Shahaji
Encyclopedia
Shahaji Raje Bhosle was an early exponent of guerilla warfare. He was the eldest son of Maloji Bhosale of Verul
(present-day Ellora, Maharashtra
). He brought the house of Bhosle
into prominence. The princely state
s of Tanjore, Kolhapur and Satara
are Bhosle legacies. He was father of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire
.
Islamic ruler Ibrahim Adil Shah
of Bijapur, appointed Hindus to key positions and changed the official court language from Persian to Marathi
. Maloji was childless for a long time. Two sons were born to him after seeking blessings from a famous Sufi pir
of the time, named Shah Sharif. In honour of the pir, Maloji named his sons Shahaji and Sharifji. . Maloji was a capable soldier and eventually became an independent Jagirdar in the court of Adil Shah
.
Maharaja Shahaji had defeated quite a number of eminent commanders of Mughals
, Adilshah and Nizamshah. Maharaja Shahaji was prominent in the whole of Hindustan (India
) for he had not lost a single battle in his lifetime and had always prevailed no matter what the circumstances. Mughal, Adil, Nizam Sultanates were leaving no stone unturned to get Maharaja Shahaji on their side. When Maharaja Shahaji was serving in the Adilshahi court, he was awarded the title of Farzand (someone placed much higher than a chief commanding an army of 10,000) which was equivalent to the designation of a Prince. Thus, Maharaja Shahaji was highly revered in the Adilshahi court.
Shah Jahan had ordered his commander-in-chief Lashkar Khan to finish off Nizamshahi. Accordingly, Lashkar Khan with an army of 120,000 (1.2 lakhs) marched on Ahmednagar. The Adilshahi Sultanate had also agreed to help the Mughals. Adilshahi army amounted to no less than 80,000 Men. Thus, a massive army of 200,000 (2 lakhs) walked on Ahmednagar. On the other hand, Maharaja Shahaji had an army of 20,000 at his disposal. Maharaja Shahaji had assigned 10,000 of these, the task of protecting and defending the Ahmednagar fort and town. The remaining 10,000 were with Maharaja Shahaji.
Such a huge army required huge amount of food and water. Thus, both Mughal and Adil forces were encamped on the bank of the Mehkari River. It flowed North-South. The river had a dam to conserve water, as Ahmednagar experienced water shortage. However, during this period, there had been good amount of rainfall. The river had abundant water and was filled to the brim. Maharaja Shahaji came up with a brilliant idea. With utmost care, cracks were developed in the dam. It was the time of night; the whole Mughal and Adil encampment was fast asleep. Suddenly, water started gushing out of the dam from each of the cracks. Mughals and Adils were clueless about what was happening. It was, as if a huge wall of irate water was running over the Mughals and Adils.
Everyone started running helter-skelter to save their lives. There was chaos and confusion. The whole encampment was flooded with water. Clothes, rations, arms, ammunitions, cannons and cattle everything drowned. Dead elephants were seen floating in the water. Many were taken as prisoners. As many as 25 renowned, Mughal and Adil chiefs were imprisoned by Maharaja Shahaji. It was a huge win for Maharaja Shahaji, after which Maharaja Shahaji became well known.
) and second in 1636. The second attempt was a formidable challenge.
In the meantime, Jahan Khan, the wazir of Nizam killed Nizam on the reasoning that the Nizam was an incapable and unwise ruler, who couldn’t take appropriate decisions and was easily deceived by some people. Jahan Khan greeted Maharaja Shahaji with open hands and asked Maharaja Shahaji to join him. Maharaja Shahaji started leading Nizam’s forces. However, at that time, the Mughal forces on the order of Shah Jahan had slain all the men in relation to Nizam and also killed two pregnant women. This was done to finish off the Nizamshahi, as there wouldn’t be any Male heir to the throne of the Nizam. However, Maharaja Shahaji, in order to protect Nizamshahi decided to crown a child named Murtuza, who was in relation with Nizam, as the next Nizam. Maharaja Shahaji assured Murtuza’s mother that he would not be harmed and vouched for his safety.
Shahajahan dispatched a force of 48,000 to reduce Maharaji Shahaji , Nizam and his ally Adilshah. Under such mounting attack Adilshah sued for peace. With the withdrawal of Adilshah's support,Maharaja Shahaji could not hold much against the Mughals. His possessions were reduced quickly. In the fort of Mahuli
he was besieged. Portuguese
did not offer any help from naval side due to fear of the Mughals. In this war, Maharaja Shahaji fought till the last. But, unfortunately Nizam Murtaza, the little kid, was being kidnapped by Mughals and for the purpose of saving the life of Nizam, it became necessary for Maharaja Shahaji to make compromise. This compromise finished Nizamshahi. Maharaja Shahaji , on the condition of protecting the life of little Mourtaza Nizam at any condition, handed him over to Shahajahan. Nizam was taken away by Shah Jahan to Delhi. He was inducted into Adilshahi. As a precaution Shahajahan ensured that Shahaji was posted in deep south so as not to pose any challenge to Mughals. He finally became one of the top generals in the Adilshah's army, accepting a Jagir
in his court, being based in Bangalur (Present day Bangalore
in Karnataka
). This is one phase of Shahaji's life.
In 1638, a large Bijapur
army led by Ranadulla Khan and accompanied by Shahaji defeated Kempe Gowda III and Bangalore was given to Shahaji as a jagir
. Shahaji successfully led the Bijapur army to many victories against the Rajas of southern India. Instead of punishing or executing them, Shahaji reprieved all the Rajas. The Rajas thus developed healthy relations with Shahaji and offered military support to Shahaji whenever required.
. Later Shivaji killed Afzal Khan. Similarly, Shaista Khan
had defeated Shahaji in his second attempt. Shivaji in a daring attack severed three of Shaista's fingers and forced him to retreat.
Thus these events proved that Shahaji had taken a sensible decision in keeping Shivaji in the original stronghold of Pune barring which, like Shahaji, Shivaji would have been imprisoned or killed like his elder brother. This period of crisis was overcome by sacrifice and personal bonds of this royal family. Shahaji actively supported Shivaji in his earlier enterprises, like the campaign against Afzal Khan. Sensing treachery by Afzal khan, Shahaji was waiting near Bijapur with his army of 17,000. He had warned Badi Begum of Adilshah that, if Afzal Khan and his Adilshahi forces killed Shivaji by deceit, then there wouldn't remain even a brick of the Adilshahi kingdom.
Shahaji died c. 1665 while on a hunt, after falling off his horse.
. His literary traditions were carried on by his sons, and had strong influence on the mind of Shivaji and the Thanjavur branch. Thanjavur branch continued till modern times.
जगदिश विरंचिकु पूछत है, कहो सृष्टी रची, रखे कोन कहा । शशि वो रवि पूरब पश्चिम लो, तुम सोय रहो सिरसिंधु महां । अरु उत्तर दच्छिन रच्छनकों इत साहजि हैं, उत साहजहाँ ॥
Shahaji's dream of an independent kingdom was made a reality by his second son, the great Shivaji Maharaj.
Verul
Verul was the name of the city now known as Ellora in present-day Maharashtra. It is the birthplace of Maloji Bhonsale founder of the house of Bhosale which became prominent in India during the days of the Maratha Empire....
(present-day Ellora, Maharashtra
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state located in India. It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India...
). He brought the house of Bhosle
Bhonsle
The Bhonsle were a prominent clan within the Maratha clan system who served as rulers of several states in India.The most prominent member of the clan was Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha empire...
into prominence. The princely state
Princely state
A Princely State was a nominally sovereign entitity of British rule in India that was not directly governed by the British, but rather by an Indian ruler under a form of indirect rule such as suzerainty or paramountcy.-British relationship with the Princely States:India under the British Raj ...
s of Tanjore, Kolhapur and Satara
Satara
Satara is a city located in the Satara District of Maharashtra state of India. The town is 2320 ft. above sea-level, near the confluence of the Krishna and its tributary river Venna. The city was the capital of the Maratha empire in the 17th century, hence one of the the historical cities of...
are Bhosle legacies. He was father of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire
Maratha Empire
The Maratha Empire or the Maratha Confederacy was an Indian imperial power that existed from 1674 to 1818. At its peak, the empire covered much of South Asia, encompassing a territory of over 2.8 million km²....
.
Islamic ruler Ibrahim Adil Shah
Ibrahim Adil Shah I
Ibrahim Adil Shah I was a sultan and later shah of the Indian kingdom of Bijapur. He succeeded his elder brother, Mallu Adil Shah, through the machinations of the afaqi faction at the court...
of Bijapur, appointed Hindus to key positions and changed the official court language from Persian to Marathi
Marathi language
Marathi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Marathi people of western and central India. It is the official language of the state of Maharashtra. There are over 68 million fluent speakers worldwide. Marathi has the fourth largest number of native speakers in India and is the fifteenth most...
. Maloji was childless for a long time. Two sons were born to him after seeking blessings from a famous Sufi pir
Pir (Sufism)
Pir or Peer is a title for a Sufi master equally used in the nath tradition. They are also referred to as a Hazrat or Shaikh, which is Arabic for Old Man. The title is often translated into English as "saint" and could be interpreted as "Elder". In Sufism a Pir's role is to guide and instruct his...
of the time, named Shah Sharif. In honour of the pir, Maloji named his sons Shahaji and Sharifji. . Maloji was a capable soldier and eventually became an independent Jagirdar in the court of Adil Shah
Adil Shah
Adil or Adel Shah Afshar or Ali Qoli was Shah of Persia from 1747 until 1748.Subsequent to the assassination of Nader Shah in Fathabad , his nephew Ali Qoli declared himself Adil Shah , and shah of Persia...
.
About Shahaji
Maharaja Shahaji was an extremely ambitious and capable general. At a young age, Maharaja Shahaji had achieved a lot. He was well known not only for his military and leadership skills but also as a Man who kept his word. Maharaja Shahaji had not lost a single battle in his entire life which made him the prominent Maratha legend who was treated even at par with Nizam and Adilshah.Maharaja Shahaji had defeated quite a number of eminent commanders of Mughals
Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire , or Mogul Empire in traditional English usage, was an imperial power from the Indian Subcontinent. The Mughal emperors were descendants of the Timurids...
, Adilshah and Nizamshah. Maharaja Shahaji was prominent in the whole of Hindustan (India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
) for he had not lost a single battle in his lifetime and had always prevailed no matter what the circumstances. Mughal, Adil, Nizam Sultanates were leaving no stone unturned to get Maharaja Shahaji on their side. When Maharaja Shahaji was serving in the Adilshahi court, he was awarded the title of Farzand (someone placed much higher than a chief commanding an army of 10,000) which was equivalent to the designation of a Prince. Thus, Maharaja Shahaji was highly revered in the Adilshahi court.
Battle of Bhatvadi
The battle of Bhataudi was fought in 1624 in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra between forces of Maharaja Shahaji, Nizam and the combined forces of Mughalshahi and Adilshahi Sultanates.Shah Jahan had ordered his commander-in-chief Lashkar Khan to finish off Nizamshahi. Accordingly, Lashkar Khan with an army of 120,000 (1.2 lakhs) marched on Ahmednagar. The Adilshahi Sultanate had also agreed to help the Mughals. Adilshahi army amounted to no less than 80,000 Men. Thus, a massive army of 200,000 (2 lakhs) walked on Ahmednagar. On the other hand, Maharaja Shahaji had an army of 20,000 at his disposal. Maharaja Shahaji had assigned 10,000 of these, the task of protecting and defending the Ahmednagar fort and town. The remaining 10,000 were with Maharaja Shahaji.
Such a huge army required huge amount of food and water. Thus, both Mughal and Adil forces were encamped on the bank of the Mehkari River. It flowed North-South. The river had a dam to conserve water, as Ahmednagar experienced water shortage. However, during this period, there had been good amount of rainfall. The river had abundant water and was filled to the brim. Maharaja Shahaji came up with a brilliant idea. With utmost care, cracks were developed in the dam. It was the time of night; the whole Mughal and Adil encampment was fast asleep. Suddenly, water started gushing out of the dam from each of the cracks. Mughals and Adils were clueless about what was happening. It was, as if a huge wall of irate water was running over the Mughals and Adils.
Everyone started running helter-skelter to save their lives. There was chaos and confusion. The whole encampment was flooded with water. Clothes, rations, arms, ammunitions, cannons and cattle everything drowned. Dead elephants were seen floating in the water. Many were taken as prisoners. As many as 25 renowned, Mughal and Adil chiefs were imprisoned by Maharaja Shahaji. It was a huge win for Maharaja Shahaji, after which Maharaja Shahaji became well known.
Setting up an independent Maratha kingdom
At various points of time Maharaj Shahaji allied himself with the Adilshah of Bijapur, the Nizamshah of Ahmednagar and the Mughals. His ultimate ambition was to set up an independent Maratha kingdom. He tried on two occasions, first one after the brutal murder of his father-in-law Lakhuji Rao Jadhav (father of JijabaiJijabai
Jijabai was the mother of Shivaji, founder of the Maratha Empire.-Birth date and family life:Jijabai was born on 12 January 1598 and a daughter of Lakhoji Jadhav in present-day Buldhana district of Maharashtra State...
) and second in 1636. The second attempt was a formidable challenge.
In the meantime, Jahan Khan, the wazir of Nizam killed Nizam on the reasoning that the Nizam was an incapable and unwise ruler, who couldn’t take appropriate decisions and was easily deceived by some people. Jahan Khan greeted Maharaja Shahaji with open hands and asked Maharaja Shahaji to join him. Maharaja Shahaji started leading Nizam’s forces. However, at that time, the Mughal forces on the order of Shah Jahan had slain all the men in relation to Nizam and also killed two pregnant women. This was done to finish off the Nizamshahi, as there wouldn’t be any Male heir to the throne of the Nizam. However, Maharaja Shahaji, in order to protect Nizamshahi decided to crown a child named Murtuza, who was in relation with Nizam, as the next Nizam. Maharaja Shahaji assured Murtuza’s mother that he would not be harmed and vouched for his safety.
Shahajahan dispatched a force of 48,000 to reduce Maharaji Shahaji , Nizam and his ally Adilshah. Under such mounting attack Adilshah sued for peace. With the withdrawal of Adilshah's support,Maharaja Shahaji could not hold much against the Mughals. His possessions were reduced quickly. In the fort of Mahuli
Mahuli
Mahuli FortAt 2815 ft., this is a sought after trekking destination.It is the highest point in the Thane district. The forest surrounding Mahuli has been declared as a sanctuary. Once Shahaji Raje, father of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had this fortress under his belt.The nearest railway...
he was besieged. Portuguese
Portuguese India
The Portuguese Viceroyalty of India , later the Portuguese State of India , was the aggregate of Portugal's colonial holdings in India.The government started in 1505, six years after the discovery of a sea route to India by Vasco da Gama, with the nomination of the first Viceroy Francisco de...
did not offer any help from naval side due to fear of the Mughals. In this war, Maharaja Shahaji fought till the last. But, unfortunately Nizam Murtaza, the little kid, was being kidnapped by Mughals and for the purpose of saving the life of Nizam, it became necessary for Maharaja Shahaji to make compromise. This compromise finished Nizamshahi. Maharaja Shahaji , on the condition of protecting the life of little Mourtaza Nizam at any condition, handed him over to Shahajahan. Nizam was taken away by Shah Jahan to Delhi. He was inducted into Adilshahi. As a precaution Shahajahan ensured that Shahaji was posted in deep south so as not to pose any challenge to Mughals. He finally became one of the top generals in the Adilshah's army, accepting a Jagir
Jagir
In historic India, a jagir was a small territory granted by the ruler to an army chieftain in fairly short terms usually of three years but not extending beyond his lifetime, in recognition of his military service...
in his court, being based in Bangalur (Present day Bangalore
Bangalore
Bengaluru , formerly called Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and...
in Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
). This is one phase of Shahaji's life.
In 1638, a large Bijapur
Adil Shahi
The Adil Shahi or Adilshahi dynasty ruled the Sultanate of Bijapur in the Western area of the Deccan region of Southern India from 1490 to 1686. Bijapur had been a province of the Bahmani Sultanate , before its political decline in the last quarter of the 15th century and eventual break-up in 1518...
army led by Ranadulla Khan and accompanied by Shahaji defeated Kempe Gowda III and Bangalore was given to Shahaji as a jagir
Jagir
In historic India, a jagir was a small territory granted by the ruler to an army chieftain in fairly short terms usually of three years but not extending beyond his lifetime, in recognition of his military service...
. Shahaji successfully led the Bijapur army to many victories against the Rajas of southern India. Instead of punishing or executing them, Shahaji reprieved all the Rajas. The Rajas thus developed healthy relations with Shahaji and offered military support to Shahaji whenever required.
Crisis phase
After this military defeat, his second phase started. He sent his wife Jijabai as Queen Regent, their younger son Shivaji to Pune to manage his jagir of Pune, their elder son Sambhaji and another son Venkoji from his second wife stayed with him at Bangalore. Shivaji and Sambhaji both emerged as accomplished generals. Meanwhile young Shivaji started capturing territory controlled by Adilshah around Pune. AdilShah, alarmed by the activities of Shivaji in particular, deceitfully captured Shahaji and imprisoned him as he suspected that Shahaji encouraged Shivaji. Two expeditions were sent simultaneously against Shivaji and his elder brother Sambhaji, who defeated Adilshahi forces. Shivaji meanwhile approached Mughal Emperor Shahjahan asking for help against Adilshah. Fearing another Mughal campaign against Bijapur, Adilshah released Shahaji from prison. However the elder son Sambhaji was killed during an expedition due to the treacherous role of Afzal KhanAfzal Khan
Afzal Khan may refer to:*Afzal Khan , Bijapuri general*Afzal Khan , Pakistani actor *Mir Afzal Khan, former Pakistani politician*Afzal Khan Lala, Pashtun nationalist...
. Later Shivaji killed Afzal Khan. Similarly, Shaista Khan
Shaista Khan
Mirza Abu Talib, better known by his title Shaista Khan , was a Subahdar and general in the army of the Mughal Empire. A maternal uncle to Emperor Aurangzeb, he served as the Mughal governor of Bengal from 1664 to 1688, and was a key figure during the rule of his nephew, the emperor...
had defeated Shahaji in his second attempt. Shivaji in a daring attack severed three of Shaista's fingers and forced him to retreat.
Thus these events proved that Shahaji had taken a sensible decision in keeping Shivaji in the original stronghold of Pune barring which, like Shahaji, Shivaji would have been imprisoned or killed like his elder brother. This period of crisis was overcome by sacrifice and personal bonds of this royal family. Shahaji actively supported Shivaji in his earlier enterprises, like the campaign against Afzal Khan. Sensing treachery by Afzal khan, Shahaji was waiting near Bijapur with his army of 17,000. He had warned Badi Begum of Adilshah that, if Afzal Khan and his Adilshahi forces killed Shivaji by deceit, then there wouldn't remain even a brick of the Adilshahi kingdom.
Shahaji died c. 1665 while on a hunt, after falling off his horse.
Legacy
Shahaji had two sons by Jijabai, Sambhaji and Shivaji. Sambhaji was killed while on a military expedition in Karnataka.He was cremated in Hodiggere town of channagiri taluk of Davanagere district of karnataka. Shahaji had one son Venkoji(Ekoji I) by his second wife, who came from the Mohite family. Venkoji later ruled over the independent Maratha kingdom of Thanjavur. Shahaji groomed all his sons as good administrators and men of culture and taste, Shivaji in the Pune region, Sambhaji in Banglore, and Venkoji in Thanjavur region. Shivaji encouraged farming and cultivation, similarly Venkoji also dug canals in Thanjavur and promoted farming activities. Both were good administrators. Like Shahaji they were scholars and warriors. Shahaji had caused a champukavya. At Bangalore, literary activities got a fillip. His court poet Jayram Pindye had written Radha madhav vilas champu in flowery SanskritSanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
. His literary traditions were carried on by his sons, and had strong influence on the mind of Shivaji and the Thanjavur branch. Thanjavur branch continued till modern times.
जगदिश विरंचिकु पूछत है, कहो सृष्टी रची, रखे कोन कहा । शशि वो रवि पूरब पश्चिम लो, तुम सोय रहो सिरसिंधु महां । अरु उत्तर दच्छिन रच्छनकों इत साहजि हैं, उत साहजहाँ ॥
Shahaji's dream of an independent kingdom was made a reality by his second son, the great Shivaji Maharaj.