On the history trail: Dabhades and the Peshwa

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: Battle of Bundelkhand

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: Battle of Amjhera

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 Palkhed

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 →

Matri Vav, Kankavati Village, Dhrangadhra Taluka, Surendranagar District, Gujarat

The mighty Jhalas became a formidable force in the Saurashtra region by the late 11th century and formed seats of power at Santalpur, Halvad and Kankavati. They established the capital city of Dhrangadhra in the mid-18th century which eventually became a princely state till Independence.   Dhrangadhra has been of tremendous interest to historians, archaeologists... Continue Reading →

Mata Bhavani ni Vav, Asarva, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

One of the earliest stepwells or vavs of Gujarat is the 11th century Mata Bhavani ni vav located at Asarva in Ahmedabad. This east-facing vav was built by the Solankis and renovated by the Vaghelas in the 14th century before being confiscated by the Gujarat Sultanate.   Interestingly, this vav is one of the longest along the east -... Continue Reading →

Prachin Vav, Jhaloda Village, Kadi, Mehsana District, Gujarat

Stepwells built in Akhanda Bharat since the ancient times offer valuable insight into the social and cultural propensity, religious practices and architecture and art of that period. These vavs are ingenious edifices built with locally available materials and display a rare harmony of structural soundness and architectural excellence.   It is very uncommon to find stepwells... Continue Reading →

Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

Up ↑