Maratha History

Maratha History – A glorious chapter led by the visionary and true Emperor of Akhanda Bharat, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

On the history trail: Battle of Umberkhind (2/5/2021) - The imposing persona of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, undisputedly the greatest, most astute strategist the world has seen is imprinted in the lush green picturesque Sahyadri mountains. He possessed all the virtues extolled by Vidura Mahātma in his treatise Vidura Neeti of a king who can oversee the three worlds and it is unsurprising that he... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chimaji Appa and The Battle of Vasai (2/12/2021) - It all started in 1498 when Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reached the shores of Calicut around the Cape of Good Hope opening up a whole new sea route that would change the course of Indian history. On the pretext of expanding the Indian spice route to Europe, the Portuguese soon established their authority on... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: General Mahadji Shinde and The Battle of Wadgaon (2/19/2021) - The death of Shrimant Peshwa Madhavrao Bhat I, considered to be the architect behind the resurrection of the Marathas post the Third Battle of Panipat sent the Marathas into a huddle. The British wanted to take advantage of this turmoil by favouring Raghunathrao rather than allowing the astute Nana Phadnavis and the council of ministers... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Maratha Navy and The Battle of Basrur (2/26/2021) - The Kanara coast which extends from Majali in the North to Someshwar Mangaluru in the South was controlled by Sondha and Bednore chiefs who though, were feudatories of Bijapur had become independent after the death of Mohammad Adil Shah. The Europeans were slowly but steadily stamping their importance and power over this coastal area by... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Veer Baji Prabhu Deshpande and The Battle of Pavan Khind (3/5/2021) - The resounding victories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Pratapgarh and Panhala was very difficult for Ali Adil Shah II of Bijapur to stomach since he had been at the receiving end of many humiliating routs. He decided to join forces with the Mughals to either capture young Shivaji or if possible, even kill him in... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chandashoka and The Kalinga War (3/12/2021) - Along with the wily Chanakya, Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty built one of the largest empires in Akanda Bharat. He abdicated the throne in favour of his son Bindusara who was equal to the task. Bindusara not only consolidated the control over the empire but also extended it further south. Travellers’ documentation and... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Tulja Bhavani and The Battle of Pratapgad (3/19/2021) - The capture of the hill forts of Purandar, Kalyan and Bhiwandi and the death, ruin and defection of feudatories like the Mores of Javli and the Sawants of Wadi respectively effected by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his able aides brought the crippling Bijapur kingdom to its knees. The construction of the new hill fort of... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Nadir Shah invited to invade India by the Mughal Invaders (3/26/2021) - If ever awards for stupidity were to be handed out, it is highly likely that Aurangzeb would confer one for himself and award the rest to his incompetent descendants. By the end of his reign, Aurangzeb who had waged war with the Marathas for twenty-five years and had only pyrrhic victories to his credit undid... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan and The First Battle of Tarain (4/2/2021) - The picture of India stood thus towards the end of the 12th century – Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan of the Chauhans of Sambhar had recently conquered Delhi with Ajmer as his base, to the east of him lay the kingdom of Kannauj governed by the Raja of Garharwar that stretched up to Benares and south of... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Siege of Panhala (4/9/2021) - The resounding victory of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in The Battle of Pratapgad and death of Afzal Khan left the Bijapur kingdom weak and open to attack. Maharaj understood that this was only the beginning of a long-drawn battle as Badi Saheba and Adil Shah would retaliate soon. He took advantage of the chaos that had... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s night raid on Shaista Khan (4/16/2021) - The sacrifice of Veer Baji Prabhu Despande is gratefully remembered to this day by all Indians and is typical of the way in which Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was served throughout his illustrious military career. His daring escape from Panhala foiled the plans of the Adil Shahis of capturing him alive. On 22 September, 1660,... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Conquest of South Konkan by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (4/23/2021) - The wanton interference by the English outside the purview of their trade relations with Indian rulers and invaders at the siege of Panhala did not go unnoticed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. After Kartalab Khan and Rai Bagan were mousetrapped at Umberkhind and sent back with their honour intact, Maharaj appointed Netaji Palkar to keep an... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Conquest of Kudal by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (4/30/2021) - Kudal, located to the south of Rajapur was governed by Lakham Sawant of the Sawants of Wadi who in the past had proved to be false to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on more than one occasion. He was a jagirdar under Bijapur and though had publicly claimed to accept Shivaji’s leadership and ambitious goal of Hindavi Swarajya,... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Tanaji Malusare and The Battle of Kondana (5/7/2021) - Young Sambhaji lived in Aurangabad after the peace agreement was drawn up between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb by Muhammad Mu’azzam under the guardianship of Senapati Prataprao Gujar and Niraji Raoji. They formed a close friendship with Muhammad Mu’azzam and Jai Singh I, all sharing the pleasures of hunting and amusements of living in the... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Aurangzeb’s Surat plundered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (5/14/2021) - The night attack on Shaista Khan however spectacular did not inflict any discernible damage on Aurangzeb. Shaista Khan’s seizure and occupation of Pune and its surrounding districts for over three years and the siege of Kondana (December 1663 to June 1664) by Mirza Raja, Jashwant Singh or Jai Singh I had crippled the Maratha empire... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s miraculous escape from Agra (5/21/2021) - It was imperative for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to maintain the pretence of submissiveness towards Mirza Raja, Jai Singh I to effect the famous Treaty of Purandar on 11 June 1665. It was quite clear that Mirza Raja was favourably disposed towards Maharaj and sanguine about a permanent understanding between Aurangzeb and Maharaj. As time passed, Mirza Raja... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s adventures after his daring escape from captivity (5/28/2021) - Following a hurried meeting with Ram Singh at his residence, Shivaji’s half-brother Hiroji Farzand and his trusty page Madari Mehtar quickly made their way out of Agra. The guards had been instructed not to disturb ‘Shivaji’ as he had fallen asleep after a restless night. However, the suspicion of the guards was aroused as the... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj tricks Aurangzeb to bring back Sambhaji (6/4/2021) - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s dramatic return to Raigad on 20 November 1666 was followed by widespread rejoicings among his family, citizens and the Maratha army. Each fort fired its feu de joie unceasingly and though the celebrations were appreciated by Maharaj, he decided to issue standing orders on the exact number of gunfire for specified occasions... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj plunders Surat for the second time (6/11/2021) - The cat and mouse game continued between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb with the former keeping the latter on his toes with raids on his territory at an alarming regularity. It started with a surprise entry into the Deccan controlled by the Mughals. Maharaj made quick work of Junnar, Ahmednagar and Parenda advancing quickly as... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj enters Khandesh (6/18/2021) - The news of the desecration and demolition of the sacrosanct shrine of Shree Kashi Vishwanath at Benares on 4 September 1669 spread like wildfire and caused extreme consternation throughout the country. The construction of a mosque on its site only added fuel to the growing anger against Aurangzeb’s fanaticism to please the Mahomedan orthodoxy. Chhatrapati... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The Battle of Salher (6/25/2021) - While Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Marathas raided Berar and Khandesh, Moropant Peshwa made his way through North Konkan into Baglana wresting the forts of Trimbak, Aundha, Patta and Ramnagar from the Mughals and passed through Mulher into West Khandesh levying contributions wherever he went. He reached Salher Fort on the border of Khandesh and... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Conquest of the Koli territory by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (7/2/2021) - The Second Sack of Surat paved the way for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to make preparations for his ambitious missions by land and sea. The raid into Khandesh and Berar followed by Baglana and Karinja led to the bloody toil of Salher. The spirit of the Marathas was greatly roused by their comprehensive victory over Ikhlas... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Fort of Panhala retaken by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (7/9/2021) - Though there were constant skirmishes between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Mughals, the former’s relationship with Bijapur was relatively peaceful. His power was acknowledged by all the southern states. The chief minister of Bijapur, Abdul Muhammad paid chauth to Maharaj to prevent him from plundering Bijapur. Even Qutub Shah of Golkonda was in awe of him... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Hubli raided by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (7/16/2021) - Following the triumph at Panhala, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided to press forward his advantage and capture lands which were under the rule of the Bijapur Adil Shahis. After the capture of the forts of Parali and Satara (captured on 26 July 1673), Maharaj had extended his dominion to the east of Ghatmatha over the present... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The Battle of Umrani and the sacrifice of Senapati Prataprao Gujar (7/23/2021) - When the political intrigues in the Bijapur court had reduced the state to hopeless confusion and the Marathas continued to capture their lands, the regent Khawas Khan decided to send a large army to wrest back Panhala under the commander Abdul Karim Bahlol Khan. The news of this fresh advance reached Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The Portuguese land in Calicut in 1498 (7/30/2021) - Vasco da Gama’s ships left Portugal on 8 July 1497, rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and sailed up the east coast of Africa to Malindi. He took the help of a guide given by a local ruler and headed towards southern India. It took them only twenty-three days to cross from Africa to Malabar.... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The Portuguese establish themselves in the Malabar Coast (8/6/2021) - Six months after the return of Vasco da Gama, another fleet of thirteen armed ships sailed for India in March 1500. This fleet was commanded by Pedro Álvares Cabral who had a torrid time on his way to Calicut. Some ships were blown off course to South America while four ships sank in a storm... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Maharana Pratap and The Battle of Haldighati (8/13/2021) - The Rana of Mewar, head of the illustrious Sisodia Rajput lineage refused to become a vassal of the Mughals. Akbar had captured his capital Chittorgarh after a bloody siege in 1568 and occupied the eastern part of his kingdom but Maharana Pratap eluded him. Akbar sent Raja Man Singh I, heir to the Kachhwaha... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Sea Power of the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (8/20/2021) - A long stretch of the Konkan coast had come under the Marathas but, it was imperative that this coast was secured and therefore, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj spent a great deal of time to ensure the loyalties of the local nobility by either destroying them or receiving a substantial tribute from them. The Abyssinian State... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Hindu Genocide by the Moplahs of Malabar in August 1921 (8/24/2021) - One of the biggest fallouts of the ill-fated Khilafat movement which would be a precursor of more heinous acts was the horrific atrocities committed by the Moplahs (Mapillas) of the Malabar in August 1921. The Moplahs (Muslims) were tenants at will of Hindu landlords (jenmi) and were extremely animus towards their masters who charged high... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The Karnatak Campaign (Capture of the Fort of Kopbal) by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (8/27/2021) - Though Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was at peace with Bijapur, the threat of a Mughal invasion loomed large. It was necessary to arrange for more funds to support the army and man the forts. Maharaj conceived a plan for acquiring territory down south in the rainy season of 1676 as he resided in Panhala. Ekoji,... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The Karnatak Campaign (Forts of Gingee and Vellore captured) by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (9/3/2021) - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, pursuant to the arrangement made by Raghunath Pant with the ministers of Golkonda court headed to Bhagyanagar from Raigad at the end of January 1677 leaving Moropant Pingle and Annaji Datto in charge of the Deccan. The presence of Maharaj and his mighty army alarmed the citizens of the city who went... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The Grand Meeting of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Ekoji I (Vyankoji Bhonsle) (9/17/2021) - After the decisive rout of Sher Khan Lodhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj headed towards Tanjore to meet his half-brother Ekoji to effect a reasonable division of their father’s holdings. He encamped at Tirumalavadi (Thirumalvadi) that lies on the north bank of the Coleroon River, a few miles from Tanjore. As Maharaj was awaiting the arrival... Continue Reading →
Nathuram Vinayak Godse: The Untold Story (11/19/2021) - Nathuram Godse, a name that elicits multitude of emotions ranging from pity to anger, pride to outrage, understanding to mob fury and so on and so forth, an enigma whose rationale has been termed inexplicable, traitorous and downright nationalist, has been called many things for assassinating Mr. Gandhi on 30 January 1948 but very few... Continue Reading →
Martyr Madan Lal Dhingra (11/25/2021) - On 1 July 1909, Martyr Dhingra calmly shot Sir William Hutt Curzon Wyllie four times at point-blank range with a small Colt pistol causing a furore of immeasurable proportions across the world. Sir William Hutt Curzon Wyllie, a man took great pride and pleasure in denying several Indian students their right to earn an honest... Continue Reading →
Assassination of Swami Shraddhanand (12/3/2021) - Swami Shraddhanand was actively engaged in the shuddhi movement across North India. The purpose of this movement was to bring back various sections of Hindus who had converted to Islam and Christianity by force and with the promise of rice and shelter. The derogatory term ‘rice bag convert’ came into existence when poor Hindus deprived of... Continue Reading →
Impact of the First World War on Akhanda Bharat – A brief glimpse (12/10/2021) - A conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia soon led to the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and spiralled into a full-blown bloody crisis in Europe. Clear divisions arose with Germany, Austria-Hungary and Turkey forming the Central Powers and France, Britain, Russia, Italy, Japan and the United States of America the Allies. Mid – 1914 to... Continue Reading →
The Chapekar Brothers (12/17/2021) - The parasitic British managed to establish their control by the late 1800s and brought in a slew of draconian measures designed to fill their coffers while tormenting the true and rightful owners of the lands and riches of Akhanda Bharat. A fateful pandemic of plague swept the nation in 1896 – 97, particularly the state of Maharashtra.... Continue Reading →
Martyr Vasudev Balwant Phadke (12/24/2021) - The year of 1818 was momentous for Akhanda Bharat with the British managing to snuff out the Maratha Empire from under the Peshwas. Though the British thought that they had displaced a Muslim invader from the seat of power, the truth is that it was the Maratha Empire whose expanse and influence across Akhanda Bharat that... Continue Reading →
Martyr Jatindranath Das, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Martyr Shivaram Hari Rajguru and Freedom Fighter Batukeshwar Dutt (12/31/2021) - From 1818, the British surreptitiously robbed Akhanda Bharat of its treasures, artefacts, rare jewels, gems and crowns, art and sculptures. A sizeable portion made its way back to their country while the remaining was placed in the British government treasury. When information was leaked that money rightfully belonging to Indians was looted by the British... Continue Reading →
History of Banaras – Part I (1/7/2022) - Banaras, the golden city of knowledge, wisdom, spirituality and Advaita, has from the ancient times been considered to be one of the most sacrosanct places of Akhanda Bharat. This glorious city has a rich history that can be traced back to the time of creation. Archaeological excavations have uncovered rare artefacts from the Vedic Period... Continue Reading →
History of Banaras – Part II (1/28/2022) - The stature of Benares as the seat of learning, knowledge and wisdom grew under the patronage of the Maukharis of Kannauj, Gurjara-Pratiharas and the mighty Kalachuris towards the end of the 10th century. The period of the Kalachuris is often referred to as the golden era in the city’s history marked with the construction... Continue Reading →
History of Banaras – Part III (Trail of destruction by the Delhi Sultanate) (2/4/2022) - The second attack by the Muslim invader Qutb al-Din Aibak in 1197 – 98 effectively ended the golden period of the Gahadavalas and established a violent intolerant Muslim rule that was determined to destroy every trace of the glorious heritage of Kashi. Kashi, a city that has existed since the dawn of creation grew in... Continue Reading →
History of Banaras – Part IV (Plunder and destruction by the Mughals) (2/11/2022) - It is difficult to ascertain the extent of damage inflicted by the Delhi Sultanate, but a fair number of mosques and tombs built on the sites of temples during this period using the stones of the temples demolished are still visible in the city. It has been documented that Razia Sultana had built a mosque... Continue Reading →
History of Banaras – Part VI (Contribution by the Marathas) (2/25/2022) - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1666 had taken refuge in the ancient city of Benares after his miraculous escape from captivity. He was most distressed on seeing the fear in the eyes of Hindus who had suffered immensely in the hands of the Mughals. Even though Raje desired to rebuild Kashi after the horrific desecration in... Continue Reading →
History of Banaras – Part VII (Conclusion) (2/25/2022) - अयोध्या मथुरा माया काशी काञ्ची अवन्तिका । पुरी द्वारावती चैव सप्तैते मोक्षदायकाः॥ Kashi, a name that evokes a multitude of emotions ranging from bliss, joy, ecstasy, love and relief is the city that promises liberation. Since the dawn of time, Kashi has been considered to be the centre of learning, knowledge, wisdom and Advaita. Sages,... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Bloody beginning to Chhatrapati Sambhaji’s reign (3/25/2022) - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a genius way ahead of his time. In the midst of uncertainty, savagery, brutalism and widespread plunder by the desert barbarian, Aurangzeb, Shivaji Raje was a beacon of hope for Hindus. He was a self-taught man who had no experience in the workings of a great capital or court or camp... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Muhammad Akbar rebels against Aurangzeb and seeks refuge in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (4/1/2022) - The year of 1679 saw Aurangzeb begin a full-fledged war against the princes of Rajputana. Though, the Rajputs had always sworn allegiance to the Mughals since the time of Babur, Aurangzeb wished to stamp his authority on this rich region and annex it to the Mughal empire. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was quick to denounce... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Aurangzeb fails to capture key Maratha forts (Siege of Ramsej) (4/8/2022) - Though it is indeed difficult to comprehend how and why the largely Hindu Rajput kings swore allegiance to the Muslim invaders from the time of Babur, power and wealth since time immemorial have been dangerous temptations that have successfully enticed many to swerve from their rightful duty to their Motherland. Such was the case with... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Aurangzeb captures Bijapur and Golconda after failing to make inroads in the Maratha territory (4/15/2022) - The year of 1682 – 1683 presented Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj a great opportunity to strike a mentally and physically weak Aurangzeb either at his treasured palace or as Muhammad Akbar suggested to ride through Gujarat into Rajputana. It is unclear why Sambhaji Raje did not take advantage of Aurangzeb’s invasion but one surmise that it... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj subjugates the Portuguese in regal fashion (4/22/2022) - Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s bloody beginning gradually eased into a more restrained reign and he began his operations on the Siddi of Janjira and the Portuguese of Chaul who had been cowed into submission by Aurangzeb in his typical tyrannical manner. The Siddi has been appointed as Aurangzeb’s admiral and was egged on to step... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj betrayed and captured by Aurangzeb at Sangameshwar (4/29/2022) - The wily Aurangzeb continued to put pressure on the Marathas by despatching Shahâb ud-Din and his son, Chin Qilich Kamaruddin Khan to grab their territory in North Konkan and Baglan. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was outraged on hearing the devious tactics employed by father and son to win over the Marathas. He launched a furious... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj tortured to death in the most barbaric way ever seen by Aurangzeb (5/6/2022) - Shock, quickly followed by a wild outburst of rejoicing was witnessed when Aurangzeb and his men received the news of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s capture at Akluj. The young king who had tried his best to follow in the footsteps of his father, the late Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had terrorized Aurangzeb and the Mughals in his... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj’s reign begins (5/13/2022) - With the tragic death of Shree Dharamveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Aurangzeb’s lifelong dream of capturing the Deccan was fulfilled. The whole territory from the Narmada to the Tungabhadra lay at his feet. However, the savagery of the desert barbarian Aurangzeb hardened the hearts of the Marathas and impelled them to protect their own and their... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The fall of Raigad and the extraordinary leadership of Ramchandra Pant Amatya (5/20/2022) - Raigad, one of the most impregnable forts of all the Maratha forts had been made largely inaccessible by the natural defences of Mother Earth. This fort was constructed on a large plateau with enough food, cattle and supplies required for a large military presence to hold out for a long time. In fact, this... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj heads to Gingee (5/27/2022) - With mounting pressure and constant assaults on the Marathas by the Mughals, Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj revisited his strategy of staying put in Panhala. The situation was getting increasingly dangerous for him and his men and it was decided that they would make their way to the safe haven of Jinji in the Deccan. Jinji... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Aurangzeb is displeased that Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj has made Gingee the new Maratha power (6/3/2022) - The shift of the Maratha power to Gingee created serious problems for Aurangzeb. It would be difficult for his men to receive information on what was happening within the four walls of Gingee. He decided to act quickly to put down the rising Maratha power. He left his camp of Koregaon on 18 December... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Gingee besieged and captured (6/10/2022) - Zulfiqar Khan after capturing Maharani Yesubai and young Shahu was immediately despatched to pursue Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj as he left for the Deccan. He left Aurangzeb’s camp on 30 November 1689 and arrived at Gingee in June 1690 and laid siege to the fort. The siege lasted for 8 years and is probably one... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The heroism of Sarsenapati Santaji Ghorpade (6/17/2022) - As the siege of Jinji dragged on languidly, Aurangzeb became increasingly exasperated with both Zulfiqar Khan and his father, Asad Khan. He bemoaned the inability of his army to overcome the guerrilla tactics of the Marathas. Zulfiqar Khan had been given two clear tasks namely to capture Gingee and Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj and so far,... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Marathas fight back at Jinji (6/24/2022) - With the Mughals hot on their trail and mounting pressure every day, the Marathas focussed on their primary goal to create a safe passage for Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj from Gingee and save him from a fate similar to his brother’s and liberate the Maratha lands from the Mughal control. Aurangzeb was not one to... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: An Infusion of Religious Fervour by Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj (7/1/2022) - The primary aim of the Marathas during this perilous period of war with Aurangzeb was to convince their Hindu brothers who had joined the Mughal service to return to their king to defend the Maharashtra dharma. Hindavi Swarajya, the ambitious goal of the late Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was designed to throw out the Muslim invaders... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The legendary guerrilla warfare of the Marathas (8/5/2022) - The tragic death of Santaji Ghorpade brought great joy to the Mughal camps who had lived in constant fear of him and his wrath on the battlefield. Santaji Ghorpade is undoubtedly one of the greatest masters of guerrilla warfare Akhanda Bharat has ever seen. His brilliant tactics, unwavering courage in the most perilous situations and... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj’s reign (8/12/2022) - Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj managed to elude the Mughal parties stationed around Jinji and proceeded to Vishalgad. He had sent offers of peace directly to Aurangzeb which were declined. As war raged on relentlessly, Rajaram Raje reached the Maratha land and decided that a new seat of power needs to be established. As both Raigad... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj’s death (8/19/2022) - Just as the Marathas looked poised to reclaim their lost lands and begin the final battle for Akhanda Bharat, tragedy struck. Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj who had fought tirelessly against the Mughals found the strain of camp life unbearable and his health began to fail rapidly. He became so ill during the march that he had... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Maharani Tarabai leads the Marathas (8/26/2022) - Upon hearing Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj’s sudden demise, Ramchandra Pant Amatya headed to Sinhagad and conveyed the news to the various officers and generals requesting them to continue their good work and perform their respective duties as before. He appealed to them to exert themselves with more fervour and reminded them of their ambitious goal of... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj (9/2/2022) - The demise of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj and the ascendance of Maharani Tarabai changed the state of affairs in the Deccan. Aurangzeb had been successful in setting up a well-oiled administration to look after the matters of the Marathas. The prominent families of the territory between Satara and Aurangabad had accepted the sovereignty of Aurangzeb... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj leaves the Mughal camp (9/9/2022) - The tyrannical reign of Akhanda Bharat’s worst and most radical Islamic barbarian, Aurangzeb finally came to an end on 20 February 1707. The fanatical Mughal had spent more than twenty-five years of his life draining the coffers while attempting to subdue the indomitable Marathas. The long-drawn war of independence would start taking shape under the leadership... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Battle of Khed (9/23/2022) - Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj was in for a big disappointment. His aunt Maharani Tarabai did not acknowledge him as the rightful heir to the throne as she felt that the kingdom which was once ruled by his late father Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj had been lost to her late husband Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj and his son, young... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Coronation of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj at Satara (9/30/2022) - Shahu Raje lost no time in marching towards Satara after defeating the mighty army of Maharani Tarabai, halting for a short period at Shirwal. The faithful follower of Maharani, Sachiv Shankaraji Narayan had his official residence in Fort Rohida near Bhor. Shahu Raje asked him to either surrender or face the consequences of refusal. ... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Balaji Vishwanath shows his mettle (10/7/2022) - Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj made an aggressive start to secure the northern portions of his patrimony. He deputed Pratinidhi Gadadhar Pralhad and Senapati Dhanaji Jadhav to Baglan and Khandesh with his trusted aide Balaji Vishwanath. They decisively vanquished the local Mughal officers like Karim Beg of Junnar and plundered the city of its riches. They... Continue Reading →
History of the Prachin Shiv Mandir at Agra – Part I (The Myth of the Taj Mahal) (10/21/2022) - Lazy and uninformed “historians” of Indian (commissioned by the British Raj) and British origin have done an outstanding job for over three centuries to whitewash our glorious Hindu heritage and relegate the contributions of our valorous Hindu kings to obscurity. A concerted effort to prevent one from learning about Hinduism, the oldest civilization in the... Continue Reading →
History of the Prachin Shiv Mandir at Agra – Part II (The Myth of the Taj Mahal) (10/28/2022) - Since the ancient times, it has been the practice of Hindu kings to assiduously follow the tenets as laid down in the Shilpa Shastra while building forts, palaces, mansions, temples and dharmashalas. Traditionally, these grand structures were built along river banks, seashores or lakes to observe the obligatory rites and rituals of the Hindu scriptures. ... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath and Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre (11/25/2022) - Balaji Vishwanath had already proved to be indispensable to Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj in a short time and further strengthened his bond by winning over a great adversary in resources, valour and skill namely Kanhoji Angre. Kanhoji Angre, the wiliest admiral of the Western Coast and head of the Maratha Navy is undisputedly the true champion,... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Shankaraji Malhar and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj (12/2/2022) - Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s position remained insecure for a few years after the passing away of Bahadur Shah I. He was unable to find a suitable candidate for the all-important position of Senapati and became increasingly dependent on Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath. Dhanaji’s son, Chandrasen who had been given the position was openly animus towards Shahu Raje and... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: A peace treaty signed by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj with the Mughals (12/9/2022) - One of the main reasons Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj agreed to a peace treaty with Sayyid Husain Ali was to secure the release of his mother Maharani Yesubai, wife Savitribai and brother Madansinh who were held hostage in Delhi. Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath and Shankaraji Malhar cleverly put in the stipulation to that effect in return for... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath heads to Delhi (12/16/2022) - Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s primary concern after signing a peace treaty with Sayyid Husain Ali was to ensure that his mother Maharani Yesubai, wife Savitribai and brother Madansinh who were held hostage in Delhi would be released immediately. He had already deputed Parasnis Yadavrao Prabhu to Delhi to arrange for the release in 1715. After... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: A power struggle at Delhi (12/30/2022) - When the ruler at Delhi was informed of Sayyid Husain Ali’s approach to the capital, he feared for his life and sent repeated messages and special agents to dissuade the latter. Sayyid Husain Ali requested the Maratha commanders to either halt or return but they refused. They had been given a clear task of... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The sad demise of Maharani Yesubai and Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath (1/6/2023) - A grand Darbar was held at Satara to rejoice the victorious return of Maharani Yesubai and others from captivity. As Santaji Bhosle had lost his life in Delhi, his brother Ranoji was conferred the title of Sawai Santaji and rewards for his sacrifice. The Peshwa‘s return from Delhi with tremendous success gave a new impetus... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Shrimant Bajirao appointed Peshwa (1/13/2023) - The sudden demise of Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath was a tremendous loss to Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj who owed his position and fortune to this devoted servant. Bajirao, then of 19 years had been a part of the contingent that had gone to Delhi and had paid close attention to the events that had unravelled following the death... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Fall of the Sayyid Brothers (1/27/2023) - The new ruler installed in Delhi by the Sayyid brothers in 1719 began to intrigue with their enemies to bring about their ruin. Chin Qilich Qamaruddin Khan (Nizam-ul-Mulk) the only worthy opponent of the Sayyids was appointed to the government of Malwa. He left Delhi on 15 March 1719 and upon reaching Ujjain, began gathering... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Marathas on slippery ground after the fall of the Sayyid Brothers (2/3/2023) - The dramatic fall of the Sayyid brothers put the Marathas and their plans of obtaining the grants as per the treaty in doubt. It was well known that Nizam-ul-Mulk, the sitting ruler and his mother and many others in the Delhi court had particular disdain for the Marathas and Hindus. Nizam-ul-Mulk was known never... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Peshwa Bajirao faces a new danger (2/10/2023) - Muhammad Amin Khan, the cousin of Nizam-ul-Mulk who was appointed as the Wazir died in February 1721 creating a vacancy that the ruler of Delhi felt only the experienced Nizam-ul-Mulk could fill. However, the Nizam was not keen on getting stuck in the political intrigues of the court as that would greatly curtail his ambition to... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Peshwa Bajirao’s expedition to the Karnatak (2/24/2023) - The decisive win for Nizam-ul-Mulk over Mubariz Khan in the Battle of Sakhar Kherda established his undisputed dominance over the Deccan. The Marathas had been watching the battle on the sidelines with keen interest knowing full well that the Nizam’s victory would dent their prospects of expansion in the south. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj was... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Nizam-ul-Mulk challenges Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj (3/3/2023) - The three years from February 1725 to February 1728 (Battle of Shakar Kheda to Palkhed) fairly established the nature of the relationship between the Marathas and the Nizam that would eventually be subjected to the paramountcy of the British. The Marathas were determined to enforce the rights granted to them in 1719. However, the... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Battle of Palkhed (3/10/2023) - With opposition building on all fronts, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj was at his wit’s end. Peshwa Bajirao was still in the Karnatak and those close to him advised him to effect a compromise with the Nizam. Shahu Raje accepted their advice and instructed his Pratinidhi and Sumant to negotiate a peace treaty with the Nizam. The Pratinidhi proposed a... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Battle of Amjhera (3/17/2023) - The military stratagem displayed by Peshwa Bajirao under difficult conditions in Palkhed proved his ability to take on a war veteran like the Nizam with relative ease. This notable victory helped the Peshwa secure the confidence of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and others. Peshwa had already formed his own group of faithful followers both in the... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Battle of Bundelkhand (3/24/2023) - The invasion of Malwa by Peshwa Bajirao and Chimaji Appa on the advice of Sawai Jai Singh opened up new avenues for the Marathas and the Rajputs who were dissatisfied with the Mughals. The Bundelas in particular had been friendly with the Marathas for a long time and adopted their approach to fight for their independence.... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The Mughals want peace with the Marathas (3/31/2023) - The decisive victories over the Mughals in Malwa, Bundelkhand and Gujarat in 1729 created quite a consternation in the heart of the ruler of Delhi. Though Nizam-ul-Mulk was checked to some extent in Palkhed, he continued to cause trouble for the Marathas in the Deccan. The death of Giridhar Bahadur and the defeat of Muhammad... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Nizam-ul-Mulk refuses to make peace with the Marathas (4/7/2023) - The agents sent by the ruler of Delhi came back with glowing reports of the Marathas and categorically declared that if the Mughals were to agree to 11 and 15 lacs for annual chauth of Gujarat and Malwa respectively, then the Marathas would not interfere with the Mughals again. Nizam-ul-Mulk, after being defeated by Peshwa... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Peshwa Bajirao caught in the middle of political intrigues (4/14/2023) - After the humiliating defeat at Palkhed and the Mughal losses in Gujarat, Malwa and Bundelkhand, the Nizam knew that he was no match for the Peshwa‘s brilliance and military stratagem. Full of prejudice and evil machinations, he chose the cowardly approach to malign his name and dissuade the ruler at Delhi to sign a peace agreement. Deep Singh’s mission... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Sambhaji of Kolhapur and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj (4/21/2023) - The brilliance of Peshwa Bajirao on the battlefield and in the Maratha Court will go down in history as the finest chapter in military stratagem and diplomacy respectively. Even his staunch critics were forced to acknowledge his astuteness and competency. This however did not deter them from intriguing with the Nizam to subdue him and depose... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Sambhaji of Kolhapur subdued (4/28/2023) - The evil machinations of Sambhaji of Kolhapur were revealed for one and all to see when Udaji Chavan sent agents to murder Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj when he was out hunting. Shahu Raje immediately set aside his friendly disposition towards his cousin and instructed Trimbakrao Dabhade to lead the army to march into Sambhaji’s territory. ... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Dabhades and the Peshwa (5/5/2023) - Khanderao Dabhade, appointed as Senapati by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj on 11 January 1717 had once been a competent leader. However, he was greatly overshadowed by the dashing Peshwa Bajirao who had proved his mettle more than once. The Peshwa on his part continued to serve the Chhatrapati assiduously by raising independent armies to secure the boundaries and lead expeditions... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Trimbakrao Dabhade in alliance with the Nizam (5/12/2023) - It became clear to Peshwa Bajirao and Chimaji Appa that the strong chiefs who espoused the Peshwa‘s leadership would affect the prospects of Nizam-ul-Mulk as their territory was intermixed with his. The Nizam began to use powerful artillery to crush them into submission to protect his interests. By the end of 1730, the Peshwa and Chimaji Appa began... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Trimbakrao Dabhade refuses to make peace with the Peshwa (5/19/2023) - Peshwa Bajirao and Chimaji Appa left Poona on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, 10 October 1730 on the instructions of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. They had been given a clear assignment to dissuade Trimbakrao Dabhade from aligning with Nizam-ul-Mulk and instead to return to Satara to resolve the situation. As they made their preparations and... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Trimbakrao Dabhade meets his end (5/26/2023) - Peshwa Bajirao had set up camp at Savli when he learned about the plans of Trimbakrao Dabhade and Gaikwad. The two had decided for an open attack on the plain of Dabhoi and Bhilapur with a force of 40 thousand while the Peshwa had managed to gather just about 25 thousand for this armed conflict. ... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The Siddis of Janjira desecrate the holy shrine of Parashuram at Chiplun (6/2/2023) - The Siddis of Janjira, Muslims of Abyssinian descent had invaded the Deccan and the western coast in the late 16th century – early 17th century forming their own colony of mercenaries formally trained by Malik Ambar in the impregnable Janjira Fort. This independent principality was under the protection of Aurangzeb and had managed to thwart... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Plan to attack the Siddis of Janjira delayed by the lackadaisical approach of the Pratinidhi (6/9/2023) - The desecration of the Parashuram Temple at Chiplun was viewed by the Marathas as a serious attack on their Motherland and Hinduism. It became imperative to curb the activities of the Muslim mercenaries at Janjira. The main point discussed by the Marathas was to free the capital of Raigad from the Siddi’s control. This fort... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Siddi Sat killed in a bloody battle by Chimaji Appa (6/16/2023) - The sudden demise of Sarkhel Sekhoji Angre on 28 August 1733 proved to be a serious impediment to the war preparations. Sekhoji Angre possessed remarkable foresight and patience and exercised a considerable hold over his three brothers namely Sambhaji, Manaji and Tulaji. His unfortunate demise at the prime of his youth signalled the end of... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Malwa (6/23/2023) - The utter decimation of the Mughal forces in Malwa and Bundelkhand created a major crisis for the ruler of Delhi. A clear division of opinion emerged in the counsel with one party headed by Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur and the Mir Bakshi Khan Dowran VII (Khan-i-Dauran) who were in favour of peace and conciliation... Continue Reading →