclusive documents to prove the same), the letter was forged by Anandibai , who changed the word ‘dharaa’ to ‘maaraa’ meaning ‘to kill’.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Anandibai always maintained that she had nothing to do with the Peshwas murder and she was being wrongly maligned.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
On the fatefull night of 30th August 1773, the Gardis swarmed in Shanivarwada , hacking down anyone who came in their way. Two of Narayanraos servants by the names of Chaphaji Tilekar and Naroba Phatak who tried to shield the Peshwa were hacked down. The panicky Peshwa Narayanrao then fled to his uncles quarters and implored him to save him. But it was all in vain, for the Gardis (sumersingh, Kharaksingh,Mohommed Yusuf and Tuloji Pawar a servant of Raghunathrao) wasted no moment in striking down the young Peshwa.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Narayanrao left behind him a wife Gangabai (daughter of Krishnarao Sathe) , who was pregnant with his son Madhavrao II. His body was secretly taken away through the Narayan gate of Shanivar wada and cremated near Lakdi pul, where his samadhi exists.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Contribution of Narayanrao</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Narayanrao constructed a residential locality in Pune by the name of Narayan Peth, which exists till date.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"> <strong style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"></span></strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 21px;">Raghunathrao Peshwa</span></strong> a.k.a Raghobadada a.k.a Ragho Ballal a.k.a Raghobharaari (b.18 Aug.1734, rule. 5 Dec.1773-1774, d. 11 Dec.1783) was the younger son of Bajirao I and the brother of Balaji Bajirao.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Seizing the moment of his nephew Peshwa Narayanraos death, Raghunathrao made himself the next Peshwa.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He confirmed Sakharambapu Bokil as his diwan, and made Chinto Vithal Rairikar and Sakharam Hari Gupte his chief confidantes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But Raghunathrao met opposition in the form of Nana Phadanvis, and the Chief Justice Ram Shastri Prabhune (who even passed the death penalty against the ruling Peshwa for the murder of his nephew, and relinquished his post and left Pune, when his decree wasnt obeyed), Trimbakrao Pethe,Hari Ballal Phadke etc who soon deposed Raghunathrao as the Peshwa.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Though many nobles wanted Narayanrao to be replaced by Raghunathrao, they did not wish for Narayanrao's murder. Also they found that the matured Raghunathrao was not as pliant as they desired.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The conspirators later instated Madhavrao II, the infant son of Narayanrao on the Peshwas seat and themselves formed a council which would serve as a regency council for the child Peshwa. This council came to be known as the Barbhai (twelve brothers) council. The council included (besides Nana ) Hari Ballal Phadke, Moroba Phadnis, Sakarambapu Bokil (who joined in after resenting the ascension of Sakharam Gupte in Raghunathraos inner circle), Trimbakrao mama Pethe, Mahadji Shinde, Tukojirao Holkar, Phaltankar, Bhagwanrao Pratinidhi, Maloji Ghorpade,Sardar Raste and Babuji Naik.<br />
<br />
Note: Nana Phadanvis managed to sway Sakharambapu over to his side by accepting his seniority in the Barbhai council. However with time, friction between the two resumed and eventually when Bapu tried to rejoin Raghunathraos side (as also support Nanas enemies like his cousin Moroba etc), but was imprisoned by Nana on charges of treason. Bapu died behind bars.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>First Anglo Maratha war</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In April 1774, Raghunathrao entered into an alliance with the English (Bombay Government). Skirmishes between the English forces and the Marathas started. But just then,on 19th Oct 1774, a supreme council (led by Warren Hastings and Col.Clavering,Col Monson,Philip Francis, Richard Barvel )authorized by the English parliament to take charge of all English dominions ,arrived on the shores of Calcutta. They declared the treaty between the Bombay government and Raghunathrao as invalid and instead sent their own envoy Col Upton to negotiate with the Barbhai council. They signed the treaty of Purandar in Dec 1775, whereby Raghunathrao was to be surrendered to the Marathas an in return Bassein ,Salsette,revenue of Bharuch were to be handed over to the English along with twelve lakhs to be paid to the Bombay government for war yaexpenses.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But Raghunathrao was never handed over to the Marathas and he continued enjoying the asylum of Bombay government at Surat.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile , due to internal rivalry some members (Moroba Phadanvis, Sakharam bapu,Tukoji Holkar) of the Barbhai council had broken away. They conspired with Raghunathraos avowed well wishers like Bajaba Purandare, Sakharam Gupte,Chinto Rairikar to bring back Raghunathrao to the seat of the Peshwa.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But Nana Phadanvis artfully managed to wreck the conspiracy.Most of the conspirators were chained and put behind bars. Some died in prison and some were killed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But on 23rd Dec 1778, the Bombay Government disregarding the treaty between the supreme council and the Marathas, launched an offensive against the latter.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But by 13 th Jan 1779, the Bombay Governments forces faced defeat at Wadgaon.the English sued for peace and returned everything they had gained from the treaty of Purandar.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But English offensives renewed at the behest of Warren Hastings (Governor Genreal at Calcutta) , who wanted to wipe out the disgrace of Wadgaon. English forces led by General Goddard defeated the forces of Mahadji Shinde and other Maratha commanders at various places like Gwalior,Ahmedabad, and pushed down Mahadji Shinde upto the town of Sipri. There were heavy losses on both sides.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Mahadji Shinde (due to loss of his central territories) eventually prevailed upon the Marathas to conduct the treaty of Salbai on 17th May 1782, whereby the English would forsake all support to Raghunathrao and recognize Sawai Madhavrao (Madhavrao II) as the true Peshwa. In return the Marathas promised the English all help in their fight against Hyder Ali. This treaty was ratified by Hastings in June 1782 and by Nana Phadanvis in February 1783. The treaty also returned to Shinde all his territories west of the Yamuna. It also guaranteed peace between the two sides for twenty years and thus ending the first Anglo Maratha war.<br />
n<br />
* Barbhais sought Nizam and Hyder Alis help against the English. Nizam stayed neutral, but while making the peace treaty with the Marathas, the English specifically asked the marathas to keep away from Hyder Ali. Due to pressure from Mahadji Shinde, Nana Phadanvis had to oblige. But Hyder Ali felt very slighted and the marathas lost on a potential friend.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #009900; font-size: 14px;">Note: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mahadji Shinde </span>( Shinde is anglicized as Scindia) a.k.a Madhavrao I Sindhia a.k.a Patil bua (b.1730-d.1794)was the illegitimate son (born from a Rajput concubine Chimabai) of Ranoji Shinde (son of Jankoji Shinde, the Patil of Kanherkhed). Ranoji Shinde was entrusted by Bajirao I , the charge of Malwa, where he made Ujjain his headquarters. Ranoji was succeeded by his son Jayappa who died at Panipat. Hence the mantle of the family was passed on to Mahadji Shinde. Mahadji had already distinguished himself at Panipat where he received a leg wound that would last him for life. Mahadji Shinde succeeded in bringing all Rajput (Medtya, Ratangarh, Lalgarh, Bikaner, Laswari, Lachhmangarh, Kumher and Deeg and the states with territory of</span><span style="color: lime; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Jaipur</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> and </span><span style="font-size: 14px;">Jodhpur</span><span style="font-size: 14px;">)a</span></span><span style="color: #009900; font-size: 14px;">nd Jat (except Bharatpur and Vijaynagar) states under Maratha suzerainty.he also conquered Mathura in 1755. After the treaty of Salbai in 1782, Mahadji took full advantage of his neutrality with the English and exercised full control over north India. He shifted his capital to Gwalior after he won it fom the Jats of Gohad. Mahadji Shinde was responsible for reinstating Shah Alam II on the Mughal throne at Delhi (after the emperor was blinded and deposed by the Rohillas) and ruled as his Regent. Mahadji had increased his army to three brigades under the captainship of Benoit de Boigne, a French mercenary, and developed it into a disciplined force with added artillery and cavalry power. Mahadji Shinde was also responsible for decimating the influence of Nizam of Hyderabad.the great Mahadji Shinde died without an heir and was succeeded by his brothers(Tukaram Shindes) grandson Daulatrao Scindia.</span><br />
<span style="color: #009900; font-size: 14px;">However because of Mahadjis growing influence in the north, Nana Phadanvis grew suspicious. When Mahadji supported the cause of Ahilyabai Holkar (d.i.l of Malharrao), Nana unduly tried to raise the importance of Ahilyabai's commander Tukoji Holkar (this also sowed seeds of discontent between Ahilyabai and Tukoji). Nana even sent over Alibahaddur (grandson of Bajirao I) to reduce the relience on Mahadji in the north (and Bhosales were sent to the east). Mahadji on his part also tried to to reduce Nanas power in Pune by trying to woo away Peshwa Sawai Madhavrao, accusing Nana's man an minister of Pant Sachiv of corruption.</span><br />
<span style="color: #009900; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
Note: While her husband had taken refuge with the Surat English, Anandibai stayed at fort Dhar ( her son Raobaji was born at Dhar while her foster son Amritrao stayed with their father at Surat) and tried to fight the Barbhais albiet unsuccessfully . Relations between husband and wife though they were on speaking terms were not the best . Raghunathrao resented Anandibai trying to influence him all the time.<br />
Barbhais had assigned Visaji Govind Athavle and Khanderao Trimbak Odhekar to rein in Anandibai. Eventually she escaped and went via Mandleshwar to fort Maheshwari under the protection of the Holkars.She stayed their for two years and later joined her husband in Burhanpur. Later after the Salbhai treaty the entire family shifted to Kopargaon.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Death</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thus seeing all hopes to (once again) becoming the Peshwa wither away, Raghunathrao retired with his famiy to Kopargaon at the banks of river Godavari, where he breathed his last (11th dec 1783) at Kacheshwar.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Raghunathrao left behind his wife Anandibai, a son Bajirao II , an adopted son Amritrao (10 years older to Bajirao II or Raobaji) and a posthumous son born to Anandibai named Chimnaji Appa (9 years younger to Bajirao II). </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Raghunathraos character</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Raghunathrao was a brave warrior and military commander who carried the Maratha flag right upto Attock (presently in Pakistan and under his leadership, the Marathas had held sway over Punjab, Kashmir and Northwest frontier for over a year Mar 1758-Nov 1759) . But he lacked the prerequisites of a good ruler. He was myopic and impetuous. Moreover, he was almost completely under the sway of his ambitious wife Anandibai. He shared a love and hate relationship with his nephew Madhavrao. Though both loved and respected each other, personal ambitions ruined a fruitfull relationship between the two.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"> <strong style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"></span></strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
ra<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qS-v16q1z_7swLqVYW396urwbrYTWZ9ealZ_QsX4-yP8S-Bqfr_v2knfx9d7_z6hLAgPPKQbI6FLIudTbrnc_OnVPowz8KRe4RJzX_oWnyF8y7OSQ8xGRpX6TDOMRreE-J_Q9Xkkgz30/s1600/sawai-madhavrao-peshwe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qS-v16q1z_7swLqVYW396urwbrYTWZ9ealZ_QsX4-yP8S-Bqfr_v2knfx9d7_z6hLAgPPKQbI6FLIudTbrnc_OnVPowz8KRe4RJzX_oWnyF8y7OSQ8xGRpX6TDOMRreE-J_Q9Xkkgz30/s200/sawai-madhavrao-peshwe.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 21px;">Peshwa Madhavrao II</span></strong> a.k.a <b>Sawai Madhavrao</b> a.k.a Madhurao Narayan (b.18 Apr.1774,Rule start:13th Dec 1774, d. 27 Oct.1795) was the posthumous son of Peshwa Narayanrao and his wife Gangabai. He was born amidst the political intrigues following Narayanraos murder.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
An infant Sawai Madhavrao was declared the Peshwa after deposing Raghunathrao, who managed Peshwa ship for a few months before being displaced by the Barbhai regency council led by Nana Phadanvis.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He more or less ruled under the guidance of Nana Phadanvis the Maratha Machiavelli and the Barbhai regency council. Sawai Madhavrao was a witness to Raghunathraos treachery, when the latter brought the English to the forefront of the Maratha politics. Raghunathrao tried to remove Sawai Madhavrao from the post of the Peshwa with English help. But Sawai Madhavrao was gallantly defended by the Barbhais.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Though, by the treaty of Salbai (1782), the English recognized Sawai Madhavrao as the true Peshwa abandoning the aspirations of Raghunathrao.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #000099;">Note: When he came of age, Sawai Madhavrao did try to assert his authority against his adviser Nana Phadanvis , whom he felt was becoming overbearing. It was once in the case of the despotic police inspector of Pune, the infamous Ghashiram Kotwal (a trusted aide of Nana, n younger brother of the equally notorious prior Kotwal, Anandrao).</span><br />
<span style="color: #000099;">Note1: Nana was rumoured to have an eye for the fairer sex (though many historians like Pagadi have rejected this as mere speculation and without any authentic historical proofs and more of a imagination by certain fiction authors). </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099; font-size: 14px;"> It was rumoured that Nana Phadanvis made Ghashiram the Kotwal (Pagadi has stated that appointment of a kotwal/police chief was outside Nanas jurisdiction and more of that of Sakharambapu Bokil's)</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099; font-size: 14px;">as he had fallen n love with the latters beautiful daughter (Pagadi has stated that Ghashiram Savaldas the kotwal, never had a daughter in the first place)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099; font-size: 14px;"> Ghashiram became very unpopular amongst the Puneites for his cruel ways. One day he imprisoned some dakshini brahmins(Ghashiram himselm was a Kanauji brahmin), who later suffocated to death. When this matter came to the notice of Peshwa Sawai Madhavrao, he handed over Ghashiram to the people of Pune who stoned him to death.) and secondly when the Peshwa asked Nana Phadanvis to release his cousins (Bajirao II, Chimnajiappa,Amritrao viz. sons of Raghunathrao) from prison. But Nana Phadanvis had overruled the Peshwa, as he felt the Peshwa was being misled by his rivals. But mainly because Nana Phadanvis never trusted the sons of Raghunathrao, whom he believed wouldn’t hesitate to depose the Peshwa at the slightest opportunity. However, the Peshwa it is said, felt humiliated and went into a depression. Soon he contracted a disease considered Tuberculosis, which rendered him in severe bouts of fever.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099; font-size: 14px;">Note1: Nanas court rival was Mahadji Scindia, who even tried releasing Nana's treacherous cousin Moroba from prison and replacing Nana with him. But Peshwa Sawai Madhavrao rejected this move. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099; font-size: 14px;">Nana was always suspicious about Mahadjis activities in the north especially when the Emperor of Delhi decided to award Mahadji with the title Vakil e Mutalik (above that of the Peshwa). Though time and again Mahadji tried to explain that he would always be subservient to the Peshwa, Nana was never convinced about it and sent over Alibahadur (grandson of Peshwa Bajirao I) on the pretext of helping Holkars in their affairs, but the real reason was always to keep a check on Mahadjis activities.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #000099; font-size: 14px;">Note2: It is said that due to Nana's over protective nature towards the Peshwa which perhaps bordered on being overbearing, Peshwa Sawai Madhavrao displayed very cranky and whimsical behaviour at times. As he grew up he tried to be rebellious, which started creating friction between him and Nana.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #000099; font-size: 14px;">+ Gopikabai the grandmother of Sawai Madhavrao never trusted Nana and believed that he did not provide the right guidance to Sawai Madhavrao (same charge has been levied on Nana by Anandibai vis a vis her son Bajirao II) thus deliberately keeping him weak and uncultured. She prefffered staying away from her grandson because of her discontent with his upbringing.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #000099; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">*Nana Phadanvis sought the help of Hyder Ali of Mysore and the Nizam against the English. But at the last moment Nizam withdrew and the Maratha sardars like the Nagpur Bhosales etc delayed attacking the English (citing lack of funds to pay their army) thus isolating Hyder Ali (much to the chagrin of Nana Phadanvis who had gathered all the three powers to face the English).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">* During the reign of Sawai Madhavrao , Tipu Sultan of Mysore attacked some maratha territories which his father had earlier surrendered to the marathas, as a result the Marathas sought English help in curbing Tipu (as Tipus army was trained in modern warfare by the French).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: 14px;">* The first English resident in the Peshwas court was Sir Charles Malet. The available paintings of Sawai Madhavrao, Nana Phadanvis, Mahadji Scindia etc have been painted by artist James Wells the father in law of Sir Malet. Malets sons also were distinguished diplomats in the service of the British East India Company. One of his sons Hugh is credited to the discovery and recreation of Matheran a famous hill station in Maharashtra.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Sawai Madhavrao died under mysterious circumstances. Though there were rumours that he commited suicide by jumping from the high walls of Shanivarwada , some even speculated murder. But the popular story is, he was running high fever and in delirium lost balance and fell down from his window/balcony.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
As per historians like Duff and Kincaid, in his dying declaration, Sawai Madhavrao named his cousin Bajirao II as his successor ,much to the chagrin of Nana Phadanvis. Nana had earlier asked Yashodabai (daughter of Ganesh Vishwanath Gokhale of Vijaydurg), the widow of Sawai Madhavrao to adopt Chimaji, the youngest son of Raghunathrao, so that someone from the family would become the Peshwa, and because of Chimajis young age, Nana could continue as the regent for the new Peshwa. But now because of Sawai Madhavraos will and also because of the opposition from the other courtiers to this arrangement Nana had to back out. Apparently the fact that Chimaji a brother in law of Yashodabai be adopted as a son did not go down well with the courtiers, and also many resented the fact that this would give Nana another stint as a regent).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #000099;">Note: The Shanivarwada complex had a beautiful sixteen-petal-lotus shaped fountain: the Hazaari Kaaranje (fountain of a thousand jets). This unique fountain, was constructed for the pleasure of the infant Sawai Madhavrao. With the form of a sixteen petal lotus, each petal having sixteen jets with an eighty foot arch each.</span><br />
<span style="color: #000099;">Nihal Peth, a residential colony in Pune during the reign of Sawai Madhavrao, was renamed Nana Peth after Nana Phadanvis.</span><br />
<span style="color: #000099;">Nana Phadanvis also converted Bhawani Peth (previously known as Borevan) an residential colony built by Sambhajiraje into a commercial place and invited many traders to set up their storage facilities in that area.</span><br />
<span style="color: #000099;">Sardar Anandrao Laxmanrao Raste built Rasta Peth in Pune during the reign of Sawai Madhavrao.</span> </span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"> <span style="color: #009900;"></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #009900;">Note1: </span><strong style="color: #009900;">Nana Phadanvis</strong><span style="color: #009900;"> a.k.a Balaji Janardhan Bhanu was an old friend and confidante of the Bhat Peshwas. He was born at Satara. His family hailed from Velas, an village near Shrivardhan (Konkan region) , the ancestral village of the Bhat Peshwas. His grandfather, Balaji Mahadji Bhanu </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900; font-size: 14px;">(He was killed in a skirmish in the north while accompanying Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath to Delhi when attacked by the forces of Aminkhan) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900; font-size: 14px;">was promoted to the title of Phadanvis (Finance secretary) at the behest of Balaji Vishwanath Peshwe. Nana inherited the title from his grandfather during the time of Madhavrao (due to Nana's intelligence , competrancy and loyalty towards Madhavrao) Peshwe and was a die hard loyalist of that royal line. Nana virtually saved Sawai Madhavrao from the evil machinations of the Raghunathrao camp , as a result of which his reputation enchanced to a great extent. Nana Phadanvis acted as the regent of Sawai Madhavrao and was virtually the main decision maker of the Maratha kingdom during that time. It was then that the Maratha forces had inflicted a crushing defeat over the Nizam of Hyderabad at Kharda, when the latter had refused to honour his financial commitments to the Marathas.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"> <span style="color: #009900;">Nana Phadanvs was a person of frail disposition, but was an astute diplomat, responsible for keeping the Maratha kingdom afloat by providing leadership at a difficult juncture. A extremely religious person by nature, he was also very meticulous in his habits and was an extremely hardworking person.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #009900;">He understood the dangers of foreign powers like English and along with Hyder Ali and Nizam he tried to briddle them. However due to a lack of unity and coordination between the Indian powers the English proved to be difficult to handle.</span>
<span style="color: #009900;">Due to Nanas role in upstaging Raghunathrao, he was always hated by Raghunathraos son Bajirao II. Nana had once virtually imprisoned the sons of Raghunathrao at Shivner ,after the death of their mother Anandibai at Nasik ,in Apr,1794, lest they become instruments in the hands of his rivals. Moreover he distrusted the eldest son Bajirao II, because of the latters inert deviousness. This also added to Bajiraos dislike for Nana Phadanvis. Nana Phadanvis was imprisoned by Sardar Sakharam Ghatge and Peshwa Bajirao II in 1797, at Ahmednagar fort amidst political intrigues following the death of Madahvarao II (apparently Bajirao II had promised Daulatrao Scindia , huge amounts of money to stay put in Pune , as he feared that once Daulatrao leaves for Gwalior, Nana would once gain dethrone him. Bajirao II therefore advised Daulatrao to collect the promised sum from Nana, whom he accused of hoarding a lot of illicit wealth).But once Daulatrao discovered that he had been misled by Bajirao II, he once gain diverted his pressure towards him.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #009900;">Bajirao II now had no choice but to get Nana released (also because of some pressure exerted by Nanas allies like the Nizam) and reconcile with him. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #009900;">But the prison term had made Nana Phadanvis very weary and he was no longer his old self. Also, he never regained his old position thereafter.</span><br />
<span style="color: #009900;">Nana Phadanvis died on 13th March 1800 at Pune.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #009900;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: purple;">Note: Nana and Daulatrao Scindia always shared an uncomfortable relationship and due to the latters pressure he had to resign from office for sometime and take solace at Mahad. But the wily Nana was not a person to give up and used his diplomatic channels like Nizam,Tipu etc to once again get himself reseated as the Peshwas primary advisier.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #000099;">Note:Bajirao also imprisoned Yashodabai , his dead cousins widow, first at Purandar and later in Raigad. She later died in prison in 1811.</span><span style="color: #000099;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #009900;">Nana Phadanvis was called the ‘Indian Machiavelli’, by Grant Duff in his treatise on the Marathas, because of Nanas political manoueverings to maintain the sanctity of the seat of the Peshwas. Nana Phadanvis left behind two wives (Nana Phadanvis had married nine times. Only Bagubai and the fourteen year old Jiubai remained. Bagubai died within a month of her husbands death) , but no son (none of his children had survived infancy). After Nanas death the Peshwa Bajirao II had attached Nanas estates and confined his fourteen year old wife,Jiubai at Shanivar wada (Jiubai was later freed by Yashwantrao Holkar. She later came under the protection of the English who ensured her a pension.In 1827, she even adoped a son Madhavrao Bhanu).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #009900;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 14px;">During the time of Sawai Madhavrao the maratha kingdom was at its peak, mainly due to the competance of his nobles like Nana Phadanvis and Mahadji Shinde.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #009900;"><br /></span>
</span><strong>Sources: </strong>1. Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1701-1813 .Jaswant Lal Mehta (New Dawn Press - New Delhi )</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2. New Cambridge History of India: The Marathas, 1600-1818 By Stewart Gordon, Cambridge University Press.3. A History of the Maratha People by G.A.Kincaid and Rao Bahadur D.B.Parasnis (Humphrey Milford Oxford University Press).</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-63549066062995595542010-11-20T12:45:00.003-08:002015-06-28T04:36:56.925-07:00Peshwas (Part 3) : Peak of the Peshwas and their debacle at Panipat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJjvwYWOhs2pTG82SnbnWMLKNSCiCxhnO89U5ygWoDnRfwd0gCq2kg46Bn2v_mohzk4dD4BG4E0xpfsCGmBb25yMHfB9ho6zh-bEcyLUMFIwgMEw-nnMIRlxG33tufG1qTEzVh48dyG0p/s1600/balaji+bajirao.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Refer previous Peshwa articles to get a sense of continuity viz. Peshwas Part 1: Early Peshwas (Sonopant,Shyampant,Moropant,Nilopant,Bahirojipant,Ramchandrapant and Balaji Vishwanath Bhat), Part 2: Glory of the Peshwas (Bajirao I), Part 3: Peak of the Peshwas and Debacle at Panipat(Balaji Bajirao), Part 4: Strife within (Madhavrao, Narayanrao,Raghunathrao,Sawai Madhavrao), Part 5: Decline of the Peshwas (Bajirao II, Amritrao, Nanasahib).</span></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div>
Balaji Bajirao a.k.a Nanasaheb (b.12th Dec,1721-d.1761) was the son and successor of Bajirao I.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
His reign saw the zenith of the Maratha power and also the commencement of its decline.</div>
<div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Nanasaheb was the eldest son of Bajirao and Kashibai. After the death of Bajirao, Chatrapati Shahu declared his son Nanasaheb, the next Peshwa (25th June 1740).</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The crowning of a nineteen year old to the Peshwas post was met with opposition from the likes of <i>Raghuji Bhosale</i> of Nagpur <span style="font-size: x-small;">(refer note below on Raghuji Bhosale)</span> and <i>Babuji Naik Joshi</i> (an old rival of BajiraoI, incidently also a kin), an influential Pune banker. They expressed skepticism about the capacity of a teenager to lead the kingdom .<br />
But Shahu, keeping in mind the yeoman services to the Maratha kingdom of both Nanasahebs father, Bajirao I (and ofcourse the persistence shown by Chimaji appa, the uncle and guardian of Nanasaheb <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Refer note below</span>) and grandfather, Balaji Vishwanath , brushed aside all opposition.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Mhadoba Purandare a senior bureaucrat (and an confidante of the Bhat family) was made the Mutalik (deputy) to the young Peshwa.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Balaji Bajirao despite his young age wasn’t exactly a novice to statecraft. He had earlier accompanied his father and uncle in many expeditions (not to mention Shahus own expedition to Karnataka in 1737-38, and an expedition to northern India with Pilaji Jadhav).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
When Balaji Bajirao became a Peshwa, he was bereft of advice from seniors. His ailing uncle Chimaji appa had also died within months of his appointment as a Peshwa (and within a year of his fathers death) and his cousin Sadashivrao and brother Raghunathrao were quite young. But the young Peshwa held on to his own amidst several rivals.</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Chimaji appa was said to be a fatherlike figure for young Nanasaheb, especially after Bajirao I was accused of neglecting his family for his beloved concubine Mastani. However Chimajiappa too died within a year of his brothers death and Nanasaheb had to take over the reins of the entire family at a very young age.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAG6YUGGd8oXaOURorpTI0ZEF53xcsChaji7DSwvr_XWTGtO2CSdATxKbOmLV6VXIh69bWoSMxidvy4u0ojq5cH_dXtWkJGu9W9eI1Z_1JzO9KzQK57IG2gPDz-2L9khyphenhyphenX8RNPBHgPIKBz/s1600/raghuji_bhosale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Raghuji Bhosale</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <i>was from the clan of the Nagpur Bhosales . He was a kinsman of Ch. Shahu as both had taken sisters from the Mohite family as their respective wives (Sagunabai was the youngest Queen of Shahu and was from the Mohite clan).Raghuji had shown his resourcefulness in the campaigns in Berar and the south and he wieled considerable influence in the Maratha court.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Raghuji Bhosale hailed from the family of Mudhoji Patil of Deor ,Satara. Mudhoji had three sons Bapuji,Parsoji and Sabaji.Raghuji was the grandson of Bapuji. All these Bhosales had earlier distinguished themselves in the army of Shivaji.For the same, Parsoji the son of Mudhoji was given the right to collect chauth from Berar, which later passed on to Raghuji. </i></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Soon the Gond rajas of Berar also came under the influence of Raghuji and the latter became the all powerfull in Berar. Raghuji established himself in Nagpur, where he reigned nominally as the representative of the Gond prince from 1743 to 1755. By 1751 Raghuji had effected the conquest of the Deogarh territories of Chanda and Chhattisgarh. Ratanpur, the capital of the Haihaya kingdom, had fallen to the Bhosales in 1741 on the advance of his General, Bhaskar Pant, and four years later,the last Rajput Raja of that dyasty was deposed. The fort of Chanda was delivered up to Raghuji by the treachery of its Diwan in 1749 and two years later was finally ceded to him .</i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The kingdoms that later came under Raghujis dominion and paid him an annual tribute extended from Bengal to Orissa. When Raghuji had a friction with Peshwa Balaji Bajirao, Shahu brought about a rapproachment between the two by demarcarting (31st August 1743) their spheres of influence. The Peshwas were not to interfere in the region of influence of Raghuji Bhosale viz. in Nagpur , Berar and in the eastern parts of India viz Bengal and Orissa (and also Lucknow in the north). Whereas Ajmer,Agra,Prayag and Malwa were to remain in the Peshwas jurisdiction.</i></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Raghuji died in 1755.Raghuji was succeeded by his son Janoji. </i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note : On one occasion Balajis rivals had got the better of him and instigated Shahu to dismiss Balaji Bajirao from the post of the Peshwa (1746), but Shahu soon realized the innocence of Balaji in all the alleged wrongdoings and reinstated him in a matter of months (in 1747). </span></div>
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>War of succession for Shahus legacy and Peshwa becomes the supreme authority</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shahu did not have any legitimate sons to succeed him. His only son from Sagunabai had died in his infancy. This led to a succession war between his queens Sakwarbai and Sagunabai (d.1748).They both wanted their nominees to succeed Shahu.<br />
Sagunabai wanted her nephew Mudhoji Bhosale, son of Raghoji Bhosale (her sisters husband), to succeed Shahu.<br />
But Sakwarbai opposed her attempts as it meant an increase in the influence of Sagunabai.<br />
There was also a proposal to install Sambhaji II of Kolhapur (especially by the Peshwa Balaji Bajirao, thus uniting the two seats of Kolhapur and Satara) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">+</span> or his half brother Venkoji as the successors. But eventually it was Shahus old foe Tarabai (wife of Shahus uncle Rajaram) who won the succesion battle, brushing away all the other contestants. She managed to convince Shahu to adopt her grandson Ramraja and declare him his successor.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Sakwarbai had to commit Sati after Shahus death along with Shahus concubines. Sagunabai had died earlier (before Shahu's death).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note+: Shahu despite conciliating with his cousin Sambhaji was never comfortable with the idea of having him as his successor and he mentioned explicitly in his will that he chose Ramraja over Sambhaji as his successor. Sambhaji was quite old himself and did not have a male issue. That may have been the other reason.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
Tarabai initially controlled Ramraja . But after Ramraja came of age he started resenting his 'grandmothers' dominating nature and yearned for freedom of action.<br />
Friction between the Ramraja and Tarabai led to a point whereby Tarabai publicly disowned Ramraja , categorically stating that he was never her real grandson, but rather someone whom she had adopted and used to fill in the leadership void. This created a lot of illwill amongst the maratha nobles, as they had married off their daughters to Ramraja, only because Tarabai had declared him her grandson.<br />
Ramraja was greatly distressed because of Tarabai's words and the strain between them thereafter became quite apparent. Then onwards Ramraja started working in close unison with the Peshwa much to the dismay of Tarabai.<br />
In 1750 , Ramraja signed the critical 'Sangola' agreement, whereby he invested the Peshwa with more authority and reduced himself to being a titular king . This was in return for continuation of his rights as a Chatrapati and protection from machinations of Tarabai.<br />
But the gritty lady Tarabai, was not the one to give up so easily. She caused a coup d’etat and confined Ramraja to prison.<br />
The Peshwa felt it prudent not to act against Tarabai, as she was a respected and senior member of the royal family and a wife of an ex soveireign .Also added to his decision was the fact that he had to concentrate on the Nizam Nasir Jung who was creating mischief in Karnatak. He therefore simply tried to impress upon Ramraja to be patient and bide time until some alternate solution could be found.But as we saw the solution never came about and Ramraja continued to languish in prison.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
However the Peshwa did weaken Tarabais position by subduing her partizans like Pant Sachiv (the Peshwa took over the control of his fort Sinhagad), Pant Pratinidhi (his fort at Sangola was taken over), Yashwantrao Dabhade (confiscated his rights in Gujarat).<br />
Damaji Gaekwad who ( who along with his master Dabhade) had taken cudgels on behalf of Tarabai was also forced to submit.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Thereafter, Damaji duly transferred his allegiance to the Peshwa and the latter transferred half the control of Gujrat, which earlier was in the hands of Dabhades over to Damaji Gaekwad.</span></div>
<br />
Tarabai was eventually isolated. All her intrigues had failed and the grand old lady was forced to accept Peshwa Balaji Bajirao as the supreme authority in the Maratha kingdom (Sept 1751). However to both their credit, the relations thence between Tarabai and Balaji Bajirao remained cordial.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Tarabai categorically told the Peshwa that she stood by her statement that Ramraja was not her real grandson and wished that the Peshwa wouldnt interfere in her decision of keeping Ramraja in confinement. The Peshwa too did not want to disturb the staus quo and Ramraja continued being a prisoner of Tarabai until her death in 1761 (Balaji Bajirao too had died by then). The new Peshwa, Madhavrao (Balajis son and successor) then reinstated Ramraja as the Chatrapati at Satara.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Maratha Confederacy</strong><br />
Balaji Bajirao continued his fathers expansionist policy. He patronized many Maratha commanders who were instrumental in the steady expansion of the Maratha dominions. These Maratha commanders were later to carve out their own spheres of influence, which gained an semi independent status with allegiance to the Chhatrapati and his Peshwa.These commanders had the right to collect Chauth and Sardeshmukhi from various vassal kingdoms of India.This perpetrated a loose Maratha confederacy throughout India but also ensured maratha hegemony in the politics of the country.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Campaigns under Balaji Bajirao</strong><br />
Earlier in 1741, the young Peshwa had come to an understanding with Raja Sawai Jaisingh of Amber, whereby the latter secured from the mughal court , the continuation of the chauth and sardeshmukhi rights for Malwa ( This was after the death of Bajirao I) .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In 1742-43, the Peshwa led an expedition to Bengal. This was done at the behest of the Mughal court in exchange for the chauth rights of Malwa. The Mughal governor of Bengal, Nawab Alivardi Khan was perturbed with Raghuji Bhosale’s (who was acting independent of the Peshwas control) repeated raids in Bengal and had asked the Peshwa to check Raghujis growing influence in the east (in return Peshwa was promised chauth in Bengal). Raghuji being a rival of the Peshwa in the kings court, the Peshwa readily obliged the Mughal governor. In return for his service Alivardi Khan, paid the Peshwa a sum of twenty two lakhs.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Later Chatrapati Shahu later brought about reconciliation between Raghoji Bhosale and Peshwa Balaji Bajirao by clearly demarcating their spheres of influence. Raghuji was given the territories of Berar,Bengal,Orissa,Lucknow, Bihar while the Peshwa got Konkan,Malwa,Ajmer. Raghuji thereafter remained passive towards the Peshwa.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Other personal expeditions of Balaji Bajirao to the north were Bhilsa (1744-45) and Newai(1747-48).<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Maratha imperialism</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Then onwards Balaji Bajirao confined himself to the administration of his kingdom from Pune (moreso to consolidate his power base in the Deccan region) .<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note:His critics say that after the first ten years of hardwork, the Peshwa gave in to a life of pleasure and delegated the responsibility of the kingdom to his cousin Sadashivraobhau. But this criticism seems a little harsh, moreso because despite his perceived epicureanism, the Peshwa never neglected his administrative work and virtually transformed Pune into a sprawling city. From wherever he was stationed, he always had the final say in all major matters happening all over the country. Not to mention that he had to contend with some antagonistic politics ( indulged by Tarabai, Dabhade, Gaekwad, Pant Pratinidhi, Pant Sachiv and the Nizam) back home as well. Moreover he started concentrating on pursuing his dream of subjugating Karnataka, leaving the politcs of the north to his generals whom he had stationed there permanently.</span><br />
<br />
All the latter Maratha expeditions were carried forward by his commanders like Sadashivraobhau,Ranoji Scindia, Malharrao Holkar,Pilaji Jadhav,Yashwantrao Pawar, Gopalrao Patwardhan,Visaji Krishna Biniwale etc.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note:It has to be noted that there are no records of Balaji Bajirao having personally taken part in an armed conflict (even during his expeditions to the north).His role was more of a general who planned and executed campaigns.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In Dec 1746, Peshwa sent his force under his cousin Sadashivrao bhau (son of Chimajiappa) to chastise the Nawab of Savnur in Karnataka. The competant Bhau (as Sadashivrao was fondly called) subdued the Nawab with immediate effect and 'chauth' was levied in the regions between Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers.The Nizam ul Mulks army under his son Nasir Jung was also defeated in May 1747 by Bhau and his men.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Nizam ul Mulk died in May 1748 and was succeeded by Nasir Jung who thereafter adopted a conciliatory approach towards the Marathas, until his assassination in 1750 by his treacherous ally Muhammad Khan, the Nawab of Kadappa. He was succeeded by Muzzafar Jang in 1751 and thereafter by Salabat Jang.<br />
Salabat Jang renewed hostilities against the Marathas at the instigation of the French agent Bussy. The Nizams forces met reverses at the hands of the Marathas on each occasion.<br />
Later Ghaziuddin Sr brother of Salabat Jung sought the help of the Peshwa in toppling his brother. In return Salabat jang supported the forces of Sambhaji II and Tarabai against their common foe the Peshwa.<br />
But again the Peshwa proved the successful one.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Ghaziuddin Sr became a victim of the palace intrigues (he was poisened by his brother/stepmother) and Salabat Jung remained in power. However, Salabat concluded an armistice+ with the Peshwa. and even agreed to honour Ghaziuddins commitment to the Peshwa, whereby the latter was to be paid 15 lakhs along with territory west of Berar from Tapti to Godavari rivers.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note+:All this happened when one Sayyad Lashkar became the diwan of Salabat Jung and he weaned out the Nizam from the influence of the French.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This however proved shortlived as the French agent Bussy, soon had Sayyad Lashkar removed and once again gained access in the Nizams court.</span><br />
<br />
But in 1763, Salabat Jung himself was deposed and murdered by his brother Nizam Ali.<br />
In 1753, the Peshwas forces under Sadashivrao bhau (accompanied by a young Shamsher Bahadur, step brother of Peshwa Balaji Bajirao and Vishwasrao, Balajis son) renewed their southern operations. They attacked Srirangapattan near Mysore. The French and the Nizam had already established their influence in the Mysore court. They requested the Peshwa to make the Maratha forces spare Mysore from plunder.The Peshwa heeded their request and turned away.<br />
In 1754-55, the Maratha forces conquered Bagalkot,Harihar, Mundalgi and Bidnur.<br />
In 1756, Murrarao Ghorpade of Gooty who had switched sides with the Nizam entered into an alliance with the Nawab of Savnur,Karnool and Kaddappa and together they decided to resist the Maratha attempts to collect chauth.However all had to submit one by one, before the sword of the Marathas.<br />
From 1758-60, the Marathas freely collected chauth from all these regions in Karnataka.<br />
In 1756, the seven year war between the English and French had started. Much to the chagrin of Salabat Jung, his protector the French agent Bussy was recalled and Salabat feeling vulnerable switched sides to the English.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But before the English could consolidate their hold over Hyderabad, Peshwa ordered attack on the Hyderabad dominions in Oct,1759.<br />
Burhanpur,Asirgad,Daulatabad,Ahmednagar, and Bijapur fell to the Marathas.the final submission of the Nizam was at Udgir in 1760. The Nizam Salabat Jung soon sued for peace.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile in 1758, Hyder Ali had deposed the weak raja of Mysore. Marathas launched an assault on him and after a few skirmishes, subdued Hyder Ali.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
By 1753, the last vestiges of Mughals in Gujrat also disappeared after marathas under Damaji Gaekwad and Raghunathrao captured Ahmedabad.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note1: The Peshwa Balaji Bajirao is also criticised by many historians for taking English help to suppress insubordination by the Tulaji Angre. The Angres were traditionally the Admirals of Maratha Navy and this action weakened the Maratha navy to a great extent . It also provided a foothold for the English (who were till then fringe players) in the Indian politics. But from Peshwas point of view, the English were the rivals of the French, who actively supported the Peshwas enemy, the Nizam and the Peshwa therefore may have considered it prudent to make the enemy of his enemy a friend. Moreover, during that time the English were never considered as a potential enemy with a desire to rule but more as a trading community contented only with the fulfilment of their commercial rights.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note2: <b>Malharrao Holkar</b> (b.1693-d.1766) <i>was born in a dhangar (shephard caste) family at Jejuri(Pune district) to one Khandoji Holkar from Vir. He rose in the ranks of the Maratha army and served under Balaji Vishwanath ,Bajirao I as well as Balaji Bajirao. He was one of the commanders responsible for Maratha successes in the North. A brave warrior and a accompalished commander, he was one of the officers in charge f collecting revenue from Malwa. He established his headquarters at Indore, which was to be the capital of Holkar dominion in years to come. Malharrao was part of the Maratha succeses in Delhi,Malwa,Rajputana and Bassein. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Malharrao had earlier lost his son Khanderrao in an campaign against the Jats (though he reconciled with them in the interests of the Marathas). After Malharraos death at Alampur he was succeeded briefly by grandson Malerao, and because of Maleraos premature death within a year, by his legendary daughter in law Ahilyabai Holkar, who proved to be a capable and benevolent administrator and a social reformer and a builder of many social welfare institutions and temples. Ahilyabai is still deified in the areas ruled by the Holkars.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Malharrao also took part in the debacle of Panipat, where he is accused by many historians of retreating at a crucial juncture ( but Holkars defence was that it was done at the behest of his commander in chief Sadashivrao, after the fall of Vishwasrao in the battle. According to Malharrao, it was Sadashivaraobhau who ordered him to prioritise the safety of Parvatibai and the other civilians who were stuck in the thick of the battle. But the as er sequence of events Parvatibai was saved because of a loyal servant and she joined Holkars party much later ). But understanding the psyche of Malharrao Holkar, he was a man following the traditional gureilla style of warfare and the basic idea behind it was, if necessary retreating from battle if necessary and living to fight for another day.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Ahilyabais son was dead and when the succession question arose, Tukoji Holkar a distant kin and commander in chief became an obvious choice. But Ahilyabai was not so much in favour of Tukoji and would have preffered another successor (possibly an adopted son), if not for the pressure exerted from Pune (especially by Nana Phadanvis). But till Ahilyabai was alive she had a strong backing from Mahadji Scindia of Gwalior whom Malharrao had extracted a promise from at his deathbed, that he would always support Ahilyabai. Hence despite opposition from even Raghunathrao, Mahadji continued to support Ahilyabai. Nana supported Ahilyabais rival Tukoji , as he wanted to weaken Mahadji (Nana's court rival), by propping up a powerfull person like Tukoji Holkar in the northern politics.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Thus, rivalry continued between Tukoji Holkars descendents and Mahadjis descendents for years to come and the advantage of this rivalry was taken by the British.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Marathas in the North</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
With the weakening of the Mughal power (which remained restricted between Attock and Delhi & parts of Gangetic Doab), the Marathas were now looked upon as the most powerful force in India.+</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The services of the Marathas were even sought by the Mughal wazir Safdar Jung , who was facing a threat to his position from the emperor himself (influenced by his mother Udhambai and her aide Javed Khan the eunuch. Not to mention the help they sought from Nizam Nasir Jang of Hyderabad and the threats from the Pathans of the Doab who harboured dreas of reviving the Afghan rule at Delhi) in return they were promised lands in the north. This led to a conflict of interest with the Rajputs and the Jats who were also vying for those regions. This was to prove detrimental for the Marathas in the third war at Panipat.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: <b>Jayappa Scindia</b> was murdered in Nagore,Rajasthan in 1759, when he was involved in solving the succession dispute of the royal throne of Jodhpur.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note+: The northern powers knew that marathas werent colonialists and would never usurp their thrones. They were only present in the north for the sake of revenue generation and hence were looked upon as mercenaries.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In 1750, the Rohillas and the Bangash pathans of Farukhabad had risen in rebellion against their Mughal masters.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Rohillas were Afghan pathans hailing from regions of northwest frontier and Afghanistan who had settled in northern India.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Hence the wazir(Safdar Jang,Nawab of Awadh) of the Mughal emperor, sought the help of the Marathas in suppressing these revolts. The Marathas (Shinde-Holkars) sprang to Safdarjangs rescue and in the 1751 Farukhabad battle, quashed the Bangash-Rohila (Pathan) combine. However when Safdar Jang was unable to keep his renumeration promises to the marathas (and also dillydallied over the issue of handing over the hindu pilgrimage sites of Kashi and Prayag to the marathas). The emperor also decided to do away with Safdar Jang and seduced the maratha agents Hingne and Antaji Mankeshwar (with promises of the subahs of Avadh and Allahabad)to help him further his interests.A new wazir Intizam-ud-daulla was also decided upon .Mir Bakshi Imad ul mulk Gaziuddin Jr (grandson of Nizam ul Mulk who established the kingdom of Hyderabad and son of his eldest child Gaziuddin Sr) too threw in his lot with the emperor.As did </span>Najibudaulla Khan Rohilla, a<span class="Apple-style-span">n rival of Safdar Jang and Madhosingh of Jaipur. Safdarjangs only supporter was Surajmal Jat whose Gosavi forces were also routed by the imperial forces.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Safdarjang was thereafter forced to retire to Avadh.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note1:Gaziuddin Sr had earlier sought the help of the marathas in the succession battle with his brother Salabat Jang, but was poisened to death by his step mother.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note2: Earlier Gaziuddin Jr was elevated to the position of Mir Bakshi by Safdarjung himself, who was then the Wazir. But Ghaziuddin wasnt a person of high moral values and he soon turned against his patron.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note3: Eventually the promised subahs of Avadh and Allahbad were never delivered to the marathas, as the emperor had already managed to subdue Safdarjang, who later sought pardon and agreed to retire to his province of Avadh forever. Safdarjang died within a years time.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Prelude to the Third War of Panipat</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In 1752, the Afghan king Ahmed Shah Abdali invaded Punjab and took over its possession. He then proceeded towards Delhi and demanded fifty lakhs as a tribute from the mughal emperor. The Mughal emperor then pleaded for help to the Marathas and a formal treaty (with the Maratha commanders Malharrao Holkar and Jayappa Scindia) was signed between them (fifty lakhs to be paid to the Marathas along with chauth of Punjab and Sind), seeking their immediate assistance viz.the "<i>Ahadnama pact</i>" (<i>Ahamdiya</i>). Thereafter Safdar Jang hastened to Delhi with a fifty thousand strong Maratha army. By then Abdali had already retracted to Afghanistan after the the panic stricken mughal emperor ceded Lahore and Multan to him.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note. Punjab was bravely defended against the afghans by its Mughal Governor Mir Mannu , but seeing no help coming from the emperor and his wazir (who was a court rival of Mir Mannu), despite deperate pleas for reinforcements, he switched sides to the Afghans.</span><br />
<br />
The Mughal emperor wasnt in a position to keep the promises made by his wazir to the marathas. This created bad blood between the emperor and his wazir, when the latter accused his emperor of doublespeak and acting on the advice of his rival at the court, the eunuch Jawed Khan, chief of the royal guards.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Marathas on the other hand refused to vacate Delhi, unless the emperor and his wazir honoured their agreement and pay them fifty lakhs as promised. When this couldn’t be arranged the Marathas (moreso their mercenary army of Pindaris) freely plundered Delhi much to the dismay of the emperor and his wazir.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
By then Ghaziuddin Sr the brother of Salabat Jang, the new Nizam ul Mulk had staked claim to Hyderabad and had sought the help of the Peshwas. The Marathas then forced the Mughal emperor to issue a sanad recognizing Ghaziuddin as the Nizam ul Mulk and Mughal subedar in Deccan. In return Gaziuddin promised to pay 30 lakhs to the Peshwa on behalf of the emperor of Delhi as part payment towards the earlier mentioned treaty. Also had been promised a governorship of Ajmer and Agra (which were earlier promised to the Rajputs and the Jats). Also the earlier promised chauth from Punjab and Sind was also a part of Abdalis possessions. Hence the treaty between Delhi and the Marathas still remained unfulfilled.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Then, ten thousand Maratha troops were left behind in Delhi under the Maratha commander, Antaji Mankeshwar, while the rest returned back to their respective posts. The Peshwa also sent Mahadev Pant Hingane to the Delhi court to act as his representative.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In 1754, the Mughal emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur was virtually made a prisoner (his advisor Jawed Khan had been murdered earlier by Safdar Jang) by Safdar Jang. But then Safdar Jang himself was removed in a coup.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Marathas had wanted the control of the Hindu pilgrimage sites of Varanasi and Allahbad, which were in the jurisdiction of Safdar Jung. But the wazir wasnt willing to part with them, something which did not go well with the Marathas. But the mughal emperor cleverly ceded them to the marathas , much to the dismay of his wazir. The wazir Safdar Jung rebelled against the emperor and the Jats assisted his cause. Then Imad ul Mulk Gaziuddin Jr implored the Marathas to come to their rescue in the name of the Ahamdiya treaty. The Marathas who were already feeling slighted over Safdar Jungs refusal to hand over Varanasi/Allahbad decided to take the call in favour of the emperor. But before they reached Delhi, Safdar Jung and the Jats were routed by the imperial forces led by Najib Khan Rohilla. However the emperor forgave Safdar Jang and Surajmal . But Imad ul Mulk wasnt contented and wanted to finish off his rivals. So he again asked the Marathas to carry out that task for him (also promising them the moon). In 1754, Raghunathrao the brother of the Peshwa and his deputy, Malharrao Holkar led an army against the Jat King, Raja Badan singh and his commander (and son) Suraj Mal. While the seige of the Jat fort was on, Malharrao lost his son Khanderao to a stray cannonball fired from the Kumher fort. A vindictive Malharrao came down heavily on the Jats. The Jats sued for peace.</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The Jats implored Jayappa Scindia to use his influence with the Peshwas brother, Raghunathrao to pacify Malharraos ire. Eventually Raghunathrao prevailed on Malharrao to come to terms with the Jats and the Marathas settled with thirty lakh rupees as war indemnity to be paid in three installments. In return the Jats were allowed to eat into mughal provinces. The Jats thereafter maintained friendly relations with the Marathas.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">But all this definately made the Marathas lose the valuable support of their erstwhile ally the Nawab of Awadh (Safdar Jang and his son Shujauddaullah). Something they might have desperately wanted in the battle of Panipat (in the near future).</span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note3:Abdali had returned to India not just for pillage but also in response to the pleas of Najib and Shah Waliullah, a muslim cleric from Delhi who had given the clarion call of Islam in danger after the advent of the marathas in the north (in addition to other hindu forces like Jats and Rajputs) , imploring Abdali for assistance in vanquishing them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
Imad ul Mulk Gaziuddin (Jr) proved even worse for the emperor. Fearing a realignment between Ahmad Shah and his ex wazir Safdar Jang, the new wazir deposed the emperor and installed in his place Alamgir II. Imad ul Mulk then tried to repossess the territories of Punjab which had earlier been taken by Abdali. Abdali then reinvaded Delhi in 1756.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note:Abdali had also been enticed by Mughlani begum, the widow of Mir Mannu who provided Abdali with details of the riches of Delhi. ( Mir Mannu was the ex governor of Punjab after whose death Gaziuddin occupied Punjab and deposed Mughlani begum. She had since sworn to depose Gaziuddin and asked Abdali for help). Najib Khan, the Mir Bakshi had also secretly sent his representatives to Abdali asking him to invade Delhi and rid it of the Marathas. Earlier the erstwhile emperor Muhammed Khans queen Mallika Zaman had complained to Najib of her plight after the pindari bands associated with the maratha army had robbed her of her belongings and Gaziuddin himself had deprived her of her basic pensions.Najib then had promised to help out the ex queen.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Meanwhile in 1757, Abdali was advancing towards Delhi. The Maratha commander Antaji Mankeshwar repulsed the first attack by Abdali. But the Maratha party while returning back was ambushed by Najibuddaullah Khan the Chief of Sahranpur, who acted as an double agent for Abdali (while simultaneously professing loyalty to the mughal throne).<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Najibuddaullah was a Yusufzai Afghan migrant who took service in the mughal army. He rose to the position of the chief of Sahranpur (he was married to the daughter of another Mughal noble, a Rohilla chief named Dunde Khan). Najibs intelligence and courage impressed both the Mughal emperor and Imad ud Daullah and he was made the Mir Bakshi. He was amongst the main architects of the war of Panipat and had orchestrated not just the arrival of Abdali in India but also the conclusion of the war with the marathas.</span><br />
<br />
This created panic in the mughal ranks and Imad ul Mulk too surrendered Delhi to Abdali. The maratha envoy Mahadev Pandit Hingane aka Raja Bapu the agent of the Peshwa, was imprisoned, but he later escaped from captivity.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Abdali then entered Delhi virtually unchallenged.Abdali then plundered Delhi. The mughal royalty and nobles were virtually divested of all their wealth and their womenfolk were made a part of the Afghan harem.<br />
Meanwhile the Peshwa Balaji Bajirao dispatched a Maratha army (under his brother Raghunathrao and Malharrao Holkar as his deputy) to take on Abdali and his '<i>gilchas</i>' (a maratha term for the afghans). But Raghunathrao was slow in his movements (he believed he did not have the requisite streangth to take on Abdalis larger army and said to have spent considerable time capturing forts/ collecting funds in Rajputana) , and Abdali raped and pillaged the countryside.<br />
Abdalis troops even ravaged the Jat territory of Mathura. A genocide of hindus followed and their holy places were descecrated. It is said Abdali paid his men for every severed Hindu head.<br />
Abdali also asked the Jat raja Surajmal to cough out a heavy sum, which the Jat king refused and the afghans continued with the massacares in the Jat country.<br />
The river Yamuna changed colours to blood red as heaps of mutilated corpses were thrown in the Yamuna. But as fate would have it this also gave rise to the cholera epidemic and it took its toll in the afghan camp. The summer heat also made matters worse for the afghans.<br />
These natural calamities and the news of a rebellion back in his home town, prompted Abdali's decision to return back to Afghanistan, but not before threatening the Jat king Surajmal to come back to finish matters.<br />
This unsettled the Jat king and he started thinking in terms of taking Maratha protection.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile before returning to Afghanistan, Abdali allowed Imad ul Mulk to continue as the wazir, but also created another power, in the form of Najib- ud- daullah Khan as the Mir Bakshi to watch over the wazir.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note:The Afghan army on their way back was looted by the roving Sikh bands. The Afghans in retaliation descerated their temples in Amritsar.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">After Abdalis departure,what followed was a struggle for complete power between Gaziuddin Jr and Najib khan. Earlier Qutub Shah the preceptor of Najib had attacked Imads house in Delhi and dishonoured his women folk. Imad thereafter swore vengeance against Najib. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">However Najib had become too powerfull and Gaziuddin Jr had to flee Delhi. He took along with him his puppet emperor Alamgir II as a security (and a prisoner) . </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Eventually </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Alamgir II was murdered by Gaziuddin after the latter intercepted letters sent by the emperor to Abdali asking him to relieve himself from the clutches of Gaziuddin . It is to be noted that Alamgir II sent similar letter to the Peshwa as well complaining about his overbearing wazir and seeking maratha help in his removal.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Gaziuddin Jr continued his attempts to regain control of Delhi. He also succeeded briefly to install Shah Jehan II .</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Also the growing proximity between Imad ul Mulk Ghaziuddin and the Marathas made Shujaudaulla (son of Safdar Jung and Gaziuddins rival) , wary and suspicious of the Marathas.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile the Marathas advanced and Abdali retreated. Marathas took over Doab and Meerat. They rode through the Rohila territory and plundered it to their content.<br />
They soon marched unto Delhi and removed Najibud daullah Rohila.<br />
<br />
Najib was said to have bribed Holkar to escape from Delhi (Najib apparently sweet talked Malharrao calling him a father like figure and asked for his protection). Raghunathrao was too young to oppose the veteran Malharraos decision and despite his reservations allowed Najib to get away.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note1: Things between Malharrao Holkar and his commander Raghunathrao had not remained hunkey dory as Raghunathrao suspected Najibuddaullah of having bribed Malharrao Holkar to seek his leniency. Already there was friction between the two as Malharrao resented taking orders from a much younger Raghunathrao. Ealier because of Raghunathraos (cajoled by Jayappa Scindia) insistence Malharrao had to make a treaty with Surajmal Jat, despite the fact that the Jats had killed Malharraos son Khanderao. This also added to the effect.Also relations between Najib and Malharrao Holkar were very cordial and others believed that Malharrao was deliberately being lenient towards Najib.Malharao is also accused (by a section of historians) of deliberately keeping the threat of Najib alive to counter any moves in the future (if at all they were made) by Peshwa and Scindia. Najib also repaid his debt to Malharrao Holkar by letting his armies escape from the battlefield of Panipat.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note2: Later, the Marathas under Raghunathrao rushed the maratha armies to Delhi. They chased the Afghans (including Abdalis son Taimur) right upto the northwest frontier (at the request of the mughal governor of Jallandhar Adina Beg and the Sikhs). The Marathas (Raghunathrao,Manaji Paygude, Sabaji Shinde) held sway over the north. (Attock,Lahore,Peshwar,Multan,Sirhind etc) for over a year(Nov 1758-Mar 1759). But Raghunatrao true to maratha character started feeling homesick (It is to be noted, that Marathas were never comfortable being colonisers and always yearned for their homeland) and returned to Deccan. Also contributed were other factors like the fact that Marathas didnt want to be seen as a occupying force and create friction with the locals. Moreover they didnt have the resources to sustain a large army in Punjab. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">So Raghunathrao left behind a small garrison under Sabaji Shinde to defend Punjab and returned to Pune. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Abdali had left little to loot in the north and t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">here was little the marathas themselves gained from this expedition to Punjab besides a ego boost of planting the Maratha flag atop the Attock fort. So all Raghunathrao had done was drive away the afghans from Punjab at the cost of his own men and n the process incurring a additional debt of eighty eight lakhs. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note3: As Abdali was busy in Afghanistan quelling his internal rebellions, the Marathas never expected him to return back so soon.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Meanwhile Najib the wily fox was all the time pretending to be wanting to reconcile with the Marathas, but at the same time maintaining secret correpondence with Ahmed Shah Abdali, apprising him about the maratha movements. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: The task entrusted to Dattaji by the Peshwa was to secure Punjab and head toward east India to collect the revenues.Dattaji trusted Najib to build a bridge (Pontoon bridge-floating bridge of boats) for him across the Ganga to head towards the east. Though Najib overtly promising help to the marathas , covertly sought Abdalis help to remove the marathas from the north. He dillydallied citing heavy monsoons as the reason for his inability to make the bridge, but all the while apprising the Afghans of maratha positions and waiting for their armies to arrive. </span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Before t</span>he marathas could realise what was happening, the Afghans had re entered India and regained most of the posts they had lost earlier to the Marathas including Delhi. The small maratha garrisons left behind were easily surrmounted.<br />
<br />
Abdalis general Jahan Khan even surprised and routed away a contingent of Malharrao Holkar at Sikandarabad.<br />
Holkar then had to seek refuge at Bharatpur , a province of his erstwhile foe Surajmal Jat.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note:Rohillas hailed from the Roh mountains in Afghanistan, hence the name.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Dattaji realised Najibs duplicity (through Sabaji Shinde who had returned from Punjab), albeit too late. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Then in order to chastise Najib , Dattaji (along with Govindpant Bundele and Sabaji Shinde) laid seige on Najibs fort at Shukratal. However </span>Najib defended the fort till help came in form of the nearby Rohilla chiefs and also Shuja of Oudh (*). Soon Najib was reinenforced by the Rohilla and Oudh army and Shuratal seige became more untenable. Thats when Dattaji decided to withdraw the Shukratal seige and concentrate on preventing Abdali from crossing the Yamuna. But that was not to be.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Najib wasnt particularly liked by his fellow Rohillas and other Bangash pathans as well and was considered a upstart.But the fear of Marathas gaining ground in the north compelled them to support Najibs cause.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note*: Shuja feared that the marathas may force him to cede the hindu pilgrimage sites of Prayag and Benares, which were being contended since the time of his father Safdarjang. Hence he joined Najib in warding off the marathas.</span><br />
<br />
Dattaji wrote to Malharrao Holkar (who was busy laying a seige on Jaipur against Madho singh) to join him with immediate effect. But Najib also maintained secret correspondence with the Jaipur raja asking him to delay Holkar at Jaipur.<br />
Meanwhile, Najib and the Rohillas managed to slip away and join Abdalis army (which had avoided Dattajis army and joined Najib at Sahranpur), thus swelling the enemy numbers.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Though Dattaji Shinde the maratha commander </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(who was supporting Gaziuddin)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> had instructed the mughal wazir Gaziuddin to streanthen the defences of Delhi </span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">( Dattaji had also despatched his artillery for the defence of Delhi and even sent his family there for the safety ) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">and hold on the Afghans till reinforcements arrive. But Gaziuddin fled seeing maratha reverses (sought refuge with the Jats at Bharatpur), leaving the Delhi gates open for the Afghans. </span></div>
</div>
<br />
Though Dattaji sent contingents to check the Afghan army , they met with reverses near Thaneshwar.<br />
The sword weilding maratha army faced a rout at the hands of the Afghan musketeers. Dattaji then took a halt at Sonepat before taking on the Afghans directly at Buradi ghat (Sabaji Shindes son Bayaji was also killed in battle). However on Jan 1760, Dattaji himself was wounded by a Afghan bullet in battle and found himself surrounded by the enemy. Dattaji was then decapitated by the Najibs aide and preceptor, Qutub Shah and his head was presented to Abdali. Dattajis nephew Jankoji was also wounded in the battle and taken away to safety.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note1:Jankoji Shinde recovered from his battle wounds and later joined Sadashivraobhaus army at Panipat.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Note2 : <i>Abdalis route= Kabul/Kandahar-Peshawar- crossed Indus at Attock-Rawalpindi-Lahore-Jalandhar-Sirhind-crossed Yamuna at Budhia ghat-Saharanpur-Baghpat (Deeg-chased Holkars troops at Rewari- surprised Holkars troops at Sikanderabad-Aligarh-Anupshahr-Shahadara )-crossed Yamuna Gauripur- Panipat</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHy6YX1ufq8fbf1Oz-rGuJFtZ7YdCjdi6lxaHj4oURTwMj2pxwPPdjaueeAd8eiyxuio7Zo-FcUh658CB9y51SA1eJp0IOBO8KyBp9Xd2Kudl4qgkfekSwYj4g1kVq3y27u7zk8MVI8TU/s1600/afghan+maratha+routes+2+panipat+Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHy6YX1ufq8fbf1Oz-rGuJFtZ7YdCjdi6lxaHj4oURTwMj2pxwPPdjaueeAd8eiyxuio7Zo-FcUh658CB9y51SA1eJp0IOBO8KyBp9Xd2Kudl4qgkfekSwYj4g1kVq3y27u7zk8MVI8TU/s400/afghan+maratha+routes+2+panipat+Picture1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Arrival of Sadashivraobhau in the north</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
The Peshwa then dispatched ++ his cousin Sadashivrao Bhau and his nineteen year old son Vishwasrao (as per some bakhars, allegedly at the insistence of the Peshwas wife Gopikabai, who thought Sadashivrao might hog all the credit in course of a victory+), to supervise the operations. Vishwasrao however had a healthy respect for his uncle and Sadashivrao also looked upon him as his protege.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note++ Some historians maintain that Malharrao Holkar had effected a treaty between Abdali and the Marathas, but the Peshwa hadnt forgotten Dattaji Shindes death or perhaps did not want Holkar to get the credit for the treaty fearing the growth of Holkars influence in the north. Hence he wanted his own man to effect a treaty with Abdali. Also negotiate with Shuja over Hindu pilgrimage centres in the north which were under his control. Historians say that An=bdali after the treaty with Holkar was packing his bags to leave fr Afghanistan. But when Najib heard of Sadashivraos army approaching from the south, he got fearful of his own safety and persuaded Abdali to stay further.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note+: G S Sardesai however maintains that sending Vishwasrao to the north was entirely the Peshwas own decision, so that Vishwasrao could get the requisite experience in the north, while other versions claim that Bhau asked for Vishwasraos presence as the Peshwas son would provide some weight to Bhau's own authority.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: It was decided </span>at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Partur (near Jalna)</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">that Sadashivrao should lead the northern campaign (titular/nominal leadership with Vishwasrao)..</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Accompanying him were nobles like Balwantrao Mehendale (Sadashivraos brother in law , brother of Bhaus first wife Umabai and a close aide(<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">ref.Kincaid</span>) Note:Some accounts mention Mahadji Bhanu to be the father of Umabai- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">ref.Oak</span>), Nana Phadanvis, Nana Purandare, Damaji Gaekwad, Shamsher Bahadur (Peshwa Bajirao I s son from his muslim wife Mastani) etc. Other nobles like Visaji Krishna etc stayed behind with the Peshwa at Pune (ostensibly to keep a watch on the Nizam of Hyderabad, their old vacillating foe).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note1: <b>Sadashivraobhau</b> <i>was the son of the valourous Chimaji appa, the younger brother of Peshwa Bajirao I. His father died when he was young and was raised in the Peshwa household. After gaining adulthood he took charge as the diwan of the Peshwa (after a stint with Raghuji Bhosle and as Peshwas representative in Ch.Shahu's Satara court where he learnt the art of administration under Ramchandrababa Shenvi an ex Scindias employee , who took up service in the Peshwas court court. Ramchandrababa also wanted his protege to take a job offer at the Kolhapur court, but the Peshwa realising the danger in the same,recalled him to Pune and made him the diwan ). Known to be a very competant and principled administrator, a hard task master, Sadabhau or simply Bhau as he was populularly called was apt with the sword as well as the pen. He won for the Peshwa the battles of Ajra, northern Karnataka and humbled the Nizam of Hyderabad at the battle of Udgir. He also added the legendary fort of Daulatabad to the maratha empire.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note2: Though Sadashivraobhau was flush with confidence after his successfull campaign in the south, he didnt have much knowledge about the terrain or climate in the north. Moreover he was hampered by the ever present fiscal debt of the marathas and the infighting between his own captains. The fiscal situation also didnt improve on the way, as the local kings dithered from paying their revenues to the marathas citing previous payments already made to the Afghans. Basically they were waiting for the outcome of the final war between the marathas and the afghans , before deciding on whom to make the payment to. Even the experienced maratha revenue collectors in the north like Govindpant Bundele, were unable to meet the demands of their army and couldnt even provide the requisite boats required for crossing the rivers like Gambhira (Bhau also wanted Bundele to cut off the Afghan supplies from the Rohilla Doab region. But Govindpant found difficulty on that count as well. Many angry as well as frantic pleas from Bhau to Bundele and v.v are recorded ). All these reasons slowed down Bhaus movements and it took him almost 120 days to reach Panipat, while his rival Abdali already had the advantage of being present earlier at crucial junctures, not to mention the overt and the covert support from the resident Afghans and other northern chiefs in north India coupled with a comparitively better financial position with help coming from many quarters.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note3: It is said that the Jats and Gaziuddin didnt want Sadashivrao Bhau to enter the north ,as they suspected him to prove inimical to their scheme of things. But the threat of Abdali being imminent they couldnt do without Maratha presence in the north either. So it is alleged that they bribed the diwans of Shinde and Holkar (Dabholkar and Chandrachud) to dissuade Sadashivrao from entering north (especially controlling Delhi) but to send his army to the north instead. Apparently Sadashivrao bhau got a inkling of things and matters didnt go as per their plans.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In July 1760, the Maratha commander Sadashivrao bhau entered Delhi (resistance was minimal and the pathans under Yakub Khan who were guarding Delhi were soon routed by the heavy artillery of Ibrahim Gardi). </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note1: Gaziuddin had murdered the emperor Alamgir II on an earlier occassion and installed Shah Jehan II as his puppet emperor. But Marathas deposed Shah Jehan II and declared the previous emperor Alamgir IIs son Ali Gauhar (who had taken refuge with Shuja and later the British) as the emperor and he came to be known as Shah Alam II.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Later Shah Alam II was deposed after a confrontation with the British, only to be reinstalled by the Marathas (Mahadji Shinde brother of Dattaji Shinde) in 1772 .Mahadji Shinde was to act as his regent for the next decade or more.</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Note2: <i>Sadashivraos route= Udgir-Patdur (Partur near Jalna where Vishwasrao was declared nominal head with executionary leadership being placed with Sadashivrao)-Sindkhed-Burhanpur (all aratha sardars assembled here. Burhanpur was gateway to the north)-Handia-Sehore-Berasia-Seronj-Aron-Narwar-Gwalior-crossed Chambal river nr Dholpur- Muchkand teerth - crossed Gambhir (a flooded Gabhira river ear Dholpur delayed maratha march for a month- Govindpant Bundele unable to provide boats).n Banganga rivers- Agra-Mathura (wasted a lot of time visiting pilgrimage sites)- Delhi - Kunjpura-on way to Kurukshetra (returns amidst news of Abdali crossing Yamuna)-Panipat</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
As per some historians, Sadashivrao Bhau was over confident of the Maratha might and behaved high handedly with the people from the north (however many historians dispute this and maintain that Sadashivrao did try to convince the Jats, but because the Jats were refused control of Agra, they abstained from the war. The Marathas also no longer trusted Gaziuddin with the wazirship and were said to be entertaining thoughts of making Shujauddaula of Awadh, the next wazir.Therefore, both Surajmal and Gaziuddin decamped from Delhi without informing Sadashivraobhau.<br />
The Rajputs anyways werent very keen on helping the marathas whom they viewed as outsiders, extortionists and threats to their own sovereignity. Earlier the marathas had involved themselves the succession war between brothers Ishwari singh and Madhosingh for the Jaipur throne which had led to the death of Ishwari singh. Ishwari singh and Madho singh each were supported by different rival factions amongst the Marathas viz. Jayappa Scindia supported Ishwari singh while Malharrao Holkar supported Madho singh. To ascend their thrones, the Rajput princes had earlier accepted the heavy demands by the marathas in return for their help. But later found meeting the maratha demands too cumbersome (also the mughal emperor had ceded the governorship of Ajmer to the marathas, which wasnt particularly liked by the Rajputs).This culminated in friction between the Rajputs and the Marathas. Eventually the Peshwa had to intervene and the Scindia had to back out from his support to Ishwari and eventually the Holkar ensured that Madho singh became the king of Jaipur, much to the chagrin of Jayappa Scindia. Later Jayappa demmanded a portion of the Jaipur kingdom from Madho singh as a compensation. Madho singh having achieved his purpose, now was finding the marathas too cumbersome.Also he resented the fact that the Marathas were given the governorship of Ajmer, something for which he was a contender as well. Madho singh thus wanted the Marathas out of the northern regions.<br />
Madho singh then invited both the Shinde as well as the Holkars to dine in his palace. Madho singh had wanted to poisen the meal and do away with the maratha threat once in for all. But Jayappa Scindia declined the invitation and Madho singhs plan fell through.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note1: Madho singh of Jaipur even instigated the lynching of a Maratha contingent in his region. The Marathas wanted to chastise Madho singh for this act, but due to the Ahadnama agreement with the Mughal, they were diverted to ward of the Afghan threat. As a result Madho singh heaved a sigh of relief.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note2: Later, Jayappa Scindia involved himself in another rajput succesion imbroglio, this time in the kingdom of Jodhpur. It however resulted in his murder by the disaffected party of Bijay singh.</span><br />
<br />
Also, Madhosingh of Jaipur surreptiously gave a written undertaking to Abdali that he would not help the Marathas and on the contrary help him in his quest against the marathas. Thus Rajput support to the Marathas didnt come about and on the contrary was provided to their enemy.<br />
The Sikhs (Sardar Ala singh in particular) were also threatened by Abdali against sending supplies to the marathas.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;">Surajmal , the Jat Raja had earlier promised help, but he insisted on the increased control of Delhi and the retainership of the Agra fort (something Sadashivbhau wasnt very forthcoming about and wanted the decision to be postponed till the war with the Afghans was over. Also the Jats and Gaziuddin suspected that Sadashivrao wanted Shujauddaullah as the wazir of Delhi and not Gaziuddin as Sadashivrao viewed Gaziuddin as too unreliable, especially after his flight at the arrival of the Afghans and leaving Dattaji Shinde in the lurch . </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;">Note, it is said that Shujas men were secretly maintaining contact with Sadashivraobhau. Negotiations were going on between Shuja and Sadashivraobhau to exchange the long pending demand of the marathas for the sacred places of Allahbad and Varanasi to be exchanged for the wazirship of Delhi (as per the instructions of the Peshwa Balaji Bajirao himself).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;">The duo also suspected that Sadashivrao will agree to Shujas bidding for the replacement of Gaziuddins and Surajmals puppet emperor Shah Jehan III with Shah Alam II, son of Alamgir II a the emperor who was earlier murdered by Gaziuddin Jr). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;">With no firm promises from Sadashivraobhau forthcoming, an slighted Surajmal and Gaziuddin decamped from Delhi at the middle of the night and thereafter stayed away from the battle</span><span style="font-size: 14px;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note. Surajmal Jat and Imad ul Mulk Gaziuddin who once were foes had reached an secret understanding to keep the marathas away from Delhi and using a puppet mughal emperor as a front, control most of the affairs of Delhi. But the Peshwa and Bhau, no longer trusted Gaziuddin and wanted to use the post of the wazir of Delhi as a bargaining chip to negotiate with Shujauddaula in exchange for the Hindu pilgrimage sites of Benares and Allahbad. Shuja himself was keen on a agreement with the marathas as he was an reluctant ally of the Afghans and wished heart in heart that the Afghans reach an agreement with the Marathas and return back to Afghanistan. This sentiment was also echoed by some Rohila chiefs like Hafeez Rehmat Khan. However it was not be as the persistence shown by Najib Khan made Abdali stay behind. Najib laid down such conditions (Afghans wanted Sirhind as the boundary between the Marathas and the Afghans and Najb back as the Mir Bakshi, whereas Marathas wanted the Indus to be made the demarcation and Najib ousted from the scene altogether) that the marathas couldnt accept at any cost. Hence a compromise between the Marathas and the Afghans could never be reached.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"> The marathas thus found themselves isolated and without supplies. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">Also to pay off the armys wages (especially to quell the disgruntlement amongst the mercenaries within the maratha army), as well as support their own dependents and the mughal royals, the marathas had to sell off the embellishments (the canopy) on the emperors bejewelled throne (earlier half of the embellishments were already removed by Imad ul Mulk GaziuddinJr, Nadir Shah of Iran and Ahedshah Abdali). *</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note*: It was actually the silver of the ceiling of diwan e khas that was removed by Bhau to mint coins to pay his army. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Maratha army had camped itself in woods in the vicinity of present day Shankar road Delhi) as also present day Peshwa road in Delhi.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">This irked many so called mughal loyalists who considered it the high handedness of the Marathas. But it can be concluded that Sadashivrao had little options as there were no other sources of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">funds </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">forthcoming from anywhere.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: because of the war clouds the farmers too werent in a position to pay revenue. Abdalis earler invasions had also left the people impoverished. Also many moneylenders had fled town in the course of the impending war situation.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Nawab Ahmad Shah Bangash of Farukhabad had already switched sides to Abdali.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Shuja ud daullah, the Nawab of Awadh</span> also switched sides towards the Afghans (despite his mother Badrunissa begum advising him to take sides with the marathas) and inspite of his distrust towards the Sunni Afghans (afterall his father Safdar Jung had opposed Abdali during his earlier expedition and the young nawab feared the afghans vindictiveness) and moreso Najib Khan.<br />
Abdalis side was mainly presented to Shuja Begum Mallika uz Zamani, widow of ex emperor Muhammed Shah Rangila (who was incidently the chilhood friend of Sadrunissa Begum) and later emotively by Najib himself , who promised to save Shujas kingdom from pillage at the hands of Abdali if Shuja joined them.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note1: Mallika uz Zamani was (after her husbands death) virtually starved of funds by the then erstwhile wazir Safdar Jung. Also her entourage on one occasion was even robbed (1754) by a mercenary Pindari contingent of the Holkars army. Hence the old Queen was very much anti Maratha and had even implored Najib Khan Rohilla to devise a plan to alleviate her suffering. That was when Najib Khan had begun secret correspodence with Abadali to invade India. Najib was also joined in his plans by a radical muslim cleric Shah Waliullah Khan who sent similar letters to Abdali about the growing power of the Hindus (Marathas,Rajputs,Jats) and the fall from grace of the Muslims who he complained were living in penury.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note 2: Pindaris were a group (a medley mix of Hindus and Muslims) of mercenaries from central India who were often patronised by the Holkars and the Scindias. They were more of pillagers who accompanied the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">maratha army as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> their irregular arm.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note3:Another person who invited Abdali was Mughlani begum, the widow of Mir Mannu, who was facing difficulty in holding on to the viceroyalty of her province, as her nobles had replaced her with their man. She enticed Abdali with news of the treasures hidden in Delhi (especially in the palace of her mother in law). Eventually Abdali took away the treasure, but Mughlani begum was not reinstated . On the contrary a small pension was granted to her, which she obviouly refused. For her perceived impetuousness she was apparently flogged by Abdalis general Jahan Khan.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note4: it is also possible that Najib threatened Shuja with reprisal through Abdali if he helped the marathas. The proximity of Abdalis allies to his kingdom may also have weighed Shujas decision. Also weighing on Shujas mind may have been the lack of support the marathas had earlier shown towards his father during his court rivalry with Imad) and aligned himself with Abdali (probably a little reluctantly, as there was no love lost between Najib a Sunni muslim and Shuja a Shia muslim).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">It is also possible Najib played the emotive muslim brotherhood card and created a fear psychosis that the marathas may conquer their pilgrimage places like Prayag , Benares(Kashi) etc, descecrate the mosques and relegate muslims to playing the second fiddle in the north. Najib had also spread the rumour that Sadashivrao wanted to instal his nephew Vishwasrao on the throne of Delhi (Note, marathas were never keen to replace the mughal emperor with Vishwasrao as this would have alienated many mughal loyalists and probably the entire [sizable] muslim population in the north. The marathas couldnt afford so many enemies) .Whatever may have been the actual reason, eventually Shuja did change sides from the Marathas over to the Afghans. Abdali however received Shuja with great respect and even called him like his <i>farzand</i> (son), as did the wazir Shah Wali. Even when some of the traunt Sunni Durrani soldiers who hated the Shias, created trouble in Shujas camp, Abdali stuffed their noses with arrows and paraded them to Shujas camp giving him the choice of either pardoning them or sentencing them to death. Thus Shujas fears of Abdalis wrath were soon dispelled.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
All these proved to be ominous signs for the Marathas. By ensuring support from the muslim kings and with the Rajputs, Sikhs and Jats abstaining, supplies to the Marathas were successfully blocked by Abdali.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note:Ahmed Shah Abdali (1723-1773) was the son of Mohammed Zaman Khan, the chief of the Abdali tribe. He served the Persian king Nader Shah after the latter rescued him from the prison of Hussain Khan the Ghilzai governor of Kandahar. He was named as Durrani or the 'Pear of Pearls' by Nader Shah. After the assasination of Nader Shah in 1747, by his Turkoman guards, Ahmed Shah Abdali left with his men to Afghanistan, where he was elected the chief of his tribe. He unified all Afghan tribes under his banner. He expanded his kingdom by conquering Ghazni(from the Ghilzais),Kabul,Herat,Nishapur,Masshad, (Kashmir,Sindh and Punjab from the Mughals). He made as many as seven invasions in India and was well acquainted with its routes and climate. He plundered Delhi and its adjoining regions and defeated the Marathas at Panipat and sacked the Golden temple at Amritsar in Punjab. Eventually the Sikhs rallied against Abdali and drove his armies out of Punjab. Abdali then retreated to Kabul, where he met his death in 1773.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Ahmed Shah Abdali- Durrani is remembered as the father of modern Afghanistan. He was an astute and tenacious war commander and to his enemies a ruthless and ferocious foe.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note2: Both Malharrao Holkar and Surajmal Jat had advised Sadashivraobhau to take on Abdalis army using gureilla warfare. But Sadashivrao who had seen the efficacy of his artillery during his wars against the Nizam, concluded that an open pitched battle spearheaded by heavy artillery would be the best approach. Also the fact that Abdali was himself a master of gureilla warfare added to Bhau's decision , as also the nature of the battlefield (which was more of vast expanse of open land without the presence of mountains or ravines that suited gureilla warfare) .</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"></span><b>Third War of Panipat, 14th January 1761</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Marathas had heavily aligned themselves with a well equipped artillery under the Gardis and their commander Ibrahim Khan Gardi (a converted Telugu muslim previously employed with the Nizam Salabat Jung of Hyderabad and trained by his French army commander Bussy. After leaving the services of the succeeding Nizam Ali over a disagreement, his service were sought by Sadashivraobhau. The word '<i>Gardi</i>' itself is derived from the French word 'Garde' meaning the guards) and Le Corbosier (a French mercenary who was earlier in the service of Tuloji Angre), not to mention their famed cavalry (<i>huzurat</i>) and infantry under the likes of Jankoji Shinde,Tukoji Shinde and Mahadji Shinde (half brothers of Jankoji), Malharrao Holkar, Vinchurkar,Bhoite, Purandare, Shamsher Bahadur,Damaji Gaekwad,Manaji Paygude,Satvoji Jadhavrao,Khanderao Nimbalkar,Sonaji Bhapkar etc. Hence were confident of victory.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note:Ibrahim khan Gardis uncle Muzaffar Khan was previously in charge of the maratha artillery, but Sadashivraobhau didnt find him trustworthy and replaced him with Ibrahim Khan. The humiliated Muzzafarkhan then made an unsucessfull assasination attempt on the life of Sadashivraobhau, from which Bhau miraculously survived with wounds. Muzaffar Khan was then arrested and hanged. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sadashivraobhau had tremendous faith in the artillery power of Ibrahim Khan Gardi and met the Gardi demands for regular payment of troops even during times when there was a scarcity of funds. Therefore many of the maratha regulars (even the old guard like Holkar,Vinchurkar etc) were resentful of the Gardi influence in their camp.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note2: The maratha artillery was mainly heavy and not as sophisticated as its european counterpart. The cannons and muskets were mainly a part of the war booty captured in their various battles. Even the gunpowder wasnt so easily available for them. Also, the concept of open pitched battles with a artillery was itself a new concept for the marathas who were traditionally sword weilding army that relied on their cavalry. They werent used to the coordination of the artilerry with the cavalry and the infantry. This is what proved to be their undoing at Panipat.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Also accompanying the marathas were the <i>bunga </i>viz. their families, relatives, friends (who had plans of visiting holy pilgrimage sites on the way), the attendents, carpenters,cobblers,tailors,blacksmiths etc . This was to prove another costly mistake (though many modern historians maintain that it was a regular practice to take bungas on long campaigns, not the families, but the attendents and the people required for maintaining the needs of the army. However the practise of carrying families was apparently started by Gopikabai mother of Bajirao I esp. after the Mastani episode and the other sardars followed suit). Shivaji always strictly prohibited an entourage during his war campaigns. But these Marathas did not heed this golden rule set forth by their ancestor.This increased the mouths to be feeded and also slowed down troop movement.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: The practise of taking along families, harems on war campaigns was a mughal practise, which was later adopted by the marathas after they too started on long stays away from home.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kashirajs account of military strength on both sides:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maratha leaders Cavalry</b><u><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Khas paga/household troops 6000</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vishwasrao 5000</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shamsher 3000</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Holkar 5000</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shinde 10,000</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gaekwad 3000</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Powar 2000</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jadhav 3000</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vinchurkar 3000</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mehendale 7000</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gardi 2000+9000 cavalry with firelocks+40cannons</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Misc 18,000</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Total amounted approx 55,000 horse,15,000 foot</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Abdalis forces<u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Abdali & his afghans had 24 dastas,6 Abdalis slave contingent ‘koleron’,2000 camels with zamburkas,shaturnals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shuja 2000horse,2000 foot,20 cannons</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Najib 6000 horse, 20,000 foot,rockets</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dundi Khan & Hafiz Khan 15000 foot,4000horse,cannons</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bangash 1000 horse 1000 foot</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Irregulars were 4 times the above nuber</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Total amounted approx 41,800 horse,38000 foot,78 cannons <br />
Note: Abdali also had bungas with him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
The marathas were in need of funds and food supplies and Kunjapura ( It was a arms depot and treasury for the Rohila. It was 45 km north of Panipat, west of Yamuna river. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Refer note below</i></span>) seemed a likely choice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6v8q2FkrOHg7q-RkACn6Bw0tBPFlrYzbFFcq98cJmqgW-xgYlTQ-6usUyGdteafrRBQTRtYnv-TiZ_31_shXYAIvsZDC2VOR9PGXjtFCQ5GUCattNdXh0ELt6NxYyJSUY8WM4gMnZ4hC/s1600/Pre+Panipat+Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6v8q2FkrOHg7q-RkACn6Bw0tBPFlrYzbFFcq98cJmqgW-xgYlTQ-6usUyGdteafrRBQTRtYnv-TiZ_31_shXYAIvsZDC2VOR9PGXjtFCQ5GUCattNdXh0ELt6NxYyJSUY8WM4gMnZ4hC/s400/Pre+Panipat+Picture1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Pic: Pre Panipat battle scenario</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note. Amidst the growing financial problems the marathas launched a surprise raid on the Rohilla fort of Kunjapura . Kunjapura fort has been called a 'robbers den' by the historian Sir Jadunath Sarkar, as it hoarded all the wealth fleeced from unsuspecting travellers. The Rohillas often disguised themselves as Abdalis soldiers and forced travellers to part with their belongings. It was controlled by Najabat Khan (Najibs cousin) . Also present were the armies of Abdus Samad Khan and Qutub Khan (Najibs preceptor who had earlier decapitated the wounded Dattaji Shinde). Ibrahim Khans guns boomed at the fort and it soon fell to the marathas. Abdus Samad Khan and Najabat Khan were killed (Najabats son Diler Khan escaped) and marathas avenged the death of Dattaji Shinde by decapitating Qutub Khan. Dattaji elephant '<i>Zavergaj'</i> who had fallen in the hands of the Rohillas was also reclaimed by the Marathas.The Kunjapura raid fetched them a substantial ammount. Unfortunately it wasnt enough to last them for long. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Abdali himself was held up because of a flooded Yamuna and couldnt asssist his fellow Afghans. Presuming that Abdali wouldnt be able to cross the river at least for a month, the arathas busied themselves plundering Kunjpura while Bhau decided to visit the nearby holy pilgrimage centre of Kurukshetra and then move forward to seek the Sikh help against the Afghans. However Abdali managed to surprise the marathas by crossing the Yamuna within 3 days and killing the small maratha contingents left behind by Bhau to guard the fords. The afghans blocked all the supply routes of the marathas (especially the one from Delhi) once gain reducing the marathas to a precarious position..Abdali soon camped south of Panipat. Hearing the news of Abdali, Bhau also rushed back to Panipat. Both the armies were now at a close distance to each other. Both trying to gauge each others moves, streangths and weaknesses, before the final assault. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Bhau had entrenched the maratha camp in the midst of a artillery cover (surrounded by a ten feet deep ditch) and was waiting for Abdali to make the first attack.But Abdali knew the power of the maratha artllery and refused to take the bait. Both depended on light cavalry movements to harass their enemy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Some skirmishes took place between the two. Holkars contingent attacked a afghan camp of Shah Wali Khan. The Afghans also won a few posts and even the Kunjapura fort which was wrested by Diler Khan (the son of the slain erstwhile fort keeper Najabat Khan). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">On 7th Dec 1760, Najib and Shujas armies attacked the marathas near Chajpur. Though the Rohilla armies were routed and one Khalil ur Rehman (Najibs uncle) and five thousand Rohillas were killed, the Marathas lost a major war commander in the form of Balwantrao Mehendale (Bhaus closest aide), who was struck down by a bullet.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Meanwhile Govindrao Bundele managed a few successes in his fund collection effort in Doab and was proceeding to Bhaus camp. On the way while camping with a few thousand of his soldiers, he saw an army approaching with a maratha flag . However when the army got closer, Bundele realised that it was a afghan army (led by Atai Khan, nephew of Shah Wali Khan, Abdalis wazir). The young Atai Khan surprised the old Govindant Bundele and beheaded him on the spot (20th Dec 1760). Earlier Govindpant Bundeles presence had been betrayed by Jeta singh Gujar a local headman, to Abdali. Govindpant Bundeles head was then sent over to the maratha camp.This was the second major casualty on the maratha side in quick succession. The second maratha revenue collector Gopal Ganesh Barve (brother of Raghunathraos first wife Jankibai) was also routed by Shujas army. Even the little money collected from Doab never reached the maratha camp as it was interceted on the way by the afghans. A pindari contingent was also slaughtered when it was out hunting for wood for the maratha camp.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The afghans thus managed to cut off all the supplies of the marathas, thus forcing the marathas to a point where the final battle seemed imminent.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Earlier the Peshwa had promised to send a larger army and asked Bhau not to negotiate with the enemy. He reminded Bhau that Raghunathrao wouldnt like it if he just gave up the territory captured by him. The Peshwas son Vishwasrao also wrote to his father about the precarious condition the maratha army was in the north and the Peshwa did promise to hasten help.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> But for some reason the promised help from the Peshwa got delayed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Apparently, the Peshwa and his brother Raghunathrao had started assembling their forces in order to join Bhau. However the Peshwas march halted at Paithan due to his deteriorating health. Even attempts to engage the help of their old foe the Nizam of Hyderabad had failed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> It was a matter of time before people and animals started dying of starvation in the maratha camp in Panipat. The food reserves were dwindling and the soldiers were forced to live off wild plants and roots.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Negotiations with the afghans (through mediation by Kashiraj pant, an aide of Shuja) also failed when Najib Khan (and one Qazi Idris who raised the Islamic bogey) vehemently opposed it, disregarding the wishes of Shah Wali and the Rohilla chiefs who would have preffered a compromise to war. Earlier Najib had put forward the terms that Sirhind be made the boundary, the emperor be made the responsibility of the afghans and Najib be placed in command of the mughal army. This demand the marathas refused outright, stating that they preffered the responsibility of the mughal emperor & Abdali ought to retreat beyond the Indus. Najib knew very well that if Abdali makes peace with the marathas and returns back to Afghanistan, he will surely killed by the arathas and therefore he made every attempt to stall a settlement.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">By now the situation worsened in the maratha camp and all the maratha nobles too made an appeal to Sadashivrao that they would rather die in battle than die of starvation.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
Eventually after a two and half months wait, Sadashivrao bhau took the final call of a direct confrontation with Abdalis army.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Bhau was more interested in protecting the non combatants. So it was decided to form a golaakaar (hollow square) with the non combatants at the core and the artillery at the helm and force the way through the afghan army and move towards the Yamuna and along the river take the way to Delhi. There they planned to hold the afghans till help arrived from Pune.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note:The afghans were arranged in a chandrakor (crescent formation).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
On the <b>day of the battle</b> the troops assembled at a distance from Kala Amb (Ugrakheri near Panipat) sometime in the morning (9.30am).<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: the afghan and maratha encampment was between Shahanahr (a canal running from Yamuna to Delhi, near the present day Grand Trunk highway. It is no longer in use) and Yamuna river near Panipat in present day Haryana state.</span><br />
<br />
In the maratha lines were Holkar and Shinde on the right (with their Maratha soldiers and other mercenary groups like the Pindaris, Purbis and even some Arabs). Sadashivrao,Vishwasrao and their men in the centre and Maratha (led by Sardar Panse) and Gardi mercenary artillery under Ibrahim Khan Gardi on the left cavalry led by Sardar Damaji Gaekwad (with the 3000 horses),Sardar Vithalrao Shivdev Vinchurkar behind them and the Sardar Bhoite led infantry,archers,musketeers,pikesmen providing a cover for the artillery).Behind the cavalry were the inexperienced soldiers guarding the civilians. On the other side(Afghan) were Shah Pasand Khan on the extreme right. Next to him were Shuja (with his part Persian Qizalbash and part Hindu Naga Gosavi troops and artillery) and Najibs forces On the centre left were Ahmadshah Bangash of Farrukhabad ,Najibs father in law Dunde Khan, the Rohilla chief of Bareily, Rohilla chief Hafiz Rehmat Khan . In the centre was Abdalis <i>wazir</i> Shah Wali Khan along with their <i>sipasalar </i>(commander in chief)Jahan Khan and on the extreme left were Amir Beg and Barkhurdar Khan with their artillery (heavy long range cannons called '<i>zamzama</i>' and camel mounted light guns 'z<i>amburaks</i>'-with two musketeers with large bore guns and '<i>shaturnals</i>'-camel mounted swivel type guns). There were also irregulars who nubered four ties ore.Abdali stayed behind on a elevation with his slave battallion (<i>Koleran</i>) and his reserve troops (<i>Qizalbaaz</i>) to watch (with his telescope) and direct the proceedings of the battle. The afghan harem and non combatants stayed behind the troops.<br />
<br />
The battle cries of the maratha '<i>Har Har Mahadev</i>' (in praise of lord Mahadeva) and the afghan '<i>Din Din</i>' (for the faith) soon vociferated in the skies.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note:The Afghan Maratha force ratio was thus approx. 1,00,000 afghans to the 70,000 marathas (plus 30,000 pilgrims and non combatants).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><br />
In the earlier half of the battle the marathas seemed to be in a winning position, with Ibrahim Khan Gardis musketeers and canons wrecking havoc on the afghan-rohilas (placed somewhere at Chajpur Khurd near Panipat). Also Bhaus forces managed to cut down the Afghan lines into two, almost demolishing the contingent of the wazir Shah Walikhan.<br />
Ataikhan,the nephew and adopted son of the wazir, was said to have been killed during this time when Yashwantrao Pawar climbed atop his elephant and struck dead Ataikhan.<br />
Incidently Ataikhan was the person responsible for the death of the maratha representative in north Govindpant Bundele.<br />
The maratha cavalry led by Bhau, Shamsher and Vishwasrao then charged through the fleeing Afghans.<br />
Vishwasrao was said to have fought valiantly on that day striking the enemy with an an array of arrows from his elephant, as did Shamsher.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Abdali seeing his fleeing army sent his military police the 'Nasaqchis' after the deserters and forced them to turn around and kill the reluctant ones</span>.<br />
<br />
As per their original plan, Bhaus cavalry should have followed its artillery, but the force of the battle was such that it took them deep into the enemy lines.It thus became difficult to change direction.<br />
Abdali also used a strategy that came to be known as '<i>taulqama</i>'. It involved splitting the musket/matchlock bearing cavalry (horses/camels) into several segments. Each segment charged on the enemy with ready fire and disengaged, making way for the next segment to repeat the same and so on and so forth.<br />
In the afternoon both Vishwasrao (the Peshwas eldest son) and Bhau had got down from their elephants and had mounted their horses.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
However as they were rallying their troops, a stray enemy fire from a <i>zamburak</i> struck dead Vishwasrao and he died on the spot. This proved to be the turning point of the battle. Vishwasraos deeply aggrieved uncle, Sadashivraobhau got down from his horse and placed his dead nephew Vishwasraos corpse on his elephant and then remounting on his horse (named <i>Baswant)</i> he charged towards the afghans in a blind rage.This was sometime in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: The horses of Sadashivrao bhau are mentioned as <i>Pari, Chandrasen </i>and <i>Baswant </i>while the horse of Vishwasrao was called <i>Dilpak</i>.</span><br />
<br />
But in the thick of the battle, the Maratha soldiers saw the vacant <i>ambaari </i>of their commander and the thought that he had fallen and thus panicked. Many fled the battlefield. After a bullet struck Sadashivrao on his thigh, he fell down from his horse. However he tried to pull himself up with the help of his spear.Just then Sadashivrao bhau found himself surrounded by five Afghans. He fought valiantly, but eventually succumbed to the numbers.<br />
To Sadashivbhaus credit, he like other maratha sardars had every opportunity to escape from battlefield but the brave Sadashivraobhau preferered to die fighting .<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: <i>Bhaus Kaifiyat </i>states that Tukoji Shinde requested Bhau to turn back and leave the battle for him to finish.But Bhau refused saying that he has already lost a nephew whose care he was entrusted with and he now had no face to show back home. So he'd rather give up his life fighting the enemy.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSqeWZy8I-Lg1KSVhAMzhp9rSRvp-0xMBmj-EG_-ZA1p9LsGrv4HqHQtbTYWBdiP11b9Dyw4f1ll9Jmbs1DS0GI_hsezF09vpV_hLCvE67Wdng0ArATPMKCfD2B8KbJ3jensMs4OOfsKc/s1600/panipat+battle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSqeWZy8I-Lg1KSVhAMzhp9rSRvp-0xMBmj-EG_-ZA1p9LsGrv4HqHQtbTYWBdiP11b9Dyw4f1ll9Jmbs1DS0GI_hsezF09vpV_hLCvE67Wdng0ArATPMKCfD2B8KbJ3jensMs4OOfsKc/s400/panipat+battle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Pic: Panipat battle formations</span></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Note 1: Sadashivrao constructed the Sadashiv Peth, a residential colony at Pune. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note 2: The corpses of Vishwasrao, Sadashivraobhau and many other marathas were said to have been purchased from the afghans by Nawab Shujaudaula of Oudh and his diwan Kashiraj Pandit (who later wrote his treatise on Panipat) and later cremated as per hindu customs. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
This reversed the tide of the battle to the detriment of the marathas.<br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"></span>Jankoji Scindias attack on Najib Khan was also repulsed . Jankoji Shinde , Tukoji Shinde then rushed with their forces to Bhaus aid. As did Santaji Wagh from the Holkar army.<br />
<br />
However the tide of the battle was changing in the favour of the afghans.<br />
Jankoji after a fierce fight was captured .<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note.Jankoji was later secretly held for ransom by Barkurdar Khan but later executed by him, fearing the wrath of Abdali.</span><br />
<br />
Natural factors also didnt seem to favour the marathas. One such factor was the 'Dakshinayan' an effect of the sun, where sunrays (from Dakshin-south) pierced the eyes of several hungry maratha soldiers (remember, the Afghans had earlier cut off the food supplies of the marathas leading to famished stomachs just before the battle) and many fainted simply by heatstrokes. They were all butchered by the rejuvenated afghan forces <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[ref. 'Panipat' by Vishwas Patil].</span><br />
Another factor that changed the tide for the afghans was , when the maratha artillery under Ibrahim Khan Gardi was wrecking havoc in the afghan lines, the other Maratha commanders like Vithal Vinchurkar and Damaji Gaekwad (who were in charge of guarding the artillery) overzealously broke ranks (seeing the retreating enemy) and overran the maratha artillery and entered deep into the enemy lines.Since the maratha cavalry was blocking the view of their artillery, Ibrahim Gardi ordered a stoppage of fire.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note1: the old guard like Malharrao Holkar,Vinchurkar etc were against the european battle styles and more in favour of their traditional gureilla warfare. Hence their support was said to be rather half hearted. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note2: It can be said about Sardar Vinchurkar , whose main job was to guard the Gardi artillery, did not want the Gardis to take the entire credit for destroying the enemy and to make his mark felt in battle,impatienly broke away from the originally decided '</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Golaachi ladhaai</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">' (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">circular </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">battle formation</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">) .In hindsight we can conclude that this proved detrimental to the maratha cause.</span><br />
<br />
Seeing the guns silenced the fleeing Rohillas turned back and fought the marathas while the reserve Rohillas gunned down the charging sword weilding maratha cavalry. The maratha artillery was thus left unguarded and the advancing Rohila troops (led by Barkhurdar Khan) soon overpowered it. Ibrahim Khan Gardi himself was captured by the afghans(earlier Gardis son, nephew and son in law were also killed in the battle).<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: The Afghans later tortured Ibrahimkhan Gardi to death.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Afghans capitulated on the confusion in the Maratha ranks and cut through the Maratha flanks. The maratha arms werent able to back an impact on thick mountain clothing of the afghans whereas the afghan sword easily pierced the cotton clothing of the marathas. Lakhs were massacared including thousands of civilians. Seeing the massacare of the Maratha army, Malharrao Holkar also fled from the battlefield, as did many leading maratha commanders.By evening (5.30) the marathas had lost the battle.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Damaji Gaekwad was already wounded. Vithal Vinchurkar and Damaji then made way out of the battle. Several of his soldiers also started fleeing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">It is reported that earlier, Vithal Shivdev Vinchurkar had admitted some Afghan slaves (who wanted to switch sides after the fall of Kunjapura) in his maratha contingent. They were given saffron turbans to distinguish them from the other afghans. However seeing the change in the tide of the battle. These afghans threw down their headgear and joined the other afghans in attacking and looting the maratha non combatants. This accentuated the panic. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Seeing his men fleeing, Bhau spoke to his aide Sonaji Bhapkar asking him to remain steadfast. But Sonaji instead said that he will go after their fleeing troops and force them to return. But Sonaji never returned. His corpse was found latter of the day amongst the dead.</span><br />
<br />
Many sought refuge with the Jats and the Sikhs (and Shujaudaullah of Oudh) who generously tended to them. Thus Panipat proved to be a big debacle for the Marathas .Moreso in terms of the men lost. Many commanders were killed (prior to and during the battle) like Govindpant Bundele (killed before the final battle), Balwantrao Mehendale (killed before the final battle), Dattaji Shinde (killed earlier before the final battle) and Jankoji Shinde (captured but later beheaded by the Afghans), Shamsher Bahadur (Peshwa Bajirao I's son from Mastani, who succumbed to his battle wounds. His tomb lies in Bharatpur), Tukoji Shinde (died fighting alongside Sadashivbhau), Yashwantrao Pawar (died fighting alongside Bhau), a son of Pilaji Jadhav, Santaji Wagh (Holkars captain who succumbed to his injuries), Manaji Paygude, Khanderao Nimbalkar etc.<br />
Antaji Mankeshwar (escaped the battle, but fell to an treacherous ambush by some preying Baluchis at Farruknagar), Ibrahim khan Gardi (captured and beheaded), Vishwasrao and last but not the least their general Sadashivraobhau .<br />
Many escaped with their life like Nana Phadanvis (who wrote his memoirs on Panipat. Nana was to play a major role in the Maratha politics in the future. His mother was amongst the unfortunate civilians who died at Panipat. He served as a regent and chief minister to a latter Peshwa Sawai Madhavrao, grandson of Peshwa Balaji Bajirao a.k.a Nanasaheb), Vinchurkar(escaped with severe wounds), Damaji Gaekwad (who was wounded and escaped with his life. He was one of the early patriarchs of the royal house of Baroda), Mahadji Scindia (who escaped from battle but was severely wounded after an chase and attack by a afghan and rendered a limp all his life.Mahadji too would have succumbed to his wounds if not carried away to safety by a muslim water carrier by the name of Rana Khan. Mahadji later was also to become one of the leading commanders of the maratha army in the coming future and the patriarch of the royal family of Gwalior. Mahadji never forgot his saviour Rana Khan who became one of his closest aides), Naro Shankar Dani (who was kept in charge of the Delhi fort to escaped after hearing about the Maratha debacle), Nana Purandare etc.<br />
<br />
It was ironical that the fateful day of the Panipat debacle for the marathas coincided with 'Makar Sankranti' their harvest festival.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note 1: Surajmal Jat did however provide relief to the escaping maratha refugees and tended to them, unmindful of the consequences, as did Shujauddaullah who is said to have paid a fortune </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">to the afghans </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">to allow cremation of the slain maratha leaders.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note 2: As per some versions, Malharrao Holkar claimed that he was asked by Sadashivraobhau to take the civilians and his wife to safety. Thats the reason, why he retreated from the battlefield. But the fact was that Parvatibai was taken to safety by a servant Janu Bhintada (and two aides Virsingrao Baravkar and Piraji Raut) and they joined Holkars party only days later. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">But to the credit of Malharrao, he was no coward but a natural survivor who believed in the gureilla style of warfare and its tradition of living to fight for another day.Moreover he wasnt wholly convinced about Bhaus war strategy and his support was peripheral. Some accounts (Kashiraj, an aide of Shuja) mention Bhau acting haughtily towards Holkar and calling him a goatherd. But it seems highly unlikely considering Holkars seniority and differences in his age and Bhaus.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Bhaus arrogance has also been mentioned in a letter by Nana Phadavis, he complained that Sadashivraobhau had set aside his usual wisdom and was ignoring his natural advisors Balwant Mehendale and Nana Purandare and was relying more on new advisiers like</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Bhavani Shankar (Peshwas Vakil in Shujas court) and Shahanawaz Khan. Another version is that due to the failing light and Bhau not being in sight, Malharrao thought it prudent to take the survivors to safety.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
The afghans amused themselves with decapitating the captured maratha men and distributing their children and women amonst themselves. Many to be taken as slaves to Afghanistan.<br />
The sons of Abdus Samad Khan and Qutub Khan (who were slain at Kunjapura) demanded retribution and Abdali granted them two hours to kill as many marathas as they can. They thereafter swept down on the hapless maratha non combatants and prisoners, severing thousands of maratha heads as they could.<br />
Apparently the Afghans wanted to stuff the good looking Vishwasraos corpse and take it away to Afghanistan as a war trophy. However Shuja ud daullah and Kashiraj, implored Abdali not to let his men do the same as it was against the principles of war. On the contrary he purchased the corpses of a beheaded Sadashivrao bhau (recognised by his scar inflicted by Muzzaffar Khan , mole and his fair body sculpted by his daily 1000 <i>suryanamskars / </i>prostrations before the sun) and Vishwasrao from the Afghans and accorded them a decent funeral as per hindu traditions (obsequies were performed by Anupgir Gosavi).<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: a wounded Jankoji Shinde was found by Kashiraj in the camp of Barkhurdar Khan who apparently wanted to ransom him for a price. But somehow the news reached the ears of Najib, who in turn informed Shah Wali who was a rival of Barkhurdar. Shah Wali informed Abdali who questioned Barkhurdar. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Barkhurdar denied the same and before Abdalis soldiers could discover Jankoji, he had him beheaded and his body buried.</span><br />
<br />
<i>Reasons for the maratha debacle at Paniat can be summed up as under:</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>1.Faulty diplomacy of the Maratha commanders in the north before the Panipat war leading to no support from the northern kings.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>2.Self interests & caste equations of the Maratha commanders and the prevalent corruption in the north.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>3.Maratha cavalry and infantry were not acquainted with the tactics of their artillery arm. This led to the lack of coordination between their various arms. The light mobile artillery of the afghans proved more effective than the heavy </i><i>cumbersome </i><i>artillery of the marathas. </i><br />
<i>Artillery was a new concept for the marathas as also inevitable with changing times, as new wars were being fought using modern weaponary and marathas happened to be in their infancy as far as modern artillery warfare was concerned.</i><br />
<i>The afghan artillerry in comparison to the marathas was lighter and more mobile in nature.</i><br />
<i>Panipat taught lessons to the marathas of the changing face of the battle game and the marathas, post Panipat made serious attempts to adapt to these modern tactics of warfare.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Post Panipat first thing that Mahadji Scindia did was start a trained artillery unit with French help.</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>4.The Marathas carried with them a large entourage of non combatants (including pilgrims) which increased the mouths to be feeded especially amidst scarcity of food supplies and also slowed down their movements.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>5. The Marathas weren’t natural colonialists by nature and in themselves lacked the requisite army to take on the Afghan army (supported by the Rohillas, Bangash pathans and Shuja of Oudh) by themselves. Allies , funds and supplies would have made a major difference during the war.</i><br />
<i>6. Maratha spy network was found lacking.</i><br />
<i>7.Diplomacy would have been a better option considering the lack of war preparedness, supplies in the maratha camp. Perhaps a wait of a few days more may have prevented a war. This can ofcourse be said in hindsight.</i><br />
<i>8. Natural factors werent in favour of the marathas. The Dakshinayan effect took its toll on the hungry maratha stomachs.The thin cotton clothing of the marathas wasnt able to resist the cold winter of Panipat. </i><br />
<i>9. There was no plan B (no reserve force) for the marathas which Abdali had.</i><br />
<i>10. No timely succor was provided from the capital Pune, despite pleas for help.There was a overconfidence in Pune that the maratha army in the north will succeed despite their help.</i><br />
<i>11.The Afghani steed was much swifter and stronger than its maratha counterpart.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br />
</i></div>
<br />
The debacle at Panipat left an indelible scar on the Maratha psyche for quite some time to come.<br />
<br />
The Afghans had indeed won the battle , but they also lost many commanders and men in large numbers (35,000 afghan casualties were reported in comparison to the 80,000 on the maratha side) . Also the treasury in Delhi was virtually empty and there was nothing much to loot. The Afghan soldiers with time had got battle weary and refused to move further into India (Surajmals territory as suggested by Najib). Also due to non payment of the soldiers (coupled with a home sickness and the natural aversion for the Indian summer) there was growing discontent in the afghan ranks, not to mention news of a brewing rebellion back home.<br />
Thus despite winning the battle of Panipat, the Afghan victory proved a pyrrhic one.<br />
The Afghans ruled north India for a very brief time but soon returned to Afghanistan leaving Najib ud daullah in charge of northern India except Punjab where Abdali stationed his garrisons.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note1: Ahmedshah Abdali had already suffered great losses in his conflict with the marathas. He had gained first hand knowledge of the Maratha tenacity and was prudent enough about not wanting to remain in India for long. He proposed peace with the marathas through their lawyer Bapu Hingane who had remained in Delhi. Abdali even wrote a letter to the Peshwa praising the valour of the martyred maratha soldiers at Panipat and asked him to let bygones be bygones and reiterated that he never wished to occupy the Delhi throne and would rather return back to Afghanistan and the Sutlej river can serve as a natural boundary of spheres of influence of the afghans and the marathas. A similar letter was written by Abdali to Madho singh of Jaipur praising the valour of his defeated enemy. Abdalis cousin Yakub stayed behind to conclude a treaty with the marathas. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Najib Khan fearing retribution retired to the foothills of Kumaon. Later he did try repeating the Panipat by reassembling the Rohillas and Bangash pathans. But they were all routed. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">All the northern chiefs who had sided with Abdali now vied for a peace with the marathas.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note2.the Afghans too agreed on Shah Alam II as the titular mughal emperor in absentee who by now had escaped Gaziuddins clutches and sought refuge in the eastern provinces. Surprisingly Gaziuddin was made the wazir (disregarding Shujas claim to the post), but the main powers of administration rested in the hands of Najibudaullah who was reinstated as the Mirbakshi. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Abdali had more faith in the cunning and valour of Najib to protect his interests in Delhi and knew very well that Ghaziuddin would never again try any misadventure if kept under the watchful eye of Najib.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">But Gaziuddin never trusted Najib enough to return to Delhi and remained with the Jats. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Shuja too was upset with Abdalis men (Durranis) who resented Shuja on account of his Shia faith and made the life of his soldiers difficult in the camp. Shuja was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">also </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">revulsed by the fact that a Gaziuddin was given a preference over him for the Wazirship of Delhi and attributed it to his Shia faith. As a result Shuja too left Abdali </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">for his kingdom</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> in disgust . </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Najib too who had earlier promised Abdali the moon expressed his inability to pay Abdalis army claiming that the Panipat campaign had rendered him bankrupt. Thus Abdalis army remained short of finances and discontent started brewing in their ranks. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Shah Alam II too hesitated to return to Delhi (till a much latter date) because of the presence of his arch foe Ghaziuddin.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note 3. The Afghans took away several maratha men and women as slaves to Afghanistan. Their descendents still survive in parts of mdern day Pakistan and Afghanistan amongst the Bugti,Marri and Gorchani tribes. Some marathas took refuge in the villages surrounding Panipat and are today known as Ror marathas. Some marathas were rescued by the Sikhs and many maratha women married their rescuers (Sikh soldiers) and settle in Punjab.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note 4. Near modern day Panipat (state.Haryana), there exists a village called Bhaupur, named after the martyred Sadashivrao bhau. There also exists a temple and samadhi built in his memory where ballads singing his praises still resonate.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Jeeve ambaranda taara , chamke Veer Sadashiv pyara"</i>.......a Haryanvi ballad eulogising Sadashivrao bhau.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note the temple at village Saandhi (Rohtak dist,Haryana) belongs to one Bhaunathji baba whom the locals believe was Sadashivrao bhau who survived the battle and lived the remainder of his life as a ascetic.</span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note*: Panipat battle had a tremendous impact on marathi history and literature which can be seen from the following phrases in Marathi....1)<i>'Vishwas Paanipataatach sampala'</i>- Literally it means that Vishwasrao died in Panipat, but 'Vishwas' being the term for 'trust' the statement also means that the world is no longer trustworthy.(2) <i>'Tyaache Paanipat zhaale'</i>- he was destroyed / finished (in reference to the destruction of the maratha army at Panipat).(3) <i>'Tyaachyaa satraashe saath bhaangadi'</i>- his 1760 problems, refering to the (approx) date of Panipat.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note 5: On their way back the battle weary afghan army was ambushed at several places by the Sikh misl armies.The afghans did make a couple of attempts to subdue the Sikhs by force and by emoluments, but failed on all counts. Abdali attacked Punjab four times after Panipat, but was never satisfied with the outcome. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Eventually in a few years time all the afghans were driven out of Punjab. </span><br />
<br />
Gaziduddin the ex wazir of the mughal emperor eventually retired to the Deccan.<br />
Surajmal Jat died in 1763 fighting a battle with Najib. Najib himself died in 1770, but not before concluding a peace understanding with the marathas through the Holkars. But his kingdom Najibabad was attacked and ravaged by the Marathas after his death ( when Najibs son, Zabita Khan had rallied afghan forces against the marathas. The Scindia forces however crushed them down and a lot of Rohilla territory was captured by the marathas. Zabita Khan himself was taken a prisoner by the marathas but again released by Tukoji Holkar the commander of Malharrao, giving rise to speculation about a secret relationship between the Holkars and Najibs.).<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note1: Both Zabita Khan and Ahmed Khan Bangash competed with each other for the position of Mir Bakshi. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note2: Zabita Khan for sometime is said to have converted to Sikhism.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note3:It was Zabita Khans son Ghulam Qadir who blinded the mughal emperor Shah Alam II on finding that there was nothing left to loot in Delhi. Later his honorary regent, Mahadji Scindia the maratha avenged the incident by capturing Ghulam Qadir and taking him prisoner to the Delhi court whereby the mughal emperor put Ghulam Qadir to death and finishing the dynasty of Najib Khan.</span><br />
<br />
Raja Madho singh of Jaipur who had helped the Afghans with supplies later tried to muster support to prevent the marathas from reentering the north. But Malharrao Holkar chastened by the defeat at Panipat , atoned for it by later defeating Madho singh in battle at Bundi.<br />
However the veteran of wars, Malharrao was sustained wounds and retired to Alampur where he died on 20th May 1766.<br />
Marathas however rose like the phoenix from the ashes of Panipat and within ten years they reoccupied Delhi. Shujauddaullah the reluctant ally of Abdali later reconciled with the marathas when he sought their help against the English (Note: Earlier the Rohillas led by Hafeez Rehmat Khan were promised help by Shuja against future attacks by the maratha army in return for a compensation of 40 lakhs. But the Rohillas later refused to pay Shuja , as the approaching Maratha army had withdrawn at the last moment due to the untimely death of Peshwa Madhavrao (son and successor to Peshwa Nanasaheb) and the main war against the Rohillas actually never took place). As a result Shuja attacked Rohilkhand with English help. But soon friction developed between the English and Shuja and the latter fought an unsuccessful battle of Buxar against them. Later he again sought the Maratha help to fight the English, albeit unsuccessfully. Shuja faced defeat at the hands of the English in the Battle of Kara Jahanabad in 1765). Shuja died in 1775.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Peshwa received the news of the Panipat battle while camping near Narmada river (M.P) , while on his way to Panipat. It was in a cryptic message, ' 2 pearls dissolved, 27 gold coins have been lost and one cant total the silver and copper coins cast up'. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Peshwa dies</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Peshwa Balaji Bajirao was on his way to join the maratha army before he received the news of the death of his son and cousin. His state alternated between grief and anger. He wanted to avenge the deaths of his son and cousin. But his weakened disposition was not permitting him any repreive.<br />
Meanwhile Abdali too tried to pacify the Peshwa by opening discussions with him. He expressed regret for the death of his brother and son, but stated that his actions were only in self defence. All that he desired was Punjab and the marathas if they wanted could retain their hold at Delhi.<br />
The Peshwa would have attacked Abdali regardless of his overtures, if not for failing heath. His tuberculosis had been accentuated by his state of depression and his health was rapidly deteriorating.<br />
The Peshwa eventually returned to Pune.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Peshwa breathed his last in 1761 in the temple premises of Parvati in Poona. He left behind his wife Gopikabai and two legitimate sons Madhavrao (successor) and Narayanrao*. His mortal remains were cremated near Pune at what is now known as Yeshwantrao Chavan bridge.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note1: Curiously there are reports of the estates of many sardars including Shindes,Pawars and Holkars being confiscated by the Peshwa, immediately </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">post the Panipat war </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(apparently out of anger for the debacle and loss of his son and cousin or because of inherent distrust of his commanders in the north) . But apparently , later they were restored back to those families. Apparently there are reports of the otherwise polite Peshwa being very irritated and short tempered during his last days.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note 2 :Interestingly, Peshwa Balaji Bajirao had married the second time, to a nine year old daughter of a rich moneylender (Sawkaar Naroba Naik) from Paithan . He had also married off two of his colleagues (Abaji Purandare & Veereshwar Dikshit ) during the same time.This has perplexed many historians about the reasons behind such an action. Why would a man weakened by tuberculosis marry a girl much less than half his age, especially when his men were out </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">on the important Panipat expedition. Some have attributed this to the 'alleged ' discord between the Peshwa and his first wife Gopikabai, while some have attributed this to monetary reasons (afterall his father in law was a rich moneylender and the Peshwas always had a fiscal drain).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">But this marraige delayed the Peshwas movement to Panipat. Something which probably made him feel guilty and remorseful and this hastened his death.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note 3: Balaji Bajirao had two more sons Yeshwantrao and Moreshwar who probably died early.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note*:Balaji Bajirao also had some illegitimate sons (<i>natakshala</i>). P.Oak mentions the name of a concubine Yesu, through whom Balaji Bajirao sired Krishnasinh,Haibatsinh,Laxmansinh. However Riyasatkar Sardesai mentions that these may have been the illegitimate children of Raghunathrao.One cannot deny the possibility of more children.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
The next Peshwa Madhavrao later despatched his commanders like Visaji Krishna Biniwale,Mahadji Shinde , Ramchandra Ganesh to the north to reestablish maratha authority in the north. They did so commendably and the Maratha influence in the north managed to last for three decades more.<br />
<br />
Later a civil war between Peshwa Madhavrao and his ambitious uncle Raghunathrao caused the first cracks to develop in the maratha empire. Its advantage was taken by the English who were only waiting in the wings to establish the next empire in India.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Contributions of Balaji Bajirao to Pune</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Balaji Bajirao was a shrewd tactician, a brilliant administrator and a good man manager.</span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
To the credit of Balaji Bajirao, he was a very good administrator. When he became the Peshwa, the state was reeling under financial problems, mainly because of the maratha wars for expanding their boundaries.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But being an astute administrator, Balaji Bajirao improved the fiscal condition of the kingdom.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Balaji Bajirao transformed Pune, his capital, from a village, into a well planned city.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He ensured good infrastructure, built good roads, wells, water reservoirs,rest rooms,bridges, temples etc.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The famous temple of Parvati was also constructed by him. Balaji Bajirao also established a water reservoir system at Katraj that provides water to city of the Pune, till date.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He also built a wooden bridge over river Mutha, known famously as Lakdi Pul .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He established residential areas like Sadashiv Peth, Nana Peth and invited people to come and reside there.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Hence inspite of all his shortcomings (the Panipat debacle, rebellion of the Angre etc) , which may be called mistakes in hindsight, Balaji Bajirao contributed immensely to the Maratha empre.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Shukrawar Peth was build by Jivajipant Khasagiwale in rule of 'Shrimant Balajirao Peshwa', as also Guruvar Peth.<br />
Vyavahare Joshi developed Rawaivar Peth in Pune during the time of Balaji Bajirao</span><span style="font-size: 14px;">.</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Maratha administration under the Peshwas</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Maratha kingdom was divided into Tarf,Pargana,Sarkar and Subah. The Subah was under a Sar Subhedar. Under them were the Mamledars. Under the Mamledars were the Kamvisdars. The mamledars and kamvisdars were in charge of the local administration . The revenue collection under them were managed by the Patils (in marathwada,Pune,Khandesh) and Khots (in Konkan).All these posts under the Peshwas had become heredatory. The Deshmukhs and the Deshpandes acted as chief district officials.Their assistants were known as Kulkarnis .They maintained the records. Then there were the local magistrates, the chief magistrate etc.Each area had Kotwals in charge of police work. Under them were the Havaldars who acted as the police constables, under whom were the 'Shipais'.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Overall the administration under the Peshwas, though traditional, was fairly efficient and well managed.<br />
The drawbacks perhaps lay in the maratha administration outside Maharashtra (barring perhaps the fiefs of the confederate generals), where regions were mainly seen as revenue yeilding and no attempts were made to implement any permanent systems of administration and control. The army also remained scattered outside Maharashtra in different pockets with only small contingents left to guard the captured areas. As a result, recapture of those areas proved comparatively easy for the enemy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Appendix:</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Sadashivrao's letter to the Jats</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHte0WqGi_elhTsHDMuqhqhTKoy0gYTEE5Oimthoj3SijsMZu7PpD_TBcw6S4xk3gTQ2n4m3rRKcPNvkHzeyA6hkn0jduKcNa_sKUPQb07JB69Ps9_fzszVYkYyG11CUABlhydKpJc4Jj/s1600/IMG_1451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHte0WqGi_elhTsHDMuqhqhTKoy0gYTEE5Oimthoj3SijsMZu7PpD_TBcw6S4xk3gTQ2n4m3rRKcPNvkHzeyA6hkn0jduKcNa_sKUPQb07JB69Ps9_fzszVYkYyG11CUABlhydKpJc4Jj/s320/IMG_1451.JPG" width="268" /></a></b></div>
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: The publisher does not vouch for the authenticity of the letter.</span></b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The text of Sadashivbhaus letter that translates thus:</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To the Jats,Gujars,Ahirs and the Jats of 18 khaps or pads (thambas) or the heads of thoks and panchayats, I send my regards. For the defence of religion it is the duty of every hindu to help me in defending the 'country'.Everyone will have to fight for the defence of the country against the coming invasion. Fro the ninth century the apostates have made this country their stronghold and are ruling over it. There will be no better oppurtunity than this to drive them out. The servant of the hindu religion. - Sadashivrao Bhau.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Acknowledgements:</b> guest reader <b>Abhas Verma</b> who has contributed with this letter (for the blog).</span></b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Sources:</b></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1. New History of Marathas by G S Sardesai (Phoenix Publications).<br />
2.Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1701-1813 .Jaswant Lal Mehta (New Dawn Press - New Delhi )</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
3. New Cambridge History of India: The Marathas, 1600-1818 By Stewart Gordon, Cambridge University Press.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
4. A History of the Maratha People by G.A.Kincaid and Rao Bahadur D.B.Parasnis (Humphrey Milford Oxford University Press).</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
5. History of the Mahrathas by James Grant Duff (Exchange Press, Bombay)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
6. Panipat (marathi novel) by Vishwas Patil.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
7. Online sources:wikipedia.org.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
8. Solstice at Panipat by Dr Uday Kulkarni (Mula Mutha Publishers).<br />
9. An account of the Last Battle of Panipat (with accounts of Kashiraj pandit & Nana Phadnavis translated by Lt Col James Brown & edited by H G Rawlinson (Oxford University Press).<br />
10. Marathas by A R Kulkarni (Diamond Publications).<br />
11. Madhavrao Sindhia by H G Keene, Clarendon Press.<br />
12. Peshwe gharanyacha itihas (marathi)-P.Oak (Continental Prakashan)</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-47607961616271528012010-11-20T12:44:00.001-08:002015-06-28T04:37:31.840-07:00Peshwas (Part 2) : Glory of the Peshwas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Refer previous Peshwa articles to get a sense of continuity viz. Peshwas Part 1: Early Peshwas (Sonopant,Shyampant,Moropant,Nilopant,Bahirojipant,Ramchandrapant and Balaji Vishwanath Bhat), Part 2: Glory of the Peshwas (Bajirao I), Part 3: Peak of the Peshwas and Debacle at Panipat(Balaji Bajirao), Part 4: Strife within (Madhavrao, Narayanrao,Raghunathrao,Sawai Madhavrao), Part 5: Decline of the Peshwas (Bajirao II, Amritrao, Nanasahib).</span>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In Peshwas (Part 1), we read about the advent of the Bhat dynasty amongst the Peshwas (Prime ministers). The progenitor of the dynasty being Balaji Vishwanath Bhat. He was the Peshwa of Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj. The descendents of Balaji Vishwanath Bhat were to remain the Peshwas till the end of the Maratha empire in Maharashtra.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: 21px;">Peshwa Bajirao I</span></strong> (b. Aug 18,1699- d. 28th April 1740) a.k.a Thorale Bajirao (Bajirao the eldest) a.k.a Bajirao Ballal a.k.a Visaji is considered the most valiant amongst the Peshwas.<br />
His swift cavalry movements and brilliant military strategies make him second only to the great Shivaji.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bajirao was the son and successor of Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath Bhat.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
A young Bajirao was appointed the Peshwa by Chatrapati Shahu immediately after the death of Balaji Vishwanath (17th April 1720, at Masur camp near Satara).<br />
<br />
<b>Early years</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Bajirao was born in 1700 at Barve wada (in the house of his maternal uncle Malhar Daji Barve) at Duber village near Duber fort .<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: grey; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">Note: to visit Duber village, one needs to take theGhoti route from Mumbai to Sinnar. Duber lies 13 kms before Sinnar.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: grey; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><br /></span>
Bajirao and his brother Chimaji were trained in the art of warfare, horsemanship and administration from their early teens, and were predestined to play a major role in Maratha history.<br />
Bajirao was also a part of Balaji Vishwanaths entourage to Delhi (1718-19) and had gained first hand experience in mughal politics.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bajirao was a very ambitious person and dreamt of expanding the borders of the Maratha kingdom further towards the north. He was witnessing a gradual deterioration in the Mughal power and wanted to take full advantage of this situation. Bajirao propounded a ‘forward policy’ for Maratha expansion.<br />
He is said to have thundered in Shahus court, ‘Strike, strike at the trunk and the branches will fall off themselves. Listen but to my counsel, and I shall plant the Maratha banner on the walls of Attock’.<br />
Shahu was deeply impressed and exclaimed, ‘By heaven, you shall plant it on the Himalayas’.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Predictably the young Bajiraos quick ascendency caused resentment amongst several of the senior nobles (like Pant Pratinidhi,Pant Sachiv and Chimnaji Moghe). Moreso because their own seniority had been disregarded.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Also there was a difference in opinion with Bajirao whom they considered an impetuous upstart.<br />
They believed that the Marathas first ought to consolidate their empire in Maharashtra and continue then with Shivajis policy for strategic depth in the south. Whereas Bajirao found no oppurtunities in an already ravaged deccan and sensed potential in the north.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It was eventually Bajiraos wish that prevailed.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Chimnaji Moghe , the deputy of Balaji Vishwanath was supported by Pant Pratinidhi and Pant Sachiv to suceed Balaji Vishwanath against Bajirao I. But after Chatrapati Shahu made Bajirao I , the next Peshwa, Chimnaji left Shahus services and joined the Kolhapur court, where he was made the Peshwa. He even fought a battle with Bajirao(at Gujrat, alongside of Dabhade), but was subsequently defeated.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The influence of Sayyad brothers at Delhi had also eclipsed, with the murder of Sayyad Hussain and the confinement (and subsequent death) of Sayyad Abdullah by the mughal emperor Muhammed Shah ‘Rangila’ and the mughals no longer wished to honour their earlier sanads of chauth , sardeshmukhi and swaraj (given to the erstwhile Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath at Delhi, after a due treaty with the Sayyeds and the erstwhile emperor).<br />
Subsequently Nizam Ul Mulk Kamruddin Khan Siddiqui was appointed the new Wazir and it was decided that he would deal with the marathas in the Deccan.<br />
This also led to the maratha concentration in the north.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Clash with Nizam Ul Mulk</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bajirao had many stumbling blocks in his quest for creating Maratha hegemony. There were the Siddis at Janjira and the Portuguese challenging Maratha dominance on the western coast. But the foremost amongst Bajiraos foes was Nizam ul Mulk the mughal viceroy of Deccan (seated at Hyderabad), who sensing the weak control of the mughal emperors, had decided to establish his own independent kingdom in the Deccan.<br />
<br />
The Nizam ul Mulk disregarded the right of the Marathas to collect chauth in the Deccan. Initial efforts towards a peacefull settlement (Chikalthan parley 1721) of the matter also failed despite the reaffirmation of the Mughal Maratha treaty from the Delhi court.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But in 1722, Nizam ul Mulks personal ambitions lay exposed before the mughal emperor and the latter (Muhammed Shah) started sidelining him. Nizam ul Mulk now rebelled openly against the mughal emperor and declared his regions as independent with the capital being Hyderabad. When the imperial army led by Mubariz Khan tried to seize the errant Nizam, the latter sought the help from his old enemies the Marathas and agreed to accept all their earlier demands. Shahu instructed Bajirao to send an contingent to assist the Nizam. Their collective armies subdued the imperial forces at Sakherkheda in 1724.<br />
<br />
But true to his nature, Nizam ul Mulk after seeing the danger had passed by, once again provoked the Marathas by refusing to honour his word. To rub salt on the wounds, Nizam ul mulk propped up a coalition of Sambhaji II of Kolhapur, Chandrasen Jadhav,Udaji Chavan and Rao Rambha Nimbalkar against Shahu. When Peshwa and his troops had gone to collect Chauth in the south (in 1727), the Nizams forces made an surprise attack on Poona, whereby he proclaimed Sambhaji II to be his accepted Chatrapati. (Satara too came under threat and Ch.Shahu himself had to seek refuge in fort Purandar near Saswad).<br />
<br />
<b>Battle of Palkhed</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Hearing the news of the attack, Bajiraos troops proceeded towards Poona . The Nizam was already waiting for the Peshwa with a huge army and artillery.<br />
But the clever Peshwa was obviously a step ahead of the Nizam as far as war machinations were concerned. Instead of confronting the powerful Nizam's artillery in a pitched battle, he created a detour by plundering Nizams territories like Jalna, Khandesh and proceeded toward Burhanpur a rich mughal outpost in the control of the Nizam. Bajirao thus provoked the Nizam into leaving his base and give the Peshwa a chase. However the Nizam had to leave behind his heavy artillery in order to catch up with the Peshwas army. This was preciscely what the wily Peshwa wanted. As the Nizams army progressed towards the Peshwa, midway at Palkhed (a hill tract near Aurangabad) the Peshwa managed to trap and surround the Nizam.<br />
The Nizam found himself in a precarious situation, surrounded as he was, without food and water supplies for days. The Nizam was soon forced to sign a humiliating treaty at Mungi Shevgaon (6th March, 1728), whereby the Nizam agreed to accept Shahu as the sole Maratha chatrapati and give up the cause of Sambhaji II forever. The Maratha rights for chauth were also recognized.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Malwa campaign</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In October 1728, Bajirao and his troops launched an attack on Malwa. His contingent consisted of his brother Chimaji Appa, Tanoji Shinde,Malharrao Holkar and Udaji Pawar, all of whom were destined to great heights in the near future.The Marathas subdued the mughal forces and captured Malwa. The mughals later tried to dislodge the Marathas by deputing first Sawai Jaisingh of Amber and then Muhammed Khan Bangash. But their attempts to dislodge the Marathas from Malwa proved unsuccessful and they found themselves humbled.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Bundelkhand chapter : Mastani</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Mughals under the governor Muhammed Khan Bangash had laid a siege in Bundelkhand since 1727. Its king Chatrasal (considering his friendly relations with the Marathas since the time of Shivaji ) appealed to the marathas for help, but the Maratha armies being engaged elsewhere, Shahu wasn’t able to send timely help. </div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Note: </span><strong>Raja Chatrasal</strong><span class="Apple-style-span"> (1649-1731) was the legendary king from Bundelkhand who freed his land from Mughal domination (during the reign of Aurangzeb). He was a son of 'Champatrai' , a Mughal vassal. He was greatly inspired by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and had earlier offered to join his army to fight against the Mughals. But Shivaji had instructed him to first free his own land from the mughals and promised him all the necessary help in this endeavour.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Chatrasal offered a stiff resistance to the mughals but eventually was wounded and captured by Muhammed Khan Bangash at Jaitpur. Chatrasal again appealed to Peshwa Bajirao (in 1729) to come to his aid. This time around Bajirao himself was in proximity to Bundelkhand (at Garha,Malwa) and with his army came to the rescue of Chatrasal. <br />
The Mughal commander Muhammed Bangash was surrounded at Jaitpur (and his son's army, which coming to his aid was also routed), forcing Bangash to accept defeat . He pleaded with Bajirao for a free passage to Delhi which Bajirao accepted in return for a promise that Bangash would never trouble Chatrasal ever again. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Extremely gratified towards Bajirao, Raja Chatrasal declared in an open durbar that the Peshwa was now onwards his adopted son, and accorded him a personal jagir (one third of his kingdom) which included Sagar,Banda and Jhansi (Bajirao entrusted its administration to Govind Pant - who later came to be known as Govind pant Bundele). </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Chatrasal also gifted Bajirao his beautiful daughter Mastani (from his Persian muslim concubine). Mastani later bore Bajirao a son who was named Shamsher Bahadur.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: The love story between Bajirao and Mastani is regarded as a tragedy, as this alliance didn’t go well with Bajiraos orthodox family, especially after the Peshwa started neglecting his first wife Kashibai. They never accepted Mastani as their daughter in law. Even the brahmins of Poona refused to conduct the thread ceremony of Shamsher Bahadur (Krishnarao), him being born from of a muslim woman. What irked the orthodox Brahmins more was the fact that Bajirao despite being a Chitpavan Brahmin, disregarded the principles of Brahmanism. On his expeditions, he openly consumed meat and alcohol and now commited sacrilage by begetting a child from a muslim woman.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Later, Shamsher Bahadur died fighting for the Marathas in the third battle of Panipat. His son Ali Bahadur got charge of a part of Bajiraos jagir in Bundelkhand. There he formed the state of Banda (in present day Uttar Pradesh).</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Gujarat</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
Gujarat had a lot of free booters (Maratha confederates who often acted independently in the province of Gujarat). Prominent amongst these were Pilaji Gaekwad and Kanthaji Kadam Bande.They owed their allegience to Sarsenapati Khanderao Dabhade who weilded influence in those regions.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Maratha senapati Khanderao Dabhade was officially given charge for Gujrat by Ch.Shahu himself after the former had subdued the mughal officers in that state. After the death of Khanderao in 27th Sept,1729 his son Trimbakrao Dabhade was made senapati.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In Gujarat there was another player in the form of Hamid Khan who was a protégé of the Nizam ul Mulk.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
When the mughal emperor despatched Sarbulund Khan in July 1724, to get control of Gujrat which was engulfed in rivalry between mughal nobility, Hamid Khan entered into a understanding with Bande to prevent the imperial interference. He gave him rights to collect chauth towards the north of river Mahi. Bajirao then asked (through his representative Udaji Pawar) Sarbulund Khan to grant him the chauth rights of Gujarat but was spurned. So Bajirao despatched his brother Chimaji Appa to Gujrat who looted the towns of Petlad and Dholka. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Sarbulund Khan was unable to simultaneously tackle Bande as well as the Peshwas armies and he was forced to sign an agreement with the Peshwa in 1730 whereby the Peshwa was given chauth and sardeshmukhi rights for Gujrat region (seaport of Surat was excluded from this agreement). But this didn’t go very well with the mughal court and they replaced Sarbulund Khan with Abhay singh, son of Ajit singh of Jodhpur. But Abhay singh too reconciled with the idea that the Peshwa was the only person who could rein in the free booters and compromised with him. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile the treaty between the Mughals and the Peshwa didn’t go well with Maratha Senapati Trimbakrao Dabhade, who considered the Gujrat affairs his heridatory right . He was already having ego clashes with the Peshwa, whom he wasnt entirely comfortable accepting as a second supreme authority after the king. Note the Peshwa on his part was also encouraging new blood like Holkar-Shinde-Pawar and starting on war campaigns without consultations with the sarsenapati.Now this Gujarat issue only aggravated matters further. Sarsenapati Trimbakrao Dabhade accused Peshwa Bajirao II of breaching the contract made between the Dabhade family and Chatrapati Shahu.Finding the king also evasive in the matter, he decided to take on Bajirao directly. In a skirmish that followed at Dabhoi in April 1731, Trimbakrao Dabhade was killed (Pilaji Gaekwads son Sambhaji also died in that battle). Also captured were rebels like Udaji Pawar (he had fallen out with Bajirao) and Chimnaji Damodar who were fighting from Dabhades side.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Meanwhile, Shahu had forced Sambhaji II to sign the treaty of Warna in 1731 after the defeat of the latter at Vishalgad. Sambhaji II had to accept Shahu as his overlord.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Nizam ul Mulk was also made to eat the humble pie at Rohe Rameshwar in 27th Dec,1732 whereby he sought the Peshwas forgiveness for conspiring against him.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>The Elephant War with the Siddis</strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong>The trouble between Marathas and the Siddis (Abysinnian muslims) resurfaced when a Siddi (Abyssinian) faujdar, Siddi Satt desecrated the hindu temple at Parshuram in the Konkan and insulted a saint by the name of Bramhendra swami. This happened in the year 1729, after a elephant gifted by the Nawab of Savnur to the Siddis of Janjira was being transported through Maratha territory by the disciples of Bramhendra swami and enroute it had been captured by a contingent of the Maratha sarkhel(admiral) Kanhoji Angre. Presuming it to be a conspiracy of the swami, the Siddis faujdar roughed up the swamis disciples and vandalised the Parshuram temple.<br />
Bramhendra swami was a highly revered person and this strained the historically stretched relations between the Marathas and the Siddis. Meanwhile Siddi nawab Rasul Yaqut died in 1733 and a succession war started between his sons. Kanhoji Angre had also died on 4th July 1729 and was succeeded by his son Sekhoji Angre as the Maratha sarkhel.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bajirao sensing an opportune time despatched his army and besieged Janjira by sea. The fort was just about to fall , but for the untimely death of Sekhoji in 1733.<br />
Sekhojis brother Sambhaji refused to take orders from the Peshwa and due to his non cooperation the siege had to be called off. Luckily for the Marathas, the Siddis son Abdul Rehman approached Bajirao for a succession settlement with his uncles and cousins whereby Marathas gave him the desired help. In return the previous territories of the Siddis like Raigad,Rewas,Chaul and Thal were recognized as parts of Maratha territory (1736).The other brothers too found it futile to resist the marathas and gave in.<br />
Siddi was thereafter confined only to the territories of Janjira, Anjanvel and Gowalkot, with his powers greatly diminished. The main antagonist Siddi Sat was also killed in an encounter with Chimaji appa in few months time.Thus concluded what is now termed as the ‘elephant war’.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Bajirao thunders at the gates of Delhi</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
By 1735, the marathas had virtually gained control over entire Gujrat and Malwa. But some towns and areas under the influence of local mughal officers and zamindars refused to acknowledge Maratha control.<br />
The Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah was also dillydallying over passing an official order chartering chauth and sardeshmukhi rights to the Marathas. Efforts by Bajirao to seek audience with the mughal emperor were also ignored. The Marathas decided to assert themselves and started plundering the adjoining territories of Rajasthan. The Mughals also retaliated by sending troops under under their Vazir Qamruddin Khan and Mir Bakshi Khan i Dauran. But both the contingents were routed by Maratha commanders (Pilaji Jadhav defeated the forces of the Vazir and Ranoji Shinde, Malhararao Holkar subdued the forces of the Mir Bakshi).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;">Note: Ranoji Shinde and Malharrao Holkar were to set up their permanent headquarters at Gwalior and Indore respectively. In years to come both became separate princely states.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"></span></span>The Peshwa then decided to teach the mughal emperor a lesson of his lifetime. Bajirao personally marched towards Delhi with a large Maratha army in Dec 1737.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He divided the army into two. One contingent was led by Peshwa Bajirao and the other by Pilaji Jadhav and Malharrao Holkar. The contingent of Holkar was however anhilated by a much larger army led by Sadat Khan , the Nawab of Oudh and mughal governor of Agra . Malharrao Holkar himself managed to escape and reach the other group led by Bajirao.<br />
Meanwhile, thinking that the Maratha threat was over, Sadat Khan sent the good news to Delhi. To join in the celebrations of his perceived success, the other mughal commanders also joined in , leaving Delhi virtually unguarded.<br />
That was when the contingent of Bajirrao, in a swift movement , completely bypassed the encamped mughal army and reached the outskirts of Delhi (28th March 1737), covering a ten day journey in just fourty eight hours.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
What followed thereafter was the total loot of the suburbs of Delhi. The Mughal emperor himself hid in the safe confines of Red Fort, while Bajirao and his men plundered the countryside in glee abandon. A eight thousand strong mughal army led by Mir Hassan Koka did try to take on Bajirao , but they were hopelessly outmanouvered and Mir Hassan himself was wounded in the skirmish.<br />
Then before the main mughal army could gather their wits, Bajirao with his entourage returned back to the Deccan.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
On 31st March 1737, the victorious Maratha army left Delhi with their large booty leaving behind Delhi, mauled and humbled.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
On the way back to Pune , Bajirao planted his trusted lieutenants at various places in north and central India, which were to remain their permanent places of influence in the near future.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Treaty of Bhopal</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong></strong>Now the emperor turned back to Nizam ul Mulk who had earlier fallen out with him. Nizam ul mulk was made the supreme commander of the imperial forces and sent with an seventy thousand strong contingent to attack the Maratha dominions. On the way, many mughal officers, chieftains joined him. This large mughal contingent reached Bhopal to extract revenge from the Marathas.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But it was again a futile exercise. The Marathas led by Bajirao himself and his brother Chimaji Appa were all ready for the imperial army. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
They completely surrounded the Mughals in Bhopal, cutting off all their supplies. Finally forcing the Nizam to sign yet another treaty, this time the treaty of Bhopal (7th Jan 1738, Dora Sarai) whereby, the mughals conceded entire Malwa, region between Narmada and Chambal rivers, besides fifty lakh rupees as war indemnity.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;">Note: Nadir Shah of Persia attacked and plundered Delhi between Feb to March 1739. Nadir Shah took away with him several precious jewels,ornaments, besides the famed bejeweled peacock throne and several slaves. He also annexed Afghanistan, Baluchistan,NWF,Sind, four districts of Punjab to the Persian empire.This was the culmination of the decline of mughal leadership in India.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #000099;"></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Bajirao and the Portuguese</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bajirao had already quelled the Portuguese threat to Manaji Angre in the Konkan. In return Angre promised him an annual tribute of 7000 rupees.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bajirao was also having a grouse against the Portuguese over the island of Salsette (part of Mumbai, which the Portuguese had refused to lease out to the Marathas for construction of a commercial factory), following which Bajiraos brother Chimaji Appa (d.1741) attacked the Portuguese regions (near Bombay/ Mumbai) in March 1738. He successfully captured the regions of Thane,Parsik,Belapur,Dharavi, Arnala and concluded his campaign with the capture of Versova(Feb,1739) and Bassein (Vasai,May 1739).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;">Note: Earlier in 1719, Balaji Vishwanath the father of Bajirao and Chimaji had forcibly taken over Kalyan (near Mumbai)from the Portuguese.<br />
Note2: The English had played a rather duplicit role during the Bassein war by supplying arms and ammunition to both the Marathas (covertly) and the Portuguese(overtly).<br />
Seige was also laid at Panaji in Goa (during the time of Portuguese viceroy Sandomil) and was called off following a treaty for peace by the Portuguese in April 1739. Salsette also eventually fell to the Marathas in May, 1739. </span><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"></span><strong>Last campaign of Bajirao</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong></strong>Bajirao desired a corridor to Delhi through certain regions of Nizam ul Mulk (which earlier had been promised to the marathas in the treaty at Bhopal). Nasir Jung the Nizams son however refused. Hence he was besieged by Bajirao at Aurangabad. He sued for peace (28th Feb 1740) and ceded the districts of Handia and Khargon in Nemad, south of river Narmada to Bajirao.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Unfortunately this proved to be the last campaign of the great Peshwa.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Death</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bajirao was struck by a virulent fever at Raver (near Indore,south of river Narmada) and hardly in a weeks time, he breathed his last (on 18 th April 1740). He was just fourty.<br />
At the time of his death his wife Kashibai and son Janardhan were by his side. His son performed his obsequies.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thus fate cut short the life of one of the most valorous of the Peshwas, a builder of empires and a leader of men.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Epilogue</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bajirao left behind a wife, Kashibai and four sons namely Balaji Bajirao his successor , Raghunathrao( who later became Peshwa for a small period following the murder of his nephew Narayanrao)& Janardhanrao.(his other son Ramchandra probably died early).<br />
Bajiraos other wife Mastani too died soon .Some say she commited suicide while some claim she commited sati. Her body was buried in a place called Pabal,Tal.Shirur (near Pune) which was gifted to her by Bajirao. She left behind a son, Shamsher Bahadur who was raised in the Peshwa household.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Shamsher bahaddur helped establish the maratha rule in the north along with his step brother Raghunathrao. Shamsherbahaddur died after succumbing to injuries bourne in the battle of Panipat. His son Alibahaddur and grandson Shamsherbahaddur II made noteworthy contributions in establishing the maratha rule in the north and established the state of Banda (in present day U.P). Shamsherbahaddur II was succeeded by his brother Zulfikar Ali Bahadur. Shamsherbahaddur IIs nephew Alibahaddur II (son of Zulfikar) was an active participant in the uprising of 1857.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Balaji Bajirao a.k.a Nanasaheb I took the maratha empire to its zenith (ably supported by Sadashivrao bhau, the son of Chimaji appa). Sadashivrao bhau was himself martyred in the battle of Panipat 1761.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bajirao also made Puna (Pune) his capital. His aide Bapuji Shripat was instrumental in persuading many rich families of adjoining towns to settle down at Pune.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bajirao had the famous temple of Omkareshwar constructed in his lifetime.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bajirao also had their mansion Shanivarwada constructed at Shanivar Peth (previously Murtuzabad) in Pune. This was to remain the official residence of the Peshwas.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Sources: </b><br />
G S Sardesai,V G Dighe, Jaswantlal Mehta,Kincaid and Parasnis,Grant Duff.<br />
1. Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1701-1813 .Jaswant Lal Mehta (New Dawn Press - New Delhi )</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2. New Cambridge History of India: The Marathas, 1600-1818 By Stewart Gordon, Cambridge University Press.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
3. A History of the Maratha People by G.A.Kincaid and Rao Bahadur D.B.Parasnis (Humphrey Milford Oxford University Press).</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
4.History of the Mahrattas by James Grant Duff (Exchange Press, Bombay).<br />
5.Online sources: wikipedia.org</div>
</div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-91665364127328381382010-11-20T12:43:00.001-08:002015-06-28T04:37:55.109-07:00Peshwas (Part 1) : The Early Peshwas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Peshwas were the heridatory prime ministers of the Maratha Chatrapatis, who later assumed the numero uno position in Maratha politics.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The word Peshwa has roots in the Persian language meaning ‘foremost’. They were all Brahmin ministers who initially started as the chief executives to the king.</div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 21px;">Sonpant Dabir</span></strong>(1640-1652) was said to be the first unofficial Peshwa . He was initially sent by Shahajiraje to advise his son Shivaji in his administration at Puna. The word Dabir however meant being the foreign secretary, but his seniormost position accorded him a role equivalent to that of a Peshwa. Sonopant was said to be weighed in gold coins at the Tuladaan ceremony at Mahabaleshwar by Shivaji, to honour the grand old man for his services to the kingdom.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 21px;">Shyampant Kulkarni Ranzekar</span></strong>(1652-1657), was the second Peshwa . He was probably removed from his post by Shivaji following some mismanagement allegations.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Narhari Anandrao </span></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 21px;">Moropant Trimbak Pingale</span></strong> (he was then officially titled as Pantpradhan or Prime minister. Post held from 1657-1683) was the third person to be declared the Peshwa (and the first one officially) during the coronation of Shivaji as a Chatrapati .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Moropant was not just adept with the pen , but also with the sword. In 1659, he was part of the group of warriors that led an assault on the forces of Afzal Khan the Bijapuri commander. Moropant was instrumental in capturing the Trimbakeshwar fort at Nasik. He also assisted Netaji Palkar during the Wani Dindori battle and during the raid on Surat. Moropant was involved in the construction of fort Pratapgad as well.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Moropant Pingale developed the Shaniwar Peth at Pune.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He was also instrumental in supervising the construction of fort Pratapgad, which was designed by Hiroji Indulkar.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Moropant Pingale also provided his services in the financial administration of the Maratha kingdom. After the death of Shivaji in 1680, his son Sambhaji had accused Moropant of conspiring against him (during the time of Sambhajis power struggle with his step mother Soyrabai. Sambhaji had accused Moropant of siding with his step mother) and had temporarily removed him, but only to reinstate him later.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Moropant died in 1683.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 21px;">Nilkanth Moreshwar (Nilopant) Pingale</span></strong> (1683-89) the son of Moropant , succeeded his father as the next Peshwa of Sambhaji.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He had earlier served as Shivajis Muzumdar.He was instrumental in recovering the fort Purandar from the Mughals in 1670, capturing its kiledar Raziuddin.He later served under Ch.Rajaram and Rani Tarabai.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He later developed the Shukrawar Peth and Rawiwar Peth in Pune.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 21px;">Ramchandrapant (Bahutkar)Bawdekar</span></strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>(1689-1708) rose from the ranks of a Kulkarni (accountant) to being an prime minister (amatya).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He served under the rule of Shivaji, Sambhaji,Tarabai,Rajaram and Shivaji II.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
When Rajaram escaped to Jinji in 1689, he gave Ramchandrapant the Hukumatpanha (a position replacing the Peshwa) or the authority to administer the kingdom in his behalf. In 1689, Rajaram replaced Ramchandrapant with Tarabai(wife of Rajaram) as the bearer of the Hukumatpanha. But Ramchandrapant was transferred to an equally important advisory position.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Ramchandrapant sided with Tarabai during the power struggle with Shahu.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Ramchandrapant was an asset to the Maratha empire during the difficult times and tackled many adverse situations like resources, food scarcity with remarkable skill.Rammchandra later helped Tarabai establish her throne in Kolhapur.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He penned his experience in administration, in his book, ‘Adnyapatra.’ Ramchandra pant died in 1716 at fort Panhala.Ramchandrapant later fell out with Rani Tarabai and is said to have been instrumental in installing Ch.Sambhaji (younger son of Ch.Rajaram and stepson of Tarabai) on the Kolhapur throne.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="color: #000099; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Note: During the time of Rajaram, the post of </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pant Pratinidhi</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> was almost on par with the post of Peshwa. The first Pant Pratinidhi was Prahlad Niraji. Later this post was occupied by Parshuram Trimbak Kinhaikar who (and his descendents) later became the jagirdars of Aundh state.He was instrumental in holding the fort Panhala against Aurangzeb (1689). Though he lost the fort then, he recaptured it in 1692. He also captured territories between Miraj and fort Rangana and also Bhudargad ,Chandangad, Pavangad, Satara and Vasantgad. He continued his loyalty towards Tarabai much to the chagrin of Shahu. Shahu imprisoned him twice between 1710-14. 14 (second time when his son Krishnaji joined the forces of Sammbhaji II).But his life was spared by Shahu because of the intervention of Khando Ballal (Shahus personal assistant ) who reminded his king of Parshuram Trimbaks contribution to the maratha cause. Parshuram Trimbak continued holding the position of Pant Pratinidhi in the time of Tarabai until his death in 1718. He was succeeded by his son Srinivasrao aka Shripatrao, who continued albeit as the feudatory jagirdar(Aundh) of Shahus .</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #cc0000;">Bahirojipant Pingale</strong> (1708-1711) was the younger son of Moropant Pingale and Shahus first Peshwa. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
When Kanhoji Angre attacked Satara in 1711, Bahiroji was taken a prisoner by him. That’s when Shahu ordered Balaji Vishwanath to ensure his release and also gave Balaji Vishwanath <span class="Apple-style-span">authority </span><span class="Apple-style-span">in the form of the post of Peshwa, in order to negotiate with Angre on the kings behalf.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<strong style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #cc0000;"></strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong style="color: #cc0000;">Balaji Vishwanath Bhat</strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>(1713-1720) was the progenitor of the Bhat Peshwas who later became the de facto rulers of the Maratha kingdom for over a century. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Bhats (Balaji and his elder brother Janoji) were Chitpavan Brahmins hailing from Shrivardhan in the Konkan region.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Genealogy:</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Mahadjipant (Deshmukh-Dandarajapuri)</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b> :</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Shivaji Mahadev (Parshuram)- son ( brother- Naro Mahadev)</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b> :</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Vishwanathpant (a.k.a Visaji) - son (brothers- Krishnaji, Antaji)</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b> :</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Balaji Vishwanath - son (brothers-Janoji,Krishnaji,Rudraji,Vithal)</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
They probably started in the service of the Siddis of Janjira and after friction with the tyrannical Nawab, later shifted base to the ghats .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
There they took up service with first Ramchandra pant (he acted as a Sab Suba or adminsistrator of Puna/Pune and later Daulatabad) and later with Dhanaji Jadhav , the Sarnobat of the Maratha army. (after recommendation from his friend Ghanshyam Shenvi of Rahimatpur).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Dhanaji Jadhav sent Balaji Vishwanath (who was a Diwan or a revenue officer then) on a confidential mission to ascertain the credibility of Shahu. Satisfied that Shahu was indeed a son of Sambhaji, Balaji went back and persuaded his master Dhanaji to join the forces of the true king. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Both Dhanaji and Balaji ensured the defeat of Tarabais armies and she had to retreat to Kolhapur where she formed a separate kingdom (Shahu ruling from Satara). After Dhanajis death, his son Chandrasen was made the senapati and Balaji the Senakarte.But Chandrasen who basically resented the ascendency of someone like Balaji who was once his fathers servant, quarreled with the latter over a trifle. Seeing Shahu taking Balajis side, Chandrasen transferred his allegiance to Tarabai. Chandrasen was replaced by his brother Santaji as the new Senapati. But his loyalties toward Shahu also turned feeble and fell prey to Tarabais promises.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Chandrasen Jadhav was beaten in battle by Shahus able commander Haibatrao Nimbalkar. Chandrasen later switched allegiance to the likes of Sambhaji II and later Nizam ul Mulk. But every time his misadventures against Shahu came to a naught.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
On one occassion,a person by the name of Damaji Thorat ( an protégé of Ramchandrapant Bavdekar) treacherously captured Balaji and Shahu had to pay Thorat a huge ransom to have him released. <span class="Apple-style-span">.</span>Shahu then sent Haibatrao Nimbalkar along with Balaji to chastise Damaji Thorat.In 1718 ,Damaji Thorat was later defeated and taken a prisoner by Balaji.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
There was a time when several maratha nobles deserted Shahus cause and joined Tarabai. Notable amongst these were Krishnarao Khatavkar, Udaji Chavan,Rambhaji Nimbalkar etc.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This was indeed a very precarious time for Shahu.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But in this hour of trial, Balaji stood like a rock behind Shahu.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Balaji not only helped Shahu in his administration, but also borrowed money from moneylenders on behalf of the king and rebuilt a strong army.<br />
<br />
In 1713, Kanhoji Angre a Maratha chieftain from Konkan, challenged the supremacy of Shahu. He attacked Satara, and took away the Peshwa Bahiroji Pingale as a prisoner. That’s when Balaji Vishwanath ,who by now had become Shahus close confidante (and was also the Mutaliq to Amatya Amburao Hanmante) was entrusted with the responsibility (by Shahu) to negotiate the release of Bahiroji. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Balaji Vishwanath requested for more authority in order to negotiate better with Kanhoji Angre. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
That was when Balaji Vishwanath was made the Peshwa , as on 17th Nov 1713.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Balaji Vishwanath made Ambaji Purandare his mutalik and Ramajipant Bhanu (an ancestor of the famed Nana Phadanvis, the chief minister of Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa) his Phadnavis.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Balaji Vishwanath then proceeded to Konkan with a large army.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But Balaji was wise enough to understand the importance of a person like Kanhoji Angre and wished him to be on their side. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He therefore, instead of attacking Kanhojis army, started discussions with Kanhoji Angre. He convinced Kanhoji that his main enemies were the Mughals, the Siddis and the Portuguese and promised help to the Angres on that front. Eventually Kanhoji agreed to accept Shahu as his overlord and in return Kanhoji Angre was made the Sarkhel or Admiral of the Maratha army. He was also allowed autonomy in his regions. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #006600;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #006600;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #006600; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Note: </span><strong>Kanhoji Angre</strong><span class="Apple-style-span"> (born 1667, died 4th June 1729) a.k.a Konaji Angria was the son of Tanoji Angria a commander under Chatrapati Shivaji. Kanhoji was born in Alibaug and was brought up at fort Suvarnadurg. He grew up to be a skilled sailor. He was appointed Sarkhel / Darya Sarang (Admiral) of Maratha Navy and contolled areas from Mumbai to Vengurla on the western Konkan coast. He was induced into the services of Shahu by Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath, who declared him the Sarkhel (Kanhoji was earlier on the side of Shahus rivals and was initially hostile to Shahu ). Kanhoji also gained notoriety as a high sea pirate when he looted the ships of the Mughals and the Europeans.Kanhoji left behind two legitimate sons, Sekhoji and Sambhaji; three illegitimate sons, Tulaji, Manaji, and Yeshaji. After Kanhoji, his son Sekhoji continued Maratha exploits at sea till his death in 1733. After Sekhoji's death, the Angre might was split between brothers,Tulaji, Sambhaji and Manaji, because of divisions in the family. The Angre reign over the Western coast ended with the capture of Tulaji in a joint British / </span>Peshwa<span class="Apple-style-span"> (Balaji Bajirao who was facing insubordination from the Tulaji Angre( who had become very powerfull and refused to accept the Peshwa as his leader).</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Kanhoji was also said to have constructed three naval forts Gova,Kanakdurg &amp; Fatehgad.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #006600; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"> Many other enemies like Udaji Chavan , the Ghorpades, Krishnarao Khatavkar were also subdued. Thus Balaji Vishwanath gained Shahus trust and soon became the numero uno minister of Chatrapati Shahu.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">In 1714, Balaji hatched a conspiracy with Sambhaji II , another son of Rajaram and helped him oust his step mother Tarabai from the throne of Kolhapur.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile following the death of Aurangzeb, there were no major skirmishes between the Marathas and the Mughals. In fact Prince Azam promised Shahu the Sardeshmukhi of certain subahs.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But Prince Azam was killed in the battle of succession and Bahadur Shah ascended the mughal throne. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bahadur Shah, though not hostile, dillydallied over the issue of viceroyalty of Maratha subahs to Shahu and was undecided on whether to support Shahu (though the mughal viceroy of Deccan, Zulfikar Khan did support the cause of Shahu) or Tarabai. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Subsequently, during the time of emperor Jahandar Shah, the Marathas launched an attack on mughal territories forcing Daud Khan, the Deccan deputy of Zulfikar Khan , in order to make him recognise Shahu's rights of sardeshmukhi . </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In 1713, Farukhsiyar ascended the mughal throne with the help of the Sayyed brothers. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Zulfikar Khan was then assassinated in Delhi and his post was given to Chin Qilich Khan aka Nizam ul Mulk. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Nizam ul Mulk was always hostile to the Marathas whom he viewd as impediments in his dreams for overlordship of the Deccan region. He instigated Farukhsiyar to refuse to adhere to the agreement of sardeshmukhi between Daud Khan and the Marathas. Nizam Ul Mulk also tried to create an anti Shahu lobby by supporting Shahus old rivals like Sambhaji II ,Chandrasen Jadhav,Rambhaji Nimbalkar etc. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But politics at Delhi took a new turn and Nizam ul Mulk was substituted with Sayyed Hussain Ali Khan the brother of the wazir Sayyed Abdullah Khan. The Sayyeds were also intitially hostile towards the Marathas, but their own precarious position made them seek the help of Balaji Vishwanath.Both decided on a quid pro quo policy whereby the marathas help them in consolidating their power in Delhi and in return they will help the marathas cement their chauth and sardeshmukhi rights in the deccan.<br />
Matters had already soured between the Sayyad brothers and Farukhsiyar. The latter beginning to resent the growing clout of the Sayyad brothers, tried to instigate his commanders like Daud khan, the Nizam, Ajitsingh against the Sayyed brothers. Sayyed Hussain Khan was also sent by emperor Farrukhsiyar to the Deccan to reduce the power of the Sayyeds. That was when a maratha servant of Sayyed Hussain Khan, by the name of Shankarji Malhar advised him to take the help of the marathas.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Sayyids even devised a strategy to enter Delhi. They claimed that the marathas had in their possesion Munuddin a alleged son of prince Akbar (Aurangzebs son) whom they were willing to exchange for Shahus mother Yesubai who was since in a mughal prison. Farrukhsiyar fell to this ruse and allowed the Marathas (accompanied by Sayyid Husain Khan) to come over to Delhi for negotiations.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Balaji Vishwanath was despatched to Delhi by Shahu with a large contingent assisted by other Maratha commanders like Khanderao Dabadhe etc.Thats when the Marathas sought the official sanction from Emperor Farrukhsiyar over the earlier chauth/sardeshmukhi rights promised to the marathas (something which the Sayyeds had also agreed to while negotiating with the marathas). Farukhsiyar vehemently refused it and had a verbal altercation with the Sayyeds. Matters reached to a point where swords were drawn. Farrukhsiyar himself hid himself in his palace.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Nizam ul Mulk remained neutral all this time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
Farukhsiyars forces under Aminkhan were no match for the combined army of the Marathas and the Sayyeds.<br />
In 1719, Farukhsiyar was replaced by a weak Rafi Ud Darjat as the Mughal emperor of Delhi who immediately certified the rights of the marathas below the Narmada river.<br />
Farukhsiyar was later imprisoned, blinded and murdered by the Sayyed brothers.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span">Balaji Vishwanath on his way back from Delhi, also secured the release of Shahus mother Yesubai, wife Savitribai , half brother Madan singh and many Marathas who were earlier taken as captives by Aurangzeb.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Balaji also procured for his king the right of <i>chauth</i> (one fourth of the revenue) in six mughal provinces</span>(including Malwa,Berar,Bundelkhand,Gujrat) in the Deccan , <i>sardeshmukhi </i>(one tenth of the revenue) and also <i>swarajya </i>(freedom) in Shahus own land.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This move endeared Shahu to his Peshwa whom he praised as an '<i>atul parakrami sevak</i>' (a highly competant and valorous servant).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Note: Balaji Vishwanath was instrumental in streamlining the administration of the Maratha kingdom. To fill up the maratha coffers and t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">o enable better collection of the Chauth (one fourth of the land revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (one tenth of the chauth )rights, he patronized selected people.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">They were allowed to keep the major part of the revenue so as to maintain their armies and rest was to be transferred to the state.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">This move was a departure from Shivajis earlier policy of keeping all his officers on a fixed payscale, and without any jagirs.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">This move by Balaji Vishwanath has been critisised by some historians , as they felt that this paved way for legalizing the sovereign rights of those individuals over their regions.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">But from Balaji Vishwanaths point of view, it made the revenue collection system much efficient with little cost to the states exchequer, as these people in order to maintain their lifestyles and armies, made an diligent effort to collect the revenue from their regions of influence. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This also considerably increased the revenue of the King.</span> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
On his return, Balaji Vishwanath established himself at Puna (Pune) ,which became the headquarters of the Peshwas to follow.Balaji Vishwanath is said to have funded the marathi translation of Skanda Purana.<br />
His final battle was against Ch.Sambhajis (Kolhapur throne) forces whom he successfully pushed beyond Warna.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But Balaji Vishwanath wasn’t able to enjoy his success for long. He fell ill and died in a matter of days at Saswad near Puna on 12th April 1720.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Balaji left behind a wife Radhabai, two daughters (Bhiubai and Anubai) and two sons Bajirao I and Chimaji Appa.There is also a mention of an illegitimate son Bhikaji.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Balaji Vishwanath was succeeded by his son Bajirao I as the next Peshwa.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>To be continued</strong></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Sources: </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">1.<strong> </strong>New History of Marathas by G S Sardesai (Phoenix Publications).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">2. Peshwa Bajirao and Maratha expansion by V G Dighe (Karnatak Publications).</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 21px;"></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong></strong></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong></strong></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;">3. Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1701-1813 .Jaswant Lal Mehta (New Dawn Press - New Delhi )</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;">4. New Cambridge History of India: The Marathas, 1600-1818 By Stewart Gordon, Cambridge University Press.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">
<div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;">5. A History of the Maratha People by G.A.Kincaid and Rao Bahadur D.B.Parasnis (Humphrey Milford Oxford University Press).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;">6. Balaji Vishwanath (Marathi) by M S Dixit (Devdeveshwar press). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;">7. Peshwe gharanyacha itihas (marathi) by Pramod Oak (Continental prakashan).</span></div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>To follow, article on latter Peshwas like Bajirao I, Balaji Bajirao,Madhavrao,Narayanrao,Sawai Madhavrao,Raghunathrao,Bajirao II,Amritrao,Nanasaheb Peshwa.</strong></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-63675287233086143362010-11-20T12:38:00.001-08:002015-06-28T04:38:18.520-07:00Chatrapati Shahu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Shahu was the son of Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his Queen Yesubai (and the grandson of the great Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj).<br />
He was born in 1682. His birthname was Shivaji (after his illustrious grandfather).</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Soon after the execution of his father at the hands of the Mughals, Shahu and his mother Yesubai were taken away as prisoners (after the fall of fort Raigad). </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Shahu was therefore raised in Mughal captivity.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Note: Fort Raigad was handed over to the mughals by its killedar Suryaji Pisal along with the queen Yesubai and the young prince Shahu, in return for the Sardeshmukhi of Wai. Years later, when Shahu returned, the first thing he did was to execute the traitor, Suryaji Pisal and many of his family members.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Aurangzeb had wanted to convert Shahu to Islam, but on the request of his daughter Zinatunnisa, Aurangzeb agreed to accept Khanderao Gujar, a son of Prataprao Gujar, as a convert instead. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">It is said that it was Aurangzeb who named the child as 'Sahu' or the good one. It later changed to 'Shahu' and was used permanently by the king.</span></span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: xx-small;">Note: Shahu also had a elder sister named Bhavanibai. She was married to Shankaraji Mahadik.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Release from captivity</strong></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, Shahu was released (18th May 1707) by his son Prince Azam at the advice of his commander Zulfikar Khan. Shahu was given by prince Azam the royal insignia, maratha guards and entourage(notably Mahadji Krishna Joshi and Gadadhar Pralhad Nasikkar) and also Sardeshmukhi (revenue collection) rights over six Deccan subahs along with Gujrat ,Gondwana and Tanjore. Shahu collected a small army on the way and arms from a chieftain of Bijagad , Mohan singh Rawal. The idea was that it should prove as a goodwill gesture towards the Marathas (and blunt the maratha aggression) and perhaps also to create a succession war in the Maratha camp (and divide the maratha ranks). </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Predictably the dowager queen Tarabai rejected Shahus claim to the throne . It is to be noted that, Tarabais deceased husband Rajaram had earlier claimed that he was ruling only as an representative of Shahu who was held in mughal captivity.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">On the way,a few marathas joined Shahu viz.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Amritrao Kadam Bande, Sujan singh Rawal,Nemaji Shinde, Bokil, and Purandare.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Meanwhile Bahadur Shah aka Muazzam was crowned emperor of Delhi after superceding his brothers Azam from Ahmednagar and Kam Baksh from Hyderabad. Bahadur Shah (Shah Alam) maintained a equidistance from both Tarabai and Shahu and was non commital about prince Azams promise of Sardeshmukhi to Shahu.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Meanwhile a bitter battle for succession ensued between Shahu and Tarabai . The other contender being Sambhaji II, the son of Rajaram from his queen Rajasabai.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">However, Shahus mother , Yesubai contiued to remain in the mughal prison as a collateral until 1719 (Shahus wife Savitribai, half brother Madansingh also remained as hostages with the Mughals).</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">This remained the case, until the Maratha power streangthened , forcing the Mughals to release the Queen mother and other family members unconditionally.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></strong><br />
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Shahu the Chattrapati</span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Shahu succeeded the Maratha throne (with Satara as his capital, 1708) at the age of twenty six with the help of Balaji Vishwanath ,an astute diplomat who was in the service of Dhanaji Jadhav, the maratha commander in chief. Balaji Vishwanath joined Shahus cause, once e was convinced that he was indeed the son of Sambhajiraje and not some imposter.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Note:Shahu virtually built the city of Satara below the fort Ajinkyatara.</span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><br />
</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Shahus foes</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><strong></strong>Balaji Vishwanath managed to bring over many of Tarabais aides, over to Shahus side, including Dhanaji Jadhav(after battle of Khed in Nov, 1707), forcing Tarabai to agree to a compromise. She accepted Shahu as the king of the Marathas and in return Tarabai was allowed to create her own state of Kolhapur from where she created an independent throne.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">In 1713, Kanhoji Angre an ally of Tarabai made a swift atatck on Satara, and making Shahus peshwa, Bahiroji Pingale, a prisoner.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Shahu then made Balaji Vishwanath his Peshwa.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Balaji Vishwanth, then himself pursued Kanhoji Angre right upto Lohagad his headquarters and rendered him in a precarious position. Balaji understood the importance of a man like Kanhoji Angre on their good side, therefore, instead of fighting the enemy , Balaji prefered diplomacy instead .He promised Kanhoji military help against his arch rivals the Siddis and the Portuguese. In return for Angre accepting Shahu as his overlord, Angre was allowed to keep his territories and also named the Maratha Sarkhel (Admiral).</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Balaji even subdued other defiant maratha sardars like Dhamaji Thorat,Krishnarao Khatavkar,Chandrasen Jadhav,Pant Pratinidhi,Santaji Jadhav and Udaji Chavan and ensured the supremacy of his master.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><br />
</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Shahus negatives and positives</strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Since Shahu was brought up in captivity, he wasn’t made aware about the nuances of administration nor about the tactics used in warfare. Therefore, all his affairs were carried forward by his Peshwas viz. Balaji Vishwanath,and later by his competent son Bajirao I and finally his grandson, Balaji Bajirao. But they continued to owe their alleigence to Shahu.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">After Shahus death the Chatrapatis of Satara remained only titular rulers while the real power was wielded by the Peshwas. <strong><br />
</strong>Shahu was a good judge of character , a benevolent king and an excellent man manager.With his congeniality he was able to acquire the loyalty of many competent people (like the Bhosales of Nagpur,the Holkars ,the Shindes,the Gaekwads etc) who saw to it that Maratha dominance reached its zenith during the reign of Shahu.He always believed in accomodation rather than confrontation and often proved to be a foil for his refractory generals.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Shahu was truly a secular king who was comfortable with muslim customs (probabbly due to his mughal captivity)as well as his hindu ones. He was fond of hunting, breeding horses, hunting hounds etc.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Maratha Empire during Shahu's reign</span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Maratha dominance extended beyond the boundaries of Maharashtra and into other western regions (Gujrat) and parts of central India (Madhya Pradesh,Jharkhand)and to the east (Orissa,Bengal) and also upto Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the south. They ruled many provinces (Indore,Baroda,Gwalior) in different parts of India, and also collecting Chauth (revenues) from many.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Though officially Shahu claimed loyalty to the emperors of Delhi , it was a fact that the Mughal emperors (post Farukhsiyar) themselves looked towards the Marathas for their preservation. The Marathas played a prominent role in installing and deposing emperors at Delhi.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Shahus family</span></strong><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><strong></strong>Shahuji had four wives(Sakwarbai, Sagunabai, Ambikabai,Savitribai) and three concubines, and fathered four sons (one son by Sagunabai died in infancy. Shahu had two sons(Yesaji and Kusoji from Laxmibai) and four daughters through his concubines)and two daughters(through Sagunabai and Sakwarbai). He adopted two sons, Fatehsinh I Bhonsle and afterwards Rajaram II (grandson of his uncle Rajaram) in 1745 (who succeeded him as the Chatrapati at Satara).<br />
During his last years, Shahu renunciated the luxuries of his palace and spent life as a reclusive hermit.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Death</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Shahu breathed his last at rangmahal in Satara on 15 th Dec 1749 .</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>List of the Post Shahu Chatrapatis of Satara</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Ramraja or Rajaram II</b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (1749-1777) was the putative grandson of Rajaram (uncle of Shahu) and Tarabai. Tarabai presented Ramraja before Chatrapati Shahu as her grandson, explaining that she had kept him hidden to protect him against any assassination attempts by her rivals. Shahu having no heir wanted to adopt a child as his successor from the Bhosale family of Nagpur. But Tarabai reasoned with him, that when a direct descendent was available, why should he adopt someone from outside his immediate family? Thus Shahu adopted Ramraja and declared him his successor. Tarabai had hoped that Ramraja would be a puppet in her hands and she would control the throne of Satara, but Ramraja proved unyielding. So Tarabai denounced him as an imposter and even imprisoned him by deceit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">During the reign of Ramraja, the Maratha power was largely controlled by the Peshwas. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Shahu II</b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (1777-1808) or Aba sahib was the adopted son and successor of Ramraja. He was adopted by Ramraja just before his death in 1777. Shahu II was born as Vithoji Bhosale ,his biological father being Trimbakjiraje Bhosale of Wavi. Shahu II was only a titular king and like his predecessor, the real power rested with the Peshwa. Shahu II died on 4<sup>th</sup> May 1808.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Pratapsinha</b> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">(1808-1839) was the eldest son and successor of Shahu II. Since he became king at a young age , his affairs were managed by his mother Anandibai. Her relations with the Peshwa Bajirao II were initially cordial, barring letters of complaint about their inadequate allowance. Shortly before the first Anglo Maratha war, Peshwa Bajirao II kept Pratapsinha an virtual prisoner in the Wasota fort of Satara. The reasons being that the Peshwa was losing support from his Maratha sardars. Hence he wanted to keep the king under his control. Also the Peshwa had received reports of Pratapsinhas secret conspiracies with the British resident to free him of the Peshwas control. But by 1818, Pratapsinha had already started secret negotiations with Governor of Bombay, Elphinstone through his confidantes Narsu Jamadar and Balwant Malhar Chitnis. The British soon took over Satara and Pratapsinha was reinstated as the Chatrapati in 10<sup>th</sup> April 1818. As per a reaty between Pratapsinha and the company in 1819, James Grant was made the Resident of the British East India Company. James Grant trained the king in the intricacies of administration, which so far he had been kept deprived of by the Peshwa. It was also decided that after the Raja was sufficiently trained in administration, power would be passed gradually over to him. On 5<sup>th</sup> April 1822, the king was formally handed over his seal, and the fort of Pratapgad was ceded to him . James Grant also took leave of the king and left for England. After Grant there were many more British political agents. John Briggs in 1823 , William Simpson in Dec 1826, A.Robertson in June 1827,Lodwick in 1832.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Pratapsinha shared a cordial relationship with all these residents, all of whom who had only praise for this eager, congenial, well meaning young king.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">But post 1832, differences between the British East India company and the king started emerging. The king was feeling deprived and slighted over his jurisdiction. Charges were hurled against each other by both the parties, each accusing each other of violation of the understanding between them. The king was accused of a hostilities against the company, charges which the king vehemently denied. Finally on 5<sup>th</sup> Sept 1839, the British East India company dethroned the Pratapsinha and instated the next of his kin (Pratapsinhas brother Shahaji aka Appasaheb)to on the throne of Satara. The king was also banished from his kingdom and exiled to Benaras. He and his dependents were to lead their lives on a stipulated pension to take care of their sustinence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Pratapsinha died in Benaras on 14<sup>th</sup> Oct 1847.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Shahaji </b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>aka Sayaji aka Appasaheb</b> (1839-1848) was the brother and successor (1839) to Pratapsinha. He had a reign of seven years under the British resident Charles Ovans, until his death on 5<sup>th</sup> April 1848.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Shahaji had adopted a son, Venkoji (aka Bhauaheb aka Venkatji) on his deathbed. But he was deposed in 1848 itself as the British refused to acknowledge him as the natural heir.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Shahaji having no natural son, the kingdom of Satara was annexed to the British dominions as per the docrine of lapses. Then onwards the state of Kolhapur became the legitimate throne of Marathas as recognized by the British.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Post Shahaji , there were latter Chatrapatis at Satara but only as titular kings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Venkatji</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (d.1864)adopted son.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Pratapsinha II</b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> aka Rajaram(1865-1874) adopted son.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Rajaram III</b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (1874-1904) adopted son.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Anna sahib </b> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Natural son of Rajaram III. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Bhausaheb</b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">.(d.1925) Natural son of Rajaram III.Brother of Annasaheb.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Captain Shrimant Raja Shahu Pratapsinhji Bhonsle Chhatrapati Maharaj </b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">(1918-1950),aka Chandrasen Bhosale. Adopted son of Bhau saheb.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">India became an independent Republic in 1947 and all Princely states were abolished including the state of Satara<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><b> .</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><b>Addendum:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><b>The Royal Bhosales of Akkalkot</b></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Akkalkot is a principality in Solapur district,Maharashtra. It used to be the jagir (privy purse) of the Bhosale family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Fatehsinh raje Bhosale</b>(1707-60) was born as Ranoji Lokhande to Sayaji Lokhande, the Patil of Paradh,tal. Bhokardan,dist Jalna and the daughter of Suryaji Pisal (the killedar of Raigad, who was accused of opening the gates of the fort for the mughals) who was killed in a skirmish with the forces of Ch.Shahu of Satara. The king adopted his orphaned son and was given their family name of Bhosale.Fatehsinh became one of Shahus most loyal supporters and led any campaigns in the south and against the Nizam ul Mulk. He could have also become the heir to the Satara throne, if he himself would not have declined it.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Shahajirao raje Bhosale</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(1760-89)nehew and adopted son.</span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Fattehsinhrao raje Bhosale II</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(1789-1822)son<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Malojirao raje Bhosale</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(1822-28)son<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Shahajirao raje Bhosale II</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(1828-57)son</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Malojirao raje Bhosale II<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>(1857-70)son.removed from direct administration by governor of Bombay.A administrator was appointed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Shahajirao raje Bhosale III</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(1870-96)son. Reigned under administrator until coming of age.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Capt.Fatehsinhrao raje Bhosale III</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(1896-1923)adopted son.served in the British army.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Vijaysinhrao raje Bhosale<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>(1923-52)son.acceded to the Indian union.Served in the state dept as a MLA and later dpty.minister of education.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Jaysinhrao raje Bhosale</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(1952-65)brother<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Sumitraraje Bhosale</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(1965+)daughter<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The Royal Dafles of Jath</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Jath was a princely state (fiefdom) in Sangli district, Maharashtra. It was a part of Satara princely state. It was once the Deshmukhi of the royal Dafle (Chavan) family. The patriarch of the family was Lakhmajirao Yeldojirao Chavan ( son of Yeldoji Chavan d.1665, who had married the daughter of Lakhojirao More, the Patil of Daflepur and was serving under Bijapur commander Abdul Bahlol Khan IV), who entered the service of Sultan Ali Adilshah of Bijapur and in return received the four mahals of Jath,Karjagi,Bardol,Vhanvad in 1672. He inherited his maternal grandfathers apellation 'Dafle'. Lakhmaji had two sons viz. Satvaji the eldest and Dhondji (He was kidnapped by the Mughal troops sent to subdue his brother.His descendents were granted the estate of Daflepur during the time of Ramrao I/1834 viz. Laxmibai Dafle served as a first class magistrate and subordinate judge.After her death the estate re-merged into Jath).</span></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdrYIgLfD8_jQXQrNBN9spH44K2NaxcKuriPSwwp_qffxdJuup4cfDAsgx3fLgby74M0J5L8pRLuPGTTe5og9W2A8h-JK4fEGF__xMl6ED0bxNCScZ-iUfvfmysSvaglLk0g3yG_2f3E/s1600/jath-arms.jpg"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;"></span></a><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><b>Satvajirao Dafle</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1686-1706)son of Lakhmajirao. Entered into Bijapur service with a command of 6000 horse, 5000 footsoldiers and later after end of Adilshahi he became independent for sometime . But was later forced to enter into Mughal services(after his brother was kidnapped).The Mughal emperor granted him the Deshmukhi rights of his regions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><b>Yesubai Dafle</b></span><span style="color: black;">(1706-54)sister in law succeded after the premature death of Satvajis sons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><b>Yeshwantrao Dafle</b></span><span style="color: black;">(1754-59)grandson of Satvajirao.He entered the Mughal forces with a Mansab of 3000 horse and Faujdari of Jath.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><b>Amritrao I Dafle</b></span><span style="color: black;">(1759-90)son.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><b>Khanajirao Dafle</b></span><span style="color: black;">(1790-1810)son.Commander of 300 horse under the Marathas/Peshwa.Distinguished himself in the Karnataka campaign(especially Kurda campaign in 1795).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><b>Renukabai Dafle</b></span><span style="color: black;">(d.1822)Sr.wife</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><b>Salubai Dafle</b></span><span style="color: black;">(1822-d.1833)Jr.wife<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><b>Ramrao I Dafle</b></span><span style="color: black;">(1823-41)kin and adopted son by Salubai.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><b>Bhagirathibai Dafle</b></span><span style="color: black;">(1841-46) wife<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><b>Amritrao II Dafle</b></span><span style="color: black;">(1846-92)kin and adopted son.Reigned under a administrator , till he came of age.He was given administrative powers in 1855, but were later revoked twice for maladministration.His wife Laxmibaisaheb served as regent.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><b>Ramrao II Dafle</b></span><span style="color: black;">(1892-1928)kin and adopted son.reigned under his adoptive mother till her death in 1897 and later a regency council until 1907 till he came of age.Promoted education,irrigation,banking,administrative reforms in his state.Served in the British army in WWI in the Jath division of Maratha light Infantry(territorial army scheme).</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lt Cmdr Vijaysinhrao Dafle</b></span><span style="color: black;">(1928-1998)son.Served in the British army in WWII. He was a member of the 3rd round table conference,London. He served in the parliament post independence and introduced several administrative, social,health and public reforms in his state(along with his younger brother Ajinsinh).He was also a cricket player.He joined the Indian union in 1948. He died in 1998 and was survived by his two daughters.<b style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-68263297983168376672010-11-20T12:37:00.003-08:002015-06-28T04:38:36.121-07:00Rani Tarabai<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Rani Tarabai or the (dowager) Queen Tarabai (b.1675-d.1761) was the wife of Chatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, and the daughter in law of the great Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj . Incidently she was also the neice of Shivaji’s wife Soyrabai (Rajarams mother and her mother in law) and the daughter of Hambirao Mohite the famed Sarsenapati (commander in chief) of the Maratha army.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="color: black;">After the death of Rajaram, his widow Tarabai took over the reins of the Maratha kingdom and continued their resistance against the Mughal onslaught led by Aurangzeb himself. She offered the much needed leadership to the Maratha army at the crucial hour.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong>Fight against the Mughals</strong>A daughter of a General and well versed in the art of warfare, Tarabai herself planned and supervised military expeditions.<br />
In 1705, Nemaji Shinde entered Malwa (Madhya Pradesh) and ravaged it while Khanderao Dabhade raided mughal territory upto Ahmedabad( Gujrat) .<br />
In 1706, Ramchandra Bavdekar bribed the commandant of the Panhala fort and it was passed on to the marathas( and also Pawangad).<br />
Parshuram Trimbak and Annaji later retook Satara and later Parali.<br />
Shankar Gandekar retook Sinhagad, Torna and Rajgad.<br />
Dhanaji Jadhav, the commander in chief led many expeditions against the Mughals along with other able Maratha commanders like Udaji Pawar and Haibatrao Nimbalkar and caused serious damage to the Mughals.<br />
Aurangzeb too had aged. For a man, rarely accustomed to failure, he had to bear the ignominy of repeated failures and a string of bad news coming from the Maratha front.<br />
In 1707, (at Khulatabad near Aurangabad), Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, died a bitter man.<br />
<strong>Advent of Shahu</strong><br />
After Aurangzebs death , the Mughals (Prince Azam) released Prince Shahu , the son of Sambhaji (and grandson of Shivaji) from captivity. The idea was that , the Maratha ire against the Mughals be alleviated to some extent and at the same time there should also be dissension in the Maratha ranks , thus weakening their position.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">But things never went as per their plans, as the Mughal princes (Prince Azam ,Shah Alam, and Kambaksh etc) themselves had to fight each other for the throne. As a result the mughals werent able to take advantage of the troubles in the maratha camp.<br />
Meanwhile, Tarabai refused to acknowledge Shahu as the real king , even called him an imposter and insisted on her son becoming her successor.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;">But with Shahus arrival, many Maratha commanders (with a exception of a few like Pant Pratinidhi Parshuram Trimbak) left Tarabais side and joined Shahu. They felt Shahu being the son of Sambhaji was their natural ruler (and Rajaram and Tarabai were only the temporary rulers in the absence of the real king, something even Rajaram himself had professed).<br />
After a few unsuccessfull battles and facing regular desertion from her closest aides, Tarabai accepted defeat (especially after the battle at Khed,Oct 1707) and reluctantly agreed to accept Shahu as the rightful king of the Marathas.<br />
Shahu also magnanimously allowed his aunt to retire to the province of Kolhapur , where she set up her independent throne in 1713. She however wasn’t able to bridle her ambitions, and continued her machinations against Shahu. But Shahu's Peshwa , Balaji Vishwanath put a temporay halt on her plans, by helping Rajasabai (Rajarams other wife)and her son Sambhaji to usurp the throne of Tarabai and her son Shivaji III, in Kolhapur. But Sambhaji later turned hostile, forcing Shahu to switch sides with Tarabai. Shahu even allowed Tarabai to stay in the Satara palace. That was where her son Shivaji III died.<br />
Thus loyalties and power equations kept changing in the Maratha kingdom in the quest of power.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099; font-size: 14px;">Note: Tarabai had earlier imprisoned Rajasabai and her son Sambhaji (the other wife and son of Rajaram , and also the contenders to the throne) so that her natural son could attain the Maratha throne. Raja Karna, the illegitimate son of Rajaram, had earlier been placed on the throne by Dhanaji Jadhav and other ministers , but he died within three weeks by small pox.</span><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Tarabai's power politics</strong></span><span style="color: black;"> After the death of Shahu in 1749, Tarabai supported the succession of Ramraja (Tarabais putative grandson and later adopted by Shahu) to the Maratha throne.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Note, Shahu earlier was going to adopt Mudhoji Bhosale , the son of Raghoji Bhosale of Nagpur and name him his successor. This is something his wife Sagunabai, too had wanted, so as to control the Marathas through that adopted son. Sagunabai was also challenged by Shahus other queen Sakwarbai who wanted her own say in the matters.She supported the Karveer raja Sambhaji (something which was acqeicsed by the Peshwa as well).</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">But Tarabai impressed upon Shahu, that her grandson, whom everyone had thought had died, was in fact alive , and that she had kept him hidden to ward of assassination attempts on him by her dead husbands other wife, Rajasabai and her son Sambhaji. Tarabai thus presented Ramraja as a more direct descendent with greater right to succeed Shahu. Shahu also never wanted Sambhaji to succeed him (as Sambhaji himself was quite old and had no heir) and was keen on a adopted son instead. Shahu, thus after much deliberation agreed and adopted Ramraja as his son. the Peshwa too decided to abide by his masters wishes and acquiesced the adoption of Ramraja, thwarting Sagunabais plans of grabbing power through the Bhosales of Nagpur and that of Sakwarbai through Sambhaji (Karveerkar).By doing so he also kept his rivals like Dabhades (who were from the Sakwarbai camp) at bay. In fact it was impressed upon the council of ministers (mainly by Tarabai), that Sakwarbai as per tradition should attain Sati (which she eventually had to agree to).</span>Through Ramraja, Tarabai tried to exercise control over the affairs of the Maratha kingdom. She even tried unsuccessfully to remove the Peshwa Balaji Bajirao from his post , as she found him an impediment challenging her power. Later, finding Ramraja out of control , Tarabai imprisoned him. She even declared that Ramraja was not really her grandson but someone whom she had pretended to be one to gain the throne<br />
There was a brief power struggle between the Peshwa Balaji Bajirao and Tarabai . But eventually the power of the Peshwas prevailed. The old queen agreed to a compromise whereby Tarabai will accept the power of the Peshwas, leaving them in sole control of the Maratha kingdom. In return the Peshwa would allow Tarabai independent control over her principality. Ramraja remained Tarabais prisoner to her last.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></span> Though the Marathas were perturbed by the unbridled ambition of the dowager queen, all grudgingly accepted that if Tarabai hadn’t intervened at the crucial juncture after Rajarams death, the hard fought kingdom of Shivaji would have disintegrated. So all her shortcomings were overlooked. Afterall, Tarabai , despite all her faults was one of the most fearless and competent leaders the Marathas had seen.<br />
As the noted historian Jadunath Sarkar has written about her, 'In that awful crisis her character and strength saved the nation'. Even the mughal historian Khafi Khan has praise for her. According to him,'She was the only lady capable of taking over six provinces of the Moghul Empire, a great feat indeed!’</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Tarabai died old in 1761.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Addendum: </b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>List of the Chatrapatis of Kolhapur:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Kolhapur was the seat of Rani Tarabai, the dowager queen and widow of Chatrapati Rajaram Maharaj and their young son (all of ten years) Shivaji II. After her failure to check the assension of Chatrapati Shahu on the Maratha throne, she retired to this principality, from where she ruled along with her son Shivaji II, whereas her nephew Shahu (son of Sambhaji the step brother of Rajaram and the prior Chatrapati) ruled the Maratha dominions from Satara.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Shivaji</span><span style="color: black;"> (rule .1700-1712) was the son of Chatrapati Rajaram and Rani Tarabai and the first king of Kolhapur.Installed on the throne at Vishalgad, on 10th March 1700. Reigned under the regency of his mother until, 12th October 1707. He became Raja of the separate state of Kolhapur 1710. Deposed on 2nd August 1714.He died young in 1712 by small pox in confinement at Panhala. He died young in 1712.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Sambhaji II</span><span style="color: black;"> (b.1712- d.1760) was the second son of Rajaram from another wife Rajasabai. He succeeded to the Kolhapur throne (with alleigence to the Satara throne) after Rani Tarabai was imprisoned by Rajasabai (Shivaji II’s natural mother) and a coterie of ministers.He was initially supported by Shahu and his Peshwa . But his conspiracies along with Nizam Chin Quli Khan against Shahu (over territorial disputes) earned him Shahus wrath. Shahus armies defeated Sambhaji and forced on him a treaty in 1730, by which Sambhaji II was forced to give up all territories north of river Warna. His sovereignty being acknowledged over the tract of country lying between the rivers Warna and Krishna on the north and north-east and the river Tungbhadra on the south, and over the part of the Konkan between Salsi and Ankola.He died at Vadgaon on 18th Dec 1760. His only issue being a daughter, a son was adopted to succeed him to the throne of Kolhapur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Note.SambhajiIIs wife Jijabai was said to be a astute diplomat and warded of threats from the Peshwas to merge the Kolhapur kingdom with Satara.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Shivaji II</span><span style="color: black;"> (1760-1812) was the adopted son and successor of Sambhaji II (Jijabai the widow of Sambhaji II acted as his regent). His biological father being Shahaji Bhosale of Khanwat (a kin). The Kolhapur court led by Jijabai (Shivaji II was a minor then) had continued their hobnobbing with the Nizam , which irritated the Peshwa and he dispossessed Shivaji II of his territories of Chikodi and Manoli , which he handed over to his knight Patwardhans of Sangli. Piracy had also increased in the Kolhapur kingdom. There were pirates from Malwan and Sawantwadi constanly looting Merchant ships. To counter them, the English East India company sent an naval expedition which captured the Malwan fort (fort Augustus). It was later handed back to Kolhapur in return for a sum of Rs 3,82,896. The English were also given rights to set up a factory in Malwan . There were also unconfirmed reports of human sacrifices in Kolhapur at the temple of godess Kali. When the regent Jijabai died 1772, Shivaji II was still a minor. The kingdom was left vulnerable to attacks from the Peshwas troops and also from raids by the Patwardhan Kannherrao Trimbak and Pant Pratinidhi of Aundh. Kagal, Bavda ,Vishalgad regions also rose in revolt(1777) at the instigations of the Peshwa Madhavrao. Thats when Kolhapur led by one of its sardars, Yeshwantrao Shinde sought the help of Hyder Ali of Mysore against the Peshwas. They drove out the Peshwas troops from Chikodi and Manoli. But the Peshwa came down heavily on Kolhapur, despatching a large army led by Mahadji Shinde against them. Chikodi and Manoli had to be ceded back to the Peshwa. Sawantwadi also rose in rebellion against Kolhapur, over a dispute concerning rights over villages claimed by both . Yeshwantrao Shinde also died in 1782. That’s when other sardars like Ratnakar pant , Chavan and the king, Shivaji III personally led an attack against Sawantwadi and quelled the revolt. There was also an successful revolt by Pawangad Gadkaris at the instigation of the Sardesai of Sawantwadi. The Kolhapur armies then punished Sawantwadi for this misdemeanor and Sawantwadi was forced to pay an tribute of one and a half lakh rupees to Kolhapur.Meanwhile piracy resurfaced and the English contemplated an attack on Kolhapur. Shivaji II the sought the help of Tipu sultan of Mysore. Eventually a treaty was concluded between Kolhapur and the English in 1792. But the treaty proved shortlived and the English took away the maritime possessions of Kolhapur.Meanwhile Parshuram Bhau Patwardhan started a revolt against Kolhapur. Though his army was defeated at Alta (his son Ramchandra being captured), peace was proposed between them . But it also met an abrupt end , as Patwardhan laid another siege on Kolhapur, which was lifted only after a payment of Rs three lakhs by Shivaji III. Later taking advantage of the confusion prevailing in Maharashtra after the death of Peshwa Sawai Madhavrao, Shivaji II took Bhudargad from Parshuram bhau Patwardhan.He also reposed Chikodi and Manoli. Meanwhile the Satara raja and Shivaji II aligned to throw of the yoke of the Peshwas of Poona. Parshurambhau supported the Peshwas troops ( the new peshwa Bajirao II and Nana Phadanvis were at the helm of affairs then).Parshurambhau was killed in a skirmish with the Kolhapur troops in 1799 at Pathankudi village, Chikodi .His son Ramchandra tried to attack Kolhapur, but his armies were defeated. The hostilities between Kolhapur and its enemies (Sawantwadi,Nipani,Poona) continued till the death of Shivaji II in 1812.He had three sons and six daughters. The eldest Sambhaji III (Shambhu raje) succeeded him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Shambhuji</span><span style="color: black;"> (1812-1821) aka Abasaheb was the eldest son and successor of Shivaji III. He tried restoring law and order in the kingdom. He sided with the British against the Peshwas, for which he was regranted the possessions of Chikodi and Manoli. Shambhu raje was however shot dead after an heated exchange with the Mohites (a Karad sardar), over a land dispute. He left behind an infant son, Shivaji. But he too died soon by chicken pox after reigning (under the regency of his uncle Shahaji) for a few months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Shahaji</span><span style="color: black;"> (1821-1837) aka Buvasaheb , was the brother and successor of Shambhuraje(technically his nephew Shivaji who was king for a few months under the regency of Shahaji). He was said to be a wild and reckless king, and always had to be kept in check by the English residents. He was also rumoured to harbor bands of highway robbers and the state of Kolhapur always lived in fear and apprehension during his rule. He died because of Cholera in 1837.He left behind three sons and two daughters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Shivaji III</span><span style="color: black;"> (1837-1866) was the son and successor of Shahaji. He being a minor, his aunt became his regent. The British also appointed a minister in the kingdom by the name of Daji Krishna Pandit. But the minister being a Brahmin and because of his unpopular measures while disciplining his Maratha officers , started a rebellion in the state(1844). Daji Pandit was imprisoned by the rebels. But the Britih came to his rescue and he was reinstated. There was also a British superintendent (capt.D. C . Graham) appointed to look after the administration.there was another revolt in 1857 (following the mutiny). The king himself remained loyal to the British, but his brother Chima sahib sided with the rebels. After the rebellion was quelled , Chimasaheb was charged with treason and Shivaji IV was honoured by the British with the ‘Order of the Star of India’. He was also granted with a sanad for adoption. After 1862,Shivaji III was also given more administrative powers by the British.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Rajaram I</span><span style="color: black;"> (1866-1870) was the adopted son (born Nagojirao patankar, a son of Shivaji IV’s eldest sisiter) and successor of Shivaji IV. He died early while vacationing in Europe. His remains were burnt, according to the rites of the Hindu religion, on the banks of the Arno (Florence,Italy), at a spot beyond the Cascini, now marked by a statue of the deceased. The ashes were later immersed in the Ganges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Shivaji IV</span><span style="color: black;"> (1863-1883)aka Narayanrao (son of Dinkarao Bhosale a kin) was the adopted son of Rajaram II’s widow. He went insane and died soon after(apparently in a scuffle with his attendant , one Private.Green). In March 1882 under a Government Resolution the affairs of the Kolhapur administration were transferred to a Regency Council. The Regent,being the Chief of Kagal, was assisted by a Council of three members viz. the Diwan, the Chief Judge, and the Chief Revenue Officer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #000099;">Note: Kolhapur State had eleven feudatories; viz: Pant Pratinidhi (Chief of Vishalgad), Pant Amatya (Chief of Bavda), Senapati (Chief of Kapshi) Sarjerav Vajarat Mab (Chief of Kagal), Ghorpade (Chief of Ichalkaranji), Sena Khaskhel (Chief of Torgal), Amir-ul-Umrav (Chief of Datvad), Himmat Bahadur, (Sarjerav Deshmukh of Kagal), Sar Lashkar Bahadur and Patankar.<br />
The prominent amongst the feudatories were: the Chiefs of Vishalgad, Bavda, Kagal, and Ichalkaranji. The Chief of Vishalgad, styled Pant Pratinidhi, was a Deshastha Brahmin and his family name was Jaykar. His headquarters were at Malkapur, twenty-eight miles north-west of Kolhapur. The Chief of Bavda, styled Pant Amatya was a Deshastha Brahmin and his family name was Bhadanekar. He used to reside at Kolhapur. The Chief of Kagal, styled Sarjerav Vajarat Mab, was a Maratha by caste and his family name was Ghatge. He used to reside at Kolhapur. The Chief of Ichalkaranji, styled Ghorpade, was a Konkanasth Brahman and his family name was Joshi. His head-quarters were at Ichalkaranji about eighteen miles east of Kolhapur. He was a first class sardar of the British Government for rank and precedence only and had subsequently been permitted to pay a separate visit to the head of the Government. [source: Kolhapur Gazeteer].</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Shahu IV</span><span style="color: black;"> (1884-1922) from the Ghatge family of Kagal (adopted by Anandibai the widow of Shivaji V). He ascended the throne of Kolhapur. The British appointed a council of regents to assist Shahu IV. He was trained in administration by one Sir Stuart Fraser, and given partial administrative powers in 1894. Shahu IV proved to be an excellent administrator and a great social reformer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Shahu Maharaj encouraged education in his state, subsidizing it for the poor and the girls. He encouraged widow remarriage, which was considered a taboo. He stopped the practice of child marriages as well. He also enabled employment schemes for the poor. He also urged several non Brahmin youth to take up priesthood much to the chagrin of the local Brahmins of Kolhapur. He patronized the reformist Satya Shodhak Samaj and later the Arya Samaj. Shahu Maharaj was also responsible for Radhanagari dam(1935) to be erected in Kolhapur, thus ushering in agricultural prosperity for the kingdom.He founded Shahu Vedic school, Shivaji Memorial Institute,Shahu cloth mill,Jaysingpur trading market.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Shahu Maharaj was also an patron of wrestling (he himself was a wrestler), which till date is very popular in Kolhapur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Shahu Maharaj and his wife Laxmibai (from the family of Khanvilkars of Baroda) had four sons. Son Rajaram II who was the eldest and the heir apparent, daughter Radhabai (Akkasaheb)Puar who became the Queen of Dewas (married to Tukoji III the maharaja of Dewas).Her son Vikramsingh Puor (maharaja of Dewas from 1937-47) later inherited the Kolhapur legacy as Shahoji II (1947-83). Shahus other offsprings being Maharajkumar Shivaji and Rajkumari Aubai (who died young).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Shahu IV thus proved to be a benevolent king and a visionary striving for the betterment of his populace. Indeed a rarity amongst the princes of those times.Shahu Maharaj died at the Shalini palace,Rankala,Kolhapur on 6th May 1922.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Rajaram II </span><span style="color: black;">(rule.1922-40, b.1897-d.1940) was the son and successor of Shahu IV. He was also a reformist.He built the Kolhapur High Court,many housing colonies,made female education free, modernized water supply systems,established Kolhapur municipal authority, an local panchayat system. Since he had a daughter the Kolhapur throne passed on to a distant relative Shivaji V.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Shivaji V</span><span style="color: black;"> (1941-1946) He was from the Satara branch. He was made the successor to Rajaram II, but he died young in 1946 .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Shahoji II</span><span style="color: black;"> (1947-1983)aka Maharaja Vikramsingh Puor of Dewas. Son of Radhabai, the daughter of Shahu IV. He was also a commissioned second lieutenant in the Maratha Light infantary, and distinguished himself in the war in Africa. Vikramsingh was Knighted. He retired as a Major and returned to Dewas, where he was crowned king after his father Tukoji III abdicated the throne and fled to Pondicherry. Shahoji abdicated the Dewas throne for his son Krishnajirao III and took up the crown of Kolhapur. On 1st March 1949, the princely state of Kolhapur was merged in the Bombay presidency. Sir Shahaji became a Major-General in the Indian Army in 1962, but in 1971, he was stripped of his rank, titles and stipends as part of the mass removal of royal titles and prestige under the Indira Gandhi (Congress) regime along with abolitition of the privy purse to the Royals. Shahoji died in 1983.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Shahoji II was succeeded by his grandson, Shahu II (b.1948), the present Maharaja <b style="font-size: 13.5pt;">.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>The Royal Ghatges of Kagal</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Kagal was a small principality adjoining the Kolhapur state. It was once ruled by the royal Ghatge family. They claimed descent from Udaipur in Rajasthan and the original surname of Rathod. A folklore says that Ch. Shivaji orderered one of the ancestors of this family ’to take a jump’ during battle, hence the name Ghat-ge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Pirajirao Tulojirao Ghatge</span></b><span style="color: black;">. 16<sup>th</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>century.founder of the state.entered the service of Sultan Adilshah of Bijapur and distinguished himelf in battle earning the sobriquet Zunzarrao and Sarjerao along with the Kagal (a pargana comprising of 69.5villages) as jagir.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Vithoji Ghatge</span></b><span style="color: black;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Mahadji Ghatge</span></b><span style="color: black;">. Was probably in the Maratha service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Vithoji Ghatge II</span></b><span style="color: black;">. Was probably in the Maratha service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Pirajirao Ghatge II</span></b><span style="color: black;">. Was probably in the Maratha service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Ch.Shivaji II of Kolhapur had confiscated the jagir of Kagal on insubordination charges but was returned in 1788.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Tuljojirao Sakharam Ghatge</span></b><span style="color: black;">. Son.late 18<sup>th</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>century.Family estate split into two viz. Kagal senior and Kagal junior with the title ‘Sarjerao’ going to the Junior house (</span><span style="color: black;">lead by Tuljojirao’s brother<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Shrimant Vishwasrao Ghatge</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>receiving the Valwa village +7 others) </span><span style="color: black;">and ‘Sarjerao vajarat ma-ab’ resting with the senior house. Tuljojirao’s daughter Baijabai was married to Shrimant Daulatrao Shinde of the Gwalior royal house.His other daughter Saibai was married to ChShivaji II of the Kolhapur royal house. Tuljojirao was a powerful noble who wielded considerable influence in the Maratha politics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Kagal Senior House</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Hindurao Ghatge (Babasaheb)</span></b><span style="color: black;">. (d.1856) Son of Tuljojirao.built a fort in Kagal in 1813.He came under Kolhapur and British rule.Died in 1856.The state of Kolhapur once again had friction with the Ghatges and confiscated their jagir in 1825 , but was restored under British pressure.But the British also ruled that Kagal would continue to remain a subordinate to Kolhapur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Sakharambapu Ghatge</span></b><span style="color: black;">. (1856-64) Adopted son.died young</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Jaisinghrao Narayanrao Ghatge (Abasaheb)</span></b><span style="color: black;">. (1864-85) Adopted son.served for some time as a regent to the Chatrapati of Kolhapur (for the allegedly deranged Shivaji IV who later died after a scuffle with his British guard). Jaisingraos son Yeshwantrao was later crowned as Ch.Shahu, king of Kolhapur state. He had married Radhabaisaheb from the Mudhol royal family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Sir Pirajirao Ghatge III (Bapusaheb)</span></b><span style="color: black;">.(1885-1926).younger son.His daughter Mohnraje had married in the royal Baroda family, while his other daughters had earlier married into other royal families e.g Jyotsana raje had married in the royal Jath family and his other daughter Tarabaisaheb had married in the Akkalkot royal family.Ch.Shahu (brother of Pirajirao)of principal state Kolhapur, gave his brother the title of Raja which was used by him and his descendents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Jaisinghrao Ghatge II.(</span></b><span style="color: black;">1926-2008).son.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Vikramsinha Ghatge</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(2008+)son.He is a industrialist and sugar baron.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Kagal Junior House</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Narayanrao Ghatge</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(b1834-rule from.1894)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Dattajirao Ghatge</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1894-1946)son.He had three wives:from his first wife he had a son Yeshwantrao. Dattaji was also married to a lady from Nepal from whom he had a son Fatehsinha and a daughter Chandraprabha (married in the royal Holkar famly of Indore). Fatehsinha married Sitaraje the half sister of Yeshwantrao Holkar of Indore from Nancy Ann Miller. They had a son Vijayendra Ghatge who is a actor in Bollywood (Vijendras daughter Sagarika is also an actress) and a daughter Sunanda who was killed in the Kanishka plane bombing by Sikh terrorists<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Yeshwantrao Ghatge</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1946-?) son.married the princess of Sawantwadi.Had two sons Ajitsinha and Himmatsinha (son Jitendrainha) and a daughter Vaijayatiraje who was married in the Sardar Ghorpade family of Dattawad .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Shrimant Ajitsinha Ghatge</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">.son.Also married in the Sawantwadi royal house and has a son<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Mrigendraraje Ghatge.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-19265537186075265352010-11-20T12:36:00.001-08:002015-06-28T04:38:52.355-07:00Chatrapati Rajaram<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #009900;">Chatrapati Rajaram Bhosale was the youngest son of Shivaji. He was born on 1670 at fort Raigad.<br />
When his elder (half) brother, Sambhaji was executed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Rajaram was under house arrest (at the orders of his brother, after his mother Soyrabai had tried an unsuccessfull coup against Sambhaji). However, after Sambhajis execution, the Marathas felt a need for unifying ranks against the mughals.<br />
After the coronation of her infant son Shahuji as the next king, Sambhajis widow Yesubai asked for the immediate release of Rajaram (from an house arrest ordered by his elder brother). She also magnanimously requested Rajaram to be made the Regent.<br />
In 1689, a traitor by the name of Suryaji Pisal, who was the killedar of fort Raigad, surrendered the fort (along with Queen Yesubai and infant king Shahu) to the Mughals. Rajaram was then at fort Vishalgadh.<br />
With both the Queen mother and the young king being taken away captive by the mughals , the Maratha ministers (like Ramchandrapant Bavdekar,Prahlad Niraji,Khando Ballal Chitnis,Hanmante, etc) felt the need for an immediate succession in order to fill up the leadership vacuum. Rajaram was soon declared as the next King in waiting in 1681.<br />
Rajaram has been described as a person with a congenial demeanour , flexible in his approach and accomadative towards one and all. He wasn’t a warrior in the real sense like his predecessors, but was nevertheless able to evoke the loyalty in his men. </span><br />
<span style="color: #009900;">Rajaram departed from his fathers policy of not granting 'chauth and sardeshmukhi' rights to his nobles. It can be said that he was compelled to do the same to match up with the wealthy Mughals who were buying away the loyalties of the various Maratha nobles by granting them lands and feifs.</span><br />
<span style="color: #009900;"><br />
<strong>Rajarams wives</strong><br />
Rajaram was married to Jankibai the daughter of Prataprao Gujar, secondly to Tarabai the daughter of Hambirao Mohite and thirdly to Rajasbai ,from the family of Ghatges of Kagal.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #009900;"> <strong>Victorious battles during Rajarams rule</strong><br />
Rajarams resistance to the mughals was carried forward by his two commandants , Santaji Ghorpade (son of Sarsenapati Mhaloji Ghorpade who was killed in the skirmish at Sangamehwar which led to the capture of Ch.Sambhaji) and Dhanaji Jadhav (the cousin of Ch.Sambhaji and Ch.Rajaram, hailing from the Jadhav family of Sindhkhed from where their grandmother Jijabai also hailed. Note, Dhanaji was brought up by Jijabai herself after his father Sambhaji was killed in the battle of Pavankhind. Earlier Sambhajis father Santaji Jadhav was also brought up by Jijabai after Achloji Jadhav, Jijabais brother was assasinated in the Ahmednagar court along with her father). </span><br />
<span style="color: #009900;">Santaji had on one occasion(1689) even conducted a daring raid into the mughal camp at Tulapur, where Aurangzeb himself was staying. Aurangzeb had then managed to escape with his life.<br />
Sept 1689.Mughal commander,Sheikh Nizam routed by Santaji Dhanaji at fort Panhala.<br />
25th May 1690. Sarzakhan aka Rustamkhan defeated and captured by Ramchandrapant,Santaji,Dhanaji at Satara.<br />
1692, Rajgad (led by Shankar Narayan Gandekar), Panhala(led by Parshuram Trimbak) recaptured by Marathas.<br />
8th Oct 1692, Dharwad in Karnataka was captured by Santaji Dhanaji.<br />
14th Dec 1692, Santaji defeated Alimardan Khan and took him captive to Jinji.<br />
9th Jan 1693, Santaji defeats and captures Ismailkhan Makha, Janisaar Khan for ransom.<br />
5th Jan 1693, Mughal camp at Desur looted by Santaji Dhanaji.<br />
21 Nov 1693 Santaji defeats Himmat Khan.<br />
1693, Sidhoji Gujar , the Sarkhel or Admiral, captured the naval forts of Suvarnadurg and Vijaydurg.<br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Note:after Sidhoji Gujar, the mantle of Sarkhel was passed on to the famous Kanhoji Angre.</span>1693, Vishalgad was retaken by Parshuram Trimbak.<br />
July 1695, Santaji traps mughal army at Khatav.<br />
20th Nov 1695, Qasim khan is killed by Santaji at Doderi.<br />
1699, Parsoji Bhosale of Nagpur,Haibatrao Nimbalkar,Nemaji Shinde,Atole along with Rajaram overwhelmed the Mughal force at Godavari valley.<br />
Dhanaji Jadhav defeated a mughal contingent at Pandharpur.<br />
Shankar Narayan cleared another contingent led by one Sarzekhan near Pune.<br />
But later Santaji fell out with Rajaram. Dhanaji Jadhav attacked Santajis force. Many of Santajis men deserted him and Santaji was isolated and managed to flee. He would have escaped if not pursued (July 1697), by one Nagoji Mane, who bore a grudge against Santaji for having killed his relative on an earlier occasion.When Santaji (having felt that he had shaken of Dhanajis men) dismounted from his horse to cleanse himself in the river, Nagoji beheaded him.</span><br />
<span style="color: #009900;"><br />
<strong>Rajarams ministers</strong><br />
Following were Rajarams ministers: Nilo Pant Pingale (son of Moropant Pingale) the Peshwa or Finance Minister,Janardhan Hanmante (son of Raghunath Hanmante ex governor Jinji) the Amatya or Finance minister ,Ramchandra Bavdekar the viceroy of Maharashtra,Shankar Malhar Nargundkar was the Pant Sachiv or Accountant General,Shamji Pinde was the Mantri or Home minister,Shrikaracharya Kalgavkar was the Panditrao or chief priest,Mahadji Gadadhar was the Sumant or Foreign minister,Niraji Ravji was Sarnyayadhish or Chief Justice, Santaji Ghorpade(later Dhanaji Jadhav) was the Sarsenapati or army commander in chief, Parsoji Bhosale became governor of Berar, Nemaji Shinde the governor of Khandesh,Khanderao Dabhade the governor of Nasik.</span><br />
<span style="color: #009900;"><br />
<strong>Rajarams escape to and from Jinji (Gingee),Tamil Nadu</strong><br />
Aurangzeb was determined to crush the Maratha resistance. For the same, he had himself encamped in the Deccan with a huge force. Due to continuous Mughal onslaughts, Rajaram escaped in 1689, to Jinji in Tamil Nadu (a fort captured early by Shivaji). From there he continued with the Maratha struggle until the fall of Jinji in 1698 (nine year seige- marathas continued to harass mughals during the seige). Rajaram managed to escape the clutches of the mughals led by Zulfikar Khan.Some say that the Jinji seige was a stalemate and Rajaram had reached a secret understanding with the Mughal commander Zulfikar Khan to escape Jinji. Afterwards the fort was captured by the mughals.</span><br />
<span style="color: #009900;"><br />
<strong>Death</strong><br />
But his life was cut short because of fatigue and illness in 1700. He died at fort Sinhagadh near Pune.<br />
Rajaram left behind two sons and one daughter, Shivaji by Tarabai, Sambhaji by Rajasbai, daughter Soyrabai by Jankibai. His youngest wife Ambikabai whose only daughter had died attained Sati. There was also said to be an illegitimate son Raja Karna (from a mistress Sagunabai).</span><br />
<span style="color: #009900;"><br />
<strong>War carried forward by Rajarams widow, Queen Tarabai</strong><br />
Rajarams feisty wife Tarabai took over the reins of the Maratha army and continued the resistance against Aurangzeb, until the release of Shahu (son of Sambhaji and Rajarams nephew) from the mughal prison. What followed was a brief power struggle for Maratha leadership between Tarabai and Shahu, which was eventually won by Shahu.<br />
Shahu was declared king with Satara as his capital.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-34990989514698450302010-11-20T12:35:00.001-08:002018-10-14T05:52:52.033-07:00Chhatrapati Sambhaji<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">There has been no other character in Maratha history that has been so enigmatic and controversial as Ch.Sambhajiraje.<br />What makes Sambhaji so very controversial is the fact that Sambhaji has as many loyalists as he has his share of critics. There have been historians dismissing him as hedonistic, reckless and cruel , whereas some revere him as the bravest Maratha king that ever lived. Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in between these two distinctly conflicting versions.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Sambhajis reign was short and very tumultous to say the least. His life was abrupt and death so very tragic. But despite all his accomplishments, Sambhaji in his death achieved much more than what he did during his lifetime. In his death he came to be eulogised as the true hindu martyr, that preferred death, to the ignoble life of subservience.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
<strong>Early Life</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong><b><br />
</b></span><span style="color: #660000;">Sambhaji was born on 14th May 1657 at Fort Purander. </span><span style="color: #660000;">Sambhaji or Shambhu raje as he was fondly called, was the eldest son of the legendary maratha king, Ch.Shivaji Maharaj (Bhosale). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Sambhajis mother was Saibai from the family of Nimbalkars of Phaltan. She died early (5th September 1659, at fort Rajgad) after a brief illness, leaving the young Sambhaji in the care of his grandmother Jijabai. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Shivaji being away on his various campaigns and expeditions, Sambhaji was raised by his grandmother and his stepmothers.<br />
A very young Sambhaji was married to a minor, Jivubai (renamed , Yesubai) , the daughter of Pilajirao Shirke. It was a matrimonial alliance. Pilajirao was an powerful Deshmukh from the Konkan region. He owed allegience to the court of Bijapur . However after marriage , Pilajirao provided Shivaji access to Konkan belt paving the way for his southern ambitions. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Note: Ch.Shivajis second wife Soyrabai (mother of Ch,Rajaram) was from the house of the Mohites.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
Sambhaji was exposed to the cruelties of politics at a very young age. When Mirza Raje Jaisingh cornered Shivaji and forced on him a humiliating treaty at Purandar, a part of the agreement stipulated that young Sambhaji was to be kept as a collateral towards Shivajis satisfactory adherance to the agreement. Sambhaji was also to serve as a courtier in the mughal Viceroys camp at Aurangabad.<br />Later Sambhaji also came to be a part of Shivajis entourage to Agra and was subsequently confined there along with his father. When Shivaji escaped from Agra, Sambhaji was left behind in the care of some friendly brahmins (relatives of Moropant Pingale the Peshwa). A rumour was also floated that Sambhaji had died during his escape and at Rajgad even his obsequies were performed. This was ofcourse done to throw the Mughal search parties offguard. Sambhaji was sent back to Maharashtra much later, once the danger to his life had elapsed. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">
<strong>The Battle of Succession</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">A couple of years , prior to and post Sambhajis reign , have always been a matter of conjecture, innuendos and debate. But one needs to go through all accounts before drawing any conclusions regarding the most controversial part of Sambhaji's life. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">One may notice that untill Shivaji's coronation at Raigad, Sambhajis life has been fairly unblemished. Even the European records (Abekare's chronicles, Childs letter from Rajapur , John Friar's account, Father Arlins. Ref. N.Kurundkar) till then have testified to the same. Some have even praised him for his virtues and qualities and have certified him fit for a future king. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">However it was towards the last years of Shivajis life that accusations directed at Sambhaji seem to emerge . Interestingly, these accusations came to light through some <i>bakhars</i> written several years after Sambhajis death. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Note: Bakhars are </span><span style="color: #660000;">historical records written by individuals/maintained by certain aristocratic families. Famous amongst them are Chitnis bakhar, Sabhasad bakhar, Sivadigvijaya, Jedhe shakhavali etc.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">These bakhars (barring Sabhasad who was a courtier in Ch.Rajarams court) seem to have been written by descendents of those people who at some point of time crossed swords with Sambhaji. Hence their veracity will always remain in doubt. However they were the only complete narrative available for modern historians and they were always used as a reference tool. </span><span style="color: #660000;">It would be wrong to dismiss these bakhars completely, but a historian and a reader needs to be very discerning while referring to their contents. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">Latter day historians like Bendre have also come out with varying claims based on documents, letters which have contradicted these bakhars on many accounts.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">The bakhars allege that Sambhaji had a troubled relationship+ with his stepmother Soyrabai because she harboured ambitions for her son Rajaram. She wanted Rajaram to succeed Shivaji, as the next Maratha king and she started poisoning Shivajis mind to that effect. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">+ Note: Interestingly in a few letters (e.g one to Kudalkar shastri) uncovered, Sambhaji has mentioned a good word for his stepmother calling her as 'pure as crystal'. This makes the allegations of Sambhajis alleged troubled relations with his stepmother, all the more baffling for the historians.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">According to historians like </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Sardesai , Sarkar , </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> Duff , Kincaid</span><span style="color: #660000;"> (most of whom have based their versions on the contents of these bakhars) or Mughal historians like Khafi Khan and Mannucci</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">, rumours of Sambhajis indulgences of youth were reaching Shivajis ears. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">There were even reports of Sambhajis misdemeanor towards one Hansa, the daughter of a minister , Annaji Datto Surnis <span style="font-size: xx-small;"> ref. historian Setu Madhavrao Pagdi</span>. (Annaji Dattos daughter later</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">commited suicide). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">In some versions she was the daughter of Moropant Pingale. There is also a letter from Mumbai British correspondence (as also a mention by Manucci-an Italian chronicler in the mughal camp) which indicate towards this flaw in Sambhaji. But some letters recovered curiously mention Sambhaji conducting administrative affairs in Shringarpur, several miles away from Rajgad where Sambhajis alleged dalliance is said to have taken place. This puts the merit of the bakhars in a serious doubt.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Shivaji having maintained high standards regarding the behavior of his men towards women, did not take kindly to this damaging news about his own crown prince.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">To make matters worse, Sambhaji did not get along with many of Shivajis ministers</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">. There were reports of Sambhaji's interference in their tax collection efforts. It is said that Sambhaji, on more than one instance sided with the ryot (common subjects) and often publicly defied the authority of his own ministers (ref. Parmanand), often accusing them of high handedness and corruption.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> But many historians like </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Bendre</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> who have researched extensively on Sambhaji have refuted these allegations that cast aspersions on Sambhajis character. They have laid the blame for Sambhajis actions squarely on a clique of ministers who resented Sambhaji and wanted a more pliant Rajaram to replace Sambhaji as the crown prince. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">According to these historians, most of the allegations against Sambhaji was nothing short of calumny spread specifically with the intention to malign Sambhaji. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">However acc. to renowned critic and thinker, Narhar Kurundkar, it is to be noted that when Bendre dismisses these ministers as corrupt, he provides no proof for the same either and though his work overall is exemplerary, this part of the argument should be assumed more of his own personal analysis rather than based on historical facts. Not to mention the fact that these ministers (Annaji Datto, Moropant Pingale, Balaji Avji Chitnis, Hiroji Farzand etc) were competent in their own right and had served Shivaji with utmost loyalty over a long period of time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">At the most it is possible that there may have been a conflict of authority between the ministers and Sambhaji and it is also possible that Sambhajis impetuousness of youth may have triggered the conflict. Unfortunately Shivaji did not live long enough to resolve the disputes and they took up a rather catastrophic turn. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">The Sabhasad bakhar mentions that Shivaji wanted to divide the kingdom into two halves with the northern region going to Rajaram and the southern region to Sambhaji. But seem to be there are no conclusive documents to prove the veracity of the claim. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">But it can be conclusively said that </span><span style="color: #660000;"> </span><span style="color: #660000;">'at that point of time'</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> there was definately something amiss between the King and his crown prince. Because </span><span style="color: #660000;">Shivaji did detain the crown prince in the Parnala fort at Parli . </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Then in a fit of rage arising out of an emotional distress, Sambhaji apparently took off in the middle of the night with his wife</span><span style="color: #660000;"> Yesubai </span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">++ </span><span style="color: #660000;">and joined the Mughal forces of Diler Khan . </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">++ Note : Whether the wife accompanying Sambhaji during his escape was Yesubai is again disputed</span></span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">, because as per some records it was Durgabai, another of Sambhajis wives who was said to have been along with him during his flight.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">This took place sometime in 1678. But within a years time, the crown prince realised the folly of his actions after he witnessed the atrocities of the mughals on the ryot (especially the massacare of the marathas by Diler Khans army in fort Bhupatgad, which was surrendered without a fight by its killedar Firangoji Narsala as his prince Sambhaji himself was in the forefront of the mughal army. It is said that Ch.Shivaji was so horrified by the subsequent massacare that he awarded the fort keeper Narsala the death sentence for his meek submission of the fort and shirking away from his responsibilities) and escaped back to the Maratha camp at fort Panhala (1680). Sambhaji apparently reconciled with his father, but was still kept under surveillance at the fort( in some letters uncovered, Sambhaji is mentioned administering the affairs in the region of Panhala- said to be almost a second capital of the maratha kingdom).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> Rajaram was to be married in the same year. </span><span style="color: #660000;">Sambhaji was however not present during the wedding of his brother, p</span><span style="color: #660000;">erhaps, because of Sambhajis ongoing disharmony with Soyrabai, (Rajaram was then married to Janakibai, the daughter of Prataprao Gujar, the late sarsenapati of Shivajis army).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">
Then Shivajis untimely death (3rd April 1680) took place in fort Raigad . </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">This was followed by a lot of palace intrigues. Many of Shivajis ministers like </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Annaji Datto, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Pralhad Niraji, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Balaji Avaji Chitnis, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Moropant Pingale, Hiroji Farzand etc colluded with Soyrabai and installed a ten year old Rajaram as the next king. Balaji Avaji even dispatched a letter addressed to the killedar(fort in charge) of Panhala to imprison Sambhaji with immediate effect. Janardhan Pant Hanumante was asked to take the custody of Sambhaji. But the message was discovered by some of Sambhajis well wishers, who promptly informed the prince of the conspiracy being hatched against his person. Sambhaji and his men immediately took charge of the fort. The killedar was executed. Two hundred of the conspirators were arrested and put to death. Notable amongst the conspirators were Khandoji Naik the messenger,Bahirji Ingle ,Somaji Banki,Suryaji Kank and Hiroji Farzand ( Hiroji had managed to give the slip ,but was rearrested at Chiplun ).Janardhan Hanumante was seized in Kolhapur.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Sambhaji then secured the support of some leading Maratha nobles like Hambirao Mohite (the Sarsenapati/commander in chief of the Maratha army, who was also incidently Soyrabai's brother and also the father in law of Rajaram viz. father of Rajarams wife Tarabai. Nevertheless, he sided with Sambhaji, whom he considered the rightful heir to the throne by primogeniture ). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Sambhaji marched along with twenty thousand troops to fort Raigad. Yesaji Kank, an old Shivaji loyalist opened the fort gates for the prince. Raigad fell without much resistance to Sambhaji. Even the killedar Kanhoji Bhadwalkar switched sides to Sambhaji.<br />
Soyrabai was (allegedly) imprisoned by Sambhaji on charges of plotting against him and also poisoning the late king .Both she and her son Rajaram were imprisoned. Soyrabai died within a week, put to death on Sambhajis orders, as alleged by a section of historians like Kincaid-Parasnis,Sarkar etc based on the text ' Sivadigvijaya' , some other bakhars and some European records (but recently some historians like Bendre have put forward evidences that Soyrabai infact lived a year or two after Shivajis death. Sambhaji even performed the last rites of the queen mother with due state honours).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Note: Historians siding Sambhaji also raise a very valid point. If Sambhaji had indeed executed his own step mother then why would her brother (Hambirrao Mohite) support the cause of Sambhaji? Hambirraos daughter Tarabai was later married to Ch.Rajaram (younger son of Ch Shivaji from Soyrabai).In fact it was Sambhaji who supervised 3 marraiges of his younger brother. At the most it is possible his brother was kept under surveilance. But it is unlikely that it was imprisonment.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
In February 1681, Sambhaji declared himself the new Chatrapati (king) of the Maratha throne. The king wanted Ramdas Swami, the aged spiritual guide of Shivaji to be himself present at the coronation ceremony. But the old man politely declined citing health reasons , and sent his emissaries instead. As some historians allege, Ramdas was very much perturbed by the bloodshed that took place, prior to the coronation, hence declined his personal presence. But the teacher didn’t fail to give Sambhaji a personal letter along with his blessings. In the letter Ramdas swami advised the young king to follow in the footsteps of his great father. Be more tolerant towards his people, avoid decisions in anger and haste and he advised Sambhaji to be more discreet and prudent in the future.<br />
In consonance to the saints advice, Sambhaji decided to let bygones be bygones. He released several of the conspirators. He even reappointed Moropant Pingale as his Peshwa ( the loyal Hambirao Mohite already being the commander in chief of the forces).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Note: As per some records Moropant Pngale died in prison and Sambhaji who had a lot of respect for Moropant Pingale despite their differences. So as a consolation he appointed his son Nilopant Pingale as the next Peshwa.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
Then it so happened, that Prince Akbar (son of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb) who had rebelled against his father sought refuge with Sambhaji, something which was readily accepted (Netaji Palkar the veteran ex senapati was sent to receive the prince, considering his experience in the north).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Note: Sambhaji giving refuge to Akbar, incensed Aurangzeb to no end. He took it very personally.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">The discredited ministers once again decided to take their chances by enlisting the help of the mughal prince in overthrowing Sambhaji. They tried to induce Akbar, over to their side, and even plotted to poison Sambhaji.<br />
But the prince Akbar, grateful for the protection he had received from the maratha king, informed Sambhaji about the attempt to be made on his life. On hearing the news, Sambhaji's fury was let loose once again.He arrested the conspirators (Annaji Datto, Hiroji Farzand,Balaji Avji etc) and had them trampled under the feet of an elephant. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Note: Balaji Avjis son Khando Ballals name figures in the material written about Sambhaji, which probably indicates that Khando Ballal was pardoned on advice from Sambhajis wife Yesubai and he once again resumed Sambhajis service. Khando Ballal was even said to have saved Sambhajis life in a Goa expedtion. Khando Ballal also accompanied Rajaram during his hazardous journey to Gingee and remained his close aide in those years. Khando Ballal also served Tarabai and later Shahu and was responsible in saving Pant Pratinidhi from Shahus wrath, when Pant Pratinidhi acting in favour of Tarabai went against the interests of Shahu. Khando Ballals son Govind Chitnis served Ramrajas cause and helped Balaji Bajirao in installing Ramraja on the maratha throne. It was Govinds son Malhar Chitnis who later wrote the Chitnis bakhar a treatise on Maratha history (including the events related to Sambhaji). His son Balwantrao served Ch. Pratapsinh at Satara.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
But this incident, sowed the seeds of permanent distrust in Sambhajis mind, towards many of his men. This also led to the prominence of a Brahmin from Kannauj , by the name of Kavi Kalash (Kalash the poet).Kalash soon became Sambhajis closest confidante and adviser. Note: This is again as per the bakhars. Whereas Historian Bendre says that Sambhaji's queen Yesubai was the one who handled day to day affairs of the administration while Sambhaji was away on campaigns.Kalash was a friend, a confidante, but no more than that. His post of Chhandogamatya was more honorary in nature and never a part of the chief ashtapradhans.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
As per some historians and bakharkars, Kalash (allegedly) took advantage of Sambhajis distrust towards his other ministers and widened the rift between them. Kavi Kalash was to be a hated figure amongst a section of Marathas and is often called ‘Kalusha Kabji’ (the evil instigator). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Though there are also many historians who swear by Kavi Kalashs intentions and devotion towards Sambhaji, thus making him as much an enigmatic personality as his master.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
<strong>Campaigns</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong><b><br />
</b> Sambhajis first campaign was immediately in May 1680. He openly challenged the Mughal Viceroy Khan Jehan alias Bahadur Khan Koka. The Maratha regiments split into three , one attacking the mughal territory of Surat, the other raiding Khandesh and the third taking on the imperial forces at Aurangabad. The attacks proved a success for the Marathas and they came back with a rich booty. Sambhaji and Habirrao Mohite even looted the mughal camp at Burhanpur divesting it of twenty million rupees.<br />
Sambhajis second campaign was a daring attempt to capture the sea fort of Janjira, which unfortunately proved a failure. He even lost a brave officer by the name of Kondaji Farzand. Kondaji had managed to befriend the guarding Siddis (Abyssinians) of Janjira . He had gained their trust by citing his differences with Sambhaji. He thus managed to enter the fort and was about to capture it from within. But unluckily,Kondajis plan was exposed at the last minute and he was arrested and beheaded by the Siddis. A second attempt by another officer Dadaji Raghunath was also foiled, this time by the cruel sea, when the fierce sea waves wrecked his attacking boats. A third attempt was made when Siddi Misri, who was once a part of the Siddi contingent of Janjira switched sides over to the Marathas. Sambhaji made him the commander of his naval fleet. Siddi Misri led the Maratha navy against his fellow Siddis of Janjira. But Siddi Misri lost the naval battle and was himself fatally wounded.<br />
Meanwhile, the Portuguese had aligned themselves with the Mughals. The Portuguese Viceroy Alvor had allowed the Mughals to set up their naval base in Portuguese territory. To punish the viceroy, Sambhaji attacked Portuguese territory (1683-84) , and at one point surrounded Alvor himself. But as fate would have it, Aurangzeb sent a large army to take on the Marathas, forcing Sambhaji to retreat.<br />
Sambhaji then sent a contingent to ravage the mughal territory of Khandesh, and a second contingent to attack the mughul prince Shah Alam in the south (Karnataka region).The Maratha forces met with success and Shah Alams forces had to retreat from several fronts.<br />
Then there was also a campaign against Chikkadevraja the king of Mysore. Chikkadevraja had challenged the Marathas by intruding in their territory. Sambhaji dispatched an army against him, forcing Chikkadevraja to sue for peace.It is said that to counter the barrage of arrows by a huge army of archers from Mysore, Sambhaji had on a ad hoc basis got oil laden rubber armour </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">prepared </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">for his soldiers thus blunting their attack. At the same time he used oil fired arrows to subdue the enemy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> The period from 1684-1686, Aurangzeb concentrated on his southern campaign. Both Bijapur and Golkunda fell in quick succession. Sambhaji may have made a tactical error by not aligning with the combined armies of Bijapur and Golkunda to face the mughal onslaught (But a group of historians lay the blame squarely on the monarchs of Golkunda and Bijapur for the loss of their kingdoms. They maintain the Golkunda king was hedonistic , careless and the Bijapur king was too young and inexperieced to retain their kingdoms). By 1687, the out of service Bijapur troops (mainly the hindus, who felt ignored by the bigoted muslim emperor) joined the Maratha ranks and captured almost hundred and twenty towns which were once a part of the Bijapur provinces.<br />
Meanwhile, Aurangzebs rebel son,prince Akbar (who had sought refuge with the marathas) was feeling the heat of his fathers troops. He therefore took leave of Sambhaji and fled to Persia.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">But the emperor Aurangzeb was in no mood to forgive and forget.With the Bijapur and Golkunda kingdoms annexed to the mughal empire, the emperor Aurangzeb decided to concentrate on Sambhaji. He wanted to punish Sambhaji for harbouring his rebel son (and other rebels like the Rajput Durgadas).<br />
In 1688, Aurangzeb sent Sarja Khan an ex Bijapuri officer to recover the lost Bijapur territory from the marathas.<br />
Sarja khan was led into the jungles of Wai by Sambhajis erstwhile commander in chief , Hambirao Mohite. Though Sarja Khan and his forces were routed by the Marathas, Hambirao Mohite became a casualty of that battle. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">The death of his most trusted noble was a big blow for Sambhaji.<br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
<strong>Sambhajis character</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong><b><br />
</b> Till date Sambhaji continues to evoke mixed reactions. Some hail him as a bravest Maratha warrior that ever lived , whereas some critisise him for his indolence and weakness for a good life (which is again open for a debate). But even his critics concede the mans genius. Sambhajis critics like Kincaid-Parasnis mention him spending months in pleasure seeking, only to emerge out of hibernation one fine day, and put up a string of military succeses, wiping out all the blots of procrastination he may be accused of. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> Many </span><span style="color: #660000;">(Like Dramatist Kanetkar who has written a famous play on Sambhaji titled 'Raigadala jevha jaag yete i.e when Fort Raigad came alive)</span><span style="color: #660000;"> attribute his split personality to the early plots of his step mother and the ministers against him .This made him wary about the people around him. He wasn’t able to trust easily.The historians further conclude that he gathered some wrong people around him, who deliberately led him astray to suit their purposes. He probably spent months under their unsavoury influence,only to be shaken back into reality and good sense by some of Shivajis old loyal aides like Hambirrao Mohite. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">But one has to understand that all the historians who have written adversely about Sambhaji either belonged to enemy camps (Mughal, British,Portuguese) or have based their reasons on the Chitnis bakhar, a treatise written 120 years after the death of Sambhaji and that too by a descendent of a man (Balaji Avji Chitnis) who was executed by Sambhaji. Hence one has to be very circumspect before giving complete credence to this bakhar. Even the Sabhadsad bakhar written (4-5 years after Sambhajis death) by Krishnaji Anant Sabhasad, an contemporary of Shivaji, was in his final years (when he wrote the bakhar) an employee of Ch. Rajaram. So its not surprising that he has many a kind word for Rajaram, but presents Sambhaji in a negative light. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Similarly the Sivadigvijaya bakhar though attributed to Khando Ballal Chitnis , the son of Balaji Avji in fact appears to be written by someone else (probably by someone amongst the Chitnis descendents themselves).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Also it must be noted that Sambhaji had to face a formidable opponent in the form of the mughal emperor Aurangzeb himself, something which even the great Shivaji was spared of (luckily as Aurangzeb was busy with his Afghanistan campaign).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">The mughal might was several folds greater than that of Bijapur and to Sambhajis credit he gave the mughals a very tough fight. He also added several territories to Shivajis existing kingdom like parts of the Portuguese empire in Konkan and Goa, tracts of the Bijapur territory in Karnataka etc. As the acclaimed author Narhar Kurundar says - if five to six forts were indeed lost to the mughals four to five were also wrested away from this strong enemy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">Also the charge that Sambhaji couldnt evoke loyalty from his men is also flawed. Excluding the conspirators majority of his men stuck by the side of Sambhaji. Treachery by men was a part and parcel of the Maratha history. These took place in Shivajis time as well and continued during Sambhajis time and also thereafter. Mughals were financially strong and would often buy loyalties of men. This is ofcourse more telling about the character of certain people rather than about Sambhaji's ability to command loyalty in his people.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Another charge levelled on Sambhaji is that he was a alcoholic, addicted to opium, a hedonistic person, and very careless and irresponsible towards the day to day administration of his kingdom. Assuming that he consumed alcohol, dosent automatically make him an alcoholic. Nor does it mean that he was negligent in his affairs. </span><span style="color: #660000;">Even the part of him being a womaniser may have been grossly exaggerated and more is a part of chronicles written in the enemy camp.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">Moreover a king whose kingdom was under seige by the mighty mughal empire can hardly afford to lead a life of a hedonist. His brief reign of eight years witnessed several campaigns which wouldnt have been possible without Sambhajis personal attention.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><strong>Sambhaji : The Poet</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b><br /></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Shivaji ensured that despite the tumultous nature of their lives, his son got the best education befitting a prince. Sambhaji grew up to be a well read person as also a soldier with commendable martial skills.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">It can also be concluded from various records available that besides marathi , Sambhaji was versatile in Hindustani and Sanskrit. The Sanskrit treatise Buddhabhushan which is a commentary on various philosophies, cultures and poetry is attributed to Sambhaji. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Sambhaji was also known for being a patron of arts. He employed a learned man called Keshav Pandit Adhyaksh, to read with him Valmiki's celebrated epic, the Ramayan. As a reward, he gave Keshav ( 1684 A.D.) sixteen hundred small silvercoins known as 'ladis'. The king was also no mean versifier. He is known to have written two books of Hindi poetry, The first was called Nakhshikh, in which he described the pleasures of love. The second was named Nayakabhad. In it he sang the varying charms of the beauties who beguiled his leisure moments.(ref. Kincaid)</span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">
<strong>Sambhajis capture and execution</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong><b><br />
</b> At Kalashs insistence Sambhaji decided to spend the hot summer of 1688 in a palace built by Kavi Kalash at Sangameshwar, a small but climatically cool township, twenty miles north from Vishalgad, and twenty two miles north east from Ratnagiri (this may have proved a mistake on the part of Sambhaji, as for once, he was away from the safe protection of the impregnable fort of Raigad). The news of Sambhajis whereabouts soon reached the mughals. The Mughal commander Muqarrab Khan then devised a daring plan to capture Sambhaji in person. They were helped in their endeavour by the estranged brother in law of Sambhaji, by the name of Ganoji Shirke *, who showed the mughal army the way through the adjoining dense forests, simultaneously providing the mughals, logistics and information about Sambhajis movements. In Feb 1688, Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash were surrounded and captured (the maratha commander in chief Mhaloji Ghorpade, the successor to Habirrao Mohite was killed in the skirmish). They were brought before Aurangzeb, who had himself encamped at Akluj (near Pandharpur). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">* Note: The bakharkars say that Ganoji Shirke belonged to the same family as Sambhajis step mother Soyrabai and because they had supported Soyrabais cause against Sambhaji, the latter had them killed in what is infamously called as 'Shirkan'. But latter historians like Bendre with the help of documents has proved that Shirkan was infact the jagir of the Shirkes which Sambhaji confiscated due to their treachery (there was a land dispute over the rights of Dabhol, over which the Shirkes had sought employment with the Mughals) and there was no bloodshed called Shirkan involved.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Dabhol was later given to the Shirkes by Ch.Rajaram (younger brother of Ch,Sambhaji who succeeded him post Sambhajis death) after the Shirkes helped him escape from the Ginjee fort.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Note: Mughal historians mention Sambhaji being in an inebriated state at the time of his capture and in the midst of courtesans. But recent evidences state that he was accompanied not only by his wife (Yesubai) and ministers (Mhaloji Ghorpade,Dhanaji Jadhav,Santaji Ghorpade) but also by Ranganath Swami, the leading disciple of his spiritual guru Ramdas </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Swami</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">. Then the question arises whether a person would indulge in such indiscretions in the company of such people? Also as far as accusations about Sambhajis careless behaviour goes, there are letters that record Sambhaji repairing a fallen bastion at Vishalgad just two days before his capture.Also that he had gone to Sangameshwar to attend a case of treachery (ironically). If Sambhaji was such an irresponsible king then would he have looked into such minute details of his kingdom. So in fair conclusion we can only derive that Sambhaji was betrayed and cleverly captured by the Mughals.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">They were both humiliated in public and paraded before the crowds in a buffoons attire. Aurangzeb (as per the bakhars) then offered Sambhaji an insulting proposition. Sambhaji should surrender all his forts and the amassed Maratha treasure to the mughals . Secondly, he should reveal the names of all mughal officers who were secretly colluding with the Marathas, and thirdly Sambhaji should convert himself to Islam and serve the emperor in near future. In return Aurangzeb would spare Sambhajis life.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">
But the fearless Maratha king scornfully retorted, that he would accept the emperors conditions , only if Aurangzeb agreed to marry off his daughter to him (this is again attributed to the literary imagination of some historians as all of Aurangzebs daughters were quite elderly) . Sambhaji then apparently exchanged insult for insult. This audacity incensed the emperor to no end, and he ordered Sambhajis execution .For three days Sambhaji was tortured at Tulapur, on the banks of river Bhima , near Pune. Aurangzeb ordered the blasphemous tongue to be pulled out, his eyes were gouged,his limbs severed (ref. Alamgirnama by Ishwardar Nagar- Persian translation to marathi by Setu Madhavrao Pagadi) . Sambhaji was subjected to a very horrific ordeal. But he bore it bravely until ,on the third day, when his head was decapitated.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">His aide and confidante Kavi Kalash also remained loyal to his master till the very end. He too met the same fate as Sambhaji.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Again the above reports of Sambhajis treatment in the mughal camp are by the bakharkars. In the official reports there is no mention of Sambhaji being asked to convert to Islam . But was simply told to reveal the details of his wealth and the names of spies/traitors in the Mughal camp. Something which Sambhaji refused to do and thus his execution was ordered.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">There is also another story of one mughal officer, Mian Khan, associated with Sambhajis final days. Earlier Sambhaji had given some valuable help to this Mian Khan and the latter was indebted to Sambhaji for this. This same officer was posted at Tulapur during Sambhajis torture. But when asked to gouge out the eyes of Chhatrapati, he had preffered killing himself instead.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> Sambhajis disembered remains were later sewn together by some brave people of Vadu (later to be called as Shivle Patils or the Patils who sewed the mortal remains of the king) and finally cremated there with ritual obsequies and honours.<br />
Thus ended the life of a controversial but brave king ( 11th March 1689) . In death he became a martyr, inspiring a Maratha fightback.<br />
After Sambhajis death, all Maratha nobles forgetting their differences, united under the banner of Chatrapati Rajaram (Sambhajis step brother) and continued their struggle against the Mughals.<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"> <b> Referances:</b> History of the Maratha People by Kincaid, History of the Mahrattas by Duff, Chatrapati Shivaji by Setu M.Pagadi, Shivaji and his Times by J.Sarkar, Translation of Sabhasad/Sivadigvijaya/Chitnis bakhars by Surendranath Sen,Works on Sambhaji by W.S.Bendre (V. N.Kurundkar), Novels on Sambhaji by Shivaji Sawant and Vishwas Patil.</span></div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-26080538618937701412010-11-20T12:33:00.008-08:002018-10-13T00:27:31.821-07:00Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Part 3)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBRmNBSzaR9lirCCanBcFuYarn-rk645cvzH57FJrAq3x4Yx2Y_4R6FUTcVNCBQogP4wJ2wgd2nHuyPs5PR3cHMqp1-0-elU7p7nAiQKAwgAm8r8BTVO9gwcmfHBfbTJ1KZarSKV0JOkG/s1600/shivaji_painting_QB21_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Shivajis Character and personal attributes: </strong><b>An Analysis</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b></b>Shivaji was a person of impeccable character. This probably was something to do with the upbringing of his mother, Jijabai. She had raised him to be a man of virtuosity and instilled the values of rectitude in Shivaji. He was always conscious of the honour of the womenfolk. Shivaji was very chivalrous in his behavior towards them. He never gave a free rein to his lust and also expected the same moral high standards from his men. He had issued orders to his army, that no womenfolk were to be touched during raids in the enemy territory. There are records of him having punished even his close relatives for moral misdemeanor against women. There are stories of him returning the captive daughter in law of the muslim governor of Kalyan (who was taken a prisoner during a raid), unharmed and with due honour.<br />
Shivaji was a great judge of human character. No wonder he was able to hand pick gems amongst the people that ably supported him in his goal of swarajya. He inspired people with his camaraderie, personal morality and loftiness of aim, and people willingly gave their lives for his cause.His men also had confidence in their kings honesty that even after their deaths the king would take care of their families.<br />
Shivajis bravery is also without doubt, after all he dared to challenge the supremacy of two great powers, when his contemporaries preffered meek submission to them. But at the same time Shivaji was never reckless.When times arose, he always thought it prudent to retreat, rather than to risk lives. But after waiting patiently for the right opportunity , he struck back at the enemy with an equal vigour.<br />
Shivajis fortitude of mind is also evident from the way he regained most of the forts he ceded to the mughals. He did not let circumstances bog him down nor did he let the power of his enemy daunt him into meekness. But like a phoenix he rose to surrmount the adversities.<br />
His military astuteness is also very evident. Shivaji was famous for the swift movements of his army, his shock and awe attacks on the enemy camp, and his gureilla tactics while taking on a powerfull enemy. He ensured that his army always travelled light, unlike the heavy entourage accompanying the Mughals. His armymen were never allowed to take their families along with them. This ensured rapid mobility for his army. Shivaji was also a master tactician, who took into consideration the geographical locations before launching attacks , the enemies weaknesses and streangths (estimated on basis of the information of his ever vigilant spy network).<br />
Shivaji was as ruthless towards his enemies as he was loyal to his friends. He has often been accused of deceit, but its always been towards his foes and never towards his friends. He always followed Kautilyas policy of ' End is more important than the means' to achieve his military goals and he cannot be faulted for this as he had to face even more treacherous and formidable enemies.<br />
Shivaji was very austere in his tastes. He never spent lavishly constructing magnificent palaces, rather he spent his wealth constructing strong and practical forts which proved a security for his kingdom. Shivaji was devoid of vices. He never indulged himself in the worldly pleasures, rather he preferred spending his time and money on his people and their welfare. He lived his life like a puritan as per the code of morality set up by his mother Jijabai and his spiritual guru Ramdas Swami.<br />
He cared for the welfare of his people, looking after their financial needs and earned the respect of his people.<br />
Shivajis greatness is not gauged from the territory he added , nor by the treasure he left behind, but as J.Sarkar says, from the survey of the conditions amidst which he rose to sovegreignty. His other achievement was the feeling he gave his Ryot, that the kingdom he has formed is their own kingdom, created for their well being.<br />
Shivaji was a devoted son, very respectful towards his elders and seers, a loving husband, a doting father. Shivaji had in him all the prerequisites of an ideal man (a Maryada Purushottam like Lord Ram).<br />
No wonder Shivaji is deified as a demi God (till date) in his state .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></strong><br />
<b>ADDENDUM</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><i>Shivajis Religious and social policy</i></b><br />
<b><i></i></b>Shivaji though a devout Hindu, had a very liberal policy towards other religions. Shivajis spiritual ideologue was Swami Ramdas, whom he had had seated in the Parali fort, later named Sajjangadh. But Shivaji had tremendous reverence towards seers of other faiths as well like Pir Baba Yakut a Sufi saint. Shivajis respect for the holy book Quran is even conceded by his critic the mughal historian Khafi Khan. Shivaji had given standing instructions to his men, that in any encounter, if they came across any holy book including the Quran, it was not to be defiled, but treated with utmost respect. Also religious places belonging to other faiths were not to be desecrated.He even allowed the construction of a tomb in the memory of his slain enemy, Afzal Khan at fort Pratapgad.<br />
But at the same time Shivaji was a proud Hindu, and was always quick to take up the Hindu cause. When Aurangzeb levied the Jaziya Tax (in addition to the regular khiraaj viz 5% of revenue earned by hindus) on his non muslim subjects, Shivaji sent him a bold letter castigating him for his intolerance and bigotry and warning him of its negative repurcussions.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: The official reason of Jaziya tax was that a non muslim could practise his religion without fear under a muslim govt after paying this tax. But unofficially this led to a lot of poor people converting to Islam so as to avoid paying this tax.</span><br />
<br />
Shivaji may have rallied his soldiers in the name of religion (it cannot be denied that religion played a major role in medieval times), but he was never a religious zealot. His fight was mainly political. He never advocated forcefull conversions to Hinduism. He allowed people of other faiths to practice their religion without the fear of persecution (unlike his Islamist counterparts). Little wonder that he had even Muslim officers in his army, even in the highest ranks.<br />
<br />
Shivaji never intervened in the social practices (presently which are termed archaic e.g Sati) prevalent in the medeival times. He was also superstitious like all the kings of his times. Tantra, mantra was prevalent during his tenure (remember his coronation took place twice, second time as per tantric rites citing presence of bad omens during the first time around). Therefore Shivaji cannot be termed as a social reformer. He was a product of his times. But he was not a blind follower of those social practices either. It can be seen by the way he prevented his mother from commiting Sati after the death of his father. But in fairness it can be said that he never stopped his subject from following those practices either.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Shivajis bejewelled firangi styled sword 'Bhawani' is very famous. It was presented to Shivaji by one Gowalekar Sawant of Kudal.</span><br />
<br />
<i>Note: Samarth Ramdas swami was said to be the spiritual guide of Ch.Shivaji (He provided Shivaji with a moral and religious purpose to carry on with his struggles against his enemies. Whether he was Shivajis political guru is always debatable. Mainly because records of him meeting Shivaji occur during the last decade of Shivajis life.) . Ramdas swami also respected the fact that Ch.Shivaji was the only person of his times to protect the interests of the Hindu fold and religion. Ramdas swami mainly created awareness amongst the people about the greatness of Shivaji and exhorted the youth to join him in large numbers. Shivaji respected Ramdas swami and had hosted the swami in his Parli fort.</i><br />
<i>Nowadays there is an attempt to project Sant Tukaram as Shivajis guru. But there is no historical recoord that proves that a meeting between Tukaram and Shivaji ever took place. Not to mention that Tukaram was a social reformer and politics was never his sphere of influence. But the same cannot be said about Ramdas.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>All the Kings Men</strong></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>Shivaji was a great judge of human character. He was a great leader who inspired loyalty in his people. Shivajis men willingly laid down their lives for his purpose.There were many a people who rose to prominence in his kingdom and became legends in their own right.Here is a list of some of his celebrated warriors :· </i><br />
<i>Kanhoji Jedhe (Shahajis trusted aide, assisted Shivaji in his early battles)· Gomaji Naik (earlier employee of Lakhuji Jadhavrao. He was sent along with Jijabai to serve the Bhosales.An early aide of Shivaji)· Baji Pasalkar (was one of the earliest aides of Shivaji.He was the deshmukh of Muse Khore. He was one of the earliest martyrs who laid down his life fighting against the Adilshahi forces at Purandar)· Yesaji Kank(was one of the early aides of Shivaji. He was the killedar of Torna fort)· Mankoji Dahatonde (Shivajis first sarsenapati).</i><i>Netaji Palkar (earlier havaldar of fort purandar later commander in chief of Shivajis army)Prataprao</i><i> Gujar (a.k.a Kudtoji, earlier sarnobat at fort rajgad, later sarsenapati of Shivaji after Netaji Palkar. The baalad ' vedaat marathe veer daudaley saat' is based on his martyrdom. The other six martyrs along with Prataprao were : Visaji Ballal, Dipaji Rautrao, Vithal Piraji Atre,Krishnaji Bhaskar,Vithoji Shinde and Siddi Hilal). </i><i>Hambirao Mohite(sarsenapati after Prataprao Gujar). </i><i> Balaji Avji Chitre Chitnis (secretary). Ramchandra Neelkanth Muzumdar (Amatya). Ramchandra Trimbak Dabir (foreign secretary). Niraji Raoji (chief justice).</i><i>Pralhad Niraji (son of Niraji Raoji.accompanied Shivaji to Agra).</i><i> Moropant Pingale (Mukhyapradhan). Anandrao. Baji Prabhu Deshpande (laid down his life at Pawan Khind and allowed Shivajis escape from Panhala)· Murar Baji Deshpande (defended fort Purander with his life against Diler Khan the Mughal commander)· </i><i>Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande ( wrested Kondana fort by guile from the Adilshahi)· </i><i>Balaji and Chimnaji Mudgal Deshpande- sons of Bapuji (were a part of Shivajis team that raided Shaistakhan at Lal Mahal, Pune), Yeshwantrao and Babaji Prabhu (defended Vajragad against Diler Khans onslaught)· Tanaji Malusare (laid down his life while capturing Kondana from the Mughals)· Suryaji Malusare (assisted his brother Tanaji in capturing Kondana, spearheaded the Maratha forces after Tanaji fell)· Suryaji Kakde (Shivajis childhood friend who died in the battle of Salher).Kavji Malhar (early aide of Shivaji, died in the battle of Shirval). Bahirji Naik (Shivajis famous spy)· </i><i>Phirangoji Narsala (defended Chakan fort against Shaista Khans army)·</i><i>Moro Trimbak Pingale (Shivajis Peshwa)· Hiroji Farzand (replaced Shivaji at Agra.Was said to be a look alike of Shivaji)· Jiva Mahala (Shivajis bodyguard who slew Sayyid Banda, associate of Afzal khan)·Nanaji Vishwasrao Dighe Deshpande (chief of Shivaji's spy unit). Bahirji Naik Jadhav (chief of Shivaji's spy unit)· Baji Bandal (assisted in the attack on Afzal Khans forces and during the battle of Pawankhind). Sonopant Dabir (He was the foreign secretary of Shivaji, especially during Shivajis early times and was a part of the initial batch of men sent by Shahajiraje to administer the estate. He was later succeeded by his son Trimbakpant).Trimbakpant Dabir (imprisoned in Agra). Raghunath Ballal (imprisoned in Agra). </i><i>Raghunarhpant Hanumante.Janardhanpant Hanumante.Annaji Datto was a seasoned administrator and judge in Shivajis kingdom.·Ramchandrapant Amatya. </i><i>Mainak Bhandari (naval commander), Antaji Konde Deshmukh(Antaji Konde-Deshmukh was associated with Shivaji in his initial period when Shivaji first came to Pune from Shivneri and got settled in Lal Mahal. It was 1636 when, the family met Jijabai and offered her their own house to stay. He was associated with Bapuji Mudgal deshpande at Khed)· Santaji Ghorpade (was a kinsman of the Ghorpades of Mudhol, also relatives of the royal Bhosales.Ghorpades had been sworn enemies of Shahajiraje and Shivaji, but Santajis father had laid down his life fr the Bhosales, winning their favour. Santaji later played a prominent role after Sambhajis death in battling the mughals)· Dhanaji Jadhav(son of Shambhusingh Jadhav and great grandson of Achaloji the cousin of Jijabai – Acholjis son Santaji and later his son Shambhusingh Jadhav were raised by Jijabai in the royal palace along with Shivaji and later prince Sambhaji respectively. Dhanaji later played a prominent role after Sambhajis death in battling the mughals, along with Santaji Ghorpade. Both were considered a fearsome duo by the enemies of the marathas)· Balaji Avaji Chite 'Chitnis' (Shivajis secretary)· Rango Narayan Orpe Sarpotdar (defeated the Adilshahi army at Vishalgad, later made the killedar of Vishalgad fort)· Kavaji Kondhalkar (First Battle of Shivaji Maharaj - Shirval khot)· </i><i>Baji Jedhe (son of Kanhoji Jedhe)·</i><i>Sambhaji Jadhav (laid down his life in the battle of Pawan khind)· Kondaji Ravlekar (captured fort Panhala). Raghunath Ballal ( played an important role during the expedition of Tale, Ghosale, where he fell ill and died).· Vyankoji Datto (played an important role during the expedition of Danda Rajapuri).· Bhimaji Wagh (early aide of Shivaji)· Sambhaji Kate (early aide of Shivaji)· Shivaji Ingle (early aide of Shivaji)· Bhikaji Chor (early aide of Shivaji)· Bhairav Chor (early aide of Shivaji)· Godaji Jagtap-Patil (early aide of Shivaji., played an important part in the Purandar battle)· Ragho Atre (early aide of shivaji.Played an prominent role while routing Afzal Khans army)· Sambhaji Kavji (slew Afzal Khan. apparently defected to the mughal side and was killed by Prataprao Gujar). Harji Nimbalkar· Maya Naik· Fullaji Prabhu Deshpande· Gangadhar Pant· Keso Narayan Deshpande· Kondaji Farzand (seiged Panhala with just sixty men)· Lay Patil Koli· Savlya Tandel ( a famed sentry of a fort who strictly followed the discipline set by Shivaji about entry and exit timings for the forts and said to have stopped even the king himself who wanted a entry beyond the stipulated time. The ballad 'khabardar jar taatch maaruni jaal pudhe saungadya' is based on Savlya Tandel). Ajitsingh Paigude Deshmukh· Neelkanthrao Surnaik· Suryaji Kakade· Yesaji Dabhade· Laksmanrao Paigude Deshmukh· Ramoji Dhamale Deshmukh· Jaswantrao Dalvi, Palvan· Indroji Gawade· Kaldhonde· Kondaji Vadkhale· Krushnaji Bhaskar· Gunoji Darekar· Changoji Kadu· Dhavalekar· Tansavant Bhosale· Tansavant Mavale· Tanaji Tunduskar· Tukoji Kadu· Trimbak Prabhu· Dattaji Idilkar· Nagoji Pralhad· Javaji Mahanlaj· Jamaji Paye· Balajirao Darekar· Bhakaji Dalvi· Mahadji Farzand· Mal Sawant· Munbaji Benmana· Mudholji Sondeo· Yesaji Darekar· Pilaji Gole· Pilaji Sanas· Ram Dalvi· Ramaji More· Vithoji Lad· Sonn Dalve· Hiroji Bhaldar· Hiroji Marathe· Shama Khan· Anandrao Hasham Hazari· Udoji Pawar· Krishnaji Ghatage· Khandoji Jagtap· Gondaji Jagtap· Gunoji Shirke· Jetoji Katkar· Tukoji Nimbalkar· Shivajirao Telangrao sardar· Bhavanrao sardar· Baloji Katkar· Yesaji Katkar· Manaji More· Ramji Kakade· Rupaji Bhosale· Vaghoji Shirke· Venkoji Khandkar· Santaji Jagtap· Niloji Phate· Nimbaji Patole· Parsoji Bhosale· Sambhaji Hanbirao· Savaji Mohite· Amaroji Pandare· Uchale· Krushnaji Bhandade· Keroji Pawar· Chando Narayan· Chando Hirdeo· Janrao Waghmare· Trimbak Vithal· Devaji Ughade· Narsoji Shitole· Nagoji Ballal· Nemaji Shinde· Bayaji Gadadare· Balwantrao Gadkate· Bahirji Ghorpade· Bahirji Vadgare· Balaji Nilkant· Balaji Bahirav· Khemani· Khandoji Atole· Ganesh Tukdeo· Ganesh Shivdeo· Balaji Shivtare· Mahadji Narayanrao· Maloji Thorat· Mudhoji Thorat· Ragho Balal· Ramaji Janardhan· Sankaroji Mane· Hiroji Shelke.Godaji Kamble.Bhimaji Wagh.Sambhaji Kate.Bhikaji Chore.Bhairav Chore.Shivaji Ingle.</i><br />
<i>Muslim aides of Shivaji - </i><i>Daulat Khan(Shivajis naval Admiral)· Darya Sarang (Shivajis naval commander)· Noor Khan Beg (Shivajis first Sarnobat)· Ibrahim Khan (Shivajis naval commander)· Madari Mehtar (Shivajis bodyguard during Agra visit)· Siddi Hilal (Was a part of the battle of Kolhapur. He also assisted Netaji Palkar during seige of Panhala by Siddi Johar)·Siddi Wahwah Khan (son of Siddi Hilal who was killed while attacking Siddi Johars men during the Panhala seige). Siddi Sambal ( was once in charge of Mughal navy, but fell out with his fellow Siddis (Qasim and Khairiyat of Janjira) and joined Shivaji)· </i><i>Hussain Fahn miyan· Siddi Wahwaha· Siddi Ambar wahad· Sultan khan· Daud Khan· </i><i>Siddi Misri (nephew of Siddi Sambal, who switched sides to Shivaji along with Siddi Sambal and died in battle for Sambhaji fighting Siddi Qasim of Janjira)· Haider Ali Kohari(he was a warrior and also an Islamic scholar. He also served as Shivajis secretary)·</i><br />
Besides these illustrious men there were many unknown soldiers who contributed to Shivajis Swarajya (The freed land) .</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Shivajis Council of Ministers</strong></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In the early days of Dadoji Kondeo, the council of ministers was composed of four officers only viz. the Peshwa( Chief Minister), the Majumdar(Auditor),the Dabir(Foreign secretary) and the Sabnis(Paymaster). After the death of Dadoji, Shivaji added an Sarnaubat (Master of the horse/ Commander in chief of the army) and a second Dabir to the above four. After the conquest of Javli (1656), the council was further expanded by creating a Surnis (Suprintendent to keep the palace accounts)and a Waqnis (Chronicler) and two distinct commanders for the infantry and the cavalry. After his return from Agra, Shivaji appointed a Lord Justice( Nyayaadheesh) to try all suits in the kingdom according to the Sanskrit lawbooks.By 1674 (at the time of his coronation), the number of ministers had risen to eight, and were known as the Ashta Pradhan (council of eight ministers). The role of these ministers was more or less advisory and Shivaji kept all the strings of the administration in his own hands.[source:J.Sarkar]</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Shivajis Army Organisation</strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Every fort and outpost was placed under three officers of equal status viz. the Havaldar (chief constable), the Sabnis (chief accountant) and the Sarnaubat (chief of guard). Stores and provisions of the forts were in charge of the Karkhanis.In the state cavalry (paga),the unit was formed by 25 troopers (bargirs), over 25 men was placed one havaaldar, over 5 havaaldars was one Jumledaar, over 10 jumledaars (or 1250 men) was one Hazari. Over 5 Hazaris was the Sarnaubat.The Silahdaars or troopers, supplied their own horse and arms and acted under the Sarnaubat.In the infantry, there was one Naik(corporal) to every nine Paiks(privates), over 5 naiks one havaldar,over 2-3 havaldars one jumledar, and over 10 jumledars one hazari. Over 7 hazaris were one Sarnaubat of the infantry.<br />
<br />
<b>Shivajis Revenue system and administration</b><br />
Earler it was seen that the revenue collectors of the Sultanates (the Patils, Desais,Deshmukhs etc) were powerfull in their own right and at times challenged even the army of their king. They often behaved like tyrants in their fiefs, often harassing the Ryat (citizens). Shivaji therefore saw to it that the castles and armies of these revenue collectors were dismantled. Even the military fief holders were divested of any political power. Their land was subjected to assessment like the fields of the other Ryot . Also was ensured that no one was given proprietary rights over an entire village. The revenue officers (Patils, Khots, Kulkarnis) were kept on a fixed salary. Thus no individual officer was made powerfull enough and was kept uder the purview of the law as any other citizen.Shivaji also ensured a fixed tax that was to be taken from the Ryat, unlike before. Shivaji provided seeds, fertilizers, soft loans to the farmers.He evenly distributed his land between his subjects. He took into consideration the rainfall and the harvest before levying his taxes.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Shivajis Family</strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In keeping with the prevalent practice of those times, Shivaji had eight wives. His marriages were matrimonial alliances, which got with him the support of the powerfull families of Maharashtra.His first wife was Saibai from the house of Nimbalkars of Phaltan. He married her sometime in 1641(died Sept 1657). She bore him his eldest son Sambhaji and three daughters viz.Sakwarbai aka Savitribai, married to Mahadji Nimbalkar of Phaltan,Ranoobai married in the family of Jadhavraos,Ambikabai married to Harjiraje Mahadik,(later governor of Jinji)His second wife was Sagunabai, a close relative of his commander, Netaji Palkar.She became mother of Rajkunwarbai, who married Ganoji Shirke (he was in the Mughal service).Shivajis third wife was Sakwarbai from the house of Gaikwads (married 10th Jan 1657).She bore a daughter Kamlabai who married the son of Netaji Palkar. Sakwarbais brother Sakhoji was blinded by Shivaji allegedly for moral misdemeanor.Shivajis fourth wife was Kashibai (died 6th Feb 1674), from the family of Jadhavraos. She had no issues.Shivajis fifth wife was Putlabai (married 15th April 1657) from the Ingle family. Putlabai performed Sati on the death of Shivaji.Shivajis sixth wife was Soyrabai from the family of Mohites. She bore him a son Rajaram and a daughter, Dadubai aka Balubai. Soyrabai died on 27th Oct 1681, allegedly after being imprisoned by Sambhaji after she tried instating her son Rajaram on the throne after the death of Shivaji.However, Rajaram succeeded the throne after the death of his step brother, Sambhaji.<br />
Shivaji had two more wives Laxmibai and Gunwantabai. Not many details are available about them.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Shivajis Forts</strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>* Achalgiri* Ahivantgad* Ankole-Koat* Kurudu or Mandargad* Kushtarga Koat* Kechar Koat* Kopalgad* Kondhana or Shingad* Khelna or Vishalgad* Dhangad* Chandan* Chaud or Prasanngad* Jaygad* Javalegad* Jivdhan* Mahulegad* Mangalur Koat* Yelbargigad* Rasalgad* Rangana or Parshidhagad* Rohidagad* Thakarigad* Tanvada* Trimbak or Shrigad* Noobadgad* Panalgad* Paraligad or Sajjangad* Pali or Sarasgad* Pandavgad* Purandhar* Phonda Koat* Bahadurgad* Bhorap or Sudhagad* Madgirigad* Manohargad* Masitwade or Mangad* Vandangad* Shiveshavar Koat* Satargad* Salerigad* Salobhagad* Lavadkoat* Linganagad* Lohagad* Valabhagad* Hadpsar or Parvatgad* Harushgad* HaliyalForts Shivahi built / reconstructed* Anjanveli* Kthorgad* Kankandrigad* Kapalgad* Kamargad* Kamalgad* Kalanidhigad* Kambalgad* Kangori or Mangalgad* Kanchangad* Kangorigad* Kunjargad* Kelanja* Kothalagad* Kohajgad* Kholgad* Gagangad* Gajendragad* Gadagad* Gahangad* Gandharvagad* Gambhirgad* Janjire Kulaba* Janjire Khanderi* Janjire Ratanagiri* Bhaskargad* Bhivgad* Janjire Vijayduraga* Janjire Shindhuduraga* Janjire Suvarnadurga* Dholagad* Tikona or Vitandgad* Tunggad or Kathingad* Torana or Prachandgad* Dahigad* Nargundgad or Mahadgad* Nanchanagad* Nakgad* Patgad* Patakagad* Padmagad* Pavitragad* Pargad* Pavangad* Prachitgad* Pratapgad* Prondagad* Balvantgad* Bahiravgad or saranga* Bahulgad* Baleraja* Botgiri Koat* Ramsejgad* Rudramalgad* Bhudargad* Bhushangad* Machaindragad* Madangad* Mardangad* Manranjangad* Mahindragad* Mayorgad or Navalgund* Mahipatgad* Mahipalgad* Mahimangad* Mangalgad* Mandangad* Mandargad* Manikgad* Murgod* Mohangad* Yelurkoat* Raigad </i><i>* Rajgad </i><i>* Rajegad* Ravalagad* Rajkot* Ramdurga* Sundargad* Sevanagad* Sevakgad* Lohagad * Lokalgad* Loanjagad* Vardhangad* Vangad* Vasantgad* Valabhagad* Varugad* Vasota or Vyagragad* Virgad or Ghosala* Vairatgad* Venktgad* Shrigaldavagad* Shrimantgad* Shrivardangad* Sabalgad* Sargad* Sahangad* Samangad* Sarangagad* Sindhichangad* Sidhagad* Subakargad* Sumangad* Surgad* Songad*HarishachandragadOther Gadkot forts in Kingdom of Shivaji* Arkotgad* Karnatakagad* Kasturigad* Kevalgad* Krishnagiri chandi* Krushnagiri gad* Kujargad* Gagangad* Gavargad chandi* Chavi kot* chelgadchandi* Chintahar kot* Jagadevgad* Trichandikot* Trikalur* Trimalkot* Devgad* Prabalgad* Prangad* Bahiravgad* Birge Valugugad* Madgad* Mangad* Malakarajungad* Malharrajgad* Martandgad* Yeshvantgad* Ratangad* Ranjangad* Ramgad* Lavvad chandi* Vishalgad* Vetaval or kemal* Vrudhacalkot* Devanapati kot* Sarangadchandi* Sidhagad* Sudarshangad* Subhakot* NilsajitgadForts in Karanataka Region* Shrivardhangad* Ahinijadurga* Akatigad* Arajungad* Bramagad* Bhanjangad* Banturgad* Bhaskargad* Kattargad* Kailasgad* Kolar Kadim* Kolhar* Ganeshgad* Chandangad* Thamakurkoat* Durgamgad* Nandigad* Padavirgad* Palegad* Pimpala or Prakashgad* Balapur Bhor* Bindanur* Bhuravdgad* Bundikot* Bhimagad Near Kapsheri* Bhumandangad* Makarandgad* Mardangad* Mandonmattgad chandi* Mahipalgad* Mahimandangad* Mukhanegad Kotvel* Mej Kolhargad* Yelur Kot* Rajgad Chandi* Vajragad* Saragad* Soamshankargad* Hatmalgad</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><b>Important resources that provided information of Shivaji:</b> Jedhe Shakavali (from Jedhe family who were loyal nobles/courtiers of Shivaji), Malhar Ramrao Chitnis (descendent of Balaji Avaji Chitnis), Sabhasad,Parmanand (a court poet of Shivaji originally from Newasa), 91 kalmi bakhar, English/Dutch/French/Portuguese/Italian (Manucci a mercenary in the mughal camp) /Persian-Mughal-Mohammedan sources(e.g Khafi Khan).</i></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-43678803896308227832010-11-20T12:32:00.005-08:002015-06-28T04:39:58.045-07:00Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Part2)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> THIS IS THE SECOND PART OF THE THREE PART ARTICLE SERIES ON CHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ. THIS ARTICLE ON SHIVAJI (PART 1,2,3) IS IN CONTINUATION OF THE MAIN ARTICLE 'MARATHAS' AND ITS SUBSEQUENT ARTICLE 'ANCESTORS OF SHIVAJI'.</span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Encounter with Shaista Khan</strong>Shaista Khan (Mirza Abu Talib), the experienced mughal subhedar of Bengal, was deputed by Aurangzeb to bring Shivaji to book. He had earlier helped Aurangzeb against Dara Shaikoh. Shaista Khan for his services was made the Viceroy of Deccan and sent to subdue Shivaji.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Note: Shaista khan was the brother of Mumtaz Mahal (wife of Shah Jehan) and nephew of Nur Jehan (wife of Jehangir). He had also been a part of the Deccan mission sent by ShahJehan to subdue Shahajiraje Bhosale (father of Shivaji).</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"></span>While Shivaji was resisting Siddi Jauhar of Bijapur, Shaista Khan was approaching Deccan, with his huge army. He reached Aurangabad in January 1660. He marched further to Ahmednagar, encamped at a deserted mudfort in Supa(25th February) , then left for another dilapidated fort at Baramati (5 th April), then Nira (all the while deputing officers to administer those areas) , and finally arrived at Shirwal (18 th April). His lieutenants wrecked havoc on the villages near Shirval. The Marathas tried to attack the mughal camp, but were repelled.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shaista Khan then advanced to Puna or present day Pune (9th May). He lodged inside the ‘Lal Mahal’ , where Shivaji had spent his childhood. He further instructed his men to lay siege at Chakan near Puna.Large artillery was used in this siege. An large force of twenty thousand men were used by the mughals in this seige. Inspite of the odd numbers, this fort of Chakan was heroically defended by Firangoji Narsala with a small force of three hundred odd men for fifty six days, before it fell to the Mughal mines ( on15th August 1660). Shaistakhan had even offered mughal service to Firangoji Narsala, but the warrior of Shivaji refused and retained his loyalties with his master. Shaistakhan too was impressed not just by the bravery but also the integrity of Narsala and allowed him to leave the fort unharmed with his men.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Firangoji Narsala was later awarded the killedari of Bhupatgad for his valour (by Ch.Shivaji). </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It has to be remembered that vide the treaty of August 1657, Bijapur had surendered Konkan to the mughals. But Shivaji had captured and held on to those domains from Kalyan, Bhiwandi and Chaul.Shaista khan wished those regions back from Shivaji. He despatched several of the mughal officers( to wrest Konkan. Kalyan, Bhiwandi and some regions in northern Konkan fell to the mughals.</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Kartalab khan, at the end of 1660, equipped with a considerable (apprx 20,000) force (along with Rai Baagan a.k.a Savitribai a spirited woman warrior in mughal service), descended down the Ghats near Lonavala. Shivaji who was already waiting there with his thousand odd men, allowed him to enter the thick forest through the pass was known as '<b>Umber khind</b>' (named after the near by village of Umber). Inspite of the disproportionate numbers, the Marathas led by Shivaji ambushed the Mughals at this strategic point.Kartalab Khan felt trapped with his twenty thousand men. Kartalab Khan begged Shivaji for a safe passage, which he was given , but only after securing a large ransom from him.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span>Now, Shivaji divided his forces into two. One force led by Netaji Palkar was to engage the Mughals. Other led by Shivaji marched south to the Konkan territory of Adilshah. Shivaji’s advance was spectacular. Dabhol, Pali, Sangameshwar, Chiplun, Rajapur + fell into his hands &amp; yielded considerable wealth. Shirngarpur fell on 29th April 1661. Shivaji spent summer of 1661 on Wardhangad in Konkan.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note+ The English factory in Rajapur was razed to the ground by the marathas in retaliation of the secret help provided by them (Henry Revington) to Siddi Jauhar during the Panhala seige.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In 1661,Maharaja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur and Jaffar Khan of Malwa were also instructed to come down to Deccan to assist Shaista khan in his campaign against Shivaji.In 1662, the Mughals didn’t have much success in capturing any Maratha forts.The Marathas had avoided pitched battles with the Mughals, so Shaista khan followed a policy of scorching the villages below the forts. A mughal officer, Namdarkhan and others attacked villages between Lohagad, Visapur, and Tung and Tikona. They set alight seventy eighty villages,looting and destroying grain , property.He harassed the villagers to no end, killing several and taking many as prisoners. This took place for two long years. Shivaji relocated many of his villagers, often transferring families to the security of his forts.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile, Shaista Khan, after three years of campaign had become a little complacent. He had retired with his harem to his base in Puna.There he celebrated his daughters wedding.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
On 5 th April 1663, Shivaji did the unthinkable. Shivaji along with a band of selected men (Sarjerao a.k.a Baji and Chandji Jedhe-sons of Kanhoji Jedhe,Balaji and Chimnaji Deshpande-sons of Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande an old aide of Shivaji, Koyaji Bandal ,Netaji Palkar,Moropant Pinhgale, and 2000 mavale etc) personally launched an commando like operation right in the heart of the enemy camp.Shivaji and his men entered the city precincts in disguise.<br />
He attacked the very residence in Poona where Shaista khan was put up with his family and men. Shaistakhan barely managed to escape with his life (the unconscious Shaista Khan was taken away to safety by his maids), losing in the process, his thumb and two fingers, which Shivaji himself severed from the flighty khan+. Shaista khans son Abul Fateh was killed and so were several people from his entourage (one of Shaista Khans daughters dissappeared<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">-ref. Babasaheb Purandare-Shivcharitrakathan</span>). The wounded Shaista Khan retreated to the mughal base of Aurangabad.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note+: It is not absolutely clear if Shivaji himself was present during the attack on Shaista Khan. Though acc. to historian Purandare, there is mention of several details of the raid in some Persian -mughal writings.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This sent shock waves right upto Delhi. The fuming emperor Aurangzeb , asked the embarrassed Shaista khan, not to bother coming back to Delhi. He was asked to proceed directly back to Bengal.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">Note: To his credit Shaista Khan did a good job in Bengal, building a formidable navy, wresting Sandwip island , Chittagong from the Arakanese(an Burmese kingdom) and later reasserting Mughal control over Kamarup (Assam) and Cooch Behar.He also added greatly to the development of Dhaka (in present day Bangladesh). It is also to be remembered that ShaistaKhan was a part of the army Shah Jehan had sent to subdue Shivajis father Shahaji raje, when he was acting as the regent of the Nizamshahi sultanate.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"></span>The ignominy suffered by Shaista Khan created a dampening of mood in the Mughal ranks. Maharaja Jaswant singh who was left in place of Shaista Khan ,tried to elevate the mood in the Mughal camp through an siege on fort Sinhagad (Kondana). But it too turned out to be an abortive attempt.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji further added salt to the mughal wounds, when he sacked Surat, a rich and prosperous Mughal port (5th January 1664), in order to compensate for his losses. Its governor, Inayat Khan, proved so incompetent, that he hid in his fort , while Shivaji and his men looted Surat in glee abandon for three whole weeks.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: The Surat loot was stored in fort Lohagad near Pune for sometime. The wealth was used by Shivaji to strenthen his forts, build his army n navy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Shivaji captures Kudal of Adilshahi sultanate</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In 1663, Shivaji had already embarked on his Konkan campaign. Bu May 1663, Shivaji had captured Kudal administered by the Desai, Lakham Sawant of Sawantwadi.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #6633ff;">Note: Shahaji raje , the father of Shivaji raje, had died on 23 January 1664 in Karnatak, after a fall from his horse.</span></span><br />
<br />
Adil Shah then sent Aziz Khan to counter Shivaji at Kudal. Shivajis resident, Raoji Pandit had to retreat to Rajapur (May 1664). But an unexpected death of Aziz Khan in July, made Adil Shah send a replacement in the form of Khawas Khan (son of the ex wazir Khan Muhammed, and also the son in law of Rustam e Zaman).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivajis kin <strong>Baji Ghorpade of Mudhol</strong> was also asked to assist Khawas Khan. But before he could join the Khan, Shivaji attacked him at Mudhol. Baji Ghorpade was fatally wounded in that battle and succumbed to his injuries.</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 12px;">Note: There is another story about the killing of <strong>Baji Ghorpade</strong>. It is said that Shivaji was closely keeping tabs on Baji Ghorpades movements. Then in the middle of the night Shivaji led an night operation in the camp of Baji, who was found sleeping , unaware of the danger hovering over him. Shivaji is said to have struck him down with one blow of his sword and later burnt his entire camp. This was done in revenge of Baji Ghorpades earlier treacherous capture of his father Shahaji raje at the behest of Adilshah of Bijapur, after Shahaji was suspected by Adilshah of acting against his interests on one occasion (probably during the Jinji campaign undertaken by Shahaji along with Baji and other Bijapur commanders).</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Seeing all help cut off, Khawas Khan fled away in December. His other commanders like Lakhm Sawant, Desai Keshav Naik and Keshav Prabhu of Pedhne and Khalu Shenvi of Dicholi also fled into the Portuguese territory of Goa.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Construction of Sindhudurg Fort</strong><br />
<strong></strong>On 5 th December 1664 , Shivaji laid the foundation of Fort Sindhudurg in the Malwan region along the Konkan coast. He also streangthened his other naval forts of Vijaydurg (Gheria) and Suvarnadurg.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji added to his navy several commanders like Darya Sarang,Daulat Khan, Ibrahim Khan (all of whom were incidently muslim.*) and Mainak Bhandari.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">*Note: There were many muslims amongst Shivajis forces like Siddi Hillal(cavalry head),Siddi Wahawaha(cavalry),Noorkhan Baig(first sarnobat),Madari Mehtar(bodyguard, especially during Shivajis Agra visit),Kazi Haider(secretary),Shama khan(sardar),Siddi Ambar Wahad,Hussain Faan Miyana(officer), Darya sarang/Ibrahim khan/Siddi Sambal (who was previously a part of the Siddis of Janjira but later shifted loyalties to Shivaji/Siddi Misri (the nephew of Siddi Sambal)/Sultan Khan/Daud Khan(navy officer),Daulat khan(admiral),7 cavalry regiments,700 Pathans,besides many muslims in the maratha navy.This should prove that Shivaji wasn’t just a leader of Hindus only but had followers from all religions and regions (including Abyssinians like the Siddis, the Portuguese and the English)</span><span style="color: red;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"></span>While Shivajis troops were raiding the Bijapur towns of Hubli and Khanapur, Shivaji launched a naval expedition to the prosperous town of Basrur (Bidnur province of Kanara coast) in Feb 1665. He plundered the rich town and carried off a large booty.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thus whatever losses Shivaji suffered during the Bijapur and Mughal onslaughts, he compensated for them from the booty he recovered from Surat and Basrur.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Mirza Raje Jaisingh</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This time Aurangzeb sent one of his most trusted generals, Mirza Raje Jaisingh, the Raja of Amber with a huge army to subdue the Deccan. Raje Jaisingh was an seasoned military commander. He didn’t underestimate Shivaji and devised a multi pronged approach to subdue him.he isolated Shivaji. He firstly consolidated the mughal bases in the plains, Kalyan, and Bhiwandi. Secondly he isolated Shivaji by engaging Adilshah and the Portuguese in treaties , whereby they would neither directly nor indirectly assist Shivaji or divert his attention by attacking the Mughals, nor allow safe passage for Shivaji through their territories (though Adilshah was Shivajis enemy, he could have grouped with Shivaji to ward of an mughal attack into Deccan). He bribed some of Shivajis men and induced them to switch sides. Jaisingh also invited the Siddis of Janjira to assist him in his endeavours against Shivaji.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Note:Also assisting Jaisingh was another stalwart from the Mughal camp, Diler Khan the Pathan, and seasoned warriors like Jaisinghs son Kirat Singh,Qabad Khan,Mitrasen,Indraman Bundela,Raja Raisingh Rathore, Badal Bakhtiyar,Udaibhan and Haribhan Gaur,Syed Munawarkhan Barha,Sharzakhan,Hassankhan,Jauharkhan,Jagatsingh,Ram singh,Muhammed Saleh Tarkhan,Raja Narsingh Gaur,Syed Maqbool Alam,Karan Rathore,Hussain Daudzai,Jagat singh Narwari,Rasul Beg Rozwani, Chaturbhuj Chauhan,Qutubbuddin Khan, Amarsingh Chandrawat,Syed Zainulabbuddin Bukhari,Achal singh Kachwaha,Qubadkhan,Abul Qasim,Abdullah,Ranadullah,Khwaja Abul Makrim , Raji Afzal Bijapuri,Bhai Afzal Bijapuri,Rasulbeg Rozbhani,Purdilkhan, Shubhkaran Bundela,Bhupat singh,Zabardastkhan,Atishkhan,Turkataz khan and Daud Khan (etc).</span><br />
Mirzaraje then devasted the entire countryside, scorched farmlands, butchered people in order to pressurise Shivaji.<br />
<span style="color: red;"></span>This massive mughal army swarmed down the Maratha territory capturing fort Rudramal (14th April 1665), and fort Kunwari (30th April), and simultaneously wrecking havoc on the villages below Shivajis various forts like Rajgad,Lohagad etc. Seige was also mounted at the twin forts of Vajragad-Purander (3 long distance cannons by the name of Abdullahkhan,Mehli,Fatehlashkar). <strong>Murarbaji Deshpande</strong>, the killedar of Purander (Yeshwantrao Buwaji Prabhu and Babaji Buwaji Prabhu were in charge at Vajragad.+) displayed exlemprary courage during this siege, thwarting the Mughal attempts to surmount the fort. He even spurned Mughal overtures * and sacrificed his life, gallantly defending the fort. But the numbers were on the side of the mughals and Vajragad fell to the enemy.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note+ Vajragad fell after the death of its killedars the gallant Prabhu brothers.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note* Seeing that he couldnt defend the fort for long against the mughal cannon fire, Murarbaji himself collected 700 men , opened the fort gates and charged straight down at the enemy. He hacked down almost 500 mughal soldiers. Seeing his valour Dilerkhan promised him an honourable service in the mughal army. But Murarbaji spurned the offer and continued fighting till his last (an arrow struck him dead). However even as Murarbaji fell down, the marathas continued to defend Purandar.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
The mughal atrocities on the common folks continued much to the dismays of Shivaji.</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
By now, Shivaji had realised this was not an enemy he can wish away, and thought it prudent to announce a surrender rather than risk further destruction to his forts and his people. He handed over fort Purander along with twenty two other forts to the mughals on 11th June 1665 as per the agreement now known as the Treaty of Purandar (actually only 19 forts were handed over). Shivaji was also to become mughal vassal and assist them in conquering the south starting with Bijapur.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Note: The forts ceded by Shivaji were Purandar,Rudramal or Vajragad,Kondana,Rohida,Lohagad,Visapur,Tung,Tikona,Khandkala,Mahuli, Muranjan,Kohaj,Karnala,Songad,Palasgad,Bhandargad,Khirdurg,Nardurg,Vasantgad,Nangagad,Ankola or Khaigad,Margagad and Mangad.<br />
Shivaji was allowed to retain twelve forts namely Rajgad,Torna,Hingangad,Bhorap,Talegad,Mahagad,Ghosala,Birwadi,Pali,Rairi,Kunwarigad and Udaid.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"></span>What followed was Shivajis brief and reluctant flirtation with the Mughals. Shivaji had to spend almost three months in the mughal camp, fighting alongside them against Bijapur.<br />
Shivajis general Netaji was sent to reduce Phaltan, which was under Shivajis brother in law Bajaji Nimbalkar. On 7th Dec 1665, Nimbalkar surrendered theAdilshahi fort to Netaji. Shivaji had meanwhile captured Tathawda near Phaltan.Netaji again added Mangalvedha in the mughal kitty on 19th Dec. Soon Khatav was captured.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile a strong contingent from Bijapur was sent to repulse the Mughal attack(25th Dec 1665). It included the Wazir Abul Muhammed, Sharza Khan Mehdvi,Khawaskhan,Kalyanrao Jadhav,Yaqut Habshi,Ikhlas Khan,Bahlol Khan,Aziz,Siddi Masud (son in law of Siddi Jauhar),Abdul Aziz (son of Siddi Jauhar), Rustam Zaman (son of Ranadaullah Khan) and Vyankoji Bhosale (Shivajis step brother who was on the Adilshahi side).Also sent to assist the Bijapuris was an contingent from Golkunda . The Bijapur army was initially repulsed by Kirat singh(younger son of Jaisingh),Shivaji,Netaji Palkar,Sarfaraz khan,Salabat Khan and others leading the combined Mughal Maratha armies.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Netaji Palkar was awarded an mansab of 2 Hazari ( 2000 horsemen) for his bravery. But apparently Netaji Palkar wasn’t happy with this offer and when he was offered a better deal by the Bijapuris (4 lakh huns), he crossed over to their side.There is also a version wherein Netaji had failed to come to the assistance of Shivaji during his siege of Panhala (which was earlier handed over by Siddi Johar to the Adilshahi sultanate. On an earlier occasion too Netaji had delayed action during the Afzal Khan encounter), and for the same Shivaji had him replaced as his ‘sarlashkar’ by <b>Prataprao Gujar </b>(ref. J.Sarkar). Miffed Netaji apparently deserted Shivaji and joined Adilshah. Speculations were also made in the English and Mughal accounts that the defection of Netaji Palkar was just a ruse played by Shivaji.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Note1: Later, Jaisingh couldn’t afford to let a valuable asset like Netaji Palkar go to the other side, so he increased his offer to 5 Hazari and once again brought Netaji Palkar to the mughal side (March 1666). Netaji was converted to Islam (He was renamed Muhammed Quli Khan) and after that, Netaji was hastened off to an expedition to Afghanistan. He remained there for nine years. Only when Aurangzeb was convinced that Netaji had indeed turned into a new leaf and become a mughal loyalist, was he allowed to return to Deccan (ostensibly to counter Shivaji). But moment Netaji reached Burhanpur , he gave the mughal army a slip and returned to Shivaji's camp.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> Note2:Netaji Palkar was later to be reconverted to the Hindu fold by Shivaji, after he returned back to the Maratha side in 1676.But Netaji Palkar never retained his original position in the maratha camp.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"></span>Meanwhile, Shivaji was feeling restless and also insecure in the mughal camp. He feared a attack on his life. It is to be noted that as per the memoirs of Niccoli Mannuci who then was acting as an envoy of Jaisingh, Dilerkhan wished to murder Shivaji, but Jaisingh had strictly prohibited it. So Shivaji requested Jaisingh that he should be allowed to be detached from the Mughal contingent and sent separately to attack fort Panhala. But as stated earlier Shivajis attempts to capture Panhala failed (apparently Shivajis stars werent bright during that period), and Shivaji sullenly retreated to his fort Vishalgad.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile, the Bijapuris had realized they couldn’t take on the mughal might in pitched battles.What was followed later by the Bijapuris was the scorched earth policy supplemented by gureilla tactics.They cut the supply lines of the Mughals, and also indulged in daring hit and run attacks on the Mughal camps.They frustrated the mughal designs of victory and soon forced their army to flee. Shivajis attack on Panhala fort too was repulsed(16th Jan 1666). Jaisingh finally had to accept defeat against the Bijapuris and decided to withdraw his forces. Bijapuris under Rustam Zaman later captured Phonda,Kudal,Pedne,Bhatagram and Sattar (which had earlier been in Maratha control).The Bijapuris were helped secretly by the Portuguese in these endeavours.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Note: It is interesting to note Rustam Zaman left the fort of Rangna for Shivaji, much to the annoyance of Adilshah, which only goes to prove Shivajis secret understanding with this Adilshahi commander.</span><br />
Thus inspite of a victory over the Marathas, Mirza Raje Jaisingh wasn’t very successful against the Bijapuris and had to return leaving his Deccan campaign incomplete.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Note: Mirza Raje Jaisingh continued as the governor of Deccan and was successful to the extent of extracting a treaty (which all believed was only temporary to bide time) from the Bijapur sultanate, whereby they agreed to pay an annual tribute to the mughals (Jaisingh never really managed to subdue the Bijapuris and had to content himself with stalemate). After Shivajis escape from Agra, Jaisingh and his son Ramsingh fell from the graces of Aurangzeb and were penalised for the losses. Jaisingh was soon recalled from Deccan and Aurangzeb sent his son Prince Muazzam as an replacement along with Raja Jaswant singh ( as his adviser ). But before Raja Jaisingh could return to Delhi, he fell ill and died in Burhanpur (some say he was poisened by Aurangzeb +).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">Note+ It is possible that when Jaisinghs son Ramsingh was penalised by the emperor (whom he directly blamed for Shivajis escape from Agra), Jaisingh too felt disenchanted by the emperor and relaxed his pressure on the Bijapuris. It was later rumoured that Aurangzeb poisoned Jaisingh to extract his revenge for the Bijapur debacle.</span><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<span style="color: red;"></span><strong>Shivajis trip to Agra, his house arrest and subsequent escape</strong><br />
<strong></strong>Jaisingh had requested Shivaji to meet Emperor Aurangzeb at Agra to discuss the modalities of his treaty of Purander (he also feared that Diler Khan might try and murder Shivaji and he desperately wanted Shivaji on his side as Shivaji was well acquainted with the Deccan terrain. He felt that Aurangzeb would win over Shivaji over to the mughal side and Shivaji would look after Mughal interests in the Deccan , indirectly earning some brownie points for Jaisingh in the Mughal court. Hence he desired a meeting between Shivaji and Aurangzeb) and was also promised the Viceroyality of Deccan. Jaisingh even gave his personal word of honour that Shivaji will be protected during his Delhi trip and that he or his men wont be harmed in anyway. For his Agra trip he was even sanctioned a huge amount(one lakh rupees from the Aurangabad treasury) to pay for his contingents (8 elephants,500 horsemen and 500 footsoldiers. He was also accompanied by his eldest son Sambhaji) trip to Agra. Shivaji thus set off for Agra from Fort Rajgadh on 5th March 1666.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji was received in Agra by Ramsingh the son of Mirza Raje Jaisingh on 12th May 1666. He was soon granted an audience in Aurangzebs court. But the meeting with the emperor was soon to go awfully wrong. Apparently in the court Aurangzeb took no notice of Shivaji and Shivaji was made to stand in a row which was meant for the 5 hazari courtiers. This irked the self respecting Shivaji to no end. He angrily remarked to Ramsingh that Aurangzeb has insulted him by making him stand behind people whom he has made to flee in the battlefield (referring to maharajah Jaswant singh of Jodhpur). Saying this Shivaji and his son walked away from the durbar in a huff.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span">Predictably Shivaji and his men were put under house arrest by Aurangzeb. Ramsingh pleaded mercy on behalf of Shivaji, but it wasn’t heeded to. By now, Aurangzeb had decided to murder Shivaji for his insolence (but later decided against it, so as not to anatagonise Mirzaraje Jaisingh beacause of whose solemn word Shivaji had agreed to visit Agra in the first place. Aurangzeb commuted the death sentence to house arrest). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">An heavily armed unit guarded the house where Shivaji was lodged. But Shivaji was not the man who could be held in confinement for long.His sharp mind soon devised a plan to escape. Shivaji initially first feigned illness. He also spent his time in meditation, as if he had turned into a recluse.He even spread rumours that he wanted to spend his last days as a hermit. Shivaji then started sending huge baskets filled with sweets and eatables for the poor and the holy men of Agra. Initially the baskets were checked, but as days passed by, the patrols became negligent. After making sure that the men outside have become complacent, Shivaji and his son Sambhaji, seated themselves in those wooden baskets and escaped from the mansion.Then, entrusting the young Sambhaji in a house of a confidante Brahmin, Shivaji escaped in disguise from Agra. Earlier Shivaji had also intimated to the emperor that he wished to send back several of the people of his entourage back home. Assuming less men with Shivaji the better, the emperor gladly issued him several gatepasses (which Shivaji further forged and used to pass through check points on his way back home). Shivajis daring escape from Agra made him an subject of folklore, to be balladised for centuries to come. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Shivajis eldest son Sambhaji who had accompanied him to Agra continued to remain incognito/hidden in the north (with relatives of Moropant Pingale who had settled there) and arrived in the Deccan much later.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span">Shivaji returned back to Rajgadh on 20th November, 1666.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span">Shivaji maintained a low profile for the next three years. But these three years, Shivaji utilized for consolidating his position in Maharashtra. He reorganized his forces. </span>He knew that it wasnt wise enough to take on the mughal might immediately +.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note+: Shivaji wrote a letter to Aurangzeb that he had to escape as he feared fr his life, but he would continue to serve the emperors interests in the Deccan. Even Aurangzebs son Muazzam who was posted as the mughal viceroy of the Deccan appealed to his father for a royal pardon for Shivaji. But the shrewd (and suspicious Aurangzeb) actually feared that his son would take Shivajis help to rebel against him . Though for sometime he went along with his sons request (which included Shivajis son Sambhaji to be permanently posted in Aurangabad as a panch hazari sardar in mughal service), Aurangzebs paranoia eventually got the better of him. He sent orders to his son (as per Sabhasad bakhar) to arrest Shivaji as he cannot be trusted. But Muazzam had already alerted Shivaji and the marathas escaped from Aurangabad before the emperors order for the arrest reached his son (It is to be noted that Muazzam was not a man of action. He preffered peace with the marathas and a life of comfort rather than any tensions whatsoever. Moreover , he didnt get along with his sadar Diler Khan as well). Meanwhile Shivaji also decided to lie low till he regained his old strength.</span><br />
<br />
Shivaji then decided to regain his lost power,mainly at the expense of the Bijapuris especially around the Goa Konkan strip. He also wanted to attack the Siddi at Janjira, but the Mughals were proving to be the impediments. But what disturbed Shivaji was Aurangzebs Islamic zeal whereby he had started demolishing Hindu temples and indulging in forcible conversions (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">ref. Pagadi</span>, letter of President Gary of Surat). The Kashi Vishwanath temple at Varanasi was sacked by the Mughals. This affected Shivajis religious sensibilities. Also the Mughal empire was facing disturbances from other quarters. Aurangzeb was facing disturbances in Afghanistan and Mathura. Aurangzeb was also paranoid about the activities of his son Prince Muazzam the governor of Deccan+.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note+: The paranoid Aurangzeb apparently sent a letter to Muazzam asking him to imprison Shivaji and detain the marathas at Aurangabad. Thus Aurangzeb himself initiated what Shivaji wanted to do all the time. That was to break the truce between Mughals and the Marathas.</span><br />
<br />
Also things weren’t well in the mughal camp. Muazzam and Jaswant singh had antipathy towards another mughal commander Diler khan. The mughals were in a disarray. This was an opportune time to strike at the Mughals. In January 1670, Shivaji launched his attacks on the mughal garrisons.Kondana was captured on 4th Feb 1670, Purandar on 8th March,Mahuli fell to the Marathas on16th June.Rohida, Lohagadh,Prabalgad,Karnala were also captured. Within six months Shivaji had wrested back majority of the territory that he had ceded to Mirza Jaisingh.On third October ,Shivajis men plundered Surat for the second time. The Mughal army was also badly mauled in the battle of Dindori (17th Oct 1670). About a week later Shivajis Peshwa,Moropant Pingale had captured fort Trimbak at Nasik.In Dec 1670, Shivaji himself conducted raids in the Khandesh province. He plundered Bahadurpura near Burhanpur,followed by Berar, then Karinja. Moropant Trimbak Pingale had already looted western Khandesh and Baglana.Salher had also fallen to the Marathas. Surat was plundered for the second time around. The mughal power in Maharashtra was now shaken.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Note: Prince Muazzam was recalled afterwards from Deccan and Bahadurkhan was sent as his replacement.</span><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<span style="color: red;"></span><strong>Skirmish with the Portuguese</strong><br />
<strong></strong><span class="Apple-style-span">Shivaji had captured almost all territories near Goa and South Konkan barring Phonda and Jambavali Panchamahal. All the local chieftains (Desais) from these areas fled to Portuguese territories and were harboured by the Portuguese. This created tensions between Shivaji and the Portuguese.In retaliation, Shivaji plundered the Portuguese territory of Bardesh (22 Nov 1667). Finally the Portuguese had to enter into a treaty with Shivaji.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"></span></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Battle of Kondana</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Kondana was a fort that lay on the outskirts of Pune.It was one of the forts ceded to the mughals as per the Purandar treaty.In February 1670, Shivaji sent his trusted commander <strong>Tanaji Malusare</strong> (who had earlier captured Prachitgad) and his brother Suryaji Malusare to take back Kondana (Tanaji was well acquainted with Kondana , hence entrusted with the responsibility). Tanaji even postponed his sons (Raibas) wedding and gave precedence to duty towards his king. The fort was guarded by a fifteen hundred strong contingent of Rajputs under Udaybhan Rathod. Tanaji and his men climbed the steep mountain slope by hand and fell upon the mughal guards (legend goes that Tanaji used a pet mountain monitor to carry the rope up the steep cliff).But Sabhasad bakhar a treatise on Shivaji contradicts the ghorphad folklore and mentions Tanaji and his mavalas of having climbed Kondana like vanars (monkeys)in the dead of the night. Udaybhan offered a stiff resistance, In the fierce fight that ensued , both Tanaji and Udaybhan succumbed (Tanaji died fighting with Udaybhan and Udaybhan was killed by Shelar mama). But Suryaji and Shelar mama , Tanajis maternal uncle and an old war veteran, carried on the fight and ultimately led the Marathas to a victory. Shivaji on hearing the news of Tanajis death, is said to have exclaimed (as per Sabhasad bakhar) , “ Ek gadh aalaa pan ek gadh gelaa.” (One fort was captured , but the other was lost). A popular novel by Shri H.N.Apte was titled ,’Gadh ala pun sinha gela’ (on similar sounding words) meaning ,’the fort was captured but the lion died.’This has led people to believe that kondhana was named as Sinhagad in the memory of Tanaji Malusare who died a lions death. But some documents uncovered have proved the Kondana was named Sinhagad years before Tanajis death.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Shivaji meets Raja Chatrasal</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Sometime in 1671-72 , Shivaji received an unexpected visitor. He was Raja Chatrasal, the young son of Champatrai Bundela, the late chieftain of Mahewa (eastern Bundelkhand). Chatrasal was greatly inspired by Shivajis exploits , and had offered Shivaji his services. Shivaji received him warmly, but told him to return back to his lands and lead his people to independence from the Mughal yoke. Shivaji also promised him all the help in his endeavour. Raja Chatrasal was later to accomplish what Shivaji had directed him to do, and would also become an prominent ally of the Marathas in the years to come.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Note 1: Abdullah Qutubshah of Golkunda died on 21 st April 1672. He was succeeded by his son in law Abul Hasan (Tana Shah).<br />
Note 2 : Ali Adil Shah of Bijapur died on 24th Nov 1672. He was succeeded by Sikandar Adil Shah a boy of four. Khawaskhan the son of the old prime minister, Khan Muhammed Khankhanan become the regent</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
Note 3: Notable Activities of Marathas in 1672-74 : *Shivaji carried forward naval operations against the Siddis of Janjira and the Mughals in 1672.<br />
* Due to Rustamzamans friendly overtures to Shivaji, Bijapur in middle of 1672 took away Rustamzamans viceroyalty of Kanara region and his areas of Raibag and Hukkeri. Rustam zaman rebelled against the sultan, but his rebellion was crushed.<br />
* Shivaji attackes Bijapur territories again. Panhala was taken over by Shivaji from Bijapur on 6th March 1673. Maratha Sarlashkar Prataprao Gujar engages Bahlol Khan the Pathan commander of Bijapur at the Battle of Umrani in March 1673, but lets off Bahlol Khan. Shivaji is furious with his sarlaskar and orders him not to show his face till he undoes his mistake. Then Prataprao sets out to reimpose the shaken faith of his master. He attacks Bijapur territories in Karnatak. Hubli is attacked.For his failure Muzzafarkhan the Governor of Kanara is sacked. He rebels against Bijapur. Miansaheb, the fauzdar of Karwar too rebels against Bijapur.<br />
* Shivaji captures Parli inApril 1673, and Satara on 27th July 1673.<br />
* Shivaji plunders Bankapur in Dharwar on 10th Oct 1673.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> * Shivaji beats the forces of Diler Khan the mughal commander. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">* Kondaji Farzand recaptures Panhala with just sixty men.<br />
* Shivajis Sarlashkar Prataprao Gujar dies in the Battle of Nesari on 24th Feb 1673. He is said to have charged at the forces of Bahlol Khan with just six valorous men and all the seven martyred themselves displaying exlemprary courage in combat +. Prataprao is succeeded by Hambirao Mohite as the new Sarlashkar( commander in chief) on 8th April 1674.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">Note + : It seems unlikely that a seasoned commander like Prataprao Gujar could have recklessly charged on the enemy. Gujar at the most may have led a reconnaisance mission which could have been ambushed leading to his death. The references we get in the bakhars are not very detailed and merely mention Gujar being killed in the battle of Nesari. An letter written by one Shenvi to the English official mentions six men being killed along with Sarsenapati Gujar by the men of Bahlol Khan. ref. Mahesh Tendulkar.</span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Coronation of Shivaji</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Untill the death of his father Shahaji, Shivaji had always considered Shahaji as the Raja. Since Shahaji was always a noble in the courts of the sultans, Shivaji was always viewed as a rebel , an upstart, by his enemies and contemporaries. He was never considered a king in the true sense (inspite of the huge territory he had conquered by overaweing three kings). It had become imperative now, that Shivaji should be crowned as a Chatrapati (‘Chatra’, here means the royal umbrella and ‘Pati’ is the owner. Hence Chatrapati means the owner of the royal umbrella i.e the King). The idea of Shivaji being declared an king was first mooted by Gaga Bhat an learned Brahmin from Benares (whose family had earlier migrated from Paithan).*<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note*: A popular story that does the rounds is that (esp. as per Sir J Sarkars book) the brahmins refused to acknowledge Shivaji as a Kshatriya, hence couldnt be declared a king, so Gaga Bhat was specially brought over from Benares to declare Shivaji as a Kshatriya. However this story is quite laughable, because, no subject (especially the brahmins who lived on the dakshinas donated by their king) could have mustered guts to oppose Shivaji's coronation. Moreover the Vedas themselves mention that being a Brahmin or a Kshtriya is determined by ones actions and not by birth.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
On May 1674, Shivaji began preparations for his coronation. As per the hindu rites, he remarried his wives (30th May) after he performed the sacred thread ceremony (29th May), officialy appointed his own council of ministers, the Ashta Pradhans ( 8 ministers), distributed gifts to his men , the poor and the Brahmins(14th June). Thus Shivaji was officially coronated the King by the Vedic rites. Raigadh was declared as the capital of his kingdom.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Incidently he was coronated the king for a second time by Tantrik rites (by an Tantrik priest Nischalpuri Gosavi), apparently due to some incidents and tragedies that happened just before and after his coronation.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #6633ff;">It is to be noted that, Shivajis mother Jijabai passed away on 18th June 1674. Earlier one of Shivajis Queens , Kashibai too had expired, sometime on 16th March 1674, and also had his sarlashkar Prataprao Gujar ( 24th Feb 1674).</span> During the performance of the rites Gaga Bhat, the Vedic priest, too had met with an minor accident. All these incidents were cited as inauspicious and hence Shivaji was advised a second coronation as per a Tantrik ceremony( ostensibly to pacify the bad omens and the spirits), which took place some time on 24th Sept 1674. Its to be remembered that these were the medieval ages.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Note 1:Notable Activities of Marathas in 1674-76 : In Oct,1674, the Marathas raided Khandesh. On 17th April 1675 Shivaji captured Phonda from Bijapuris. By mid 1675 marathas had occupied Karwar. Kolhapur fell to the Marathas in July 1675. The Marathas also have naval skirmishes with the Siddis of Janjira in Nov 1675. Early 1676, Peshwa Pingale engages Raja of Ramnagar in battle en route to Surat.Shivaji looted Athni in March 1676. By the end of 1676, Shivaji besieges Belgaum and Vayem Rayim.<br />
Note 2: Politics in the Bijapur court intensifies between rival factions, the Deccan faction led by Khawaskhan the regent and the Pathan faction by the Bahlol Khan, leading to open battles between them. Khawaskhan is put to death by the Pathans on 18th January 1676. Now the rival faction of the pathans is led by Siddi Masud.<br />
Note 3: Mughals led by Bahadur Khan siding the Deccan faction, clash with the Pathans in the battle of Indi,13th june 1676. The Pathans have to retreat.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Shivajis Southern campaign (1677-78)</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji embarked on his southern expedition sometime in January 1677. Shivaji knew that the days of Bijapur were numbered, and he wanted to hit the final nail in their coffin , with his southern expedition. The idea was to become the immediate successor to the Bijapur sultanate in the south, before the Mughals caught up.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji concluded a treaty with the Golkunda Sultan, Abul Hasan (after being received with great pomp in the city of Hyderabad) Shivaji then proceeded to conquer Jinji ( in Tamil Nadu) which he did in May 1677. Jinji was to serve as the southern capital of the Marathas for the next twenty seven years. Lakshmishwar, Belvadi,the central and eastern regions of Mysore,Kopal,Bellary,Chitaldurg and Vellore also fell to Shivaji.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji had a brief altercation with his step brother Vyankoji (who had by now established his rule in Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu). It was an dispute over Shahajis legacy and estate in Karnatak. Shivaji laid seige at Thanjavur (captured the surrounding areas).But eventually both the brothers reached an amicable settlement.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
All in all, the southern expedition proved very fruitfull for Shivaji.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Shivaji had virtually captured Vyankojis entire region and even laid seige to his capital. But later generously gave away most of the land captured as a gift to Vyankojis wife and made peace with his step brother. Vyankoji did not take the outcome graciously and desired to retire from active life. But Shivaji sent him a letter castigating him for his defeatist attitude and rather encoraged him to once gain resume his dutities as the king.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Shivajis son Sambhaji joins the Mughals</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Sambhaji, the eldest son of Shivaji was developing serious frictions with his step mother, Soyarabai, who wanted to install her own son Rajaram on the Maratha throne. Also to add fuel to the fire were certain incidents that took place due to Sambhajis alleged amorous leanings and vices (this is as per some historians, but this is something that has been strongly contested by another section of historians), something which Shivaji strongly disapproved of. The differences between father and son reached a point , where Sambhaji, took off to join the Mughals (during Shivajis southern expedition), sometime in Dec,1678. But within a year the impetuous prince realized his folly and returned back to the Maratha camp.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Shivajis altercation with the English</strong><br />
<strong></strong>Shivaji had an brief altercation with the English over the island of Khanderi sometime towards the end of 1679 and the start of 1680. Shivajis admiral Daulat Khan , successfully defeated the English in a few naval battles, forcing the English to accept defeat and hasten a treaty with Shivaji.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Death of Shivaji</strong><br />
<strong></strong>Shivajis last two years were spent engaging the Mughals, the Siddis of Janjira and the English. (During his last years fearing an mughal invasion of Bijapur , its regent Siddi Masud made a treaty with Shivaji, whereby Shivaji delivered help to the kingdom).</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Note: Diler Khan the mughal commander had laid seige on Bijapur, but was recalled by Aurangzeb after differences between him and Prince Muazzam (and Raja Jaswant singh) arose.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji was also to start an expedition against the Portuguese to sort out pending disputes, if not for an anti climax to this great Kings life.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The fatigues of constant wars had taken their toll on Shivaji. He fell ill due to heat strokes and ailment described as fever and blood dysentery. Shivaji breathed his last on 3 rd April 1680. An eventfull life was cut short at the age of fifty three.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>To be concluded<br />
<br />
Part 3 will be an analysis of Shivaji life, his men, his family , his character and his rule.</strong></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-37651525968501460712010-11-20T12:31:00.004-08:002018-10-13T00:25:37.289-07:00Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Part 1)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: 14px;"><b>THIS IS THE FIRST PART OF THE THREE PART ARTICLE SERIES ON CHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ. THIS ARTICLE IS IN CONTINUATION OF THE MAIN ARTICLE 'MARATHAS' AND ITS SUBSEQUENT ARTICLE 'ANCESTORS OF SHIVAJI'.</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;">PIC: CHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
If we call Shivaji the greatest military strategist the Indian subcontinent has ever seen, it wouldnt be dismissed as an exaggeration. At least not by people who are by and large aware of his life exploits.<br />
Carving out a kingdom despite the presence of four very dominant powers and that too in an exceptionally difficult terrain and with limited resources, required a great deal of military genius.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Birth</strong><br />
<strong></strong>Shivaji Bhosale was born on 19th February 1630 (though there are other claims about Shivajis birth date. Sir Jadunath Sarkar (as also Malhar Chitnis , accepted by Lokmanya Tilak, Riyasatkar Sardesai ) places Shivajis birth on 10 th April <b>1627</b>) in fort Shivneri .<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: There are other claims about Shivajis birth date viz. <b>1628</b> (Setu Madhavrao Pagadi),<b> 1630 </b>(Parmanand, Jedhe Shakhavali).</span><br />
<br />
He was named Shivaji after Shivai the Godess of the fort.Shivaji was the second child of Shahaji raje Bhosale and mother Jijabai (who hailed from the family of Jadhavs of Sindkhed). Apparently because of Shahajis shifting of loyalties, his father in law Lakhuji Jadhav was entrusted with orders for Shahajis immediate capture. He was surrounded at fort Mahuli. Shahajis wife Jijabai was then pregnant with Shivaji, hence she was sent for her safety to Fort Shivneri , which was under a relative Vijayrao Sidhoji Sriniwas Vishwasrao (who also later became the father in law of Shahajis brother, Sharifji ).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong><strong>Childhood and youth</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shahaji raje had served under various kingdoms like Nizamshah, the Mughals (briefly) and finally Adilshah of Bijapur. Adilshah had conferred on Shahaji the jagir (estate) of Banglur (Bangalore) and he stayed there with his second wife Tukabai ( from the house of the Mohites. Shahaji had a son Vyankoji through Tukabai. Vyankohi later started the Thanjavur or Tanjore royal dynasty in present day Tamil Nadu ) and their elder son Shambhuraje.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Jijabai along with young Shivaji , remained at Pune to manage Shahajis estates (between rivers Bhima and Nira namely the parganas of Puna,Chakan,Indapur,Shirwal and Supa). To supervise the affairs of the estate, a Deshastha Brahmin manager by the name of Dadoji Konddeo Gochivde Malthankar(also, later, Subhedar or administrative/military head of fort Kondana,as appointed by Adilshah in 1639) was deputed (1637).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 12px;">Note: As per Marathi Riyasat by G.S.Sardesai and Shri Raja Shivchatrapati by Mehendale, Shahaji sired another son by his second wife,Tukabai Mohite, by the name of Koyaji raje and through Narsabai by the name of Santaji raje. Also there were children through his other concubines, namely Shivji,Pratapji and Hiroji (Farzand). Acknowledgements : Rajesh Khilari.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
To assist him were trusted men of Shahaji like Sonopant the Dabir(envoy), Shamrao Nilkanth the Peshwa(chief minister),Balkrishnapant the Muzumdar(revenue minister),and Raghunath Bhat the Sabnis (chronicler and in charge of general adminstration), Banki Gaekwad, Gomaji Naik etc.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The jagir had various Deshmukhs , Deshpandes , Desais(regional chieftains and revenue collectors for the Sultan) like Khopde,Bandal,Jedhe,Maral,Silamkar etc. Some of them were often unruly and fought amongst themselves over trivial issues, besides terrorizing their village folk. Hence it was imperative to get these people under control. Some came willingly, for others there was use of force.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;">Note: Shivaji never trusted the loyalty of these Deshmukhs (barring a few like Kanhoji Jedhe) and we see that during Shivajis wars with Bijapur and the mughals, these Deshmukhs switched sides with relative ease. Hence Shivaji had to create his own army of loyalists, in order to reduce the dependence on these Deshmukhs.</span><br />
The estate was in the mountainous area of the Sahyadri hill range. It was a dense forest region, infested by dacoits and wild animals like wolves,leopards etc. The people in that area were called Mavales (belonging to the Maval valley region. The valleys in Maval are Andar,Nane,Karyat,Gunjan,Hirdas,Pawan, towards Junnar are Shivner, Bhimmer, Ghodner etc) and were mainly peasants or shepards. The first thing Dadoji Kondeo did was to clear the region and make it secure and safe for farming.Earlier Adilshah had sent his commander Murar Jagdev to ravage Pune. After doing so, Murar Jagdev had tilled the farmlands of Pune with donkeys(as was the superstition in those days), rendering the land unfit for farming. But Dadoji Konddev made Shivaji till the land himself, to show the people, that it was all right to resume farming in Pune.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Dadoji brought in strong law and order (and established an strict and impartial justice system) to that region, thus making it more inhabitable and accessible. This brought forth a lot of goodwill of the people towards their new masters.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Dadoji constructed the town of Shivapur in 1636 (as per Jedhe Shakavali) and built the Lal Mahal for Jijabai and Shivaji to reside in.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji grew up in these free mountains, along with his 'Mavala' playmates. He was raised under the watchfull eye of his religious and independent minded mother Jijabai and the guidance of his guardian Dadoji Kondeo. Shivaji grew up on stories inspired by the epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, as told by Jijabai.This may have instilled in Shivaji his religious and moral values which were to be seen later in his conduct as a king.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Education</strong><br />
<strong></strong>Some historians like Sarkar state that Shivaji was unlettered. But that seems unlikely. Education for a nobles son was a necessity (especially in ‘Marathi’ his mother tongue and language of the land, ‘Sanskrit ‘ the language of the religious texts,’Persian’ the language of the Islamic courts, and subjects required to learn the administration of ones lands like Law,Mathematics, and Economics ). Moreover , Shivaji was very sharp and intelligent as a child. Yes, he did ask his courtiers to read out letters for him in court (fuelling the above speculation), but it was a regular practise amongst the royals then to have their clerks or ministers read out letters in the court sent by various emissaries.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji was imparted training in the use of the talwar , dhal (sword & the shield),bhaalaa( the spear), the danda pattaa(a long sharp edged elastic steel sword) ,dhanushya baan(archery), the secret weapons like the khanjir/ bichwa (knife/dagger), waagh nakha (tiger claws) and other martial requisites like ghod sawaari (horse riding),malla yudh/ kusti (wrestling) etc. Dadoji Kondeo was also said to be an excellent swordsman and imparted the primary knowledge to young Shivaji.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Why Shivaji wanted independence?</strong><br />
<strong></strong>This may have varied reasons. It may have something to do with the stories of valour he heard from his mother, about the traditional heroes like lord Rama , lord Krishna, Rana Pratap, Prithviraj Chauhan and even about his own father, Shahaji who ruled the old Nizamshahi as a regent for the young Nizam Murtuza and subdued many a powerfull enemy.<br />
Shivaji may have looked at the old lands of the Nizamshahi , his father once ruled (though briefly),as his own backyard and fought to regain them.Some historians have concluded that Shivaji considered the Nizamshahi kingdom which was for sometime under the regency of his father Shahaji as his rightful right and resented the way his father was divested of that right by the coalition of Adilshahi and the Mughals . Shivaji wanted to take back what he thought rightfully belonged to him.After wresting a major part of that territory, he may have felt confident to take on the territory like Nasik,Aurangabad,Ahmednager which was in Mughal control (especially with the mughals being busy in their northern campaigns). Also he may have gauged that a confrontation with the mughals was inevitable as the mughal emperor Aurangzeb was himself vying the entire Deccan and the south for himself.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But it may also have something to do with the erratic behavior of the Sultans. The earlier Nizamshah of Ahmednagar had murdered Shivajis grandfather Lakhujirao Jadhav in cold blood. Jijabai must have sworn vengeance then, and instilled this anger in the young Shivaji. There was also an instance when the mughal commander Mahabbat Khans men had carried off the wife of Shivajis cousin (Kheloji) and held her to ransom. Some historians claim it was Jijabai herself and she was released from the Mughal camp by the efforts of either her brother or her uncle who were then a part of the Mughal army.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Also, sometime in 1644, Adilshah had accused Dadoji Kondeo (and probably Shahaji of being hands in glove with him) of impropriety and ordered the seizure of Shahajis Pune Jagirs and the hands of Dadoji Kondeo his vakil (lawyer/envoy) to be cut. Apparently Dadoji Kondev in his capacity as the subedar of Kondana, had removed certain officials like Sardar Ghorpade and Shaikh Mirad from their jobs and replaced them with his own men like Sardar Balkawde, Netaji Palkar and Mudgal Deshpande. These sacked officials further went and complained about the same and raised doubts about Dadojis loyalty in the Sultans mind. (Dadoji was a temporary fugitive then). But soon these fears were assuaged and the order was revoked soon.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: red;">Note: It is said that Sardar Ghorpade later cut one of Dadojis hands for his perceived impudence.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: red;"></span></span>But for sometime there must have been a feeling of insecurity in young Shivaji's mind and he must have longed for the security of his own impregnable fort, from where he can be protected against future attacks like these.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Moreover, the Hindus always felt like second class citizens in an Islamic kingdom. Though they wre entrusted with jagirs, they were never made Governors nor were they amongst the close courtiers of the Sultans. The hindus were always the ‘jimmis’ i.e non muslim subjects of a islamic state.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Though not regular, there were also instances of forcible conversions, descecration of temples and tyrannical behavior by some Muslim officials (especially those of foreign origin) who had a disregard (disrespect) for Hindu culture and religion. As per ‘Busalatinussalatin ( by Muhammed Ibrahim Ali Zubairi,source. Sarkar), it was a deliberate policy of Bijapur kingdom to keep its non muslim subjects terrorised and suppressed. Shivaji must have resented this arrogance and felt alienated towards his muslim masters. This may have propelled in Shivaji a desire to have a kingdom, that the Hindus can consider their own.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Oath</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji along with his mavla friends is said to have taken a blood oath to fight against the Islamic tyranny<br />
(at Rohideshwara temple).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 12px;">Note: But many historians claim this oath story seems apocryphal , more created as a part of the folk lore than on basis of evidence.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 12px;">Note1: Earliest record of Shivajihaving dispensed justice was at the age of 14. He did so by punishing Babaji Gujar the patil of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">Ranza for rape (his hands and legs were severed and his estate/patilki confiscated).</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Early conquests</strong><br />
<strong></strong>In 1646, with the help of a small band of local Mavalas, Shivaji made his first conquest of fort Torna. He subdued the local Bijapuri commandant and seized the fort. He later named it Prachandgad. He found government treasure worth two lakh huns (gold coins). Buoyed by his success he made another acquisition in the form of fort Murumbgad. He renamed it Rajgad (40 km from Pune).The treasure he collected was used to streanthen the defences of the two forts.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The fort of Chakan (guarding the road of Puna from the north, around 40 kms from Pune) had been entrusted by Dadaji Kondeo to Firangoji Narsala. So it automatically came under the control of Shivaji. Next, Shivaji bribed Babuji Pant the commander of fort Kondana (dt.1647 as per Shivapur Deshpande Bahi and Muhammadnamah) and secured its possession (Kondana is about 40 kms from Pune city).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red;">Dadaji Kondeo died in 1649.</span><br />
Subhanmangal fort at Shirval also fell to Shivaji (its killedar Mian Rahim Muhammed had to flee).<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: The Bijapur court understood that if an army was sent against Shivaji, it was possible that his father Shahaji might rebel against them (as will Shivajis elder brother Sambhaji). Hence it was imperative that Shahaji was first put behind bars (and his sons were to be tackled separately). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In 1648, understanding the gravity of the situation, Sultan Adilshah of Bijapur ordered Fateh Khudavand Khan to put down Shivaji and appointed Kedarji Khopade of Bhor and Balaji Haibatrao to assist Fateh Khan in this endeavour.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Adilshah further instructed Farhad Khan and Tanaji Dure to capture Bangalore from the hands of Shambhuraje, Shahajis eldest son.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Simultaneously, Shahaji raje was also treacherously captured (at Jinji), by his own cousin Baji Ghorpade (under instructions from Mustafa khan the wazir and father in law of the sultan along with Jaswant rao Asad Khani ). Afzal Khan was entrusted with the job of bring back Shahaji enchained to Bijapur and a eunuch was asked to attach his property in order to humiliate him.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Bijapuri forces attacked both Bangalore and Shirval (near Pune). But both the valorous sons of Shahaji rose to the occasion and defeated their enemy.Shivajis forces routed Fateh Khan while his elder brother Sambhaji defeated the forces of Farid Khan.<br />
Baji Pasalkar, a close aide of Shivaji, lost his life during the battle of Purander.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivajis forces consisted of his trusted captains like Kavji,Baji Jedhe (son of Kanhoji Jedhe, the Deshmukh of Kari , a follower of Shahaji),Baji Pasalkar (Deshmukh of Muse Khore),Godaji Jagtap,Bhimaji Wagh,Sambhaji Kate,Shivaji Ingle, Bhikaji Chor and his brother Bhairav (as written by Parmanand).<br />
<br />
Shivaji then asked for Mughal help from Prince Murad Baksh the son of Shah Jahan (letter dt.1649) cleverly professing that tomorow if the mughals ever needed help from the Bhosales, they would definately oblige (but for the same the mughals should first ask the Bijapur sultanate to release Shahaji). This indirectly put pressure on the Bijapur camp and they were forced to release Shahaji.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bijapur was shaken not only by the valour of of the Maratha forces but also by this machiavilian stroke by Shivaji. Bijapur now sought reconciliation. Shahaji was released from prison and given back his jagirs.Also, Shahaji on his part instructed Shivaji to return Kondana to the Bijapur officers.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Shahaji though freed from prison was not allowed to leave the boundaries of Biapur almost for three and a half years. Shivaji decided to lay low for that time and utilise the period for restructuring his army. He also undertook several irrigation works, construction of roads to earn the goodwill of the populace. But the moment Shahaji was allowed to return to his jagir in Bangalore, Shivaji launched a surprise attack on the Adilshahi fort of Masur (near Dharwad).It was only to give a message to the sultan that the maratha power had not waned.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<u>SPECIAL NOTE (Contributed by Shree Karan Bandal):</u><br />
<u><br />
</u><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">त्रिशकसँवत्सर शिव स्मारक ग्रथावाली शके १८५१ </span><br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
अनुक्रम २ खंड ३</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
शिवाजी निबंधावली २ </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
पेज नंबर १०१ </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
सन १६२४ मालिक अम्बर चे कान्होजी जेधे यांना पत्र कृष्णाजी बांदल यांच्यासाठी </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
सन १६२६ मालिक अम्बर वरला </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
फ़तेह खान व सिद्धि अम्बर यांच्यामधे वाद झाला </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
जेधे व बांदल हे शाहजी च्या गटातील होते .</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
शाहजी महाराज्यांच्या विज्यपुर्कारांच्या प्रवेशामुले जेधे बांदल त्या लढाई मधे सामिल झाले नाहीत.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
यामधुन शाहजी महाराज व कृष्णाजी राजे बांदल यांचे सम्बन्ध स्पष्ट दिसतात.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmFSF6fjUxZb3kctp9wqza_ML-o8CsuY6n9Kkfbm_UwOQX0t2gmJtpwudaXsTscV-7m_i-XMIs7lLujMGK88ShSHz_mQw-lg9a0Ap-utoqlFSKXCzaVv-J3EiW_OXbouKltscsG3uuMcF/s1600/shahaji+bandal+sambandh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmFSF6fjUxZb3kctp9wqza_ML-o8CsuY6n9Kkfbm_UwOQX0t2gmJtpwudaXsTscV-7m_i-XMIs7lLujMGK88ShSHz_mQw-lg9a0Ap-utoqlFSKXCzaVv-J3EiW_OXbouKltscsG3uuMcF/s320/shahaji+bandal+sambandh.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<u>Note: You can open the above pic in a different tab in order to get a magnified view.</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
Shivaji utilised the hiatus (break) to build his army/ artillery, look after the welfare of his people, irrigated fields, built roads etc.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Capture of Fort Purandar, 1654</strong><br />
<strong></strong>Shivaji very well knew the importance of these mountain forts. Though the lands below were in the control of his father, his position against the enemy was very vulnerable.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
After the submission of Fort Kondana to Adilshah, Shivaji was in need of another strong fort. His eye fell upon Fort Purandar (Purandar is about forty kilometres south-east of Pune and some ten kilometres south-west of Saswad).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The commandant of the fort, Mahadji Nilkanth had just died.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Owing to his relations with Shahaji raje, Mahadji had earlier allowed Shivaji and his men to encamp at Purandar (at the <i>machi</i> i.e the plain ground midway between the base and the pinnacle) during the Bijapuri invasion.<br />
Shivaji took charge of the fort of Purander by adequately compensating the sons of Mahadji Nilkanth <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[ref.Setu Madhavrao Pagadi]</span>.<br />
<br />
However, historian Sir Jadunath Sarkar in his book 'Shivaji and his times' has a slightly different story to tell.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
After Mahadji's death his sons, Niloji, Pilaji and Shankarji, started quarrelling amongst themselves over the issue of their inheritance. This was when Shivaji sensed an oppurtunity to take over Purandar and as luck would have it, circumstances started favouring Shivaji.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Mahadjis eldest son, Niloji had become the new fort administrator and was neglecting his brothers.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shankarji implored Shivaji to intervene in their family dispute and give him his rightful inheritance. He was even willing to give Shivaji and his men access to the fort in return for his rights.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thus with Shankarji’s help, Shivaji surreptitiously took control of Fort Purandar without much bloodshed and enchained the fortkeeper Niloji.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
However, when Shankarji refused to hand over the possession of the fort to Shivaji, he too was arrested along with his brothers. Eventually all the brothers were freed, after they agreed to comply with Shivaji's demands.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shankarji was given the village of Chamli as his inheritance. Niloji was given the ancestral inam village as Nayakwar, and Pilaji was inducted into Shivaji's army as an high official (as per the family records which have been studied by V S Bhave).<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Whatever may be the real story, the mighty Purandar was one of the early forts to have become a part of Shivaji's early inclusions.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>[External link: </strong><a href="http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/MTDC/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/Default.aspx?strpage=../MaharashtraTourism/TouristDelight/Forts/PurandarFort.htm"><strong>http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/MTDC/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/Default.aspx?strpage=../MaharashtraTourism/TouristDelight/Forts/PurandarFort.htm</strong></a><strong>]<br />
<br />
JAVALI CAMPAIGN</strong><br />
<strong></strong>Javali was a strategically important region. It was the gateway to the Konkan region. Javali was a densely forested area mainly comprising of eighteen valleys, called ‘Khores’. It was a region traditionally ruled by the Mores (There are stories that More's were the descendents of the Somvanshi king More of Kashmir, while another version claims descent from the Mauryas of Magadh). They owed alliegence to the Adilshahi. Under the mores came the ‘khores’ of Jambhul,Jor,Shivthar,Kandat,Tam,Bamnoli,Atgaon,Chatwarbet,Solas etc.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Mores had a clan head called ‘Chandrarao’. The last Chandrarao More was Daulatrao. When he died he was issue less. Therefore Afzhal Khan, Adilshahs commander wanted to annex the More territory to the Adilshahi. So Daulatraos widow turned to Shivaji for help (her relatives also wanted to usurp the throne). Shivaji provided her military help to assert her authority and keep her relatives at bay.He also advised her to adopt a son who could rule Javli under her regency. So this person Yeshwantrao was adopted from within the clan (he belonged to the family of Mores of Shivthar. Incidently this Yeshwantrao was almost 35 at the time of his adoption and himself had two sons Bajirao and Krishnarao at the time of adoption).Shivaji promised them help against any external aggression.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Initially this Chandrarao More being indebted to Shivaji proffesed loyalty towards him. But later his tune changed (especially at the bidding of his diwan Hanmantrao More <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">ref. Shivcharitra by Babasaheb Purandare</span>). His attitude towards Shivajis officials (Raghunath Ballal Atre) and envoy too turned from polite to haughty.He even started showing disrespect towards Shivaji and refused to accept him as a king (the Mores had already established relations with Bijapur and felt empowered by their support). Mores forces even attacked Shivajis supporters like Gaekwads and Wadkars and created disturbances in Shivajis territories. He even gave refuge to a person accused of crime in Shivajis territory.<br />
Shivaji taken aback by Chandraraos sudden arrogance, and decided to teach him a lesson, by annexing his territory.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It was a tough terrain, but Shivaji had local support in the form of Jedhes ,Bandals and Silimkars. On 27th January 1656, Shivaji attacked Javali. Chandrarao's chief agent Hanumantrao who was offering some resistance was also killed by Shivajis man Sambhaji Kavji and Raghunath Ballal Atre. Chandrarao escaped to fort Raigad, but Shivaji laid seige to it as well. Chandrarao was forced to sue for peace, which Shivaji accepted. But then Shivajis men caught secret correspondence between Chandrarao and the Ghorpades of Mudhol, who besides being Shivajis rivals and relatives ,were also Bijapurs officers.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji ordered the execution of Chandrarao More and Javali was annexed.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Note2: Murar Baji who had previously served with the Mores was to play an important role with Shivaji in the future (refer the battle of Purandar against the mughals)</span>.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span>Soon the forts of Wasota and Rairi were also in Shivajis hands. Now the central Konkan region comprising of Adilshahs provinces of Kalyan Bhivandi were practically isolated from rest of the Bijapur territory. The Kolaba district managed by the Siddis of Janjira were now within the reach of Shivaji.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji then instructed Moropant Pingale to construct a powerfull fort for Shivaji within the vicinity of Javali. That fort was named as Pratapgad.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivajis next acquisition was the fort of Rohida in May 1656.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Note: Baji Prabhu Deshpande the minister of the Baandals (who were earlier commandants of the fort of Rohida), later joined Shivaji, and played an important role in Shivajis career.(Refer the following para on the Battle of Pawan Khind).</span></span><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></span><strong>Supa captured</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Supa was being administered by Sambhaji Mohite, the brother of his step mother Tukabai who had become disliked for his corrupt ways. Shivaji arrested Mohite and took control of Supa in Sept 1656 and sent him in chains to Bangalore (to his father Shahaji).<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Note: Interestingly, Sambhaji Mohite was also the father in law of Shivaji, as he had married away his daughter Soyrabai to Shivaji. Later Sambhaji Mohite's son Hambirrao became the Sarsenapati of Shivajis forces after the death of Prataprao Gujar. [ref.Hambirrao Mohite by Dr Shivde]. Interestingly Dr Shivde's book also claims that Netaji Palkar the earlier sarsenapati and Hambirao Mohite were also second cousins.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Death of Muhmd.Adil Shah</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Muhammed Adil Shah died on 4th November 1656 after a prolonged illness. The administration of the kingdom passed over to Badi Begum ( who was the sister of Qutubshah of Golkunda). She ruled the sultanate on behalf of the young Ali Adilshah II.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Confrontation with the Mughals</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong></strong>The post Muhmd. Adilshah period was that of a turmoil in Bijapur. All his ministers were envious of each other and covertly plotted each others downfall. Afzal khan,Khan Muhammed,Fateh Khan,Ranadullah Khan,the pathan Bahlol Khan and his sons, the Maratha nobles : Shahaji raje ,Sarnobat ,Baji Ghorpade etc were all embroiled in political intrigues with Mir Jumla, the ex minister of Golkunda kingdom, who had defected to the mughals.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
(These political intrigues later cost the lives of Muhammed Khan I Khanan in mysterious circumstances).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Even Shivaji had begun negotiations with the mughals in 1656, in case of an Bijapuri retaliation (especially after the invasion of Javli).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Prince Aurangzeb (who was then the viceroy of Deccan) had plans of capturing the south and wanted to start with Golkunda and Bijapur, hence he engaged the services of Mir Jumla, to correspond with these Bijapur nobles on his behalf. Some were seduced, but some refrained. Mir Jumla advised Aurangzeb to first attack Bijapur and then Golkunda.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Golkunda being the weaker of the two could have easily been surmounted at any time.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Note: Mir Jumla was an ex minister of Qutubshah of Golkunda</span></strong></span><br />
(Aurangzeb had therefore attacked and captured the Bijapur territory of Bidar on 29th March 1657 and now was facing Kalyani , which was 40 miles from Bidar).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shah Jahan had already instructed Aurangzeb to capture the old Nizamshahi territories which included Poona (which was then in Shivajis control).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji feared a mughal attack. So he decided to strike the first blow (during this time Aurangzeb was busy with the northern politics). Shivaji attacked Junnar in May 1657. Junnar was a Mughal territory. It yielded Shivaji a large booty of 3 lakh honas and two hundred horses, besides jewelry. His men further raided the mughal controlled territory of Ahmednagar and captured seven hundred horses.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This went on while Aurangzeb was concentrating on Kalyani. (Kalyani fell to the mughals on 31st July 1657).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Aurangzeb felt outraged by Shivajis audacity and ordered his commanders Nasirikhan and Irajkhan to attack Shivajis forces at Ahmednagar(4th June 1657) and Junnar.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Maratha forces had to withdraw.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Aurangzebs brother Dara feared Aurangzebs eminence will increase if he succeeds in the Karnatak campaign. Hence Shah Jahan on Daras bidding, ordered Aurangzebs men like Mahabat Khan,Nasirikhan,Rao Chatrasal to return back.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Exasperated, Aurangzeb had to make a treaty with Bijapur, whereby, they had to officially hand over Bidar,Kalyani ,Parenda and Konkan to the mughals.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Just as the treaty was being enforced, Shah Jahan fell ill on 6 th September 1657. Aurangzeb realising the time for power succession had come, returned back to Delhi.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Parenda remained with the Bijapuris and even Shivaji was left alone.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji seized this opportunity and attacked the Bijapuris. He captured Prabalgadh (in the vicinity of Matheran).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The other Bijapur forts to fall to Shivaji (in 1657) were Kondana (which was recaptured),Lohagadh ,Tikona, and Rajmachi (facing Konkan plains)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">While Shivaji was busy fighting the Bijapuri and the mughal forces, his wife Saibai bore him his son, Sambhaji, on 14 th May 1657 at fort Purandar.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Konkan invasion</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong></strong>Shivaji then marched into Konkan (the coastal regions of Maharashtra). The Konkan invasion started with Kalyan. Bhiwandi,Tale,Ghosale,Surgadh,Birwadi,Sudhagad,Kangori,Aseri,Mahim Jawbar fell in quick succession.Upper Chaul was captured by November 1657.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Siddis of Janjira (Siddi Fateh Khan) held bay at Kolaba on the behalf of Bijapur. Earlier in July 1657, Shivaji had dispatched Raghunath Ballal to take on the Siddi controlled Danda Rajapuri. The Sabhasad Chronicle states that Ballal captured Tale ,Ghosale and was marching right upto Rajapuri. But Raghunath Ballals unexpected death put a brake on Shivajis plans. In 1658, Shivaji dispatched Vyankoji Datto to Rajapuri. He put up a stiff fight with the Siddi and captured all his territory (Danda ,Raiuri) barring his castle at Janjira.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;"><strong><br />
</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;"><strong>Note:During the seize of Janjira the Siddi was secretly helped by the Portuguese with arms and provisions.</strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;"><strong>Note 2: Shivaji was unable to capture the Janjira fort, hence he eventually built the fort Vijaydurg to act as his naval base. Similarly Shivajis son Sambhaji too failed to capture the impregnable Janjira and constructed a simmilar naval fort Kasi.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;"><strong></strong></span>Shivaji meanwhile wanted to give the mughals the impression that he was in fact capturing Konkan for the mughals and in future was willing to accept Aurangzebs suzerainty. He even professed to send a large contingent to serve at the mughal court along with his envoy Sonaji Pant. In return, the request was, Shivaji be allowed to keep the captured domains of Bijapur.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji was well aware of his own limitations . His army was very small compared to the mighty Mughal army. Hence Shivaji didn’t want to take on Bijapur forces and the Mughal forces at the same time.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Shivaji builds a Navy</strong><br />
<strong></strong>After the acquisition of the coastal towns of Kalyan , Bhiwandi and Panvel, Shivaji envisioned an navy that will take on the navies of Bijapur and the mughals, and also facilitate his foreign trade.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
For the same , some Portuguese ship builders helped him ( probably secretly , fearing the wrath of the Siddi, the Bijapuri admiral and the Mughals). Though Shivaji officially maintained that it was to be used ostensibly against the Siddi, he secretly desired to reduce the influence of the Mughals,the Portuguese and the English, who had encamped in the coastal areas , and on the basis of their powerfull navy, they controlled the trade of the Arabian sea. But since the naval technology was only available with these European powers, he didn’t want to antagonize them also.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Maratha chronicles speak of Shivajis fleet having 700 vessels of various sizes and classes like Ghurabs (gun boats),Tarandis(large sailing vessels),Tarambes,Gallivats,Shibars (large vessel with two masts but no deck),Pagars(canoe),Manchwuas (large cargo boat with a single mast)....(English reports puts the figure down between 60-160.(barring ghurabs n gallivats, rest were used for mercantile purposes). Shivajis navy used to accompany and guard his trading vessels and his naval forts from European pirates.Note: Gallivats are large row boats built llike Ghurabs but of smaller dimension, largest rarely exceeding70 tons and had one sail only.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Limitations of Shivajis navy :</strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivajis navy was in its infant stage. Moreover the europeans were hesitant to supply any new technology to Shivaji (partly out of fearing mughal wrath and partly because they didnt want Shivaji's power to grow akin to his inland power).The marathas didnt even have regular access to gunpowder, as the sources to ‘saltpetere’ and ‘sulphur’ were inaccessible to the marathas. Shivaji's navy was also meant only for the coastal waters . It didnt have the capacity to attack warships and was based on knowhow supplied by the local fishing communities like the Kolis,Badhelas... Shivajis navy lacked the basic armoury required for warships. there were no cannon foundaries nor gunpowder.Whatever cannons ,Shivaji had, were the captured land ones (the lighter ones being used on his ships).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
As a result Shivaji inspite of his ambitions couldnt better his naval power.Nevertheless, Shivaji because of his foresight and military genius realised the importance of the navy, and he made up with excellent fortifications which he built around the western coast e.g forts at Kalyan,Malvan,Vijaydurg,Sindhudurg etc.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Incursions in Karnataka </strong><br />
In 1657-58 - 59 , Shivaji conducted several raids in the southern region of Karnataka. This was the parent territory of Bijapur. The reason may not have been to capture land, but was more to suffice the growing needs of his expanding army.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"></span></strong><strong>Confrontation with Afzal Khan </strong><br />
<strong></strong>The Queen mother of Bijapur, Bari begum was now getting worried of the growing power of Shivaji. She had requested Shahaji to rein in his son, but the latter had expressed his helplessness in the matter, stating the Shivaji was beyond his control and was his own man.<br />
Then Afzal Khan (Abdullah Bhatari of Afzalpura village near Bijapur) took up the challenge of bringing Shivaji down to his knees. Afzal Khan was an old rival of Shahaji in the Bijapur court (Shahaji belonged to the rival camp of Ranadaulla Khan). He had also served as the governor of Wai and was well aware of the terrain. He was also said to be responsible for the death of Shahajis elder brother Shambhuraje , allegedly by treachery.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Note: Sambhaji( Senior) Bhosale or Shambhuraje : Shambhuraje was born at Verul ( Ellora) near Aurangabad in 1619. He was the elder son of Shahaji and Jijabai. He was appointed jagirdar of Kolar (Karnataka). According to ‘Shedgaonkar bakhar’ his wife’s name was Makau/ Makai. He had two sons Suratsingh and Umaji(adopted son from Parsoji raje Bhamberkar).During the period of Raja Shivaji’s birth (around 1630) she was at Jinti ( Near Daund ,near Pune).During the arrest of Shahaji by Adilshah, Sambhaji (Sr) had handled the responsibility of Banglore and successfully defeated Farhad Khan and Tanaji Dure..In 1654 Palegar of Kanakgiri named Aapakhan had revolted against Adilshah . Hence Afzalkhan and Sambhaji were deputed to take over Kanakgiri. However , Afzalkhan treacherously did not provide the timely help, and </span><i>Sambhaji lost his life in this battle (1654).</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">During the Afzalkhan incident at Pratapgad, incase of failure, Shivaji had planned to give state to Umaji, son of Elder brother Sambhaji, Umaji was 5 years old then. ( Ref. ‘Chitnis Bakhar’ – edited by R V Herwadkar foot notes).After the death of Sambhaji (Sr) ,Kolar was continued as Jagir to Sambhajis son Suratsingh (Umajiraje - his mother was Jayantibai) and later by Shivaji during his Southern campaign.</span></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></strong>Afzal Khan along with his huge army (consisting of a large cavalry of 10,000, 1200 camels and 65 elephants) marched on to the Maratha regions. He was joined by other Bijapur sardars like Ambar,Yaqut,Muse Khan,Hassan Pathan,Ranadullah Khan JR,AnkushKhan and Maratha deshmukhs, chiefs like Ghorpade,Pandhare Naik,Kharate Naik, Kalyan Jadhav, Mambaji Bhosale, Jhujharrao Ghatage, Kedarji and Khandoji Khopade (who had crossed over from Shivajis side) etc.On his way (Pandharpur-Phaltan …here he arrested Bajaji Nimbalkar , brother in law of Shivaji and the deshmukh of Phaltan-Wai who was infact a employee of Bijapur, yet he was arrested and a news was generated that he would be killed. This was another ploy to provoke Shivaji) Afzal Khan pillaged towns, villages,destroying temples, murdering and ransacking at will. In order to antagonize Shivaji’s religious sentiments and bring Shivaji out in an open confrontation, Afzal Khan desecrated the temples of Pandharpur (the idol of Vithoba was secretly taken away to safety) and later Tuljapur (temple of Shivaji's family godess), defacing and destroying the deity idols. Even Shivajis brother in law Bajaji Nimbalkar (who was incidently fighting from Afzal Khans side) was also captured and converted to Islam just to antagonise Shivaji.+ (later Shivaji reconverted Bajaji to the hindu faith)<br />
But Shivaji was too shrewd to fall to this ruse.<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;">Note:Saibai, Shivajis wife and the mother of his eldest son Sambhaji had just died at Rajgad (on 5th September 1659) leaving Shivaji grief stricken.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span>Shivaji was well aware of his limitations and a pitched battle would have been suicidal. There was no way he could match the Khan’s might man to man. So Shivaji cunningly professed his inability to fight the Khan. He sent peace overtures to the other side from his base Pratapgad. He managed to give the impression, that he is willing to negotiate on the Khans terms and in return his life should be spared. The same was conveyed to Afzal Khans emissary Krishnaji Bhasker.<br />
Shivaji had all the while refused to go to Wai to meet Afzal Khan stating fear for his life and insisted that Shivaji will talk surrender only if Afzal Khan meets him at Javli. The vain Afzal Khan took the bait.<br />
Afzal Khan encamped at the foothills of fort Pratapgad (near Javli). A meeting was arranged between Shivaji and Afzal Khan at a distance from Afzals camp (on 30th November 1659).<br />
It was agreed that the meeting would be unarmed, and each man was to bring ten personal </span>bodyguards. Both were prepared for treachery.(Afzal Khan had the reputation of treacherously murdering his enemies under the pretext of negotiations viz Kasturi Ranga, Raja of Sera. Afzal was also involved in the murder of Khan Muhammed, the wazir of Bijapur and a rival in court. Shivajis lawyer Antaji Gopinath Bokil had also gathered news of the Khans nefarious plans from the royal camp itself).<br />
Afzal hid a ‘kataar’a small sharp edged dagger, in his coat. While, Shivaji wore an armour under his clothes, and carried a weapon called ‘waagh nakha’ (tiger claws), consisting of an iron finger-grip with four razor claws, which he concealed within his clenched fist and an hidden ‘bichwa’(small dagger).<br />
It was like a meeting between David and Goliath. While Shivaji was barely a five feet and a half, Afzal Khan was a giant of a man at six and a half feet and built like a mountain.<br />
The two men entered the tent, fixed for the meeting, Afzal Khan pretended to greet Shivaji with a bear hug (even though there was no love lost between the two). He tried to grip Shivaji in an iron like vice and allegedly stabbed Shivaji in the back with his dagger #. However Shivaji, was protected due to the armour under his coat. Shivaji opened his fist and disemboweled Khan with his tiger claws. In a swift movement he again wounded the giant Khan with his bichwa. Afzal managed to hold on to his bleeding abdomen and staggered outside. He moved towards his palanquin. But before he could escape, the Khan was decapitated by Sambhaji Kavji, one of Shivaji's bodyguards ('Sambhaji Kavji' - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Refer note at the end of the paragraph</span>). The Khans bodyguard Sayyed Banda (Bada Sayyad) struck Shivaji on his head with his sword.But Shivaji was saved because of the protective helmet inside his turban. Just as he was to strike the second blow, Shivaji aide Jiva Mahala chopped off Sayyed Bandas hand and then struck him down. Shivaji killed Krishnaji Bhasker, the assistant of Afzal Khan as he tried to block Shivajis way.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note#: Many argue that Shivaji was the one who laid the first blow and not Afzal Khan. Even assuming that is true, there was little choice Shivaji had. This was the only way he could vanquish the mighty Khan , else there was every possibility that Shivaji would have been killed, either during the meeting or after it.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji and his men then rode back towards the fortress . A bugle was sounded. This was a predetermined signal to his men, which had been strategically placed in the densely covered valley. All of Shivaji's generals, including his Cavalry chief, Netaji Palkar, his Peshwa Moropant Pingale,Bandal and Shahajis trusted aide, Kanhoji Jedhe,the deshmukh of Kari (who had kept themselves camoflaged in the jungle of Pratapgad along with 5000 of his men, all ready for assault) launched swift and rapid attacks from all flanks and routed Afzal Khan's army.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Netaji Palkar pursued the fleeing forces and hacked them to the ground, before they could regroup with their reserve forces( which were stationed at Wai). Thus Afzal Khans forces were thouroughly defeated.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Afzal Khan's eldest son Fazal Khan ,barely managed to escape with his life ( helped by Khandoji Khopade, the Deshmukh of Bhor). Thousands of Bijapuri soldiers were killed at it totally shook up the sultanate from its core.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Subsequently,an Afghan regiment of Bijapur was also decimated at Panhalgad.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
After the Pratapgad encounter, Shivaji constructed a temple there, installing the idol of his godess Bhavani (made from the stone of river Gandaki).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This encounter with the great Khan became a subject of the local folklore and made an legend out of Shivaji.<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Chitnis bakhar (ref. Keluskar-Takakhav) mentions Sambhaji Kavji (Shivajis bodyguard) leaving Shivajis side in a fit of anger (after the king taunted him about his friend Babajirao having joined Shaistakhan) . Subsequently Sambhaji Kavji also joined ShaistaKhans mughal forces. But was killed in an encounter with Netaji Palkar (By Prataprao Gujar as per some versions like </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Marathi Daftar/ Shivajis souvenir </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note:Though Afzal Khan was a religious bigot (he revelled in the fact that he was an sworn enemy of <i>kafirs</i> and a <i>buthshikhan</i> i.e destroyer of idols: as per his <i>shilalekh. ref. Babasaheb Purandare-Shivcharitrakathan</i>), he was also known for his good administration and fair sense of justice.Hence was a paradox. Shivaji after Afzal Khans death allowed his mazaar (tomb) to be built near fort Pratapgad perhaps out of respect for this cruel but valliant enemy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: The mughal camp at Wai soon fell to the marathas . Wai was their gateway to southern maharashtra and Konkan. Soon a series of forts fell on the maratha lap in quick succession.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Later Shivaji captured the treacherous Khandoji Khopde (who had helped Afzal Khan) and had his hand and leg chopped off (Shivaji spared Khopdes life at the request of his faithful Kanhoji Jedhe who put in a good word with the king for the sake of Khopdes family).</span><br />
<br />
<b> Battle of Kolhapur</b><br />
<strong></strong>To compensate the losses , Bijapur dispatched (28th December 1659) another general, Rustam e zaman (to assist him were Fazal Khan ,son of Afzal Khan, Malik Itibar,Fateh Khan son of Aziz Khan,Mullah Yahiya,Santaji Ghorpade and Sarjerao Ghatage too joined him), with ten thousand strong troops,but only to be humbled by Shivaji with half the army(Netaji Palkar,Bhimaji Hiraji Wagh,Ingle,Mahadik,Sidhoji Pawar,Gondaji Jagtap,Kharate and his son Hanumantrao,Pandhare,Siddi Hilal,Jadhav).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;">Note:Many historians have already alluded that Rustam e zaman and his father Ranadaullah Khan(Khan e zaman) having close proximity to Shahajiraje, were said to be always soft on his son Shivaji.</span></strong><strong><br />
<br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Battle of Pavan Khind</strong><br />
<strong></strong>Shivaji added further salt to the Bijapur wounds, when he overran Satara and Sangli , and captured the forts of Chandan and Wandan and on 28th November 1659 took hold of fort Panhala. This time Bijapur decided to strike Shivaji with all its might. They made a deal with the Mughals whereby both the forces would together attack Shivaji. The mughals had also begun to get alarmed by Shivajis growing power. He was also encroaching on their territories. So they accepted the Bijapuri request for a joint attack on Shivaji.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But Shivaji did the unimaginable. His cavalry under Netaji Palkar rode right into the heart of Bijapur kingdom and demanded contributions from the towns of Belgaum and Dharwad. They laid seige on the suburb of Bijapur called Shahpur. Though this attack was warded of by Siddi Khawas Khan and his five thousand men, it sent a chill down the spine of Ali Adil Shah.Never before had he felt the enemy so close to him.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile the troops of Bijapur led by the Abyssynian,Siddi Jauhar had laid seize on Fort Panhala, where Shivaji was present.He was assisted by many of the Bijapur sardars like Siddi Masud (son in law of Siddi Johar),Sayyad, Jaswantrao the raja of Pali,Suryajirao the raja of Shringarpur,Fazalkhan,BajiGhorpade,Pidnaik,Bhaikhan,Badekhan etc (ref.Shiv Bharat of Parmanand).<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">Note: Siddi Jauhar was also helped with ammuntion by the English officials (led by one Henry Revington) of the Rajapur factory, for which Shivaji punished them by later looting the same and imprisoning the officers for almost two years</span>.<br />
<br />
They encircled the fort on March 1660, making escape very difficult.He laid seige for months,thwarting attempts by Shivaji to escape the fort.Even an attempt by Shivajis general Netaji Palkar (along with his aide Siddi Hilal and his son Siddi Wahwa Khan) to attack Siddi Johars camp was foiled.<br />
Note, Wahwa Khan was killed in that attempt.<br />
Then Shivaji tried a different tactic. Shivaji knew Siddi Jauhar was a conceited person , and harboured secret designs about an independent kingdom. Shivaji therefore decided to cater to his ego. He sent several costly presents to Siddi Jauhar and even offered a surrender, provided Johar agreed to protect Shivaji from the wrath of Adilshah. Shivaji successfully managed to create an impression in Siddis camp that Shivaji was befriended, and willing to accept defeat. This made Siddi Johars army a little complacent. They let down their guard. Taking advantage of this situation , Shivaji managed to give the Siddi’s forces a slip.<br />
<br />
He created a diversion whereby his look alike (a barber turned soldier called Shiva Kashid) was sent from one direction. Siddi Johars men chased and captured him, only to find that he was not Shivaji. Shiva Kashid was said to have been beheaded, but his sacrifice had given just enough time for Shivaji and his band to escape .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile,Shivaji himself had set off in another direction, with his select band of 300 men (including his captain Baji Prabhu deshpande) and was heading towards fort Vishalgad. Siddis army who were chasing Shivaji had caught upto him at a narrow mountain pass called 'Ghod Khind.'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But the brave men led by Baji Prabhu Deshpande (and his brother Phulaji Prabhu Deshpande, Sambhaji Jadhav the father of the future Sarsenapati Dhanaji Jadhav, Raiji Bandal) acted as a shield for their king, holding back the Siddi’s army at Ghod khind (13th July 1660) . They sacrificed their lives in order to ensure a safe passage for their master. Shivaji reached Vishalgad (after a brief skirmish with Bijapuri soldiers led by Surve and Dalvi . Note: Shivaji later had his revenge when he destroyed Dalvi's throne of Sangameshwar.) and fired the cannon which was a signal to his men that he had reached his destination unharmed. The ballads passed down generations sing that, Baji Prabhu though fatally wounded, continued fighting like a man possessed , valorously, with a swirling 'dandapatta' ( a long snake like malleable sword), with a spear, and later with swords in both hands, warding off the attackers , and continued resisting untill he heard the cannon fire signal from Vishalgad . Sensing his King had reached the fort safe and sound, he exhaled his final breath.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><i>Note: Raiji Bandal (son of Baji Bandal, and grandson of Krishnaji Bandal) also fought alongside Baji Prabhu Deshpande (and his brother Phulaji Deshpande) and receieved a 'Taamrapatra' and honorary sword for his contribution post battle of Pawan Khind. - Reference provided by Shree Karan raje Bandal (descendent, Bandal family).</i></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<img height="150" src="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment?ui=2&ik=a76ec30ebe&view=att&th=1353cc0d3c8653a0&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=f_gy5ejsci0&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P_1ZfwdyN3jd80Gdvtl_u5S&sadet=1328182618249&sads=8cgAJ74Z5q3sYJfoOG5CLkwyvp8" width="200" /> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: orange;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">see the image i (Karan) have attached ,which is in modi , </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">actual this is deshmukhi stamp describing that the </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">taluka hirdas maval , </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">raiji bin baji naik baandal deshmukh, fulaji and baji prabhu deshkulkarni </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">stamp of baandals in devnagri </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">date of that that mazahar was 21 march 1657- reference by Karan raje Bandal mail dt 1st Feb 2012</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;">Note:1.Shivaji further covered the distance from fort Vishalgad to fort Rajgad.<br />
2.Siddi Jauhar was assisted secretly by the English factory officials (Henry Revington) of Rajapur in his seize of Panhala in the form of arms and ammunition.For this act Shivaji razed the Rajapur factory to the ground.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;">3. Sultan Ali of Bijapur suspected Siddi Johar of taking bribes from Shivaji and allowing him to escape (despite the fact that Siddi Johar had later taken Panhala) and castigated him in severe words. As a result of which he resigned from his service in disgust and went to his estate at Karnul. But the Sultan in order to punish him despatched a army to arrest him. Finally Siddi Johar consumed poisen and commited suicide. Later the Sultan re-engaged the services of Siddis son Aziz and his son in law Masud.</span></strong></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.histats.com/" target="_blank" title="frontpage hit counter"> <span style="color: black;"></span></a>The mountain pass ,‘Ghod Khind’ where Baji Prabhu Deshpande and his men laid down their lives was renamed as ‘Pawan Khind’ or the ‘Purified valley’, purified by the blood shed by the martyrs.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;">Note: This encounter between the Siddis men and Baji Prabhu Deshpande has been compared to the famous battle of Thermopylae between the Greeks and the Persians.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;"></span>Meanwhile Shivaji received the news that the mughal emperor Aurangzeb had sent his maternal uncle and the governor of Deccan, Shaista Khan to assist Bijapur in capturing Shivaji.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
That’s when Shivaji realized that he may not be able to fight both his enemies simultaneously. So tactfully, he decided to make peace with Bijapur. Rustam e Zaman mediated between the two. Bijapur agreed to accept Shivaji as an independent king. In return he agreed to hand back fort Panhala to Bijapur.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;"><strong><br />
</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px;"><strong>Note: During this time Siddi Jauhar had also rebelled against Ali Adilshah, perhaps after an altercation over the issue of Shivajis . Also approaching were the Mughals. Hence, Ali Adilshah too was distracted , and hence was quick to make peace with Shivaji. Earlier Shivaji himself had circulated rumours in the Adilshahi camp that Siddi intentions of capturing power in Bijapur and had cleverly sowed the seeds of disensions between Bijapur and Siddi.</strong></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Now Shivaji was free to turn his sights towards the Mughal forces of Shaista Khan, who by now virtually unchecked, had entrenched themselves in Shivajis territories.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span style="color: black;">To be concluded.</span></strong></div>
</div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-26439434380716970842010-11-20T12:29:00.001-08:002015-06-28T04:41:03.230-07:00Shivaji's Ancestors<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji belonged to the House of the Bhosales .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
There are many families in Maharashtra with the surname Bhosale, but not all can trace their lineage to the royal Bhosale family ( later the succesors to the thrones of Satara and Kolhapur) .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Their most famous son was Shivaji raje Bhosale, also the progenitor of their aristocracy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
One of Shivajis early known ancestors was his great grandfather <strong>Babaji Bhosale</strong>. He was the headman of the villages Hingane Beradi and Diwalgaon in Pune district (or Poona/ Puna, state Maharashtra…source J.Sarkar). His sustinence mainly depended on his farm fields and his income as the headman of the villages.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: 14px;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: 14px;">Note: As per author historian C.V.Vaidya, Babaji Raje Bhosale was the feudal lord of Pande Pedgaon and the same fief continued for a time in the possession of Maloji. (1596 A. D).</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span>He had two sons: <strong>Maloji Bhosale</strong> the eldest and <strong>Vithoji</strong> ,his younger sibling.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Both Maloji and Vithoji had some friction with some locals in their village, and shifted with their entire family to Verul (Ellora in Aurangabad district, state Maharashtra).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The land there wasn’t very conducive for farming and both the brothers had to seek service in the army of <strong>Lakhujirao Jadhav.</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">(Lakhuji Jadhav was a noble in the Nizamshahi army of Ahmednagar. His jagir being Sindkhedraja in present day Buldhana, Maharashtra. He also claimed lineage from the royal family of Yadavas of Devagiri which had ruled Maharashtra before the Mohameddan invasion).</span> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red;"><br />
</span>With their bravery, the brothers rose in ranks in Lakhujis army.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Note : Some derive the Bhosale name from Bhose, a village in the Verul district, where the family first settled and Bhosala, means resident of the Bhose village.Ref. Vaidya</span> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red;"><br />
</span><span style="color: red;"></span>Then the story goes this way, that in a ‘Holi’(festival of colours) function Lakhujirao praised the handsomeness of the young Shahaji, son of Maloji (from his wife Umabai from the family of Nimbalkars of Phaltan, also serving in the Nizamshahi) and even said in a lighter vein that that the young Shahaji and his little daughter <strong>Jijabai</strong> would make a fine couple. But these words of Lakhuji were taken too seriously by Maloji rao Bhosale. He proudly pointed out to this incident in public, which irked Lakhujirao Jadhav and his family to no end. An indignant Lakhuji Jadhav promptly dismissed Malojirao from his services, after severely rebuking Maloji, for dreaming that a ‘shiledars’ son can marry a 'sardars' (noble) daughter( a shiledar is just higher in the hierarchy than a common soldier , and one who has his own sword and horse, besides what is given by his master) .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: 14px;">(Author/historian:Vaidya says Lakhuji declined to accept Shahaji as his son in law at the protest of his wife Mhalsabai).</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: 14px;">Note: Renowned historian Babasaheb Purandare in his work Shivcharitra mentions that it was Vithoji who arranged the marraige of Shahaji and Jijabai and makes no mention of the above incident between Lakhuji and Maloji. On the contrary he mentions that Maloji and Vithoji were tilling their fields when they came across a treasure which they used in charitable work and raising a small force and then went in the service of the Nizamshahi. After Malojis death in a battle it was Vithoji who raised Shahaji and got him married. By then both the Bhosales and the Jadhavraos were of equal social status and thus the marraige between Shahaji and Jijabai was easily possible.</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Humiliated , Maloji retreated to his village in Verul. Maloji meanwhile had become the headman of his village.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Note: Maloji and his brother Vithoji served the Nizamshah with distinction and got many 'mokasas’ for maintenance of forces, as also many villages and lands in Inam. These were as follows:<br />
The three perganas(parganas) of Elur ( Verul ); Derhadi and Kannarad. Kannarad was given with ‘ kot ' and 4 ‘ kila ' or fort and included Jategau and Vakadi. The towns 1. Pedgaon, now in ruins, is eight miles from Shrigonda, on the Bhima, with Hemadpanti temples of Shiva and Rameshwar.2.{Kasba) of Lasur pergana Gandapur, Adharsul pergana Ahmedabad and the villages of Porle (ditto), Pimpalvadi pergana Paithan and Gaudagau or Ahmedabad. So far as we have ascertained, Jategaon is in Karmala ( Sholapur ), and Adharsul<br />
is near Yeola.source: Rajwade (Vaidya). </span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></span>The brothers spent the next few years tilling their fields. Then one day Maloji noticed a snake coming out of a hole in his field. As per popular superstitions, the snake is said to guard a hidden treasure. So Maloji, began digging the place. To his joy he found seven pots of of gold coins. He wisely lodged them at the house of a local banker named Punde at Chamargunda (present day Shrigonda. source : J.Sarkar). He called over his brother, and together they bought horses, saddles,arms,tents and employed a thousand troopers. With his small army (after briefly harassing Lakhujis jagir) , Malojirao (and his brother Vithoji) , aligned himself with his in laws, the Nimbalkars of Phaltan and entered directly in the service of the Nizamshah of Ahmednagar.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: red;">Note : The Nimbalkars of Phaltan were also considered local aristocracy. They were fief holders and claimed descent from the Parmara dynasty (thus Maratha </span><span style="color: red;">rajputs).</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
The brothers participated in many a battle against the Bijapuris and the Mughals(there were conflicts with the Mughals during the early 17th century when Akbars forces invaded Ahmednagar), who were constantly at war , trying to gain each others territories. They fought under the command of the famous general of Nizamshah, the Abyssinian, Malik Ambar, and his fellow compatriot Ranadaulla Khan (Khan i Zaman). That is where they honed their skills in the art of warfare.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Malojirao also spent a large portion of his new found wealth in the construction of several temples, giving alms to the poor, the Brahmins and also for excavating a large tank on the arid Shambhu Mahadev hill in the Satara district. This brought him a lot of praise from the pilgrims who flocked to this holy place.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Bhosales had by now grown in stature in the Nizamshahi court. The courtiers and perhaps even the king had even managed to persuade Lakhujirao Jadhav to give his daughter Jijabai’s hand in marriage to Malojirao Bhosale’s son, Shahaji. Something to which may have Lakhuji reluctantly agreed .Perhaps Malojiraos death in battlefield fighting for the Nizam may also have contributed to the Shahaji-Jijabai marraige.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
After Malojirao’s death, the army of the Bhosales was commanded by his younger brother Vithoji (Vithoji had eight sons, ‘four have been found in the mughal service at the beginning of Shah Jahans reign viz. Kheloji ,Parsoji,Maloji II, and Mambaji: source Abdul Hamid- J.Sarkar, others being Sambaji,Nagoji,Trimbakji,Kavkaji) and later after Vithoji’s death (1623), by Malojis son, <strong>Shahaji raje Bhosale</strong>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Note: noted that Maloji was childless for a long time and he had two sons <b>Shahaji</b> and Sharifji, after blessings from the Sufi saint Baba Shah Sharif and therefore named after the sufi saint.</span> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 14px;">Note:Ref. Vaidya. It is certain that Maloji died about the end of 1528 or the middle of A. D. 1606 as in a sanad<br />
of 'ravan’. 1529, we have the mention of Maloji as deceased and as subsequent documents mention Vithoji alone. Maloji is said to have been killed in the battle of Indapur fought by the Nizamshahi forces against<br />
Bijapur. Vithoji dying some time hereafter, the leadership of the family came naturally to Shahaji, son of the elder Maloji, and he, with his brother Sarfoji and his eight cousins ( sons of Vithoji ) </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meanwhile Malik Ambar, who had even humbled the might of the mughals, had died (AD.1626). He was succeeded by his son Fateh Khan as the next regent of Nizam Shah of Ahmednagar. Shahaji was deputed by Fateh Khan to raid East Khandesh against an invading mughal force. Shahaji displayed great valour there. Soon friction developed between Fateh Khan and his king and Fateh Khan was placed under arrest. This was the time of political intrigues amongst the various nobles of the Nizam shahi court. Sensing the chaos, Lakhujirao Jadhav had left the services of the Nizamshahi and had joined the Mughals <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: red;">(authors like Vaidya have stated the fight between the Bhosales and the Jadhavs <strong>as</strong> <strong>mentioned below in detail</strong>, and the subsequent Nizamshah/Malik Amber siding with the Bhosales as the cause for Lakhujiraos disenchantment with the Nizamshahi and desertion to the mughal camp)</span>,</span> but disenchanted, returned soon to the Nizamshahi court (perhaps due to Shahajis request). But the Nizam wasn’t ready to forgive and forget and he had Lakhujirao murdered along with his sons(Achloji,Raghuji and Yeshwantrao) in the very court where they had once served ( Note,Malik Ambar had earlier died in 1626). Disconcerted about the treatment meted out to his father in law Lakhuji Jadhav and his sons, Shahaji left the Nizamshahi services. He rebelled against the Nizamshahi and tried to seize the country from Junnar to Ahmednagar. Later, he joined the Mughal services<span style="color: red;">.</span>He served there for an year and half (end of 1630-June 1632), but finding little scope amongst the largely predominant north Indian courtiers, he left its services and joined Adil Shah I of Bijapur, who was vying for the brave warrior for a long time. <span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">(but Vaidya states that Shahajis cousins had grown jealous of him, and created bad blood between him and the rulers of the Nizamshahi, hence Shahaji moved over to the Adilshahi camp)</span>.</span>There his courage impressed Adil Shah I and his deputy Murar Jagdev. But Adil Shah I died within a year. He was succeeded by his son Adil Shah II. This Adil Shah was said to be ill disposed towards his hindu nobles and had Murar Jagdev (Shahajis mentor in the Adilshahi court) murdered. Shahaji, sensing a danger to his life, left the services of Adilshah II.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Sometime in 1629, the Mughals were preparing a renewed attack on the kingdom of Ahmednagar(after Khan Jahan Lodi the governor of Deccan had rebelled against the Delhi court and had sought refuge in Ahmednagar). Scared, the Nizam Shah (Burhan Nizam Shah) released Fateh Khan and made him the regent again. But this time Fateh Khan had his master murdered (Feb 1632) and installed a puppet successor Hussain Nizam Shah in his place .Fateh Khan thus became the de facto ruler of the Nizamshahi kingdom. He even invited Shahaji raje Bhosale to be the commander of his forces. Shahaji accepted the offer. Fateh Khan even bought temporary peace by accepting the vassalage of the Mughals. But, secretly he desired freedom from the mughal yoke.Fateh Khan simultaneously opened diplomatic channels with the Deccan kingdoms of Bijapur and Golkunda to unite them against the Mughals . When the mughal emperor, Shah Jahan discovered Fateh Khans real intentions, he ordered his general Mahabbat Khan to attack Ahmednagar. The mughals came down heavily on Fateh Khan and he was soon defeated and captured. Fateh Khan and Hussain Nizam Shah were sent as prisoners to Delhi , and Ahmednagar was formally annexed to the Mughal empire.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But nobles like Shahaji raje Bhosale refused to submit to the Mughals. He rallied the forces of Ahmednagar under him and installed the young Murtuza III ( a descendent of the Nizamshahi) as the successor to the throne. Shahaji acted as his regent. He once again retreived several captured districts from the mughals including North Konkan. He repossessed more than one fourth of the old Nizamshahi territory(revenue worth 20 lakh ‘huns’coins) with the Bijapuri help and even thwarted Mughal attempts to seize Parenda. He ruled on behalf of the young king for three long years.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This time the Mughals decided on another strategy. Shah Jahan sent peace overtures to the Bijapur court. Both reached a pact, where in, they decided to jointly invade Ahmednagar and split the spoils of the war amongst themselves. Adilshahi commander Rayarao raised Shahajis estate in Poona to the ground ('he tilled the land with donkeys which made the land unfit for irrigation as per old superstitions).<br />
Shahaji was now isolated and completely outnumbered. He finally accepted defeat and ceded his seven earlier captured forts to the enemy (Oct.1636) and as per the treaty, also,entered into the services of Adilshah of Bijapur ( It is said that earlier, Shahaji had protected Shah Jahan for eight months in the Deccan ,when Shah Jahan as a prince had rebelled against his father Jahangir and sought refuge in the Deccan. This prompted Shah Jahan to spare Shahajis life and even pressed Adil Shah to enlist Shahaji in his court). Shahaji was given the territory of Bangalur (Bangalore in state of Karnataka ) as his jagir (estate). He was also allowed to keep his estate of Pune and Supa.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji was born to Shahaji and his wife Jijabai, during his tumultuous period (Note:Shivaji was born on 18TH Feb, 1630 as per Jedhe Shakavali,ref:Tilak,Shiv Bharata and Tanjore stone inscription , against an other date given by, author historian Grant Duff on basis of the bakhars (local chronologies) , which gave the birthdate of Shivaji as 3rd May 1627) on the fort Shivneri (which was under the care of <strong>Vishwasrao</strong> an relative of Shahaji ), while Shahaji was busy fighting the Nizamshahi forces.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: 14px;">Note: <strong>REASON FOR FRICTION BETWEEN THE BHOSALES AND THE JADHAVS:</strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: 14px;">While Jijabai gave birth to Shivaji, at the fort of Shivneri, Shahaji was on the run chased by his father in law Lakhuji. Both being in opposite camps.For some time there had been friction between Lakhuji and Shahaji. The reason for the same was this unfortunate incident.<br />
Maratha sardars were attending a Durbar (court session) of the Nizamshah.While they were departing<br />
from the palace, each one trying to crowd out the others, the elephant of a sardar named Khandagale became unruly and trampled some footmen to death. Dattaji, son of Jadhavrao, attacked the elephant. A skirmish thus began between him and Khandagale and the latter was assisted by the sons of Vithoji. A regular duel ensued between Dattaji and Sambhaji, son of Vithoji, in which Dattaji was killed. Lakhuji Jadhavrao who had left </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: 14px;">earlier,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: 14px;"> heard the terrible news of his son's death,and, infuriated, returned to attack Sambhaji (Vithoji's son). Shahaji now went to the help of his cousin Sambhaji and a battle was fought wherein Sambhaji was killed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> The Nizamshah himself, on hearing of this scuffle, came out, and, intervening, separated the combatants.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> Thus began that enmity between Jadhavrao and Shahaji, according to Shiva-Bharata ,which the</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> Bakharkars have wrongly carried back to the time of Shahaji's marriage with Jijabai.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> After this scuffle , Jadhavrao thought that the Nizamshah was unduly favouring the Bhosales, and he left his service and went over to the Moguls. This desertion was taken advantage of by Adilshah, who invited the Moguls to attack Nizamshahi from the north while he attacked it from the south. A battle was fought between the two sides at Bhatavadi in 1623/4 A.D (Shahaji's son Sharifji was killed in this battle).This was the time when Shahaji found himself besieged by his father in law Lakhujirao, and he sent his pregnant wife to the safety of fort Shivneri (which was under the control of his relative Vijayrao Sidhoji Vishwasrao, father in law of Shahajis brother Sharifji) where she gave birth to Shivaji.</span><br />
Shiva-Bharata gives a detailed description of this battle and mentions by name the many captains in the three armies, namely of Delhi, Bijapur and Ahmednagar. Eventually Malik Amber obtained a signal victory over the two allies, Muila Mahmad, Sar-Lashkar of Bijapur, being killed and many captains of the Mogul and Bijapur armies being taken prisoners. The Bhosales fought bravely on Malik Amber's side, Sharifji (Shahajis brother) being among the slain in the army of Ahmednagar. This was Shahaji's first brilliant exploit on the battle-field.<br />
The battle is referred to in a letter of Pedro, an Italian traveller, dated 1624 October 31st which supports the account of Shiva-Bharata and may thus be taken to have been fought some time in the middle of that year*<br />
It is probable that Shahaji got at this time, as reward, the mokasas (inams-reward/jagirs-estates) of Poona and Supa, which were beyond the Bhima and which were, as stated before, subjects of frequent conflicts between<br />
Ahmednagar and Bijapur.<br />
Shahaji was appointed Sar-Lashkar or general in Ahmednagar army- Shiva-Bharata relates that the sons of Vithoji became hereafter jealous of Shahaji's greatness. Malik Amber seems to have supported Shahaji's cousins in the quarrel, as the ruling power, also as usual, keeps up disputes in powerful sardars families. Shahaji was dissatisfied and he retired to Poona where he built a house for himself. From there he was invited by Ibrahim Adilshah to enter his service and Shahaji with his followers became an Adilshahi sardar. This is supported by a document dated 19th December 1625, in which Shahaji is contemptuously described as ‘ Shahaji Bhosala, Adilshahi ‘. Another document, a sanad dated 28th July, describes him, however, as ‘ Meherban Shahaji Raje Sarlashkar ‘. Both these documents relate to the Poona District and show that while in<br />
July 1625, Shahaji was a Sarlashkar or commander of forces in Nizamshahi and enjoyed the fief of Poona. In December 1625 he was in Adilshahi service and Poona had been taken away from him. Shahaji rendered important services to Adilshah by conquering Mudhoji of Phaltan and some refractory chiefs in Karnatic and in Keral. He remained in Adilshahi service from about October 1625 to about the end of 1627. From a document dated 10th January 1626, it appears that he was then a Sarlashkar in Adilshahi, and at his request<br />
the Adilshah granted the desagata of Talebid and some rights on the fort of Panhala to Sambhaji and Dharoji Mohite. These were probably relatives of Shahaji's second wife who belonged to the Mohite family.<br />
In May 1626 Malik Amber died and about a year or so after Ibrahim Adilshah also died. The former was succeeded by his son Fattehkhan who was favourably disposed towards Shahaji, and the latter by Mahomed Adilshah who was a staunch Shia and an intolerant Mahomedan. About the change of policy the latter initiated we shall speak later ; but Shahaji now thought it safe to leave his service and go to Nizamshah, his old master. Earlier, Muhammed Adilshah had started a systematic persecution of his hindu subjects (led by his men,Mustafa Khan,Afzal Khan and Asad Khan), by destroying several temples. The idea was to force all hindus into meek submission.This was when his hindu minister, Murar Jagdev rebelled against Muhammed Adilshah.But Murar Jagdev was soon murdered by assasins set by Mustafa khan.Probably this incident added to Shahajis insecurity, and he left Adilshahi and went back to the services of the Nizamshahi.<br />
He again got his Poona mansab to which was added Patas apparently. It also seems that Nizamshahi was threatened at this time by Shahjahan and Shahaji being called by the Nizamshah thought it proper to join his old master. The Poona pergana with Patas was given him again and he was sent against the advancing Mogul force. Shahaji remained in this service till the fall of Nizamshahi in 1636, with the exception of a short interval, when he had gone over to the Moguls, as will be presently related. Extract.C.V.Vaidya</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Note: The children of Sharifji were Mahadji and Trimbakji who fought against Shivaji from the army of Shaista khan. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
From Jijabai, Shahaji already had an elder son Sambhaji. When settled in Bangalore, Shahaji took on a second wife Tukabai ,from the Mohite family . That has been attributed as the reason why Jijabai moved away (another reason given was the enimity between Jijabai father Lakhuji rao and Shahaji created a distance between the husband and wife), along with her son Shivaji, to their estate in Pune. But the historians differ on this. It was a regular practice in those days for people of higher social standing to have more than two wives, so, Jijabai couldn’t have possibly been displeased on this account, and she had agreed to move to Pune, only to manage the Shahajis estates there (because as per the treaty with Bijapur , Shahaji wasn’t to enter the boundaries of the old Ahmednagar kingdom, lest he decides to rebel again). Sambhaji stayed on with his father Shahaji, and his step mother Tukabai, while Shivaji grew up in the wild lands of Pune under the care of his mother Jijabai and his guardian (and manager of his estates) Dadoji Kondeo.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: 12px;">Note: As per Marathi Riyasat by G.S.Sardesai and Shri Raja Shivchatrapati by Mehendale, Shahaji sired another son by his second wife,Tukabai Mohite, by the name of Koyaji raje and through Narsabai by the name of Santaji raje. Also there were children through his other concubines, namely Shivji,Pratapji and Hiroji (Farzand). Acknowledgements : Rajesh Khilari. </span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: 12px;"></span>Later when Shivaji grew up into manhood, he challenged the very court of Bijapur, where his father Shahaji was a courtier. In all probability Shahaji covertly supported his sons activities, due to which Shahaji , for a brief period, even had to face imprisonment in the Bijapuri prison. The Bijapuri forces even invaded Shahaji’s estates at Bangalore and Pune. But his brave sons, Sambhaji at Bangalore and Shivaji at Pune , stoically repelled these attacks. Soon the Bijapur court reached a compromise of sorts and Shahaji was released from prison. During this period Sambhaji was killed, treacherously murdered as historians say by Afzal Khan, an fellow Bijapur courtier and Shahaji’s most bitter rival out there. <span style="color: #009900;">But Shivaji had his revenge when he killed Afzal Khan in an latter encounter. </span>Shahajis son Ekoji (or Vyankoji) from Tukabai went on to establish the royal Bhosala dynasty at Thanjavur (in Tamil Nadu state, south India).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shahaji died in an accident at Khodegiri near Bangalore when he was thrown of his horse.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shahaji died in AD 1664 (or 1665).<br />
<br />
Shahaji raje left behind sons : Venkoji or Ekoji (from Tukabai), Santaji (from Narsabai),Illegitimate sons- Raibhanji,Pratapji, Bhivuji,Hiroji,Koyaji.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Bhosale lineage: </strong>There are different versions about the Bhosale origins. Some (including Shivaji) claimed descent from the Sisodiya clan of Chittor , Rajasthan, while one historian Dr. Ramchandra Dhere has even claimed their origins from the Hoysalas of Karnataka (Bhosale-Bhosala being a distortion of Hoysala). But the Rajput theory seems more documented.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Some of the Bhosale genealogical claims are as under:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Kolhapur Royal chronicles:</strong><span style="color: #3333ff;">Lakshmana simha - Sajjana simha (reaches Maharashtra in 1310 AD) - Dilip simha - Shivaji I - Bhosaji - Devarajji - Ugrasena -Mahulaji - Kheloji - Janakoji - Sambhaji - Babaji - Maloji - Shahaji - Chatrapati Shivaji </span><strong>Satara Museum chronicles:</strong><span style="color: #3333ff;">Lakshmana simha - Sajjana simha (reaches Maharashtra in 1310 AD) - Dilip simha –simhaji I - Bhosaji - Devarajji (came to south India) Indrasenji - Shubhakrishna - Rupaji- Bhumindraji - Dhapaji - Barbatji - Kheloji -Jaya-Karna - Sambhaji- Babaji - Maloji - Shahaji - Chatrapati shivaji </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Note:From enquiry of Pandit Sukhdeo Prasadji, Prime Minister of Udaipur, it appears that "the name Bhosaji,does not occur in their genealogical tables nor is it common among Rajputs." It ia probable that this name was inserted by pedigree-writers to explain the surname.Ref: Vaidya.</span> </span><strong>Thanjavur stone inscription</strong> <span style="color: #3333ff;">(surprisingly very different from Maratha records:Venkoji - Sharabhoji (came to south India) - Mahasena - Ekashiva - Ramachandra - Bhimaraya - Ekoji - Variha - EkojI II - Brahmaji - Shahaji - Ambaji - Parasoji - Babaji - Maloji - Shahaji - Ekoji or Vyankoji (First Maratha king of Thanjavur) </span><strong>The Jintikars of Gwalior give the following genealogy</strong>:<span style="color: #3333ff;">Bakhtaji (came to south India from north) - Nagoji - Ekoji/Vyankoji - Babaji - Maloji - ShahajI - Sambhaji (elder brother of Shivaji) - Umaji - Parsoji (may not be a real son) - Jintikar Bhosales</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>As per Tod’s account from Rajput chronicles:</strong><span style="color: #3333ff;">Ajay simha - Sajjana simha - Dilipa simha – Shivaji I - Bhoraji - Devaraj ji - Ugrasena - Mahulji- Khailuji - Janakoji - Sattuji - Sambhaji - Chatrapati Shivaji </span><strong>From royal Rajput documents</strong> <span style="color: #3333ff;">with seals, termed ‘sanads’ one can confirm the following:Lakshmana simha - Ajaya simha - Sajjana simha - Dilip simha - Sidhoji - Bhairoji (Bhosaji?) - Devarajji - Ugrasena – Shubakrishna </span><strong>As per Chitins bakhar:</strong> <span style="color: #3333ff;">Shubha Krishna- Roop singh-Bhoomi - Dhaapji-Barbhatji Khalkarn(Khalaji) –Jaikarna Sambhaji-Babaji-Maloji-Shahaji- Chatrapati Shivaji. (contributed by Atul Kalaje) </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">(Alternate)<br />
Maharana Laxmansingh-Sajjan singh- Dilip singh- Sinhaji- Bhosaji-Devrajji-Indrasen<br />
Note: the genealogy<br />
given by Chitnis says that Devarajaji, son of Bhosaji,<br />
came to the Deccan about 1415 A. D. </span><strong>As per Mahadev Dongare</strong> : <span style="color: #3333ff;">Khelkarna-Jaikarna-Maalkarna-Sambhaji-Babaji-Maloji-Shahaji- Chatrapati Shivaji(contributed by Atul Kalaje)<br />
(Alternate)<br />
Maharana Lakshman singh-Ajay singh- Sajjan singh- Dilip singh- Sinhaji-Bhosaji-Devaraj-Indrasen (Ugrasen) </span><strong>As per Bhide:</strong> <span style="color: #3333ff;">Sajjan singh- Dilipsingh-Sinhaji- Bhosaji-Devarajji- Khelkarna(contributed by Atul Kalaje) </span><strong>As per Sane :</strong> <span style="color: #3333ff;">Shivrao Chittodkar-Bhimsingh-Vijaybhanu-Khelkarna-Jayakarna-Mahakarna-Raja Shiv- Babaji- Maloji- Shahaji- Chatrapati Shivaji.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
(contributed by Atul Kalaje)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Note:<strong>The Rajput theory</strong>.extract. author Takakhav(adapted from K. A .Keluskars work)<br />
Shivaji Maharaj, the illustrious founder of the Maratha Power, derived his descent from the renowned Bhonsle family. This noble Maratha house claimed an ancient Kshatriya origin. It is said that the family was transferred to the uplands of Maharashtra by a Rajput warrior, Devraj Maharana by name. The family tradition tells a long tale of chequered adventures and vicissitudes. In what is now known as the modern province of Oudh, there ruled for centuries the ancient princes of the royal Sesodia family. They claimed descent from the mythical Solar Race, which along with the Lunar Race comprises the genealogy of every Kshatriya family in the land. One of these Sesodia(Sisodiya) princes crossed the Narbada (Narmada river) and became the founder of an independent principality on its southern banks. The fortunes of this family were, however, destined to wane before the rising glory of the famous Shalivan (Satavahana), who inaugurated a new Hindu era, which is still current south of the Narbada. The ruling Bhonsle prince of the time was defeated and his kingdom, annexed. At this crisis the afflicted queen of the prince escaped with her young son of five or six years across the Narbada and sought shelter in the inhospitable regions of Mewar in the vicinity of the Vindhya Mountains.<br />
There she found an asylum in a poor Brahman family, her son keeping the Brahman's kine. Once while out engaged on his cow-herd duties the boy discovered a hidden treasure. This he disclosed to his patron and acquainted him with the story of his origin and fall. The Brahman listened with sympathy and encouraged and exhorted him to endeavour to recover his royal power, giving him to that end every assistance within his means. It was a mountainous region in the possession of the Bhils, with whom they had to fight.<br />
When the conquest of the country was completed, they erected a fort upon those mountain heights under the shadow of a temple of the goddess Bhawani. This fort they named Chitrakote. They restored the ancient temple of Bhavani and built another within the fort in honour of Eklingji Shiv. The descendants of this prince are said to have reigned at Chitrakote for about five hundred years. This fort of Chitrakote became afterwards famous in history as the fort of Chitore. Then followed the establishment of Mahomedan power at Delhi, and the interminable wars between the Mahomedan emperors and the Rajput princes. Many Hindu kings<br />
had to acknowledge defeat and become vassals of the Mahomedan emperors. These rulers carried on constant wars with the Rajput state of Chitore, but with little success to boast of The Chitore princes defended their kingdom and independence very bravely. About 1275 the Maharana Lakshman Singh succeeded to the throne of Chitore. The affairs of the administration were in the charge of his uncle, Bhim Singh. This Bhim Singh had for his consort one of the greatest beauties in the land, Rani Padmini. This princess is said to have come from Ceylon. Her great reputation for beauty reached the ears of Allauddin Khilji, the emperor of Delhi, who conceived an unholy passion for her. With an immense army he advanced upon Chitore and laid siege to the fort. The Rajputs fought with the valour for which they are famous; they beat back the enemy in all their<br />
advances, but still Allauddin would not raise the siege. He had invested the fortress on all sides with very powerful forces. The garrison had now exhausted all their resources. Driven to desperation the Rajput king resolved at the head of his whole army to make a sudden sortie upon the enemy and meet a warrior's death on the field of battle. (Some chronicles describe the Rani Padmini as the wife of the Maharana Lakshman Singh).<br />
Rajputs to a man applauded the plan. But surely it was not desirable that the whole race of the Sesodias should be extirpated from the earth, and means must be found to perpetuate it. The king had twelve sons. They all vied with each other in the desire to sacrifice their lives upon the battle-field. But the second prince Ajay Singh was the special favourite of his royal father. The Raja explained to him, how undesirable it was that his royal race should be totally extinguished and commanded him to betake himself to an inaccessible part of the Aravalli Mountains, known as Kailwada, and save himself. This advice was by no means palatable to a prince of the courage of Ajay Singh . But overcome by the urgent entreaties of his father he was obliged to acquiesce in this plan, and according to his father's wishes escaped to Kailwada. Thereupon at Chitore, the Raja with his followers and kinsmen dashed forth upon the enemy, and nearly fourteen hundred of them were cut to pieces. The fort fell into the hands of the Mahomedans. The whole place was pillaged and plundered; not even the royal insignia were saved ; the gigantic war-drum and the massive gates composed of an ingenious amalgam of five metals, celebrated throughout the land, fell into the hands of the enemy. When, as related above, Ajay Singh made his escape, he took with him Humbir Singh(Vir Hammir), the minor son of his eldest brother. He then rallied the remnants of his people and again formed a fairly large principality. As Humbir Singh grew in years he proved himself a brave and capable leader. Ajay Singh was a man of a very pious disposition and loved his nephew with a father's love. He crowned him king of his forefathers' realm and himself took charge<br />
of the administration. They built the fortress of Rajnagar and made it their capital. Chitnis's chronicle gives a different version to the effect that , Lakshman Singh's his queen escaped to the Bhil country with two princes, who subsequently propagated the race. return to Chitore until they had retrieved from the enemy the royal drum and insignia. Until they had curbed the insolent pride of those hostile bands who had decimated their race and desecrated the capital of their hereditary kingdom, they were resolved not to carry their war-standards before them, and to deny to themselves the luxury of plate and couches, and not even to trim their beards. This hatred of Islam they transmitted to their posterity. They made new conquests; they built new forts and consolidated their power; and at last with Udaipur as their capital, they established their independence.<br />
On the demise of Ajay Singh, his son Sajan Singh thought it unwise to quarrel with his cousin for a partition<br />
of territory, and considered it more glorious to win new realms for himself. With this design, this brave<br />
prince advanced southwards. The territory of Sondhwad was conquered by him, and there he made his capital. Among his descendants we read the names of Dilip Singhji Maharana, Singhji Maharana, Bhosaji Maharana, and Devrajji Maharana in succession. All these constantly fought with the Mahomedans and preserved their kingdom. But at length Devrajji, quite exhausted with the frequency of the Mahomedan invasions, gave up his kingdom, and coming down to the south maintained a precarious independence as a polygar in the valleys of the Krishna and the Bhima. On coming to the Decean he changed his name for fear of the Mahomedans and assumed that of Bhosawant Bhonsle. His object was, if possible, to lay the foundations of a new sovereignty in this land. But the Mahomedans carried everything before them and his high ambition was not destined to be realized. At last he had to content himself with the Patelship of Singnapur. His descendants afterwards obtained by purchase the Patelships of various places, such as, Khanwat, Hingnsi Begdi,Dewalgaon, Verul, Vavi, Mungi etc. In the line of direct descent from Devrajji we have Indrasen, krshnaji, Rupsinghji, Bhumindraji, Dhapji Barhatji Khalaji* alias Khalkarn, Karnasinghji alias Jayakarn, Sambhaji and Babaji alias Shivaji. The last named Babaji was born in 1533.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Source: Life of Shivaji by Takakhav (adapted from Keluskars work).<br />
<br />
Note 2: As per History of the Maratha People by C.A.Kincaid and Rao Bahadur D.B.Parasnis Lakshman Singh, the ancestor of the house of Udaipur. One of the family, Devrajji by name,t after a quarrel with the Rana of Udaipur fled to the Deccan. There he and his descendants assumed the name of Bhosle * from the family fief of Bhosavat in Udaipur. Another story is that two brothers, Kheloji and Malkamaji or Maloji, came together from Udaipur to offer their services as free lances to the king of Ahmadnagar. Khelkamaji or Kheloji died in battle. Malkamaji was drowned while bathing in a river. Malkamaji's son Babaji purchased the Patilki or headship of the village of Verul near Daulatabad. Babaji had two sons, Maloji t and Vithoji, who were the real founders of the greatness of the Bhosle family. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></span>All genealogies are pretty conflictiong , but there is a common lineage amongst all the maratha genealogies , i.e, from Babaji to Maloji to Shahaji to Shivaji.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
There is a lot of controversy about whether the Bhosales were indeed descendents branching out from the famous rajput clan of the Sisodias. The Sisodiyas in turn claim to belong to the earliest of the ruling dynasties (the ‘Suryavanshis’ or descendents of the Solar dynasty from Ishvaku and the Raghu vanshis of the Ramayana) from ancient India. The Sisodiya clan boasts of great kings like Rana Sangha and Rana Pratap and a connection from them to the reviver of the hindu fortunes (Shivaji) after an long Islamic rule is indeed remarkable.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It is alleged by many historians like Sir.J.Sarkar that Gaga Bhatt, the Brahmin from Benaras (originally from Maharashtra) contrived Shivaji’s genealogy to the Sisodiyas, in order to prove him a Kshatriya (warrior), when he was of the shudra (peasant) stock, so that he can be coronated officially. But many historians including the contemporaries of Shivaji have attested the fact that Shivaji was indeed a Rajput Kshatriya. Some of the notables amongst them were:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #33cc00;"></span><span style="color: #33cc00;">1) Radha Madhava Vilasa Champu of poet Jayarama (written in the court of Shahaji at Banglur,1654) describes Shivaji as descending from the Sisodias of Chittor. Jayaramas poetry was composed much before Shivajis coronation.<br />
</span><span style="color: #33cc00;"></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Note: But we find that this same Rajput descent has been mentioned by Jayaram who, years before Shivaji's<br />
coronation, wrote a poem on Shahaji. Therein he says that Shahaji was descended from Dalip born in the family of the Rana who was the foremost among all kings of the earth. This Dalip was, we find, a grandson of Lakshmanasen, Rana of Chitod,who came to the throne in 1303 A. D. </span>2)Shivabharata of Paramananda (a court poet of Shivaji): Shivaji and Shahji are of the Ikshvaku lineage like the Sisodiyas.3)Parnalaparvata grahanakhyana states that Shivaji is a Sisodia4)Bhushan the Hindi poet speaks of the Bhosales being Rajput..5)Shahji in his letter to the Sultan Adilshah states he is a Rajput.6) Mughal historian Khafi Khan describes Shivaji as a descendent of the Ranas of Chittor.(Khafi Khan was a very harsh critic of Shivaji and has even personalized his accounts condemming Shivaji to hell. Khafi Khan has claimed that though Shivaji’s ancestors did come from the family of Ranas of Chittor, they (Dilip singh) were their illegitimate offsprings ( But Khafi khan was a Islamic historian and most of his accounts of Shivaji are very harsh and biased against Shivaji.). 7) An intelligence dispatch of the East India company from 28th Nov 1659 reports: “Sevagy (Shivaji),a great rashpoote (Rajput) issues forth from his fort Rayguhr(Raigad) to strike blows on the Emperor, Duccan, Golconda and the Portuguese.”8) Tod and Ojha who had access to the Rajput records claimed that as per those records there is a mention of the Bhosles descending from Ajay Singh, the uncle of Vir Hammir.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Sajjan singh was considered the patriarch of the Nagpur Bhosales. According to the Chitnis bakhar , after the death of Shivaji, (his sons Sambhaji under house arrest in Panhala and Rajaram being absent), Sabaji Bhosale of Nagpur who was serving in Shivajis army performed the final rites of Shivaji, which is possible only for a relative.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Moreover, Shahu, Shivajis grandson was childless, so he wanted to make one of the Nagpur Bhosales his successor(to the throne of Satara) , before finally settling for Rajarams descendent, as he was more closer amongst the kins. Again this can be possible if the Nagpur Bhosales were indeed relatives of the Bhosales of Satara.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
One should also consider the fact Lakhuji Jadavrao a Kshatriya claiming royal ancestry from the Yadavas could not have commited social harakiri especially in those times by marrying off his daughter to a Shudra viz. Shahaji the father of Shivaji. It would have been only possible if Lakhuji considered Shahaji to be a Kshatriya himself.<br />
There was also this letter by Shahaji to Ali Adilshah II that saysthat he is a rajput (Itihas manjari,DV Apte)<br />
and a conversation at Agra between the local rajputs and Shivaji where the rajputs refer to Shivaji as a clan member (House of Shivaji,Sarkar)<br />
Both above references: The Marathas- Stewart Gordon.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thus there are several reasons to the theory that Shivaji indeed had Rajput genes and those of the Sisodiyas in particular.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<b>List of the Thanjavur/Tanjore royal Bhosale family (through Venkoji s/o Shahajiraje Bhosale and brother of Shivaji:</b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Tanjore Bhosales or Thanjavur Bhosales were a dynasty that was started in Thanjavur , Tamil Nadu, in the latter seventeenth century by Venkoji Raje Bhosale, the son of Shahaji raje Bhosale and step brother of the famous Shivaji raje Bhosale ,the great Maratha warrior king.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>List of Kings<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Venkoji (Ekoji I) raje Bhosale</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">(b.1630 as per Maratha records and 1700+ as per English records – d.1683)</span></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">was the son of Shahaji raje Bhosale and his wife Tukabai (from the family of Mohites hailing from Bijapur , Karnataka). His father Shahajiraje was a noble in the Adilshahi court of Bijapur and held entrusted with the jagir of Bangalore. (It is to be noted that he stayed with his parents and his eldest step brother Sambhaji, who died early. His younger step brother, Shivaji , the natural brother of Sambhaji stayed at their Poona jagir along with mother Jijabai, who was Shahajirajes eldest wife). Like his father, Venkoji too became a noble in the Bijapur court, and often assisted the Bijapur armies in their fight against his half brother Shivaji. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>In 1673, the Madurai Nayak invaded the Thanjavur kingdom. Its erstwhile ruler appealed to the Bijapur court for help, which in turn deputed Venkoji to drive out the Nayak of Madurai from Thanjavur. Venkoji successfully drove away the Nayak from Thanjavur, but himself became the king (as per Wilkes, after the deposed ruler of Thanjavur refused to pay for Venkojis war expenses).After the death of the Bijapur Sultan, Venkoji crowned himself the king of Thanjavur.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>In 1676, Shivaji embarked on his southern campaign to unify the South under the Maratha rule. Shivaji first captured Gingee in Tamil Nadu with help from Sultan Tanashah of Golkunda. Since Gingee was in his control. He wanted a link between Maharashtra and Gingee, which was the Mysore region . This was a region that was traditionally the jagir of his father Shahajiraje, but was since neglected. Therefore he approached his step brother and demanded Mysore as his share in the paternal estate. Predictably Venkoji refused. Venkoji even walked away from their meeting place without informing his brother (probably fearing detention). Angry at this insolence from his younger brother. Shivaji attacked and took possession of Venkojis territory (Jagdevgad and its surrounding regions, Chidambar,Vridhachal and Kolar). Shivaji placed another half brother Santaji to watch Venkojis movements along with his lieutenant Hambirrao Mohite. Venkoji retaliated by attacking Santoji and Hambirraos forces at Ahiri (6<sup>th</sup> Nov1677). But Venkoji was completely routed. Shivaji also conquered Venkojis territories in Mysore region (But a small portion viz the regions Bangalore,Hoskat,Asilikatte in Balapur were given to Venkojis wife Dipabai as a maintenance grant). Eventually Venkoji sued for peace and paid almost six lakh rupees as a compensation to Shivaji. In 1680, Shivaji came to an understanding with the Bijapur court, whereby Venkoji the vassal of Bijapur was forced to accept his elder brother Shivaji as his overlord and pay him a annual tribute (the tribute stopped after the death of Shivaji , which took place in the same year).<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Kilavan, the chief of Ramnad wanted to free himself from the yoke of his overlord, the Nayak of Madurai. He sought Venkojis help for the same. In the war that concluded Venkoji and his partner won the day.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Venkoji was a great patron of arts and literature. Venkoji himself wrote an telegu version of the epic Ramayana (Note:Venkojis wife Dipubai was also a poetess). He also constructed several temples which stand testimony to the grandeur of Thanjavur.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Shahuji I </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">(b.1672)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>He was the eldest son and successor of Venkoji. He inherited his fathers throne at a tender age of twelve.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Shahuji helped his cousin Rajaram (younger son of Shivaji of Maharshtra) recapture the fort of Jinji from the Mughals. As a result a mughal force under Zulfikar Khan attacked Thanjavur(1691) and made Shahuji I a vassal. The mughals even took away lands conquered from Nayaki (Queen) Mangammal of Tiruchirapalli earlier captured by Shahuji. In 1700, Shahujis lieutenant Babaji attacked Tiruchilapalli along with the king of Ramnad. But the Nayaki Mangammal inflicted defeat on the forces of Shahuji and Ramnad. Meanwhile Shahuji found common cause with the Nayaki and switched sides . This infuriated the Ramnad Sethupathy Kilavan. He sent a huge army which defeated the forces of Nayaki Mangammal and even captured the fort of Aranthangi (1709) from Shahuji.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>In 1709, Shahuji I abdicated the throne of Thanjavur and became an ascetic.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Shahuji I patronized arts , literature and architecture during his tenure.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Serfoji I </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">(1675-1728)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>He was the brother and successor of Shahuji I.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>He captured the Marava kingdom and annexed it to Thanjavur. He also created two zamindaris of Sivaganga and Ramnad from a portion of Marava.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Serfoji was also said to be a great patron of arts and literature.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Tukoji</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (1677-1736)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Was the younger brother and successor of Serfoji I. He aided Meenakshi, the Queen of Tiruchirapalli in quelling a revolt by the Polygars.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">He was responsible for introducing Hindustani music in Thanjavur. He also composed a musical work Sangeeta Samamrita. He was also said to be a linguist.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Ekoji II</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (1696-1737)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Was the son and successor of Tukoji. He resisted a attack by Chada sahib the Nawab of Carnatic. But Ekoji couldn’t rule for long . He died within a year due to supposed ill heath.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Sujanbai <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Was the widow and successor (1737) of Ekoji II. She fought a succession battle with Katturaja , a pretender to the throne, who claimed to be a son of Serfoji I. She also had to cope with an ambitious minister Sayyid. Katturaja sought French and Chanda Sahibs help and eventually usurped the throne of Thanjavur. He was also helped by Sayyid in his endeavour, who in turn imprisoned Sujanbai and let Katturaja take her place instead.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Shahuji II<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Katturaja assumed the name Shahuji II when he ascended the throne of Thanjavur(1738). Katturaja had earlier promised Karaikkal to the French. But Katturaja dithered on his promise. As a result the French instigated Chanda sahib to overthrow Katturaja. They did the same with the pretext that Katturaja was not a legitimate son of Serfoji (and was born from a washerwoman).Katturaja was imprisoned.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Katturaja then exhorted Pratapsingh , an son of Tukoji and his concubine Annapurna to ascend the throne, lest an outside claimant usurps the throne.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Pratapsingh did ascend the throne. But had to face a challenge to his throne from Katturaja who wanted a comeback in power, along with Chanda sahib and some palace officials like Sayyid and Koyaji Kattigai.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">But the plot was discovered and Sayyid was executed.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Pratapsingh</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (d.1763)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Ascended the throne in 1739. In 1748 ,when Katturaja made attempts to seize power, he sought the help of the French. The English (British East India Company) sided Pratapsingh, but switched sides to Katturaja when he offered them Devekottai. The English tried to seize Devekottai by force on two occasions. However after the second attempt Pratapsingh entered into a treaty with the English and gave them Devekottai.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Dost Ali , the Nawab of Carnatic , overthrew Pratapsingh and captured temporary power at Thanjavur. But Marathas from Maharashtra launched an attack killing Dost Ali, and reinstating Pratapsingh.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>But soon (1742) the Nizam of Hyderabad attacked Thanjavur , making them his vassals.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>The Nawab of Carnatic, Muhammad Ali attacked Thanjavur. However, their common ally, the British East India, mediated a truce between them. As per Pratapsingh had to pay twenty lakhs as arrears and an annual tribute of four lakhs to the Nawab of Carnatic. In return, Coiladdy and Yelengadu were ceded to Thanjavur. <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Pratapsingh also lost Hanumantagudi to the Raja of Ramnad.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Pratapsingh died on 16<sup>th</sup> dec 1763.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Thuljaji (1738-1787)<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Was the eldest son and successor of Pratapsingh. He tried wresting back Hanumantgudi from the Raja of Ramnad, but was defeated by the joint forces of Ramnad and the Nawab of Carnatic. Thuljaji was also deposed(1773) from Thanjavur as a consequence of this war.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Thuljaji was restored on the Thanjavur throne by the British East india company in 1776, but he henceforth had to pay an annual tribute to both the company and the Nawab of Carnatic.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>In 1780, a war broke out between Tipu Sultan of Mysore and the British, and Tipus forces attacked and plundered Thanjavur (1784) leaving behind an impoverished state. <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Thuljaji was well versed in Sanskrit,Telugu and Marathi. He was a great patron of arts and litreture.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Thuljaji died in 1787 at the age of fouty nine. He didn’t have a son. So his adopted son Serfoji II (from within the Bhosale family) ascended the throne at a tender age of ten. Thuljajis brother Amarsingh acted as his regent.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Serfoji II (1777-1832)<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>His uncle Amarsingh (Ramaswami Amarsimha Bhosale) deprived Serfoji even basic education, after usurping his throne soon after the death of Thuljaji. So his fathers confidante Rev Schwartz, a Danish Missionary, sent him to Madras, where he became proficient in Tamil,Telugu,English,French,German ,Latin,Danish,Dutch,Urdu,Sanskrit.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>He was restored to the Thanjavur throne by the British East India company, but the real power remained with the company.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Thuljaji however proved an efficient administrator, social reformer and educationist. He constructed several schools,hospitals,rest rooms,water tanks,buildings, zoological garden,meterological station,shipyard in Thanjavur. He patronised arts and literature and himself penned works like Kumarasambhavachampu,Mudrakshachaya,devendra Kuruvanji.He contributed immensely to the Saraswati Mahal Library. He also introduced western music in Thanjavur. He also had history of the Bhosale dynasty engraved in Brihadeshwara temple.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Serfoji II died on 7<sup>th</sup> March 1832. His funeral procession was said to be attended by almost 90,000 people, indicating his popularity.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Shivaji II (d.1855)<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>He was the son and successor of Serfoji II. He ruled from 1832 to 1855 for a period of twenty two years.</i></span></b></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span></b><br />
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>He patronised arts and literature. <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: #F8FCFF;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">After the death of Shivaji II, and in absense of any legitimate heirs, the Thanjavur kingdom was annexed by the British East India company as per their ‘Doctrine of Lapses’.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The kingdom of Thanjavur later had only titular monarchs. <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>They were as under:<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Rani Vijaya Mohana bai (1845-1886) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">daughter of Shivaji II</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Shambhusinghji rao (d.1891) </span></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">He was the adopted son of Rani Vijayabai.</span> </b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The adoption and succession were not recognised by the government of India, and therefore Shambhusinghji rao was not allowed to use the royal titles of his </span></b><b><span style="line-height: 18px;">predece</span></b></span><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">ssors.</span></span></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Sources:</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1. A History of the Maratha people by G. A. Kincaid and Rao Bahadur D. B. Parasnis.( Humphrey Milford Oxford University press)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2.History of the Mahrathas by James Grant Duff (Exchange press, Bombay)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
3.The Life of Shivaji Maharaj by N.S.Takakhav(adapted from the work in Marathi by Keluskar.K.A (Manoranjan press, Bombay).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
4.Shivaji the founder of Maratha Swaraj by C.V.Vaidya (S.R.Sardesai,Navin Samartha Vidyalaya’s Samartha Bharat Press, Poona).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
5.Shivaji and his times by Sir Jadunath Sarkar (Orient Longman).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
6. Chatrapati Shivaji by Setu Madhavrao Pagadi (Continental Prakashan)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
7. Studies in Indian History (Bookhive),</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
8. A History of India by Percival Spear (Penguin).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Addendum</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>The Royal Nimbalkars of Phaltan</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Phaltan was a princely state (feudatory) in Maharashtra, under the Satara agency and later the Deccan agency. It was the seat of the royal family of Naik Nimbalkars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">The Naik Nimbalkars were previously Pawars (who took the surname of Nimbalkar from their village Nimblak in Phaltan) and claim descent from the Parmara dynasty. Their branches even ruled over small principalities like Kharda in Ahmednagar district (e.g Haibatrao and his son Sultanrao Naik Nimbalkar-Khardekar who served the Maratha forces as the Sarlashkar of Ch Shahus forces. Later shifted loyalties to the Nizam of Hyderabad. Later mended fences) ; Vairag (e.g Nimbaji (husband of Daryabai, the sister of Ramraje)a sarlashkar during time of Ch.Ramraje and Mansingh who fought against Hyder Ali. Also had a stint in the Nizams camp) Karnala / Osmanabad (e.g Rambhaji); Ashti-Bramhagaon (Sidhoji Naik Nimbalkar-brother of Haibatrao who also served as Sarlashkar when Sultanrao due to differences crossed over to the Nizam of Hyderabad. During the time of Nanasaheb eshwa, one Bahirji Nai Nimbalkar was in charge of the Ashti pargana) .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Padakla Jagdevrao Parmar</b> </span><span style="color: black;">(1291-1327) , son of Nimbraj I, a rajput warrior from the Parmara clan, entered the service of Sultan Tughlaq of Delhi. He was killed in battle and his son Naik Nimbraj II was granted a fief of Phaltan (and probably the title Naik which means chief) - a pargana of 84 villages, for his services.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Naik Nimbraj Nimbalkar II</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black;">(1327-1349).son. founder of the state of Phaltan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Vanang Bhupal Nimbalkar</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1349-1374)son. Town captured by the enemy (?).Vanang was put to death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Vanangpal Nimbalkar</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1390-94)son.recaptured Phaltan, reestablishing his rule.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Vangoji Nimbalkar I</b></span><span style="color: black;">(1394-1409)son.He probably was a feudatory of the Bahamani sultans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Maloji Nimbalkar I</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1409-20)son<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Baji Nimbalkar I<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b></span><span style="color: black;">(1420-45)son<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Powarrao Nimbalkar</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1445-70)son</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Naik Baji Nimbalkar II</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black;">(1470-1512)son. He was probably a feudatory of Nizamshah of Ahmednagar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Mudhoji Nimbalkar II</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1512-27)son<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Baji Dharrao Nimbalkar</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1527-60)son<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Naik Maloji Nimbalkar II</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black;">(1560-70)son.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Vangoji (Jagpalrao)Nimbalkar II</b></span><span style="color: black;">(1570-1630).son.His sister Dipabai married Maloji Bhosale , grandfather of the illustrious Ch.Shivaji Maharaj.He was probably killed in a battle with the Mughals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Naik Mudhoji Nimbalkar II</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black;">(1630-44)son. After the fall of Nizamshahi , remained independent for sometime and was killed in battle with the forces of the Adilshahi sultanante of Bijapur. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Bajaji Nimbalkar I</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1651-76)son. He became a vassal of Adilshah of Bijapur. His sister Saibai was married to Ch.Shivaji. He was arrested by Afzal Khan, the Bijapur general when he ventured into Satara to subdue Shivaji and released him only after Bajaji had paid a huge ransom. He converted to Islam but due to Jijabai, mother of Ch.Shivaji,reconverted to Hinduism.Sometime in 1665, Shivaji had reduced Phaltan which was then a Adilshahi vassal state as per the Treaty of Purandar with the Mughals. Incidently Bajajis son Mahadji was given in marraige to Sakhubai, daughter of Ch. Shivaji. Mahadji served in the Mughal forces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Naik Vangoji Nimbalkar III</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black;">(1676-93)son(third).died without a issue.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Janoji Nimbalkar</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1693-1748)nephew.His step brother deposed him, but Ch.Shahu, grandson of Ch.Shivaji restored him back to the throne. He remained a vassal of the Maratha king of Satara.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Mudhoji Nimbalkar III</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1748-65).son. After his death his wife Sagunabai ruled, but after friction with Peshwa Madhavrao was deposed and a kin,Naik Sayajirao Nimbalkar(1667-74) was installed on the Phaltan seat. But after Peshwa Madhavraos death,Sagunabai adiopted a son Maloji and he was installed on the seat by Peshwa Sawai Madhavrao.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Malojirao Nimbalkar III<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b></span><span style="color: black;">(1774-77)adopted son.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Janrao Nimbalkar</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1777-1827)adopted son.remained in the service of the Peshwas until their fall. His estate was then attached by the British and merged with Satara regency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Bajajirao Nimbalkar</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1827-41)son. Once again took charge of the estate after accepting the overlordship of the British and being made to pay a sum of Rs 30,000 along with a yearly tribute of Rs 9600.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;">Naik Mudhoji Nimbalkar IV</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black;">(1841-1916)brother.renovated temple of Jabreshwar and gave grants to many other temples.Established health services,irrigation and water supply systems in the state.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Malojirao Nimbalkar IV</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(1916-1978)son.renowned social reformer,abolished untouchability,purdah system,child marriages.Promoted industry by setting up a sugar factory, irrigation projects,education etc.Merged state with Indian union.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Pratapsinh Nimbalkar</b></span><span style="color: black;">(1978-2004)son.died in 2004.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Naik Ramraje Nimbalkar</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(2004+)son.advocate/educationist/politician/minister .<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4614231350408051975.post-44525781696218241252010-11-20T12:26:00.001-08:002015-06-28T04:42:01.160-07:00Marathas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Maratha is a politically dominant caste in the present day state of Maharashtra (a portion of the Deccan plateau). But when we speak of ‘Marathas’ in historical terms we include not only the primary Marathas (by caste) i.e the aristocratic (nobles) Marathas (the warrior caste,later to be known as the 96 kuli marathas *) , but also other communities (castes) in Maharashtra like the Brahmins (priest caste), the Kunbi Marathas( peasant caste), (the Maval region specific community the ‘ Mavales’), the Kayasthas i.e CKP’s, SKP’s (who traditionally worked as accountants for the kings), the Dhangars (shepherd caste), etc and all those communities prevalent in medieval Maharashtra who joined their illustrious leader Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in carving out a Hindu kingdom in the predominantly Mohammedan Deccan. The Marathas later galloped right upto the gates of Delhi and became a force to reckon with in the then politics of Hindustan. The Marathas may have been the last stumbling block for the British before they created their supremacy over entire India.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note*: 96 Kuli marathas were the aristocracy amongst the marathas. Their 96 clans traced their ancestory to several ruling dynasties all over India e.g Jadhavs to the Seuna Yadavs, Kadams to the Kadambas, Pawars to the Parmaras, Gujars to the Gurjaras etc. The others amongst the marathas were classified as Kunbi marathas or the peasants / farmers (toilers of the Kunbas-land).</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Marathas are essentially sturdy by build and wheatish dusky in complexion (excepting the Konkan based Chitpaavan Brahmins, many of whom were unusually fair complexioned and with distinct features like grey eyes,brown hair etc alluding to a foreign gene. The Peshwas /Prime Ministers to the king belonged to this Chitpaavan Kokanastha Brahmin caste) . They were mainly peasants who toiled hard on their otherwise hilly and not so fertile land (barring the agricultural tract of southern Maharashtra). There was no aristocracy amongst the Marathas. Even the village headmen toiled in their fields, besides collecting revenue for the king. The language spoken was mainly ‘Marathi’ and its dialects (Malvani,Konkani) , especially around the coastal region. They were simple folks, and very God fearing and religious minded. This probably led to the early saint movements in Maharashtra , also called the Warkari (Bhagwatism) movements which were mainly aimed at social reforms and dilution from Vedic Brahmanism. The land of Maharashtra gave birth to several saints, poets, philosophers and teachers like Sant Dnyaneshwar,Sant Tukaram,Sant Namdeo,Sant Sakhubai, Sant Eknath,Ramdas swami etc all devoted to their central deities Vithoba ( a form of Lord Vishnu )and Rakhumai (a form of Goddess Lakshmi ). Also revered were other Gods like lord Shiva as Mahadev, Goddess Parvati as Bhavani and their son lord Ganesh as Ganapati, besides the earthly incarnations of Vishnu like lord Rama and lord Krishna. Maharashtra always had many temples in their honour.These saints ensured that spirituality and devotion to God spread to every corner of the society.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The village headmen were called ‘Patils’ or ‘Khots’ (in the Konkan region). They usually came under the district heads , landowners and revenue collectors called the ‘Deshmukhs’ , the ‘Desais’ and the ‘Deshpandes’. Their accountants were called the ‘Kulkarnis’ or 'Waqnis'.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The nobility usually resided in ‘wadas’(multi storeyed houses), gigantic black stoned forts (Kila, Qila,castle), which though cannot be called aesthetic were certainly most practical. The head of the fort was called the ‘Kiledar’. The ambitious and strong amongst the peasants were usually recruited in the army and those who rose in ranks were often allotted estates or ‘jagirs’.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Brief History of the Marathas</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Maharashtra was called Ashmaka (present day Marathwada region) in the ancient times and was one of the sixteen great Janapadas. Some even believe that Maharashtra was Dandakaaranya, the forest land mentioned in the epic Ramayana where Lord Rama spent his exile.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The land of the Marathas were ruled in turns by various dynasties like the Satavahanas (230 BC – 220 AD), the Vakatakas (250-525 AD) of Vidharba, the Kalachuris (6th century), the Mauryas, the Chalukyas (Chalukyas 543 - 973-1189 AD western Chalukyas), the Rashtrakutas (753-982 AD) , the Abhiras etc</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
[The Kadambas of Goa and the Shilaharas of South and North Konkan and Kolhapur served as vassals of the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas, and who were finally overthrown by the Yadavas].<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Note: The Sakas ruled parts of Maharashtra after their king Nahapana invaded the Deccan. But the Satvahana king Gautamiputra Satkarni defeated them and the Sakas continued as vassals of the Satavahanas, untill their chief Rudradaman defeated the latter Satavahana king Puloma not once but twice in battle(1st-2nd century AD). Incidently, prior to his battle with Puloma, the Saka chief Rudradaman had entered into a matrimonial alliance with the Satavahanas.</span></span>and the Yadavas of Devagiri (850-1334 AD) until its invasion by Allauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi.The Khilji dynasty (1290-1320 AD) ruled Deccan from their capital at Delhi. The rule of Delhi had later passed on to the Tughlaq dynasty (1321-1398 AD). Mohammed Tughlaq , a successor of the Tughlaq dynasty, made Devagiri , his capital , renaming its fort Daulatabad. The province of Deccan (i.e the region between north of river Godavari and river Krishna *note: in present day India , the Deccan areas are distributed amongst the present day states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh ), became an independent state during the time of the Bahamani sultanate (1347-1527 AD). The Bahamani sultanate later disintegrated and split into five independent sultanates at Berar, Ahmednagar (both presently in Maharashtra state), Golkunda(presently in Andhra Pradesh), Bijapur and Bidar( both presently in Karnataka state). Soon the states of Bidar were swallowed by Bijapur and Berar by Ahmednagar, leaving only three important sultanates in the Deccan viz the Nizamshahi of Ahmednagar (1490-1636), Adilshahi of Bijapur(1490-1686) and Qutubshahi of Golkunda (1518-1687).</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2rCMjwKjBrXEImsdl8LL31OTDeGXIFOP5mi3BIsToBnpEin4MOK8XZpW5M3sEQLVCHEihIDUgxG9wS8KezR0_jCQm_fApvWCKVr9SzqDfuv_ZhFxxOb_M1VhtLc0K04m_J1ERxoOnzZD/s1600/shivaji2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2rCMjwKjBrXEImsdl8LL31OTDeGXIFOP5mi3BIsToBnpEin4MOK8XZpW5M3sEQLVCHEihIDUgxG9wS8KezR0_jCQm_fApvWCKVr9SzqDfuv_ZhFxxOb_M1VhtLc0K04m_J1ERxoOnzZD/s320/shivaji2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;">PIC: CHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Shivaji the founder of the Maratha empire</strong>The legendary king Shivaji Bhosale (b.1630- d.1680 AD) created the kingdom that is now known as Maharashtra, after prolonged battles with the Bijapur Sultanate and later with the mighty Mughals ( not to exclude his minor skirmishes with the Portuguese, the English and the Dutch, who came as traders but had nibbled away small territories along the Deccan coast).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji’s father Shahaji raje Bhosale was a high ranking Maratha noble in the court of Nizamshah of Ahmednagar. (Shahaji b.AD1594-d.1665 was the son of Malojirao Bhosale, head man of Verul, and the first in the Bhosale family to gain prominence in the Nizamshahi court)) That was the time when the Mughals under Shah Jahan were trying to gain a foothold in the Deccan. But the Deccan sultanates were fiercely resisting them. Shahaji raje under the able guidance of Malik Amber the Abyssinian general of Nizam shahi forces led several successful battles against the Mughals. There was also a competetion between the Nizamshah of Ahmednagar and Adilshah of Bijapur for the internal territories of the Deccan. Often Adilshah and the Mughals sent overtures to Shahaji raje to enlist him in their ranks. But barring a occasion or two (especially after the murder of his father in law Lakhujirao Jadhav and his kins in the Ahmednagar court and once when he strayed into the service of the Mughals), he remained loyal to Nizam shah of Ahmednagar. After the death of Malik Amber, there was an internal revolt in the Nizamshahi which led to the murder of its erstwhile ruler and later led to the succession of Fateh Khan, the son of Malik Amber. But Fateh khan soon fell out with the Bijapuris and the Mughals and was captured and imprisoned by the latter. That was when Shahaji raje installed Murtuza, the young son of Nizamshah on the throne of Ahmednagar and ruled on his behalf. Sensing an opportunity in the political vaccum that was created, the Adilshah of Bijapur and the Mughals combined forces and mounted an assault on Ahmednagar. It was a long drawn war which eventually led to the defeat of the Nizamshahi forces. Shahaji raje was forced to surrender and as a part of the treaty, had to serve in the Adilshahi court of Bijapur. Shahaji settled down in his jagir (estate) of Bangalore along with his elder son Shambhuraje (Sambhaji I), also Shivajis elder brother, and his second wife and younger son Ekoji (Vyankoji),who later established the royal Bhosale dynasty at Thanjavur/Tanjore in present day state of Tamil Nadu. (Note.Sambhaji I was killed in his early youth. Incidently Shivaji’s elder son was also named Sambhaji after his late uncle.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji raje and his mother Jijabai were left to manage the family estates in Pune and Supa(both in Maharashtra) under the stewardship of Dadoji Kondeo, who acted as the manager of the estate and also as one of Shivaji’s early teachers. Shivaji right since childhood was fiercely independent and resented the Islamic tyranny over the predominantly Hindu population. From his youth , he started eating into territories of the Bijapuris and later the Mughals. He created an army out of the local hillmen (Mavales) and successfully captured several forts. His first prize was the fort of Torna , captured with a selected band of ‘mavalas’ at the age of seventeen.In a couple of years he had entire Pune region in his control.After the death of Adilshah, Shivaji attacked his kingdom even more vigorously. Shivajis legend grew when he killed the Afzal Khan ,the famed general of Bijapur (who had the reputation of warding off even the powerful mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s attack), and wounded the stalwart Mughal general, Shaista Khan . Shivajis lore reached new zenith when he hoodwinked Aurangzeb and escaped from his house arrest in Agra .Shivaji simultaneously fought the armies of the Bijapuris and the Mughals and managed to keep other potential enemies like Qutub shah, the Portuguese and the English at bay (by hook or by crook). He eventually succeeded in carving out his own independent kingdom in the Deccan.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shivaji died prematurely at fifty. He was succeeded by his son <strong>Sambhaji </strong>, b. 1657- d.1689 (Sambhaji II). After a initial power struggle with his step mother Soyrabai,Sambhaji succeeded the Maratha throne. Sambhaji was also a brave warrior and kept resisting Mughal attacks. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb eventually had to personally descend down to the Deccan (Aurangabad, Maharashtra) with a huge force and resources and supervise the fight against the Marathas. Eventually Sambhaji was betrayed to the Mughals by his own relatives. Sambhaji was imprisoned by Aurangzeb, who asked him to accept the Islamic faith , else face death. Sambhaji chose the latter and after an horrific torture he was put to death. This martyrdom of Sambhaji spurred on the Marathas even more, and under the leadership of<strong> Rajaram</strong> (b.1670-d.1700), Shivaji’s younger son (from Soyrabai) and later his <strong>Queen, Tarabai</strong> (b.1675-d.1761) the Marathas continued their resistance against the Mughals. This was while Sambhajis son <strong>Shahu</strong> and wife Yesubai remained in the Mughal imprisonment in Delhi. Under the leadership of their king and queen, the legendary Maratha warriors Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav wrecked havoc in the mughal camp.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>The Peshwas</strong></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Aurangzeb died in AD.1707. The Mughals released Shahu from prison as a part of their strategy to counter Tarabai (widow of Rajaram). Shahu challenged the supremacy of Tarabai in Maharashtra and a battle of succession ensued to prove legitimacy to the throne of Shivaji. A Chitpavan Brahmin Balaji Vishwanath Bhat assisted Shahu in his claim to the throne.<br />
The forces of Shahu eventually won, and Tarabai was exiled to Kolhapur (along with her son Shivaji II), where she spent her remaining life (later a separate throne of Kolhapur was established by Tarabai until it was later usurped by her stepson). Political intrigues however continued to exist between the thrones of Satara and Kolhapur.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Shahu</strong> (b.1682- d.1749) was declared the Chatrapati (King) and made Satara his capital. He appointed <strong>Balaji Vishwanath Bhat</strong> (1680-1719) as his Peshwa ( Prime Minister) .Balaji Vishwanath had initiated a treaty with the mughal emperor Farukhsiyar (during the years of a power vaccum in Delhi), which the latter refused to honour. Hence the Marathas assisted the mughal vazir, Hussain Ali (one of the Sayyid brothers) in dethroning the Mughal emperor. In return the Marathas extracted the right from the Mughals to collect revenue from the Deccan provinces.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shahu by now had refrained from active politics and the Peshwas gradually became the de facto leaders of the Marathas (especially after the death of the issueless Shahu raje). Though there remained titular Maratha kings in their capital, Satara, the real power was weilded by the Peshwas .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
After the death of Balaji Vishwanath Bhat, Chatrapati Shahu raje Bhosale appointed the young son of Balaji Vishwanath i.e <strong>Bajirao I</strong> (b. 1699- d.1740) as the new Peshwa. The decadent Mughals by now had become a weaker lot and were challenged on all fronts. Bajirao I took advantage of this situation and began the expansion of the Maratha empire. Bajirao I was called the ‘Cavalry General’ for his rapid tactical movements on horseback. He matched Shivaji in the speed and alacrity shown in launching swift attacks on his enemies.The Marathas under Bajirao I, marched right upto the gates of Delhi. On the way back, the commanders of Bajirao I’s army were established by him as governors in the various regions of central and western India which was to later form a Maratha confederacy. In years to come, they were to form their own kingdoms with allegiance to the Satara throne (Maharashtra) and the Peshwas in Pune (Maharashtra). The Gaekwads would establish themselves in Baroda (present day state of Gujrat), the Holkars at Indore (present day state of Madhya Pradesh), the Shindes (later known as Scindias) at Gwalior(Madhya Pradesh) and the Pawars at Dhar and Dewas (Madhya Pradesh). Bajiraos reign was also characterized by the famous victory of the Marathas (led by his younger brother Chimnaji Appa) over the Portuguese at Vasai (Bassein creek).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bajirao I was succeeded by his son <strong>Balaji Bajirao</strong> a.k.a Nanasaheb (1721-1761). He also proved a competent administrator . He not only maintained the boundaries of the Maratha empire but increased them considerably (with the able help of his cousin Sadashivrao , the son of Chimnaji Appa ,younger brother Raghunathrao and his generals like Holkar and Shinde. The Maratha kingdom expanded upto Attock(presently in Pakistan) during Balaji Bajirao’s reign.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9ZecJH494CO76k0hbDmcoSBNkVOpo_K1Fyi7qFeV8N0Mb8dOPaTUfQzAuy6O6Jfzs_S4UlyvfUoV1oy38NciHfOlOhYR6bWiFWl3H1EXY8ERPvHKbbbF7v9FMfdCRIDYoI5MO3IYh2HN/s1600/indiaPicture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9ZecJH494CO76k0hbDmcoSBNkVOpo_K1Fyi7qFeV8N0Mb8dOPaTUfQzAuy6O6Jfzs_S4UlyvfUoV1oy38NciHfOlOhYR6bWiFWl3H1EXY8ERPvHKbbbF7v9FMfdCRIDYoI5MO3IYh2HN/s400/indiaPicture1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Another of the Maratha sardars, <strong>Raghoji Bhosale</strong> of Nagpur also conducted several incursions in east India (Bengal,Chattisgad,Orissa) and ensured large revenues for the Maratha kingdom.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Nanasahebs tenure also saw one of the worst moments in the Maratha history. Nanasaheb was somewhat responsible for bringing the British in the forefront of Indian politics after seeking their assistance against the rebellious Angres of Kolaba (1754) . The Angres had been the traditional admirals of the Maratha navy. In hindsight this proved to be a costly error as the Maratha navy was virtually destroyed. The British were soon prove the nemisis of the Marathas in the years to come.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Also, the Marathas faced their major defeat at the hands of the marauding Afghan king , Ahmad Shah Abdali in the <strong>third battle of Panipat</strong> (AD. 1761). Due to certain miscalculations in the battlefield and lack of support in northern India (Marathas had been tasting power for quite some time and it was having a corrupting effect on them. They were now being viewed as mercenary and rapacious and were losing popular support even amongst the Hindu kings of north India) the Marathas not only faced ignominy but also lost several of their top commanders including Nanasaheb's eldest son Vishwasrao and cousin Sadashivrao Bhau in that battle. Unable to cope with that loss, Nanasaeb died soon.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
He was succeeded by his second son <strong>Madhavrao I</strong> , a.k.a Thorle Madhavrao or Madhavrao the elder (1745-1772). He was a well meaning ruler, but had to face dissent from his own uncle Raghunathrao, besides the risen debts that arose from the disasterous battle of Panipat that had put the kingdom in disarray.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
After 1761, young Madhavrao Peshwa tried his best to rebuild the empire desspite of his frail health. The marathas not only regained their lost pride in the north but also became a force to reckon with in the southern parts of Deccan. In a bid to effectively manage the large empire, semi-autonomy was given to strongest of the knights. <span style="color: black;">Thus, the autonomous Maratha states of the Gaekwads of Baroda</span><span style="color: black;">, the Holkars of Indore and Malwa</span><span style="color: black;">, the Scindias </span><span style="color: black;">(or Shinde's) of Gwalior and Ujjain, Pawars </span><span style="color: black;">of Dhar-Dewas and Bhosales of Nagpur </span><span style="color: black;">came into being in far flung regions of the country. Even in Maharashtra </span>itself many nobles were given semi-autonomous charges of small districts which led to princely states like Sangli , Aundh, Bhor, Bawda , Jath, Phaltan, Miraj etc. Madhavraos justice system (especially under the chief justice Ram Shastri) and citizen redressal systems were very popular and highly appreciated .</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Madhavrao I died prematurely at an young age after suffering from Tuberculosis. But he did manage to leave an indelible impression in his brief reign.<br />
Madhavrao I was succeeded by his young brother <strong>Narayanrao</strong> (1759-1773). But Narayanraos rule was brief to say the least as he was murdered treacherously at the behest of his uncle Raghunathrao and his scheming wife Anandibai, that too in the very precincts of their palace, Shanivarwada at Pune.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Raghunathrao</strong> briefly succeeded as the next Peshwa (1773-1774), but was soon overthrown by his minister <strong>Nana Phadanvis</strong> (1742-1800). Nana installed the son of Narayanrao viz. Madhavrao II a.k.a <strong>Sawai Madhavrao</strong> (1774-1795) and managed the affairs of the Maratha confederacy through an 12 member regency council also called the Barbhai council (comprising of Haripant Phadke, Moroba Phadnis, Sakharambapu Bokil, Trimbakraomama Pethe, Mahadji Shinde,Tukoji Holkar<span style="color: black;">, Phaltankar, Bhagwanrao Pratinidhi, Maloji Ghorpade, Raste</span> and Babuji Naik).<br />
The <strong>first Anglo Maratha war </strong>of 1779, took place during his tenure(Raghunathrao sided with the British during this war in a bid to regain power). The Maratha forces led by Mahadji Shinde and the British forces met fluctuating fortunes in this war, leading eventually to the treaty of Salbhai between them in 1782 (initiated by Mahadji Shinde). As per the treaty, Sawai Madhavrao continued to be accepted as a Peshwa, but Mahadji Shinde succeeded in being recognised (by the British) as the sovereign ruler of his state Gwalior and indirectly ceasing to remain an vassal of the Peshwa. The British agreed to remain neutral in the Maratha politics thereafter.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Mahadji Shinde</strong> now started increasing his power in the north. He had subsequent victories against many small rulers of central and northern India , who had earlier refused to pay him tributes. He formally established his capital at Gwalior in 1783. He even reinstated Shah Alam II as the emperor of Delhi , after he was deposed and blinded by the Rohilla chief Ghulam Qadir. Mahadji Shinde then came to be known as Shah Alam II’s honorary regent. He even subdued the Nizam of Hyderabad and concluded a peace treaty with Tipu Sultan of Mysore in 1792.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
By 1790, Mahadji Shinde had succeeded in re-establishing Maratha dominance in northern India. Mahadji died in 1793. He was succeeded by Daulatrao Shinde (grandson of Tukoji, the brother of Mahadji Shinde).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Madhavrao II allegedly fell to his death (1795) from the palace walls of Shanivarwada. However his death remained shrouded in mystery with rumours abounding from feverish delirium to alleged suicide.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Daulatrao Shinde then installed the son of Raghunathrao, <strong>Bajirao II</strong> (1775-1851) as the next Peshwa amidst a acquiesition from a reluctant Nana Phadanvis.Bajirao II could never get along with Nana whom he held responsible for his personal misfortunes and had him imprisoned for some time.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Nana Phadanvis died at Pune on the 13th of March 1800.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
By now a civil war like situation had errupted when the two Generals of the Peshwa, Daulatrao Shinde of Gwalior and Yeshwantrao Holkar of Indore started fighting amongst themselves. Bajirao II alligned himself with his mentor Daulatrao. But Holkar ultimately triumphed,reaching the gates of Pune, and Baji Rao fled to<span style="color: black;"> Bombay </span><span style="color: black;">in September 1802, into the welcoming hands of the British , who buoyed with their succesess in other parts of India were waiting to take on the final hurdle of the Marathas.<br />
Peshwa Bajirao II </span><span style="color: black;">subordinated his position to the British vide the treaty of Bassein , December 1802, whereby the British agreed to reinstate Baji Rao in return for the Marathas allowing British troops in Maratha territory and paying for their maintenance, and acceptance of a British Resident at Pune</span><span style="color: black;">. But this move</span> by the Peshwa infuriated the Shindes of Gwalior and the Bhosales of Nagpur, who considered it an insult to the Maratha pride. This gave rise to the <strong>second Anglo Maratha war</strong>, 1803-05. The Shindes and Bhosales were defeated in their respective battles. The Holkars of Indore who had earlier abstained from the battle because of friction with the Shindes joined in the fray much later and compelled the British to make peace. But the second Anglo Maratha war <span style="color: black;">managed to give rise to the first cracks in the Maratha confederacy.<br />
The <strong>third Anglo Maratha war</strong> (1817-18) was initiated by Peshwa Bajirao II himself after he had started feeling stiffled under British control. This war proved to be the final nail in the coffin of the Maratha empire. The British out manouvered the combined forces of the Peshwa, Yeshwantrao Holkar and Bhosales of Nagpur (this time around, the Shindes abstained from the battle).<br />
The Battle of Koregaon </span><span style="color: black;">fought on 1st January 1818, gave decisive victory to the British. The Peshwa , Bajirao II was pensioned off and most of his territory was annexed to the British </span><span style="color: black;">Bombay Presidency</span><span style="color: black;">, although the Maharaja of </span><span style="color: black;">Satara</span><span style="color: black;"> ( Pratap sinh raje Bhosale,1793 and later Shahaji raje Bhosale,1839 ) was restored as ruler of a </span><span style="color: black;">princely state</span><span style="color: black;"> in order to placate the marathas. Shahaji raje died without a issue and the state of Satara was annexed to the Bombay presidency in 1848 .(Kolhapur remained a princely state till Indias independence from the British rule in 1947). The northern portion of the Nagpur Bhonsle dominions, together with the Peshwa's territories in Bundelkhand </span><span style="color: black;">, were annexed to British India as the </span><span style="color: black;">Saugor and Nerbudda Territories</span><span style="color: black;">. The Maratha kingdoms of Indore, Gwalior, Nagpur, and Jhansi </span><span style="color: black;">became princely states, acknowledging British control.<br />
There was a final attempt by the nominal Peshwa <strong>Nanasaheb II</strong> (b.1824, an adopted son of Bajirao II) along with his minister Tatya Tope to revive the Maratha glory. He assisted the mutineers in what is considered as Indias first war of independence (Sepoy Mutiny of 1857). Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi (a Maratha vassal queen of Jhansi, in present day Uttar Pradesh) demonstrated great valour during this period, as did Tatya Tope. However after the fall of Kanpur, Nanasaheb disappeared without a trace. His minister,Tatya Tope was captured and executed by the British (in 1859).<br />
Till date, no one knows about the final fate of the last Peshwa.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong><span style="color: #990000;"></span></strong></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Epilogue</span></strong>: </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">The indomitable Maratha spirit never submitted completely to the British. The Ramoshi rebellion of 1826 under Umaji Naik in Pune, the peasant rebellion of 1875 in Pune,Satara,Ahmednagar, the armed rebellion under Vasudev Balwant Phadake in 1879 and later active participation in the Indian freedom movement by leaders like Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak (also called the father of Indian unrest,1856-1920), Chaphekar Bandhu (who shot dead the tyrannical collector, Rand,1897), Rajguru (who was hanged along with the revolutionary Bhagat singh) and later the firebrand Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (who became a youth icon for Indian revolutionaries), bear testimony to this fact.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Sources: Shivaji and his times by Sir Jadunath Sarkar (Orient Longman), Chatrapati Shivaji by Setu Madhavrao Pagadi (Continental Prakashan), Studies in Indian History (Bookhive), A History of India by Percival Spear (Penguin),Maratha history by Kincaid, History of the Mahrattas by Duff.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Maratha lineage</strong></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #3333ff;">Babaji Bhosale (headman / Patil of Hingani Beradi and Diwalgaon villages near Pune ) - Maloji(Babajis son,village headman of Verul, later noble in Nizamshahi of Ahmednagar) - Shahaji(Malojis son,noble in Nizamshahi/and then Adilshahi court at Bijapur/Karnataka state…b.1594-d.1665: had jagir at Bangalore and Pune)..had three sons Shambhuji (stayed with Shahaji at Bangalore) who died early, Shivaji (stayed with his mother at Pune) and Vyankoji (stayed with Shahaji at Bangalore) who established the Thanjavur(Tanjore/Tamil Nadu)* dynasty.I[Maratha empire founded by Shivaji] SHIVAJI BHOSALE(b.1630-d.1680) -SAMBHAJI BHOSALE(son of shivaji.b.1657-d.1689)-RAJARAM Bhosale(son of shivaji. b.1670-1700)-SHAHU BHOSALE(son of sambhaji.b.1682-d.1749)-After Shahu kingdom got divided.* refer Bhosale royal families of kingdoms of Satara ,Thanjavur,Kolhapur,Nagpur)ISonopant Dabir-Shyampant Kulkarni Ranzekar- Moropant pingale (peshwa/Prime ministerduring Shivaji)IRamchandra pant amatya Bawadekar (peshwa during Rajaram)I(Peshwa- Bhatt family from Balaji to Nanasaheb)BALAJI VISHWANATH[b.1680-d.1719]* Scindias(Shinde),Holkars,Gaekwads were commanders of MarathasIBAJIRAO- I [b.1629-d.1740] (son of balaji vishwanath. ruled from Pune) - Scindias(ruled.Gwalior) - Holkars (ruled.Indore) - Gaekwad(ruled.Baroda)(formed their own princely states-lineage mentioned below*)IBALAJI BAJI RAO(a.k.a nanasaheb: son of bajirao first.)[b.1721-d.1761]IMADHAVRAO[son of balaji bajirao.b.1745-d.1772]..ruled from 1761-1772INARAYAN RAO[younger brother of madhavrao.b.1759-d.1773]..ruled for a few months..murdered by Anandibai wife of RaghunathraoIRAGHUNATHRAO..madhavrao/narayan raos uncle[ruled from 1773-74]IMADHAVRAO-II(sawai madhavrao)[b.1774-d.1795]..ruled 1782-1796..commited suicideIBAJIRAO-II[son of raghunathrao. b.1775-d.1851]…ruled from 1796-1851.INANASAHEB [b.1824…disappeared in 1857]MAHARAJAS OF SATARA (presently in Maharashtra state)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Ramaraja</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1749-1777). Grandson of Rajaram and Tarabai; adopted son of Shahu I.</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shahu II</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1777-1808). Son of Ramaraja.</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Pratapsinh</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1808-1839)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shahaji III</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1839-1848)1848 to </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Great Britain</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Pratapsinh I</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (adopted)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Rajaram III</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Pratapsinh II</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Raja Shahu</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1918 - 1950)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Pratapraje</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1950-1978) / Abhaysinha raje.</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Udayanraje Bhonsle</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1978 till present) /Shivendra raje<br />
Maharajas of Kolhapur(presently in Maharashtra state)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shivaji I</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1700-1712)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shambhoji</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1712-1760)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Sivaji II</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1760-1812) (adopted from the family of Khanwilkar)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shambhu</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1812-1821)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shahoji I</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1821-1837)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shivaji III</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1837-1866)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Rajaram I</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1866-1870) (adopted from the family of Patankar)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shivaji IV</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1870-1883)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shahu IV</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1883-1922) (adopted from the family of Ghatge)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Rajaram II</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1922-1940)British rule (1940-1942)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shivaji V</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1942-1947)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shahoji II</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1947-1949), titular Maharaja 1949-1983 (adopted from the family of Pawar)1948 to India</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shahu II</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> as titular Maharaja (1983-present) </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8242966393433157281&postID=7399711689930610436" name="Maharajas_of_Nagpur"></a><span style="color: #3333ff;">Maharajas of Nagpur (Berar/Vidharba..presently in Maharashtra state)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Raghoji I</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1738-1755)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Janoji</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1755-1772)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Mudhoji I</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1772-1788)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Raghoji II</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1788-1816)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Mudhoji II</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1816-1818)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Raghoji III</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1818-1853)1853 to Great Britain</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8242966393433157281&postID=7399711689930610436" name="Maharajas_of_Thanjavur"></a><span style="color: #3333ff;">*Maharajas of Thanjavur(presently in Tamil Nadu state)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Venkaji</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (son of shahaji : 1674-1686)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shahji</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1686-1711)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Sarabhoji I</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1711-1727)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Tukoji</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1727-1735)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Bava Sahib</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1735-1736)Maharani </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Sujana Bai</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1736-1738)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Sawai Shahji</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1738)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Sayaji</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1738-1739)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Pratap Singh</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1739-1763)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Tusalji</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1763-1787)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Amar Singh</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1787-1798)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Sarabhoji II</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1798-1824)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shivaji</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1824-1855)1855 to Great Britain</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8242966393433157281&postID=7399711689930610436" name="Maharajas_of_Kolhapur"></a><span style="color: #3333ff;">Scindia Maharajas of Ujjain and Gwalior (presently in Madhya Pradesh state)Maharaja </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Ranojirao Scindia</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1731 – </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">19 July</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1745</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">)Maharaja </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Jayapparao Scindia</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1745 – </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/July_25" title="July 25"><span style="color: #3333ff;">25 July</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1755" title="1755"><span style="color: #3333ff;">1755</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff;">)Maharaja </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Jankojirao I Scindia</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">25 July</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1755</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> – </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">15 January</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1761</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">). Born 1745.Meharban Srimant Dattaji Rao Shinde Maharaj Sahab, Regent (1755 – </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">10 January</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1760" title="1760"><span style="color: #3333ff;">1760</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff;">). Died 1760.(</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">15 January</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1761</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> – </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">25 November</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1763" title="1763"><span style="color: #3333ff;">1763</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff;">) vacantMaharaja </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Kedarjirao Scindia</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">25 November</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1763</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> – </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">10 July</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1764</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">)Maharaja </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Manajirao Scindia</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">10 July</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1764</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> – </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">18 January</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1768</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">)Maharaja </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Madhavrao I Scindia</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">18 January</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1768</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> – </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">12 February</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1794</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">). Born c.1730, died 1794.Maharaja </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Daulatrao Scindia</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">12 February</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1794</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> – </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">21 March</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1827</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">). Born 1779, died 1827.Maharaja </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Jankojirao II Scindia</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">18 June</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1827</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> – </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">7 February</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1843</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">). Born 1805, died 1843.Maharaja </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Jayajirao Scindia</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">7 February</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1843</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> – </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">20 June</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1886</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">). Born 1835, died 1886.Maharaja </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Madho Rao Scindia</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">20 June</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1886</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> – </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">5 June</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1925</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">). Born 1876, died 1925.Maharaja (later Rajpramukh) </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">George Jivajirao Scindia</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (Maharaja </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">5 June</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1925</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> – </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">15 August</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1947</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">, Rajpramukh </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_28" title="May 28"><span style="color: #3333ff;">28 May</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1948</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> – </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">31 October</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">1956</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">). Born 1916, died 1961.MadhavraoJyotiraditya (present)<br />
Gaekwad Maharajas of Baroda (presently in Gujrat state)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Pilaji Rao Gaekwad</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1721-1732)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Damaji Rao Gaekwad</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1732-1768)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Govind Rao Gaekwad</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1768-1771)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Sayaji Rao Gaekwad I</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1771-1789)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Manaji Rao Gaekwad</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1789-1793)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Govind Rao Gaekwad</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (restored) (1793-1800)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Anand Rao Gaekwad</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1800-1818)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Sayaji Rao II Gaekwad</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1818-1847)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Ganpat Rao Gaekwad</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1847-1856)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Khande Rao Gaekwad</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1856-1870)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Malhar Rao Gaekwad</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1870-1875)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Maharaja Sayyaji Rao III</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1875-1939)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Pratap Singh Gaekwar</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1939-1951)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Fatehsinghrao Gaekwad</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1951 - 1988)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Rajitsinh Pratapsinh Gaekwad</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1988 - )<br />
Holkar Maharajas of Indore (presently in Madhya Pradesh state)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Malharrao Holkar</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (I) (r. 2 November 1693 - 19 May 1766 CE)Malerao Khanderao Holkar (r. 23 August 1766 - 5 April 1767 CE)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Punyaslok Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (as a regent) (r. 5 April 1767 - 13 August 1795 CE)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Tukojirao Holkar</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (I) (r. 13 August 1795 - 29 January 1797 CE)Kashirao Tukojirao Holkar(r. 29 January 1797 - 1798CE)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Yashwantrao Holkar</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (I) (r. 1798 - 27.11.1811 CE)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Malharrao Yashwantrao Holkar</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (III) (r. November 1811 - 27 October 1833 CE)Martandrao Malharrao Holkar (r. 17 January 1834 - 2 February 1834 CE)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Harirao Vitthojirao Holkar</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (r. 17 April 1834 - 24 October 1843 CE)Khanderao Harirao Holkar (III) (r. 13 November 1843 - 17 February 1844 CE)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Tukojirao Gandharebhau Holkar</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (II) (r. 27 June 1844 - 17 June 1886 CE)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shivajirao Tukojirao Holkar</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (r. 17 June 1886 - 31 January 1903 CE)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Tukojirao Shivajirao Holkar (III)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (r. 31 January 1903 - 26 February 1926 CE)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Yashwantrao Holkar</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (II) (r. 26 February 1926 - 1961)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Usha Devi Maharani Sahiba Holkar XV Bahadur</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">, Maharani of Indore (r. 1961 - present)<br />
Peshwas (Ruled from Pune)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Sonopant Dabir</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> Period 1640-1652</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Shyampant Kulkarni-Ranzekar</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> Period 1652-1657</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moropant_Peshwe" title="Moropant Peshwe"><span style="color: #3333ff;">Moropant Peshwe</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff;">(Pingale) Period 1657-1683</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Moreshwar Pingale</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> 1683-1689</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">RamchandraPant Amatya</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> 1689-1708</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Bahiroji Pingale</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> 1708-1711</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Parshuram Tribak Kulkarni</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> 1711-1713</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Balaji Vishwanath</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1713-2apr.1720) (b.1660, d. 2apr.1720)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Peshwa Bajirao I</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (17 apr.1720-28 apr.1740) (b.18 aug.1700, d. 28 apr.1740)From 1749 ,after death of Shahu , peshawa became head of maratha empire ,offcourse reporting to Chatrapati.</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Balaji Bajirao</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (4 jul.1740-23 jun.1761) (b.8 dec.1721, d. 23 jun.1761)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Madhavrao Peshwa</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1761-18 nov.1772) (b.16 feb.1745, d. 18 nob.1772)Hereafter they remained titular</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Narayanrao Bajirao</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (13 dec.1772-30 aug.1773) (b.10 aug.1755, d. 30 aug.1773)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Raghunathrao</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (5 dec.1773-1774) (b.18 aug.1734, d. 11 dec.1783)self -claimed not accepted by Chatrapati</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Sawai Madhava Rao II Narayan</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1774-27 oct.1795) (b.18 apr.1774, d. 27 oct.1795)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Chimnajee Madhavarao</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (26 May 1796 - 3 Dec 1796) (brother of Bajirao II, adopted by Madhavrao II's wife)</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Baji Rao II</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (4 dec.1796-3 jun.1818) (d. 28 jan.1851)</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amritrao&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Amritrao (page does not exist)"><span style="color: #3333ff;">Amritrao</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (brother of Bajirao II), Peshwa for a short period during </span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Yashwantrao Holkar</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">'s siege of Pune. Bajirao was later reinstated by the British.</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">Nana Sahib</span><span style="color: #3333ff;"> (1 jul.1857-1858) (b.19 may.1825, d. 24 sep.1859)<br />
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Acehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324466627640731181noreply@blogger.com5