खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी

खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी...झाँसी की रानी

सिंहासन हिल उठे राजवंशों ने भृकुटी तानी थी,
बूढ़े भारत में आई फिर से नयी जवानी थी,
गुमी हुई आज़ादी की कीमत सबने पहचानी थी,
दूर फिरंगी को करने की सबने मन में ठानी थी।
चमक उठी सन सत्तावन में, वह तलवार पुरानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।

कानपूर के नाना की, मुँहबोली बहन छबीली थी,
लक्ष्मीबाई नाम, पिता की वह संतान अकेली थी,
नाना के सँग पढ़ती थी वह, नाना के सँग खेली थी,
बरछी ढाल, कृपाण, कटारी उसकी यही सहेली थी।
वीर शिवाजी की गाथायें उसकी याद ज़बानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
लक्ष्मी थी या दुर्गा थी वह स्वयं वीरता की अवतार,
देख मराठे पुलकित होते उसकी तलवारों के वार,
नकली युद्ध-व्यूह की रचना और खेलना खूब शिकार,
सैन्य घेरना, दुर्ग तोड़ना ये थे उसके प्रिय खिलवार।
महाराष्टर-कुल-देवी उसकी भी आराध्य भवानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
हुई वीरता की वैभव के साथ सगाई झाँसी में,
ब्याह हुआ रानी बन आई लक्ष्मीबाई झाँसी में,
राजमहल में बजी बधाई खुशियाँ छाई झाँसी में,
चित्रा ने अर्जुन को पाया, शिव से मिली भवानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
उदित हुआ सौभाग्य, मुदित महलों में उजियाली छाई,
किंतु कालगति चुपके-चुपके काली घटा घेर लाई,
तीर चलाने वाले कर में उसे चूड़ियाँ कब भाई,
रानी विधवा हुई, हाय! विधि को भी नहीं दया आई।
निसंतान मरे राजाजी रानी शोक-समानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
बुझा दीप झाँसी का तब डलहौज़ी मन में हरषाया,
राज्य हड़प करने का उसने यह अच्छा अवसर पाया,
फ़ौरन फौजें भेज दुर्ग पर अपना झंडा फहराया,
लावारिस का वारिस बनकर ब्रिटिश राज्य झाँसी आया।
अश्रुपूर्णा रानी ने देखा झाँसी हुई बिरानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
अनुनय विनय नहीं सुनती है, विकट शासकों की माया,
व्यापारी बन दया चाहता था जब यह भारत आया,
डलहौज़ी ने पैर पसारे, अब तो पलट गई काया,
राजाओं नव्वाबों को भी उसने पैरों ठुकराया।
रानी दासी बनी, बनी यह दासी अब महरानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
छिनी राजधानी दिल्ली की, लखनऊ छीना बातों-बात,
कैद पेशवा था बिठुर में, हुआ नागपुर का भी घात,
उदैपुर, तंजौर, सतारा, करनाटक की कौन बिसात?
जबकि सिंध, पंजाब ब्रह्म पर अभी हुआ था वज्र-निपात।
बंगाले, मद्रास आदि की भी तो वही कहानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
रानी रोयीं रिनवासों में, बेगम ग़म से थीं बेज़ार,
उनके गहने कपड़े बिकते थे कलकत्ते के बाज़ार,
सरे आम नीलाम छापते थे अंग्रेज़ों के अखबार,
'नागपूर के ज़ेवर ले लो लखनऊ के लो नौलख हार'।
यों परदे की इज़्ज़त परदेशी के हाथ बिकानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
कुटियों में भी विषम वेदना, महलों में आहत अपमान,
वीर सैनिकों के मन में था अपने पुरखों का अभिमान,
नाना धुंधूपंत पेशवा जुटा रहा था सब सामान,
बहिन छबीली ने रण-चण्डी का कर दिया प्रकट आहवान।
हुआ यज्ञ प्रारम्भ उन्हें तो सोई ज्योति जगानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
महलों ने दी आग, झोंपड़ी ने ज्वाला सुलगाई थी,
यह स्वतंत्रता की चिनगारी अंतरतम से आई थी,
झाँसी चेती, दिल्ली चेती, लखनऊ लपटें छाई थी,
मेरठ, कानपूर, पटना ने भारी धूम मचाई थी,
जबलपूर, कोल्हापूर में भी कुछ हलचल उकसानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
इस स्वतंत्रता महायज्ञ में कई वीरवर आए काम,
नाना धुंधूपंत, ताँतिया, चतुर अज़ीमुल्ला सरनाम,
अहमदशाह मौलवी, ठाकुर कुँवरसिंह सैनिक अभिराम,
भारत के इतिहास गगन में अमर रहेंगे जिनके नाम।
लेकिन आज जुर्म कहलाती उनकी जो कुरबानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
इनकी गाथा छोड़, चले हम झाँसी के मैदानों में,
जहाँ खड़ी है लक्ष्मीबाई मर्द बनी मर्दानों में,
लेफ्टिनेंट वाकर आ पहुँचा, आगे बड़ा जवानों में,
रानी ने तलवार खींच ली, हुया द्वन्द्ध असमानों में।
ज़ख्मी होकर वाकर भागा, उसे अजब हैरानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
रानी बढ़ी कालपी आई, कर सौ मील निरंतर पार,
घोड़ा थक कर गिरा भूमि पर गया स्वर्ग तत्काल सिधार,
यमुना तट पर अंग्रेज़ों ने फिर खाई रानी से हार,
विजयी रानी आगे चल दी, किया ग्वालियर पर अधिकार।
अंग्रेज़ों के मित्र सिंधिया ने छोड़ी रजधानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
विजय मिली, पर अंग्रेज़ों की फिर सेना घिर आई थी,
अबके जनरल स्मिथ सम्मुख था, उसने मुहँ की खाई थी,
काना और मंदरा सखियाँ रानी के संग आई थी,
युद्ध श्रेत्र में उन दोनों ने भारी मार मचाई थी।
पर पीछे ह्यूरोज़ आ गया, हाय! घिरी अब रानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।

तो भी रानी मार काट कर चलती बनी सैन्य के पार,
किन्तु सामने नाला आया, था वह संकट विषम अपार,
घोड़ा अड़ा, नया घोड़ा था, इतने में आ गये अवार,
रानी एक, शत्रु बहुतेरे, होने लगे वार-पर-वार।
घायल होकर गिरी सिंहनी उसे वीर गति पानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
रानी गई सिधार चिता अब उसकी दिव्य सवारी थी,
मिला तेज से तेज, तेज की वह सच्ची अधिकारी थी,
अभी उम्र कुल तेइस की थी, मनुज नहीं अवतारी थी,
हमको जीवित करने आयी बन स्वतंत्रता-नारी थी,
दिखा गई पथ, सिखा गई हमको जो सीख सिखानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
जाओ रानी याद रखेंगे ये कृतज्ञ भारतवासी,
यह तेरा बलिदान जगावेगा स्वतंत्रता अविनासी,
होवे चुप इतिहास, लगे सच्चाई को चाहे फाँसी,
हो मदमाती विजय, मिटा दे गोलों से चाहे झाँसी।
तेरा स्मारक तू ही होगी, तू खुद अमिट निशानी थी,
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
By: सुभद्रा कुमारी चौहान

बुंदेली केसरी छत्रसाल

बुंदेली केसरी छत्रसाल
धक धक धरती होय!

सत्ता और संघर्ष की बढ़ी-चढ़ी घटनाओं से इतिहास भरा पड़ा है, परंतु स्वतंत्रता और सृजन के लिए जीवन भर संघर्ष करने वाले विरले ही हुए हैं। मध्यकालीन भारत में विदेशी आतताइयों से सतत संघर्ष करने वालों में छत्रपति शिवाजी, महाराणा प्रताप और बुंदेल केसरी छत्रसाल के नाम विशेष रूप से उल्लेखनीय हैं, परंतु जिन्हें उत्तराधिकार में सत्ता नहीं वरन ‘शत्रु और संघर्ष’ ही विरासत में मिले हों, ऐसे बुंदेल केसरी छत्रसाल ने वस्तुतः अपने पूरे जीवनभर स्वतंत्रता और सृजन के लिए ही सतत संघर्ष किया। शून्य से अपनी यात्रा प्रारंभ कर आकाश-सी ऊंचाई का स्पर्श किया। उन्होंने विस्तृत बुंदेलखंड राज्य की गरिमामय स्थापना ही नहीं की थी, वरन साहित्य सृजन कर जीवंत काव्य भी रचे। छत्रसाल ने अपने 82 वर्ष के जीवन और 44 वर्षीय राज्यकाल में 52 युद्ध किये थे। शौर्य और सृजन की ऐसी उपलब्धि बेमिसाल है-
‘‘इत जमना उत नर्मदा इत चंबल उत टोंस।
छत्रसाल से लरन की रही न काह होंस।’’ वीरों और हीरोंवाली माटी के इस लाड़ले सपूत ने कलम और करवाल को एक-सी गरिमा प्रदान की थी।
मूल ऊर्जा का केंद्रः ओरछा बुंदेलखंड में सन 1531 से गढ़ कुंडार के उतरांत ओरछा ही राज्य के रूप मंे मूल ऊर्जा केंद्र रहा है। हेमकर्ण की वंश परंपरा में सन 1501 में ओरछा में रुद्रप्रताप सिंह राज्यारूढ़ हुए, जिनके पुत्रों में ज्येष्ठ भारतीचंद्र 1539 में ओरछज्ञ के राजा बने तब बंटवारे में राव उदयजीत सिंह को महेबा (महोबा नहीं) का जागीरदार बनाया गया, इन्ही की वंश परंपरा में चंपतराय महेबा गद्दी पर जिन परिस्थितियों में आसीन हुए उसके बारे में लाल कवि ने ‘छत्रप्रकाश’ में कहा है-
‘‘प्रलय पयोधि उमंग में ज्यों गोकुल जदुदाय
त्यों बूड़त बुंदेल कुल राख्यों चंपतराय।’’ किंतु पूरे जीवनभर विदेशी मुगलों से संघर्ष करते हुए इस रणबांकुरे बुंदेला को अपने ही विश्वासघातियों के कारण सन 1661 में अपनी वीरांगना रानी लालकुंआरि के साथ आत्माहुति देनी पड़ी।

इतिहास पुरुषः छत्रसाल

चंपतराय जब समय भूमि मे ंजीवन-मरण का संघर्ष झेल रहे थे उन्हीं दिनों ज्येष्ठ शुक्ल 3 संवत 1707 (सन 1641) को वर्तमान टीकमगढ़ जिले के लिघोरा विकास खंड के अंतर्गत ककर कचनाए ग्राम के पास स्थित विंध्य-वनों की मोर पहाड़ियों में इतिहास पुरुष छत्रसाल का जन्म हुआ। अपने पराक्रमी पिता चंपतराय की मृत्यु के समय वे मात्र 12 वर्ष के ही थे। वनभूमि की गोद में जन्में, वनदेवों की छाया में पले, वनराज से इस वीर का उद्गम ही तोप, तलवार और रक्त प्रवाह के बीच हुआ।
पांच वर्ष में ही इन्हें युद्ध कौशल की शिक्षा हेतु अपने मामा साहेबसिंह धंधेर के पास देलवारा भेज दिया गया था। माता-पिता के निधन के कुछ समय पश्चात ही वे बड़े भाई अंगद राय के साथ देवगढ़ चले गये। बाद में अपने पिता के वचन को पूरा करने के लिए छत्रसाल ने पंवार वंश की कन्या देवकुंअरि से विवाह किया।
जिसने आंख खोलते ही सत्ता संपन्न दुश्मनों के कारण अपनी पारंपरिक जागीर छिनी पायी हो, निकटतम स्वजनों के विश्वासघात के कारण जिसके बहादुर मां-बाप ने आत्महत्या की हो, जिसके पास कोई सैन्य बल अथवा धनबल भी न हो, ऐसे 12-13 वर्षीय बालक की मनोदशा की क्या आप कल्पना कर सकते हैं? परंतु उसके पास था बुंदेली शौर्य का संस्कार, बहादुर मां-माप का अदम्य साहस और ‘वीर वसुंधरा’ की गहरा आत्मविश्वास। इसलिए वह टूटा नहीं, डूबा नहीं, आत्मघात नहीं किया वरन् एक रास्ता निकाला। उसने अपने भाई के साथ पिता के दोस्त राजा जयसिंह के पास पहुंचकर सेना में भरती होकर आधुनिक सैन्य प्रशिक्षण लेना प्रारंभ कर दिया।
राजा जयसिंह तो दिल्ली सल्तनत के लिए कार्य कर रहे थे अतः औंरगजेब ने जब उन्हें दक्षिण विजय का कार्य सौंपा तो छत्रसाल को इसी युद्ध में अपनी बहादुरी दिखाने का पहला अवसर मिला। मइ्र 1665 में बीजापुर युद्ध में असाधारण वीरता छत्रसाल ने दिखायी और देवगढ़ (छिंदवाड़ा) के गोंडा राजा को पराजित करने में तो छत्रसाल ने जी-जान लगा दिया। इस सीमा तक कि यदि उनका घोड़ा, जिसे बाद में ‘भलेभाई’ के नाम से विभूषित किया गयाउनकी रक्षा न करता तो छत्रसाल शायद जीवित न बचते पर इतने पर भी जब विजयश्री का सेहरा उनके सिर पर न बांध मुगल भाई-भतीजेवाद में बंट गया तो छत्रसाल का स्वाभिमान आहत हुआ और उन्होंने मुगलों की बदनीयती समझ दिल्ली सल्तनत की सेना छोड़ दी।
इन दिनों राष्ट्रीयता के आकाश पर छत्रपति का सितारा चमचमा रहा था। छत्रसाल दुखी तो थे ही, उन्होंने शिवाजी से मिलना ही इन परिस्थितियों में उचित समझा और सन 1668 में दोनों राष्ट्रवीरों की जब भेंट हुई तो शिवाजी ने छत्रसाल को उनके उद्देश्यों, गुणों और परिस्थितियेां का आभास कराते हुए स्वतंत्र राज्य स्थापना की मंत्रणा दी एवं समर्थ गुरु रामदास के आशीषों सहित ‘भवानी’ तलवार भेंट की-
करो देस के राज छतारे
हम तुम तें कबहूं नहीं न्यारे।
दौर देस मुगलन को मारो
दपटि दिली के दल संहारो।
तुम हो महावीर मरदाने
करि हो भूमि भोग हम जाने।
जो इतही तुमको हम राखें
तो सब सुयस हमारे भाषंे। शिवाजी से स्वराज का मंत्र लेकर सन 1670 में छत्रसाल वापस अपनी मातृभूमि लौट आयी परंतु तत्कालीन बुंदेल भूमि की स्थितियां बिलकुल मिन्न थीं। अधिकाश रियासतदार मुगलों के मनसबदार थे, छत्रसाल के भाई-बंधु भी दिल्ली से भिड़ने को तैयार नहीं थे। स्वयं उनके हाथ में धन-संपत्ति कुछ था नहीं। दतिया नरेश शुभकरण ने छत्रसाल का सम्मान तो किया पर बादशाह से बैर न करने की ही सलाह दी। ओरछेश सुजान सिंह ने अभिषेक तो किया पर संघर्ष से अलग रहे। छत्रसाल के बड़े भाई रतनशाह ने साथ देना स्वीकार नहीं किया तब छत्रसाल ने राजाओं के बजाय जनोन्मुखी होकर अपना कार्य प्रारंभ किया। कहते हैं उनके बचपन के साथी महाबली तेली ने उनकी धरोहर, थोड़ी-सी पैत्रिक संपत्ति के रूप में वापस की जिससे छत्रसाल ने 5 घुड़सवार और 25 पैदलों की छोटी-सी सेना तैयार कर ज्येष्ठ सुदी पंचमी रविवार वि.सं. 1728 (सन 1671) के शुभ मुहूर्त में शहंशाह आलम औरंगजेब के विरूद्ध विद्रोह का बिगुल बजाते हुए स्वराज्य स्थापना का बीड़ा उठाया।

संघर्ष का शंखनाद

छत्रसाल की प्रारंभिक सेना में राजे-रजवाड़े नहीं थे अपितु तेली बारी, मुसलमान, मनिहार आदि जातियों से आनेवाले सेनानी ही शामिल हुए थे। चचेरे भाई बलदीवान अवश्य उनके साथ थे। छत्रसाल का पहला आक्रमण हुआ अपने माता-पिता के साथ विश्वासघात करने वाले सेहरा के धंधेरों पर। मुगल मातहत कुंअरसिंह को ही कैद नहीं किया गया बल्कि उसकी मदद को आये हाशिम खां की धुनाई की गयी और सिरोंज एवं तिबरा लूट डाले गये। लूट की सारी संपत्ति छत्रसाल ने अपने सैनिकों में बांटकर पूरे क्षेत्र के लोगों को उनकी सेना में सम्मिलित होने के लिए आकर्षित किया। कुछ ही समय में छत्रसाल की सेना में भारी वृद्धि होने लगी और उन्हेांने धमोनी, मेहर, बांसा और पवाया आदि जीतकर कब्जे में कर लिए।
ग्वालियर-खजाना लूटकर सूबेदार मुनव्वर खां की सेना को पराजित किया, बाद में नरवर भी जीता। सन 1671 में ही कुलगुरु नरहरि दास ने भी विजय का आशीष छत्रसाल को दिया।
ग्वालियर की लूट से छत्रसाल को सवा करोड़ रुपये प्राप्त हुए पर औरंगजेब इससे छत्रसाल पर टूट-सा पड़ा। उसने सेनपति रणदूल्हा के नेतृत्व में आठ सवारों सहित तीस हजारी सेना भेजकर गढ़ाकोटा के पास छत्रसाल पर धावा बोल दिया। घमासान युद्ध हुआ पर दणदूल्हा (रुहल्ला खां) न केवल पराजित हुआ वरन भरपूर युद्ध सामग्री छोड़कर जन बचाकर उसे भागना पड़ा। इस विजय से छत्रसाल के हौसले काफी बुलंद हो गये।
सन 1671-80 की अवधि में छत्रसाल ने चित्रकूट से लेकर ग्वालियर तक और कालपी से गढ़ाकोटा तक प्रभुत्व स्थापित कर लिया।
सन 1675 में छत्रसाल की भेंट प्रणामी पंथ के प्रणेता संत प्राणनाथ से हुई जिन्होंने छत्रसाल को आशीर्वाद दिया-
छत्ता तोरे राज में धक धक धरती होय
जित जित घोड़ा मुख करे तित तित फत्ते होय।

बुंदेले राज्य की स्थापना

इसी अवधि में छत्रसाल ने पन्ना के गौड़ राजा को हराकर, उसे अपनी राजधानी बनाया। ज्येष्ठ शुक्ल तृतीया संवत 1744 की गोधूलि बेला में स्वामी प्राणनाथ ने विधिवत छत्रसाल का पन्ना में राज्यभिषेक किया। विजय यात्रा के दूसरे सोपान में छत्रसाल ने अपनी रणपताका लहराते हुए सागर, दमोह, एरछ, जलापुर, मोदेहा, भुस्करा, महोबा, राठ, पनवाड़ी, अजनेर, कालपी और विदिशा का किला जीत डाला। आतंक के मारे अनेक मुगल फौजदार स्वयं ही छत्रसाल को चैथ देने लगे।
बघेलखंड, मालवा, राजस्थान और पंजाब तक छत्रसाल ने युद्ध जीते। परिणामतः यमुना, चंबल, नर्मदा और टोंस मे क्षेत्र में बुंदेला राज्य स्थापित हो गया।
सन 1707 में औरंगजेब का निध्न हो गया। उसके पुत्र आजम ने बराबरी से व्यवहार कर सूबेदारी देनी चाही पर छत्रसाल ने संप्रभु राज्य के आगे यह अस्वीकार कर दी।
महाराज छत्रसाल पर इलाहाबाद के नवाब मुहम्मद बंगस का ऐतिहासिक आक्रमण हुआ। इस समय छत्रसाल लगभग 80 वर्ष के वृद्ध हो चले थे और उनके दोनों पुत्रों में अनबन थी। जैतपुर में छत्रसाल पराजित हो रहे थे। ऐसी परिस्थितियों में उन्हेांने बाजीराव पेशवा को पुराना संदर्भ देते हुए सौ छंदों का एक काव्यात्मक पत्र भेजा जिसकी दो पंक्तियां थीं
जो गति गज और ग्राह की सो गति भई है आज बाजी जात बंुदेल की राखौ बाजी लाज।
फलतः बाजीराव की सेना आने पर बंगश की पराजय ही नहीं हुई वरन उसे प्राण बचाकर अपमानित हो, भागना पड़ा। छत्रसाल युद्ध में टूट चले थे, लेकिन मराठों के सहयोग से उन्हेांने कलंक का टीका सम्मान से पोंछ डाला।
यहीं कारण था छत्रसाल ने अपने अंतिम समय में जब राज्य का बंटवारा किया तो बाजीराव को तीसरा पुत्र मानते हुए बंुदेलखंड झांसी, सागर, गुरसराय, काल्पी, गरौठा, गुना, सिरोंज और हटा आदि हिस्से के साथ राजनर्तकी मस्तानी भी उपहार में दी। कतिपय इतिहासकार इसे एक संधि के अनुसार दिया हुआ बताते हैं पर जो भी हो अपनी ही माटी के दो वंशों, मराठों और बुंदेलों ने बाहरी शक्ति को पराजित करने में जो एकता दिखायी, वह अनुकरणीय है।
छत्रसाल ने अपने दोनों पुत्रों ज्येष्ठ जगतराज और कनिष्ठ हिरदेशाह को बराबरी का हिस्सा, जनता को समृद्धि और शांति से राज्य-संचालन हेतु बांटकर अपनी विदा वेला का दायित्व निभाया। राज्य संचालन के बारे में उनका सूत्र उनके ही शब्दों मेंः

राजी सब रैयत रहे, ताजी रहे सिपाहि
छत्रसाल ता राज को, बार न बांको जाहि। यही कारण था कि छत्रसाल को अपने अंतिम दिनों में वृहद राज्य के सुप्रशासन से एक करोड़ आठ लाख रुपये की आय होती थी। उनके एक पत्र से स्वष्ट होता है कि उन्होंने अंतिम समय 14 करोड़ रुपये राज्य के खजाने में (तब) शेष छोड़े थे। प्रतापी छत्रसाल ने पौष शुक्ल तृतीया भृगुवार संवत् 1788 (दिसंबर 1731) को छतरपुर (नौ गांव) के निकट मऊ सहानिया के छुवेला ताल पर अपना शरीर त्यागा और विंध्य की अपत्यिका में भारतीय आकाश पर सदा-सदा के लिए जगमगाते सितारे बन गये।
छत्रसाल की तलवार जितनी धारदार थी, कलम भी उतनी ही तीक्ष्ण थी। वे स्वयं कवि तो थे ही कवियों का श्रेष्ठतम सम्मान भी करते थे। अद्वितीय उदाहरण है कि कवि भूषण के बुंदेलखंड में आने पर आगवानी में जब छत्रसाल ने उनकी पालकी में अपना कंधा लगा दिया तो भूषण कह उठेः
और राव राजा एक चित्र में न ल्याऊं-
अब, साटू कौं सराहौं, के सराहौं छत्रसाल को।।

बुंदेलखंड ही नही संपूर्ण भारत देष ऐसे महान व्यक्तित्व के प्रति पीढ़ी दर पीढ़ी कृतज्ञ रहेगा।

Wariors of Shivaji

yesaji kank

This brave maratha from village called Bhutonde near Rajgad was with Shivaji from very early days. When Shivaji took oath of Independence in Rohideshwar, Yesaji was with him. He witnessed entire period of Shivaji's 35 year war against mughal & Adilshahi invaders.


Yesaji was involved in the battle of Torna & Rajgad.

After Shivaji's death, Yesaji even guided Sambhaji & even participated in Sambhaji attacked Fonda. He recieved award of 2000 huns in his bravery in this battle.

When Shivaji went on deccan expedition, Yesaji accompanied him. In meeting with Tanashah, Tanashah asked Shivaji why maratha army has no elephants. On this Shivaji replied my each man can overpower an elephant. To prove words of his king, Yesaji jumped into the field and took on an elephant. He fought with elephant alone and made him run away from ground.

Tanaji Malusure ( Subhedar )

Tanaji Malusare also known as Sinha (Lion), was a renowned warrior and military leader in the army of Chatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhonslé, founder of the Maratha Empire in 17th century India. Tanaji was one of Shivaji's closest friends; the two had known each other since childhood.[citation needed]
Tanaji is famously known for the battle of Sinhagad in 1670. At Shivaji's request, he pledged to recapture the fortress of Kondana near Pune. According to many accounts, he received the summons at his son's wedding, and immediately left the festivities.
The fort, which was previously known as Kondana, was controlled by Mirza Raja Jai Singh, and was strategically located amidst other forts in the region such as Rajgad, Purandar and Torna. The Mughals maintained an army of roughly 5000 men led by Udaybhan, a relative of Jai Singh, and the fort itself was defended by cannons at each turret.
Legend has it that Tanaji used a monitor lizard named Yeshwanti, with a rope tied around its waist for climbing up the steep vertical rock face. After 342 marathas reached on the top with Tanaji Malusare, the rope gave away due to abrasion against the rocks and 60 Marathas who were climbing on the rope fell down and died. Tanaji Malusare then instructed his brother Suryaji to continue the attack with other Marathas from the Kalyan darwaja with the assurance that the Mahadeo Kolis would help him get through.
Once inside, they set upon Udaybhan and his men. A fierce combat took place between Tanaji and Udaybhan. Udaybhan managed to rid Tanaji of his shield, who then continued to fight by tying a cloth over one of his hands and using it to ward off Udaybhan's sword attacks. However Tanaji eventually fell in battle, creating a panic amongst his soldiers who tried to use the ropes as an escape route. Legend states that the ropes were then cut by Tanaji's uncle 80 year old Shelar kaka to prevent retreat, however no historical evidence exists of Shelar's existence. Other sources state that the ropes were cut by Tanaji's brother Suryaji forcing the soldiers to either fight or jump down the sheer cliffs to their deaths. Both Tanaji and Udaybhan were killed in battle.
Tanaji's surprise attach in the dead of the night caught the defenders offguard and the fort was captured by the Marathas..
Upon hearing the news of the capture of the fort at the cost of Tanaji's life, Shivaji was greatly aggrieved and is said to have remarked, "Gad aala, pan sinha gela" - "We captured the fort but lost the lion". The fort was renamed from Kondana to Sinhagad, in honor of Tanaji.

Sonopant Dabir ( Diplomat )

One of the very important diplomat of Shivaji, was serving Bhosle family from the times of Shahaji.
he first Peshwa was Sonopant Dabir, appointed by Shahaji to assist Shivaji. Duties and authorities of a Peshwa were equal to that of a Prime Minister. Shivaji renamed this designation as “Pantpradhan” in 1674 but this name was less frequently used.
When Shahaji was sent to Karnataka, by Ahemad Adilshah, Shahaji sent Sonopant to help Jijabai & Shivaji in administrative work of Pune & Supe region.
He provided great guidance to Shivaji in early days of swarajya. In 1658, when Afzalkhan arrested Shahaji & was planning to kill him, Sonopant travelled to delhi & convince Shahjahan about Adilshah's wrong intensions. As a result of his great diplomatic tactics, Shahjahan put pressure on Adil shah to release Shahaji immedietly.
In 1660, Sonopant was selected as envoy to open discussions with Shaistakhan, who was new mughal subhedar of deccan then.
Shivaji honoured sonopant by weighing him with silver as appreciation of his hardwork & honesty.

Siddi Ibraham

This brave warrior had accompanied Shivaji maharaj at the time of his meeting with Afzalkhan near Pratapgad.
He was among the ten bodyguard Shivaji maharaj had taken when meeting Afzalkhan.

Shiva Kashid (barber)

Shiva Kashid better known as Shiva Nhavi.
He was barber by profession, & look alike of Shivaji.
He was a volunteer who saved Shivaji Raja and their jointly shared vision of a Hindavi Swarajya: a self-governing nation of people whose loyalties were to the land, the ideology of India and the rule of law.once Bahirji Naik discovered a relatively safe passage out of the siege, Shivaji sent his diplomat to visit General Siddi Jowhar and established the date for a “summit meeting” that he had no intention of keeping.Shivaji had asked Baji Prabhu Deshpande, a very capable captain in his army to lead him out of the siege under the cover of darkness and cacophony of rain and wind. There was a good chance that this attempt would succeed due to the natural laxity in the opposing army due to the impending “summit meeting”. Nonetheless, successful escape from Panhala with only 500 soldiers was not a certainty.When Shivaji was besieged in Panhala & he made a plan to escape from the fort, Shiva happily accepted the job of pretending that he is Shivaji.He along with few men descended down the fort & tried to escape from seige in such a manner that he will get noticed.He was well aware that Bijapuri troops on seige would caught him & kill him, still he did this to save his king.Bijapuri troops caught him & they felt they have caught Shivaji. They took Shiva to Siddi & whole camp was happy that Shivaji was arrested so easily.
The siege got relaxed & real Shivaji could escape without knowing in which direction he had gone.When Siddi realised that the person caught is not Shivaji but his look alike he stabbed Shiva with anger.This great sacrifies of Shiva saved the maratha king.
One can see Shiva Kashid's statue on Panhalgad as memory of his bravery.

Santaji Ghorpade

Santaji belonged to the historical Ghorpade family which was the elder branch of the same clan to which Bhosale family belonged. His year of birth is not known, however, it should have been around 1660.He along with his younger brother Bahirji accompanied Shivaji in his Karnataka campaign in 1678. He was named by Shivaji on his death bed among six pillars of Maratha Empire who would save the kingdom in hard times.His father Mhaloji died in the battle of Sangmeshwar while fighting with the Mughals who had captured Sambhaji.
Santaji Mhaloji Ghorpade, popularly known as ‘Santaji’ or ‘Santaji Ghorpade’, was one of the greatest warrior and the chief General of the Maratha Empire during Chhatrapati Rajaram’s regime. His guerrilla technique of war is supposed to be the best besides that of Shivaji and Bajirao. His name became inseparable from the name of Dhanaji Jadhav with whom he made terrifying campaigns against Mughal army continuously from 1689 to 1696.
Santaji’s son Yeshoji & Tukoji continued his militaey activities by shifting their base to Sandur near Bellary & Guti in Karnataka. With help of Telangi-Berads, they sided with Tarabai faction of Kolhapur during Maratha war of succession fought between Shahu & Tarabai. After Peshwas rose to power granted by Chatrapati’s of Satara in 1749 ,Ghorpades concentrated their activities in Karnataka.
Murarrao Ghorpade grandnephew of Santaji, made an alliance with Muhammed Ali and helped him to defeat Chanda Sahib in famous Battle of Arcot fought in 1751. This battle is known in history of English East India Co. as Carnatic wars fought between Robert Clive led forces of English East India Co. v/s Dupleix led French East India Company between 1751 to 1758, also known as 7 years war.

prataprao gujar

Prataprao Bargujar (actual name Kudtoji Bargujar) was the third royal Sarnaubat (Commander-in-chief) of Shivaji's army, which was probably the most successful guerilla force in 17th century India. He was given the pseudonym of Prataprao (The brave) by Shivaji in acknowledgement of his bravery in the war against Mirza raje Jaisingh.
He was a highly gifted aristocratic general, who enjoyed the trust of his king and the loyalty of his troops. He defeated mughals in a famous battle of Salher.This was a major battle between mughals and marathas. His major drawback was his impulsive emotional nature.
A few months before Shivaji's coronation in 1674, Prataprao Bargujar was sent to deal with the invading force led by the Adilshahi general, Bahalol Khan. The Maratha army surrounded the camp of Bahalol Khan at the place of Naesari. Prataprao's forces defeated and captured the opposing general in the battle. In spite of specific warnings against doing so by Shivaji, Prataprao released Bahalol Khan along troops and the seized war material, when Bahalol Khan promised not to invade Shivaji's territories again. Days after his release Bahalol Khan started preparing for a fresh invasion.
When Shivaji heard of about Prataprao decision, he was incensed and wrote an angry letter to Prataprao refusing him permission to see him till such time, Bahlol Khan was re-captured.Prataprao Gujar was very unhappy.One day he learnt of Bahlol Khan camping nearby. Prataprao attacked Bahalol's camp near Nesari but unfortunately was killed by Adilshahi Army.
Maratha army took revenge of Prataprao's death under the leadership of Anaji and Hambirao Mohite.
Shivaji was deeply greived on hearing of Pratprao's death. He married his second son, Rajaram, to the daughter of Prataprao Bargujar, who was later to be the Queen of the Maratha Empire,Maharani Tarabai

Netaji Palkar ( Sarnaubat )

Netaji Palkar also known as Muhammed Kuli Khan was the second Sarnaubat (Commander-in-chief) in the army of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha empire in western India.

Netaji's father who was from the Kayastha community was in the services of Shivaji's father Shahaji. Shivaji's 3rd queen Putalabai was also from Palkar's Family so it is said that he was her uncle. During the period of the rise of Shivaji from 1645 to 1665, Netaji was given charge of many expeditions which he successfully completed. His greatest success was the campaign against the Adilshah of Bijapur that followed the killing of Afzal Khan. His standing among the local population was such that he was known as Prati Shivaji (Image of Shivaji). After an agreement of Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Shivaji, Shivaji was made to give 23 forts to the Mughals and also fight against the Adilshah of Bijapur. During this period, Netali Palkar was confidentially forced by Shivaji to join the Bijapur forces and weaken the Mughals by counter-attacking using Adilshah's army. In turn, Shivaji used Mirzaraja Jai Singh's army to weaken the Adilshahi.

After Shivaji's meeting with Aurangzeb at Agra, Netaji Palkar joined the service of Mirza Raja Jaisingh. When Shivaji escaped from Agra, Mirza Raje fell out of favour of Aurangzeb. Netaji was among many people who were arrested and sent to Agra where he was tortured and forced to convert to Islam. His wives were thereafter brought to Delhi and also converted for him to remarry them in the Islamic way. Taking up the name of Muhammed Kuli Khan, Netaji Palkar was appointed as Garrison commander of the Kandahar fort. He tried to escape but was trapped at Lahore. Thereafter in the fields of Kandhar and Kabul, he fought for the Mughals against rebel Pathans. He gained the good faith of Aurangzeb and was sent to the Deccan along with Commander Diler Khan to conquer Shivaji's territory. However, after entering Maharashtra, Netaji joined Shivaji's troops and went to Raigad. Thus after a decade Netaji turned up at the court of Shivaji, asking to be taken back into the Hindu fold. Shivaji arranged for reconversion of Netaji at Raigad. This was done after acceptance of Judges and all senior members in Shivaji's court.
Netaji led battles against the Adilshah at Panhala, Shahapur, Tikoteparyant and Vijapur in 1660 and at Khatav, Mangalvedha, Phaltan, Taathvada and Vijapur in 1665.

Murarbaji Deshpande( Killedar(Purandhar) )

Murarbaji Deshpande was born into the Deshastha Brahmin family and his native land was the Javali Satara District. Later, in the service of Chandrao More of Javali, he moved to Mahad. He joined the army of Shivaji Maharaj in 1656 after the fall of More Kingdom to Bhosales. He soon became known as the Loyal Sardar of Maharaj and was awarded the title of Killedari of Puranadar.

The battle for Purandhar fort was a landmark battle of symbolic importance for both the Marathas and Mughals. It was essential for the Marathas to hold off the Mughals for as long as possible, thus demonstrating the difficulty of conquering the mountainous Deccan kingdom. It was equally imperative for the Mughals to conquer Purandhar as swiftly as possible to demonstrate the futility of resistance before the mighty Mughal empire.


In the end, superior European cannons fielded by the Mughals, under the leadership of the European mercenary Mannucci, blasted away the walls of Purandhar. In spite of crumbling defenses, Murarbaji and his troops sustained a dogged defense. When the Mughals breached the outer walls, Murarbaji and his soldiers, though overwhelmingly outnumbered, mounted a fierce counterattack. Maratha folk history has it that Murarbaji showed incredible skills as a swordsman and was an aggressive and inspiring leader who pushed back and caused a retreat of a larger Mughal force.


Dilyer Khan, impressed with the bravery of Murarbaji, offered him a truce and employment in the Mughal forces with a handsome salary. Murarbaji turned down the offer due to his loyalty to the ideals of Hindavi Swaraj, he paid for this decision with his life. The remaining Marathas retreated inside the inner walls (baalekilla) of the fort, refusing to surrender and willing to fight to the last man.


The battle of Purandhar showed the Marathas the difficulty in facing the overwhelming force led by Mirza Raja, and revealed to the Mughal the indomitable spirit and tenacity of the Marathas. Thereafter Shivaji agreed to surrender to Mirza Raja rather than risk the decimation of his forces and the ruin of his homeland. As a part of the settlement the Mughals opted to leave some of the forts and surrounding lands in the control of Shivaji rather than face a protracted and expensive campaign to conquer Marathas.

Moropant Pingle ( Peshwe )

Moropant Trimbak Pingle, also known as Moropant Peshwa was the first Peshwa (Prime Minister) in the court of Shivaji, who founded the Maratha empire in western India.
In 1647, Moropant joined the efforts of Shivaji in establishing the Maratha kingdom. He was one of the warriors who participated in the successful 1659 battle of Shivaji's forces against the forces of Vijapur's adil Shah which immediately followed the killing of Adilshah's general Afzalkhan by Shivaji during their one-on-one meeting at Jawali. He also participated in the battles at the Trimbakeshwar Fort and at Wani-Dindori against the Mughal forces. He participated in Shivaji's invasion of Surat in 1664.
Moropant introduced sound revenue administration in Shivaji's regime, and played an important role in resource planning concerning defenses and maintenance of strategic forts. He was responsible for the construction of Pratapgad. At the time of Shivaji's death, Moropant Pingle was working as a supervisor to control fort development activity in Nashik District for Salher-Mulher Forts. He also participated along with Sambhaji in the battle of Burhanpur during 1681.
Moropant died in 1683, three years after Shivaji.

Maulana Haider Ali Kohari

Maulana Haider Ali Kohari was the trusted military general and secretary of the great Maratha king Shivaji. He was one of the most trusted lieutenants of Shivaji and was involved in almost all the early campaigns of the great Maratha leader. Haider Ali Kohari was probably the highest Muslim general in the Maratha army. Born in a Marathi-speaking Muslim family in the Deccan, he quickly took to arms and weaponry. Although he was a warrior, he was also a learned Islamic scholar. Information about his later years is obscure.

mankoji dahatonde(warfare minister )

Manikrao was deshmukh in maval who joined Shivaji's early efforts of independence.
Manikrao was very experienced leader & had great vision of warfare. Initially Manikrao served as sarnaubat for Shivaji.
Then he was promoted as Warfare minister.
Manikrao's guidance & strategem played very important role in initial conquests of Shjivaji.

Kanhoji Jedhe

This is the story of a powerful Vatandar (feudal lord) who sacrificed his Vatan (hereditary title) to prove his loyalty.
In Shivaji's times, titles (Vatan) such as Deshmukh, Deshpande, Mirasdar, Inamdar, Jahagirdar and Patil were given to an individual for the “services rendered” to the then ruler. Once given, these vatans used to be transferred to his first son, then to his first son’s first son, and so on.  The title was transferred regardless of the inheritor’s qualifications, or lack thereof.  Shivaji was well aware that these feudal lords were more loyal to their titles than to their presumed rulers. When AfzulKhan of Vijapur Darbaar came to capture/kill Shivaji, he had sent letter (Khalita)to each one of these vatandars in Maharashtra threatening them with the loss of their titles unless they joined AfzulKhan against Shivaji. In response, a number of these Vatandars had joined AfzulKhan and many others were on the brink of doing so.
When Kanhoji Jedhe received his Khalita, he and his sons approached Shivaji instead of joining AfzulKhan. To appreciate the importance of this act, it is necessary to understand the military situation of that moment. Kanhoji Jedhe was one of the advisors that Shahaaji had sent to Shivaji and Jijabai to foster his vision of an independent nation. Kanhoji was a Deshmukh but he was distinctly different from other feudal lords. He was extremely loyal to Shahaaji and hence, to Shivaji.
AfzulKhan was a brave and powerful general of Vijapur – a super power at that time. Born to a waitress, he had been promoted through acts of bravery  and cunning.  AfzulKhan also hated Shahaaji, his presumed colleague in Vijapur Darbaar, and indeed had captured Shahaaji in a military camp when Shahaaji was less than alert. (Kanhoji had suffered in the jail along with Shahaaji and so, was well aware of Khan’s deceit and cruelty.) AfzulKhan had also betrayed Sambhaji, Shivaji’s elder brother, in a battle and thus had him killed. In short, AfzulKhan was powerful and not at all trustworthy. He had come prepared with a large army.  To support Shivaji against AfzulKhan was an act of supreme bravery (if successful) or foolhardiness (if unsuccessful).

Shivaji wanted to check true loyalties of Kanhoji and his sons. He told them that Kanhoji's neighbors had already joined the Khan. Maybe Kanhoji  and sons should think of retaining their “Deshmukhi” by joining their “friends”. Kanhoji protested that his loyalties could not be bought in that manner. To prove that, Kanhoji gave up his rights to Deshmukhi  rather than be judged disloyal. This act is formally done by pouring water on whatever it is that one wishes to give away.

Kanhoji did more than this. He campaigned on behalf of Shivaji’s cause amongst other Vatandars in Maharashtra. Since he was a Deshmukh with seniority and great influence among his peers, he united all of the vatandars who had not already deserted Shivaji and his cause. Together with their soldiers, they formed a united front against AfzulKhan and were key in the ensuing fight at PrataapGad. It would have been difficult, if not impossible, to face AfzulKhan’s mighty army in the absence of such strong support.

When Shivaji succeeded in killing AfzulKhan, capturing all of his war chest (elephants, horses, cannons as well as jewelry),  and otherwise destroying AfzulKhan’s army, Shivaji recognized Kanhoji (with a Maanaache Paan – a special place of honor) and generously rewarded Kanhoji and his family.

Jeeva mahala ( Swordman )

Jeeva Mahala was loyal soldier of Shivaji and also trustworthy. He became the famous for his heroic performance in battle of Pratapgad in the meeting of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Afzalkhan, where Jeeva saved life of Shivaji by attacking Sayyad Banda, enemy soldier.
This expert swordman played most crucial role in battle of Pratapgad. He was Shivaji's bodyguard when Shivaji went at the base of Pratapgad to meet Afzalkhan. It was Jiva's responsibility to safeguard his master from every attempt of treachery.
When Afzalkhan tried to Kill Shivaji with his khanjir, Shivaji stabbed Afzal with baghnak & dagger(Bichwa). Afzal cried Dagah (Treachery).. On hearing this, his bodyguard Sayyed banda rushed in the tent & attacked Shivaji. In his first strike he broke the helmet Shivaji was wearing underneath the Jiretope. but before Sayyed could take the next strike Jiva slashed his arm & killed sayyed.
Jeeva saved his master & then escorted him to Pratapgad safely. He also played an important role in battle of Pratapgad against Afzal's army.

hiroji farjand

Hiroji was with Shivaji Raje since very early days. Accompanied Shivaji in his first Invasion of Kokan.
Hiroji had gone to Agra as Shivaji Raje 's escort. When Shivaji was seized in Agra by Aurangzeb, he sent most of his men away but kept Hiroji along with him.
When Shivaji Raje made a clever escape from Agra, He asked Hiroji to lay down on his bed. Hiroji was then covered with blanket, while only his hand visible.
He had wore gold bracelet of Shivaji Raje . Mughal troops on patroling could only see the bracelet & thought that Shivaji Raje is sleeping.
This allowed Shivaji, escape smoothly from Agra.
After a while, Hiroji went out of the room & told the doorkeeper that he is going to buy some medicins for his master & escaped.
It was Hiroji's courage & cunning which made the operation successful.
Pawangad came to be built under the direct supervision of ChhShivaji Maharaj Impressed by the quality and solid construction of the fort, Shivaji Maharj bestowed upon the builders Hiroji Farjand and Arjoji Yadav  a gift of five thousand Hones (Currency introduced by Chh. Shivaji Maharaj) each.

Hambir-rao Mohite ( Sarnaubat )

Hambir-rao real name Hansaji mohite.
Sarnaubat Supreme Commander of Maratha forces after Prataprao gujar.
In the battle of Nesari, maratha army was shattered & their moral was down as they had lost their great leader Prataprao gujar.
Bahlol Khan was overpowering Maratha contingent & was pushing them to big defeat. Thats when Hambir-rao took charge, With his own contingent he attacked Bahalol.
Hambir-rao boosted the moral of Maratha army & with his bravery as well as great understanding of warfare, he converted the defeat into glorious victory.
This victory helped maratha army gain their confidence.
On 18th April 1674, when Shivaji went to Chiplun, to meet his contingent in Kokan region, He awarded Hansaji Mohite with the Honour "Hambir-rao", & also promoted him as new Sarnaubat(Cheif of army).
In 1677, hambir-rao lead the attack on Gadag, He defeated Adilshahi officer of koppal district "Husenkhan"
He accompanied Shivaji in his deccan expedition.
Sarnobat and Soyarabai's brother, Hambirrao Mohite supported Sambhaji since he was the rightful heir to the throne. At the time of Shivaji's death, there was news of impending attack of Aurangzeb's army on Maharashtra and at such a crucial juncture, a strong leader like Sambhaji was need of the hour. Therefore Hambirrao did not support his own sister and sided with Sambhaji

GopinaathPant Bokil

This victory was crucial to the very survival of Shivaji and his budding nation (Hindavi Swaraj). Indeed, the nation at that stage was militarily quite weak and could have been wiped out if Shivaji were to confront AfzulKhan in an open battlefield. That is why, despite the repeated provocations  by AfzulKhan, Shivaji did not engage in such a battle and patiently maneuvered Khan to meet him at Prataapgad – a fort situated well inside the rather inaccessible Jawali forest. AfzulKhan was a seasoned general and understood the dangers of entering that forest. Hence he tried to entice Shivaji away from PrataapGad. It is to GopinaathPant Bokil’s credit that ultimately Khan came to PrataapGad despite his better judgment.

 We have already seen  that AfzulKhan was a religious fanatic who used to win against his opponents through deceptions. AfzulKhan had betrayed Shivaji's father, Shahaaji. He was also responsible for getting Shivaji's brother, Sambhaji, killed in a battle.

 AfzulKhan came equipped with a large army to capture and kill Shivaji  and had established his military camp in Waai, a city that was separated from PrataapGad by Mahabaleshwar mountain. PrataapGad was surrounded on all sides by difficult mountain passes. Khan had been reluctant to meet Shivaji there and had attempted to draw Shivaji in the open plains by engaging in barbarous acts against the local populace. GopinaathPant Bokil, a diplomat sent to Shivaji by his father, Shahaaji, accepted the challenge of bringing AfzulKhan to the meeting place of Shivaji’s choice.

 Pantaaji, as Bokil was affectionately known, was a man of vision, wit and skilled observations. He was entrusted to entice AfzulKhan to meet Shivaji at PrataapGad. Good diplomats are also good spies. Through a number of visits to Waai, Pantaaji satisfied himself that Khan intends to kill Shivaji. Pantaaji therefore worked on Khan’s ego and convinced him that Shivaji was extremely scared of meeting Khan in Waai. If Khan wished to meet Shivaji, he would have to come to PrataapGad and that due to his tremendous martial skills, Khan would have no difficulty subduing Shivaji to his will.

 Pantaaji convinced Khan that, to ensure his victory, Khan should bring his entire battle force (army, horses, elephants and cannons) to PrataapGad. Pantaaji argued successfully that Shivaji would be happy to buy jewelry from the merchants accompanying Khan and offer it to Khan as an atonement for Shivaji’s past sins (?). Because of Pantaaji’s advice, Khan asked the jewelry merchants to accompany him!

Gomaji Naik ( Great Warrior & Advisor )

Gomaji Naik Pansambal was a renowned warrior and military adviser in the army of Chatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhonslé, founder of the Maratha Empire in 17th century India. He is one of his Gurus.

Gomaji was deputed by Lakhuji Yadavrao to look after Jijabai. He remained with Jijabai and Shivaji throughout his life. He was a master of sword. But most important is that he advised Shivaji in making certain crucial decisions which had far reaching effects on the character of the Maratha empire as such.

When Shivaji was a novice, a troop of Pathans had come to Shivaji requesting enrollment in his service. Shivaji was a little hesitant, but Gomaji advised him to take them into the service. This resulted in the secular character of the Maratha Empire.

He also taught swordsmanship to Shivaji, especially the lance, the characteristic Maratha weapon

Fulaji Deshpande ( Officer in Infantry )

Fulaji was younger brother of bajiprabhu deshpande. He was with Bajiprabhu & Shivaji when they made escape from Panhala & travelled to Vishalgad. Fulaji fought bravely in the battle of Pavankhind

Firangoji Narsala ( Killedar (Bhupalgad) )

 This is the story of a “loser”, but what a glorious loser! He defended his fort with extreme valor against insurmountable odds. His loss was as valuable as that of Alamo in the Texan war against Mexico, or of the Bunker Hill in the Revolutionary war. In each case, the official winners paid dearly for their “victories”. To understand the importance of this military feat, it is essential to note the desperate military situation of the Marathi nation at the time
After decisively defeating AfzulKhan and his army at the battle of PrataapGad, Shivaji opened a victorious campaign against the forces of Vijapur. He captured Waai at the dawn of the very next day and continued to chase the remnants of AfzulKhan’s army towards Vijapur. In the process, he captured PanhaalGad, a fort near Kolhapur and the land surrounding it. Though much weakened, the kingdom of Vijapur was still quite powerful and eventually, they managed to start a fresh military campaign against Shivaji and his budding nation led by General Siddi Jowhar and his 40,000 strong army. Shivaji decided to fight this battle from Panhala -- another name for PanhaalGad. The plan was that he would stay in Panhala – a fort that was on the frontier of his nation. Siddi would thus be forced to approach Shivaji and this would spare Shivaji’s citizen in the interior regions. It was expected that Siddi would attempt to lay siege to the Panhala fort – a traditional military tactic of the day. Netaji Palkar, Shivaji’s cavalry chief was to attack the siege from Siddi’s flank and break it up. Unfortunately this plan did not work out. Learning from AfzulKhan’s experience, General Siddi Jowhar was extremely vigilant and instead of breaking up the siege, Netaji had to run for his life. Shivaji was then hoping that the monsoon rains would achieve what Netaji could not. That did not happen either as Siddi had come prepared for the rains with waterproof tents. The siege remained as firm as ever. Instead of just witnessing this battle, the British East India company commander in South Konkan supported Siddi Jowhar with their gunners and their long range guns. Everyone witnessing this uneven battle was sure that Shivaji cannot possibly escape this siege.
Moghal General ShahisteKhan of Delhi decided to use this golden opportunity to capture Shivaji’s other forts and thus reduce his claim to an independent nation. Khan started by laying siege to Chakan, a small but key fortress that was on the road from Pune to Nasik. Khan felt that this would be an easy victory and would thus cheer his soldiers to attack other forts – most of them were on top substantial hills or mountain plateaus. That did not happen! Firangoji defended Chakan with his 600 loyal Mawalas against the attacking force of some 20,000 Moghal soldiers! ShahisteKhan's total strength in Maharashtra comprised 77,000 infantry and 30,000 cavalry supplemented by 400 elephants, 100 camels and a large number of artillery pieces. Had Firangoji chosen to surrender given these insurmountable odds, no blame could have truly been given. Instead, Firangoji chose to stand firm following Shivaji’s request to defend Chakan strenuously and to surrender only as a last resort.
Since Shivaji himself was stuck in Panhala, he could not arrange to help the fortress of Chakan against this huge onslaught. Netaji Palkar, chief of Marathi cavalry and famed to be “second Shivaji”, could not help Chakan either as he himself had just barely escaped being captured by the armies of Siddi Jowhar while attempting to break lose the siege of Panhala. The difficulty of defending Chakan becomes even more obvious when it is noted that, though surrounded by a moat, the Fortress was on a flat land rather than on top of a hill, like majority of Shivaji’s other forts. Nonetheless, with no possibility of help from outside, Chakan fort withstood 33-to-1 odds for fifty-five days – an incredible feat in any circumstance! Ultimately, Chakan was lost when Khan succeeded in digging a tunnel under the moat and blowing up a turret with mortar. On the fifty-sixth day, Firangoji surrendered the fort. He joined Shivaji who had by then escaped from Panhala a few days earlier .
 Given the difficulty it took to win the supposedly “easily attainable” Chakan, ShahisteKhan could not imagine the time his military might need to capture Shivaji’s more difficult mountain forts. Therefore, he stayed securely in Pune within his military camp and only occasionally asked his lieutenants to go after Shivaji’s army. These lieutenants had already learned their lesson at Chakan and were very cautious about attacking Shivaji’s forts.
 Firangoji’s “loss” helped save the Hindavi Swarajya. After 3 years of his campaign, ShahisteKhan left in disgrace when Shivaji cut off 4 of 5 fingers on Khan’s right hand in a surprise attack on his barracks! Shivaji renamed Chakan to be SangramDurga – a fort of the memorable battle

Dhanaji Shambhusinha Jadhav (the great warriors of the Maratha Empire)

Dhanaji Shambhusinha Jadhav (1650 – 1708), popularly known as Dhanaji Jadhav, was one of the great warriors of the Maratha Empire. His name became inseparable from the name of Santaji Ghorpade with whom he made terrifying campaigns against Mughal army continuously from 1689 to 1696. After Santaji, Dhanaji became the chief of the Maratha army in 1696 and remained on the post until his death in 1708.
At an early age, Dhanaji joined Maratha army under Shivaji’s Military Chief Prataprao Gujar. In the battles at Umbrani and Nesari, Dhanaji’s performance attracted attention of Shivaji for the first time.
Dhanaji’s grandfather Santaji was brought up by Shivaji’s mother Jijabai after assassination of his father Achloji who was Jijabai’s brother. Santaji’s son Shambhusinha (Sambhaji) also was brought up by Jijabai with her son Shivaji after his death during the battle at Pavan Khind, He sacrificed his life. He was one more great Maratha whose name is not much known in history.
He was named by Shivaji on his death bed among six pillars of Maratha Empire who would save the kingdom in hard times.(This was the battle where Veer Baji Prabhu Deshpande also sacrificed his life.)

Daulatkhan ( naval officer )

Daulatkhan was expert of naval expeditions & warfare. He served maratha navy for many years & founght many important battles for marathas. Played important role in operation against Siddi to conquer Janjira. Fought against British fleet in the war of Khanderi

BajiPrabhu Deshpande ( Sardar )

Baji Prabhu Deshpande (बाजी प्रभू देशपांडे)(died 1660) was one of the lieutenants (also known as sardar) of Chattrapati Shivaji, founder of the Maratha empire.The well celebrated legend of Baji Prabhu is intricately linked with an important rear guard battle enabling Shivaji's escape from Panhala fort, he was the hero who sacrificed his life for his king and country.
The shocking defeat of Afzal Khan and the rout of the Bijapuri army at Pratapgad, Shivaji maharaj continued to push deep into Bijapuri territory. Within a few days, the Marathas captured Panhala (near the city of Kolhapur). Meanwhile another Marathi force, led by Netaji Palkar, pushed straight on towards Bijapur. Bijapur repulsed this attack, however, and Shivaji maharaj and a few of his sardars retreated to Panhala.
The Bijapuri force was led by Siddhi Johar, an Abyssinian general. Discovering location of Shivaji maharaj, Johar laid siege to Panhala. Netaji Palkar made repeated attempts to break the Bijapuri siege from outside, but these failed.
Finally a very audacious and risky plan was decided: Shivaji maharaj, Baji Prabhu Deshpande and with a select band of troops would attempt to break through the siege at the night, and make for Vishalgadh. In order to deceive the Bijapuri forces, who would give a chase once they found that Shivaji maharaj had broken the siege, Shiva Nhavi, who had an uncanny physical resemblance to Shivaji maharaj, volunteered to dress like the king and let himself be captured.
On a stormy new moon's night a band of 300 select men, led by Baji Prabhu and Shivaji maharaj, broke through the siege. They were hotly pursued by the Bijapuri force. As planned, Shiva Nhavi allowed himself to be captured and taken back to the Bijapuri camp, fully comprehending that he would be put to death once the charade was discovered. This sacrifice, however gave the fleeing Maratha force some breathing space.
As soon as the Bijapuri force realized their mistake, the chase was on again, led by Siddhi Masood, the son-in-law of Siddhi Johar. Near the pass of Ghodkhind (Horse's Pass), the Marathas made a final stand. Shivaji maharaj and half of the Maratha force pushed for Vishalgadh, while Bajiprabhu and the remaining Badal Sena of about 150 men blocked the pass.

Tradition and legend describe feats of valour displayed by the Marathas during this rear guard action. Through the entire battle, Bajiparbhu, even though grievously injured, continued fighting, inspiring his men to fight on until Shivaji's safe journey to Vishalgadh was signaled by the firing of three cannon volleys. It should be mentioned that when Shivaji approached Vishalgad with 300 men. The fort was already under siege by another Mughal sardar named Surve. Shivaji with his 300 men had to defeat Surve to reach the fort.The Khind (Pass) was subsequently named Pavan Khind (Holy Pass) by Shivaji maharaj, in honor of the sacrifice of Baji Prabhu and his troops. Shivaji maharaj also gave "manache pahile pan" ("Honor of the Court") to Baji Prabhu's family.

BAJI PASALKAR (military leader)

BAJI PASALKAR were the responcible military leader.
Shahaji's vision, Jijabai's and Dadoji Konddeo's teachings and motivation, and the able training by military commanders such as Gomaji Naik Pansambal and Baji Pasalkar were the main influences which groomed Shivaji into a brave and fearless military leader as well as a responsible administrator.

Bahirji Naik(Chief of Intelligence)

Bahirji Naik, Shivaji’s Chief of Intelligence, who was so perfect in his methods that history can only infer what he (and his people) did but not how they accomplished their supreme feats. This is as it should be. For unlike some of the fiasco’s associated with “intelligence” operations in the 20th century, methods used by successful spies should best remain unknown.
 the time of searching for a way out of the siege of Panhala. They succeeded in finding a path that was “safe” in that it was not as well guarded by Jowhar’s army as other paths. Shivaji was supremely confident of Bahirji’s information and based his escape strategy accordingly. Shivaji sent his emissary to negotiate a date for a “summit meeting” with General Jowhar in Jowhar’s tent. This had the effect of slightly reducing the attention paid to the siege by his army, even though Jowhar himself continued to be cautious. The night before the appointed date, Shivaji and a select few of his soldiers left Panhala under the cover of darkness and the cacophony of monsoon rains! Baji Prabhu Deshpande was the captain of these soldiers. The plan was to achieve safety atop the difficult fort of VishalGad.  As if leaving Panhala siege under cover was not hard enough, Bahirji had warned Shivaji that VishalGad was under siege by a Marathi  captain of Vijapur darbaar! However, through the good office of Bahirji Naik, Shivaji had arranged to have his chief at VishalGad attack the siege from inside the fort when they saw Shivaji and his army attacking it from outside. Vijapur army could not withstand this attack on two fronts and the siege of VishalGad was broken. Thus, Shivaji reached this fort with freshly reinforced army and could finally rest a few days in relative safety. Thus, Bahirji’s intelligence operation played a vital role in saving Shivaji!
This was not the only occasion when Bahirji was a key contributor in Shivaji’s success. Bahirji was good at gathering detailed information about every aspect of his missions and a lion’s share of credit for many of Shivaji’s surprising feats must go to Bahirji Naik and his people.

Anaji Raghunath Malkare ( Diplomat )

When Shivaji aquired fort Purandar from 3 sons of Niloji Nilkanthrao, he appointed Anaji as Sabnis of the fort.
When Pantaji Gopinath informed Shivaji that Afzal Khan agreed to meet Shivaji at Pratapgad, Anaji was given very important responsibility of preparing venue at the base of Pratapgad for the meeting. It was Anaji's intelligent preparations which played important role in the strategy of war against Afzal Khan.
Anaji accompanied Shivaji in his southern expedition to Bhaganagar.

Anaji Datto ( Chief Of Kokan region )

Anaji Datto was the Chief Of Kokan region.


Within 18 days of Afzal Khan's (Bijapuri sardar) death at Pratapgad, Panhala, the capital of the western Adil Sahi district was taken hy Annaji Datto through negotiations on 28 November, 1659

Anaji was initially appointed as "Vaknis" in the year of 1661.

Later in August 1662, he was promoted to the post of Soornis.

In 1673, Anaji Datto & Kondaji Farzand conquered Panhala. This was a very famous conquered as the attack was so well planned that even before Killedar of Panhala could realize that he had been attacked, Kondaji's men had captured gates of the fort.Anaji was waiting for Kondaji's signal & immedietely reached into the fort on Kondaji's signal. The Panhala was conquered successfully by this duo.

In 1674, Anaji tried to conquer fort Fonda with his 3000 men but the mission failed due to bravado of Killedar Mohammad Khan. Later on in 1675 Shivaji Maharaj himself carried out mission of Fonda with Anaji & successfully conquered the fort.

In 1674, at the time of coronation of Shivaji Maharaj, Anaji was given responsibility of Kokan region.

In 1677, Anaji accompanied shivaji in his deccan expedition.

anaji was importnat person in shivaji maharaj's"ashta pradhan mandal".

Shahaji Raje Bhosale-Father of Shivaji Maharaj

Shahaji Raje Bhosale was the eldest son of Maloji Raje Bhosale of Verul (present-day Ellora, Maharashtra). He brought the house of Bhosale into prominence. The princely states of Kolhapur and Satara are Bhosale legacies. If Shivaji the great was the founder of the Maratha Empire, it was his father Shahaji who started the Marathas on that path.

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, 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.

When Shah Jahan revolted against his father Jehangir, he had come to Maharaja Shahaji for help. Maharaja Shahaji had sheltered and protected Shah Jahan for about 8 months, during which Mughal forces weren’t able to catch hold of Shah Jahan.

Shahaji had two sons by Jijabai, Sambhaji and Shivaji. Sambhaji was killed while on a military expedition in 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 Sanskrit. 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.

Shahaji's dream of an independent kingdom was made a reality by his second son, the great Shivaji Maharaj.

JIJABAI-The mother of Shivaji Maharaj

Jijabai , mother of Shivaji (founder of the Maratha Empire) who was the protector of the country as well as religion. She was the guide who shaped his mind from his early years. She was the embodiment of self-respect. That great mother suffered in silence and became a source of inspiration to her heroic son.
Jijabai was born on 12 January, 1598 and a daughter of Lakhuji Jadhav, a prominent grandee of Sindkhed Raja in the present-day Buldhana district of Maharashtra State. As per the customs of that age, she was wed at an early age to Shahaji Bhosale, a nobleman and military commander under the Adil Shahi sultans of Bijapur in present-day Karnataka. She was his second wife.
Jijabai gave birth to eight children, six daughters and two sons. Of these only the two sons, Sambhaji and Shivaji, survived while the rest died in infancy.
jijabai had a strong sense of duty, courage , determination that was reflected in her decision when she choose to side with her husband when Shahaji and her father were at loggerheads for some decision.Jijabai Jijabai even refused to come to her father`s place which spoke of her self respect, a strong point of her character.
These qualities of Jijabai was passed to Shivaji. She was a great source of inspiration for Shivaji and was responsible for cultivating the spirit of bravery and humanism in him. She helped young Shivaji to dream of an independent Maharastra and inculcated in him the spirit of tolerance, justice and fair play.
This has been the tradition of Maratha women since time immemorial. At that time Shivaji was 14 years old and so accompanied his mother. The elder son Sambhaji remained with their father. Shivaji Maharaj left Banglore along with his mother, a council of ministers and chosen military commanders. Against this background, Shivaji took oath at the temple of lord Raireshwar. The rest of the story is well known
Jijabai's elder son Sambhaji was killed in a battle with Afzul Khan of the Adil Shahi court. Shivaji killed Afzul Khan to avenge Sambhaji's death. When Shahaji died Jijabai tried to commit sati - committing suicide by burning oneself in the husband's pyre, but Shivaji stopped her from doing so by request. Jijabai is widely credited with raising Shivaji in a manner that led to his future greatness. She gave a human touch to Shivaji's personality
Jijabai died after eight days of the cooronation of Shivaji Maharaj 17 June 1674

Trip To Agra and Escape

In 1666, Aurangzeb summoned Shīvajī to Agra, along with his nine-year-old son Sambhajī, on the occasion of his fiftieth birthday. Aurangzeb's plan was to send Shivaji to Kandahar, modern day Afghanistan to consolidate the Mughal Empire's north-western frontier. However in the court, on May 12, 1666, Aurangzeb made Shīvajī stand behind mansabdārs (military commanders) of his court.Shivaji took offense at this seeming insult and stormed out of court and was promptly placed under house arrest, under the watch of Fulād Khān, Kotwal of Agra. From his spies, Shīvajī learned that Aurangzeb planned to move his residence to Rājā Vitthaldās's Haveli and then to possibly kill him or send him to fight in the Afghan frontier. As a result Shīvajī planned his escape.

He feigned almost fatal sickness and requested to send most of his contingent back to the Deccan, thereby ensuring the safety of his army and deceiving Aurangzeb. Thereafter, on his request, he was allowed to send daily shipments of sweets and gifts to saints, fakirs, and temples in Agra as offerings for getting well.After several days and weeks of sending out boxes containing sweets, Shīvajī and his nine year old son Sambhaji hid themselves in two of the boxes and managed to escape. Shīvajī and his son fled to the Deccan disguised as sadhus (holy men). After the escape, rumours of Sambhajī's death were intentionally spread by Shīvajī himself in order to deceive the Mughals and to protect Sambhajī.

that time Shīvajī most likely disguised himself as a Brahmin priest after performance of religious rites at the haveli grounds and escaped by mingling in within the departing priestly entourage.[citation needed] However, according to Mr. Ranjit Desai, author of the Marathi book Shriman Yogi (later translated to English as Shivaji the Great), Shivaji disguised himself as one of the servants who used to carry boxes of sweets which were being sent out as gifts.
The route taken to escape is still not clear and also the method deployed to escape. There are settelements of marathi people along the route of HIS escape and the people claim that they were setteled at strategic locations where the horses were changed and the entourage rested. The decendants of these families are now again spread in INDIA and abroad. Iwould request them to shed light on this issue.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Forts in Kingdom of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

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
Janjira
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
Haliyal

Forts built and Renwe by shivaji maharaJ
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
Rajegad
Ravalagad
Rajkot
Rajgad
Ramdurga
sundargad
Sevanagad
Sevakgad
Lokalgad
Loanjagad
Vardhangad
Vangad
Vasantgad
Valabhagad
Varugad
Vasota or Vyagragad
Virgad or Ghosala
Vairatgad
Venktgad
Shrigaldavagad
Shrimantgad
Shrivardangad
raigad
Sabalgad
Sargad
Sahangad
Samangad
Sarangagad
Sindhichangad
Sidhagad
Subakargad
Sumangad
Surgad
Songad
Harishachandragad
Pratapgad
 
Forts 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

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
Nilsajitgad

King Shivaji's army and ministry

1)Hansaji Hambirrao Mohite, Sarnobat.
2)Gomaji Naik Pansambal.
3)Santaji Raje Bhosale, illegitimate son of Shahaji Bhosale.
4)Sabaji Bhosale, Shinganpurkar.
5) Makaji Anandrao Palak Lek.
6) Ganoji Darekar.
7) Khanhoji Angre.
8) Santaji Ghorpade, Jumledar.
9) Dhanaji Jadhavrao.
10) Tailangrao, Page Sardar.
11) Vyonkoji Khandekar Jumledar.
12) Gondji Jagtap.
13) Santaji Jagtap.
 14) Baji Nalge.
15) Rupaji Bhosale Sardar
16) Sambhaji Kawaji..
 17) Harji Rahe Mahadik..
18) Andrao Hftahajari.
19) Achaloji Raje Mahadik.
20)Maloji Nalge.
21) Mudhoji Khajankar.
22) Mahadaji Naik Pansambal.
23) Mansing More.
24) Kokate.
25) Amraji Pandhare.
26) Amrutrao Nimbalkar.
 27) Hande.
28) Padaji Katkar.
29) Netaji Katkar.
30) Pilaji Shirke.
31) Tanaji Shirke.
 32) Ganoji Shirke, son of Pilaji.
33) Sambhaji Shirke.
34) Jaising Palkar.
35) Parsoji Bhosale.
36) Bhujbalrao.
37) Arerao.
 38) Bahirji Ghorpade.
39) Somvanshi.
40) Kanhoji Bhandawalkar.
 41) Bahirji Naik Engle.
42) Khandoji Jagtap.
43) Sambhaji Katkar.
44) Suryaji Katkar.
45) Rayji Gadadhe.
46) Devji Ughade.
47) Keroji Pawar.
 48) Parsoji Shitole.
49) Rayji Nalge.
50) Yesaji Khandekar.
51) Krushnaji Ghatge.
52) Krushnaji Pawar.
 53) Maloji Nimbalkar.
 54) Hiroji Shelke.
55) Khapne.
56) Rumaji RajeShirke.
57) Waghoji RajeShirke.
 58) Tukoji Palkar.
59) Mahadji Naik Nimbalkar.
 60) Yesaji Thorat.
61) Khanderao Dabhade.
 62) Nemaji Shinde.
63) Khatoji Atole.
64) Bahirji Bandgar.
 65) Balwantrao Devkante.
66) Bhavanrao Devkante.
 67) Mahanarwar.
68) Kakde.
69) Kadu.
70) Balaji Naik Nimbalkar.
71) Dhamdhere.
72) Uchale.
73) Jaising Palkar.
74) Anandrao Nimbalkar.
 75) Baji Mohite.

Chiefs of infantry and Maval infantry
1) Yesaji Kank, Sarnobat
2) Tanaji Malusare
 3) Jiva Mahal
4) Sona Mahal
5) Rajpatil Yashwantrao
6) Ramji Vishwasrao
7) Khrushnaji Naik
8) Subhanji Naik
9) Tan Sawant
10) Kondaji Walkhale
11) Bajirao Pasalkar
12) Babaji Prabhu Deshpande, from Hirdas Mawal area
13) Thakur
14) Dhamale
15) Baji Murar Deshpande, from Mahad
16) Dhawale
17) Kudalkar
18) Malghade
19) Hiroji Rote
20) Ramaji More
21) Tukoji Lad
22) Tulaji Fharjad
23) Hiroji Bhangire
24) Yesaji Darekar
25) Son Salwi
26) Mudhoji Saswdekar
27) Khandoji Naik Jasud (Spy)
28) Bagrao
29) Dinkarrao
30) Harji Naik Jasud (Spy)
31) Suryaji Kale
32) Suryaji Malusare
33) Tanaji Duduskar
34) Pilaji Sanas
35) Jawji Parale
36) Mudhoji Fhurgawhane
37) Vithoji Kadu
38) Indraji Gade
39) Mahadji Fharjad
40) Hiroji Fharjad (Spy)
41) Nagoji Fharjad Naik
42) Habaji Fharjad
43) Parthe
44) Changoji Kadu
45) Krushnaji Bhosale
46) Dadaji Bapuji Deshpande
47) Chimnaji Bapuji Deshpande
48) Ran Dalwi
49) Mal Sawant
50) Dole
51) Jawji Mohne
52) Mudhoji Khanwalkar
53) Bajirao Darekar
54) Ganoji Kawale
55) Somaji Naik Banki
56) Bapuji Mandre
57) Ranoji Darekar

Chiefs of navy
1) Maynak Bhandari
2 ) Ibhramkhan
3) Darya Sarang 

Ashtapradhan(Ministery).
1) Moro Trimal Pingale, Peshwe
2) Ramchandra Nilkanth
3) Raghunathrao Panditrao
4) Annaji Datto
5) Janardanpant Hanmante, Majamdar
6) Dattajipant Wakenis
7) Balaji Sondev
8) Niraji Raoji
9) Pralhad Niraji
10) Shivaji Shankar
11) Krushnajipant Mathure
12) Kashipant Mathure Vishwasrao
13) Krushnaji Sakhaji
14) Shamji Awaji Karkhanis
15) Yesaji Gowind
16) Shamji Naik Punde, Potdar
17) Sankraji Nilkanth
18) Trimbak Bhaskar
19) Pantaji Gopinath Bokil
20) Annaji Rangnath Malekar
21) Vitthal Pildev Garudkar
22) Timaji Keshw Sabnis
23) Konherpant
24) Govindbhat Upadhye
25) Balji Awaji Chitnis
26) Chimnaji Awji Chitnis, Dafhtardar
27) Prabhakar Upadhye
28) Shivbhat Upadhye
30) Raghunath Ballal Korde
31) Balaji Raghunath and Narhar Ballal Sabnis
32) Rawji Sonnath Subhedar
33) Vyonkoji Datto
34) Visajipant Mathure
35) Krushn Joshi
36) Narhar Anandrao
37) Balambhat Gosawi Upadhye
38) Shamraj Padyanabh

Rajaram Maharaj

At Raygad, on the news of his death, his younger brother Rajaram was declared regent during the minority of Sambhaji's son Sivaji afterwards known as Sahu. In October 1689 Raygad, the Maratha capital, fell to the Moghals and young Sivaji and his mother Yesubai were made prisoners and taken to the Moghal camp. Undaunted by these calamities the Marathas resolved to fight with the Moghals by dividing their own forces and thus widely extending the field of military operations. Rajaram moved from place to place until he reached Jinji, about eighty miles south-west of Madras in November 1689. Before leaving for the south, Rajaram entrusted the conduct of all operations. military and administrative, in western Maharaistra to Ram-candrapant Amatya. With him were associated Sankraji Narayan Saclv and the celebrated generals Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanajl Jadhav. Parasurampant PratinidhI too came to be associated with Ramcandrapant.







On the arrival of Rajaram at Jinji, Aurangzeb was forced to send a large force under Zulfiqar Khan to the south. Later the prince Kambaks and the prime minister Asad Khan joined Zulfiqar Khan at the end of 1691. Aurangzeb himself moved out of Maharastra and fixed his camp at Galgali in the district of Bijapur while prince Azam was posted on the borders of. Tamilnad.






The Marathas under their generals Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav perfected the system of guerilla warfare. They fell on Moghal military outposts, blocked roads, destroyed provisions and surprised the forts captured by the Moghals. The Marathas were incessantly on the move. They threw in a number of daring leaders such as Hanumantrav Nimbalkar and Nemaji Sinde.






It was Santaji Ghorpade, however, who dealt mighty blows to the Moghals. In battle after battle he defeated the Moghal generals sent against him, such as Muqarrab Khan, Sarja Khan alias Mardan Khan, Khanazad Khan, Qasim Khan and others. The Marathas spread throughout the south. Well-equipped Maratha armies led by Dhanajl and Santaji marched to the relief of Jinji. It was only in 1698 that Jinji fell to the Moghals. Rajaram returned to Maharastra to continue the struggle against the Moghals. The Marathas now began to move north towards Bihar, Khandes, Gujarat and Malva. Aurangzeb who had in 1694 fixed his camp at Brahmapuri (Solapur district) now decided to march in person against the Maratha forts. Aurangzeb left his camp at Brahmapuri on 19th October 1699 and reached Miraj after 20 days. Here prince Muhammad Azam paid his courtesy call on the Emperor. Bedarbakht was at the time at Miraj. He was sent to pursue Rajaram. The Emperor ordered that all the territory between Satara and Panhala should be devastated. This was done by Ruhulla Khan and Hamid-ud-din Khan. In 1698 Rajaram remained for a short time at Satara which he made the seat of government. In 1699 he marched north, intending to raid Berar. He was however checked near Parenda and forced to return. Aurangzeb left Miraj and encamped under the fort of Vasantgad about seven miles northwest of Karhad. Batteries were prepared and in three days the garrison surrendered on 25th November 1699. The Emperor named the fort Kilid-e-fateh or the Key of Victory. Aurangzeb then marched to Satara, a movement wholly unexpected by the Marathas, who filled with the idea that Panhala in Kolhapur was about to be besieged, had directed all their preparations towards its defence. The provisions in Satara fort were not enough to stand more than a two months' siege. Satara was besieged. The fort surrendered on 21st April 1700. Immediately on the fall of Satara, Parali was invested. The siege lasted till the beginning of June, when, after a good defence, the garrison left the fort. The fort was called by the Emperor Nauras Tara. As the south-west monsoon burst with great violence, the Moghal army, suffered much distress and hardship before the camp could he moved from the hills. After much loss of men and animals, the army reached Khavaspur on the banks of the Man in Satara. Here Aurahgzeb ordered Bedar-bakht to proceed towards Miraj with a view to capture Panhala. Zulfiqar Khan was instructed to reinforce the prince. He accordingly went to Miraj and met the prince and both proceeded towards Panhala. The Emperor, subsequently (1st January 1701) reached Miraj from Khavaspur. _At Miraj Baksi Mukhalis Khan died on 3rd _January 1701. The Emperor stayed at Miraj for the whole month of Ramzam. Dhanaji, the Maratha general, attacked the Emperor's camp. The Emperor dispatched Hamid-ud-din Khan and Munim Khan to counter the Maratha attack. Severe engagements took place. On the report that Zulfiqar Khan was marching against them, Marathas dispersed. The Emperor then left Miraj and reached Panhala on 9th March 1701. After the capture of Panhala and Visalgad, the Emperor proceeded to Bahadurgad. On 2nd December 1702 he marched for the capture of Kondana and ordered Fateullah Khan to bring the artillery used for the capture of Visalgad. At Rahimatpur the Khan was attacked by the Marathas. Zulfiqar Khan was ordered to help Fateullah. After rescuing Fateullah, Zulfiqar Khan marched against Dhanaii. He reached Miraj and proceeded further when he got the news that,Dhanajl, the Maratha commander, intended to attack Cin Kilic Khan, the newly appointed subhedar of Bijapur. Zulfiqar Khan reached in time to help Cin Kilic Khan on hearing which Dhanaji marched towards Gulbarga.