Shahuji
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Shrimant Shahu Sambhaji Raje Bhonsle Chhatrapati Maharaj (1682-1749) was the fourth ruler of the Maratha Empire created by his grandfather, Chhatrapati Shivaji, and was officially the Raja of Satara (now in the state of Maharashtra, India). More popularly known as Chattrapati Shahuji, he came out of captivity by the Mughals and survived a civil war to gain the throne in 1707. Somewhat of a roi fainéant, he was a good judge of character, but was content to let his Prime Ministers (the Peshwas) rule on a day-to-day basis.

He was the son of the second Chattrapati Sambhaji, who was killed by the Mughals in 1689.

Imprisonment

During Mughal-Maratha war of 27 years Shahuji was imprisoned by the Mughals at the age of 7 years after the fall of Raigad, the Maratha capital in Feb. 1689 when his parents were also captured. The Marathas emerged as victorious in this long war. The Mughals retreated around 1707 after the death of the then Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707. The next Emperor Bahadur Shah released Shahuji in 1707 under conditions which rendered him a vassal of the Mughal emperor. His mother was still held captive to ensure good behaviour by him and her release could be obtained only in 1719 when Marathas became strong and controlled Delhi.

Civil war

After his release Shahuji had to contend with a competing claim by his aunt, Tarabai and her son, Raje Sambhaji II (son of Rajaram). She set up a competing Kingdom of Kolhapur. With the assistance of Balaji Vishwanath who was later appointed the Peshwa (Marathi for Prime Minister), Shahuji outmanoeuvered Tarabai in 1714 and consolidated his power.

Accomplishments

Shahuji's primary accomplishment was in stabilising the fractured Maratha empire after the defeat of the Mughals by Marathas. During the War of 27 Years many Maratha nobles became powerful. He was the binding force of the Marathas.

Under his patronage his many civilian officers like Balaji or army commanders like Bajirao, Raghoji I Bhonsle and many more expanded the Maratha frontiers. In a real sense he was the emperor of contemporary India, but remained grateful to even weak descendants of the great Mughals. During his captivity, Mughals had raised him as a prince and never compromised his honor or that of his mother. He spent his entire childhood and youth, from age 7 to age 28 in the custody of the Mughals. He had passed through hardships and all uncertainties of life. Born as a prince, he became a prisoner at the age of 7, became a Chattrapati at the age of 28 and saw the empire spreading all over the continent. These events strengthened him.

Socio-political revolution

As a patron, he always gave space to the rising talented buds to act and as an authority made those ambitious chiefs to submit before his highness. Shahuji was instrumental in giving space to new talents irresepctive their background. His reign saw rise of many like Balaji, Shinde and many more talented people who later became the strong support on which the Maratha empire expanded and flourished, especially Bajirao Peshwa and Holkars in North. He is credited with establishing the position of Peshwa, which later became a hereditary position. He appointed a young Bajirao as Peshwa on April 17, 1719 after the premature death of his father Balaji Vishwanath. After 20 years tenure of Bajirao, he appointed Nanasaheb, as Peshwa. These three Peshwas were extremely efficient and Shahu always acknowledged their efforts to enhance the Maratha Empire. He is also responsible for appointing Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre to the position of the first Maratha naval chief, in return for his moving loyalty from the Tarabai camp. He appointed Sardar Khanderao Dabhade as his "Sarsenapati" or Commander-in-Chief. During his tenure almost all sections of society rose to power. Perhaps Maratha empire was the most socially mobile empire which accommodated many new socio-economic groups which were hitherto miles away from the power. It had had an effect on the social fabric of the nation. Maharashtra witnessed a spate of social changes in late 19th century as a result of this.

Family

Shahuji had four wives, and fathered two sons and four daughters. He adopted two sons, Meherban Shrimant Fatehsinh I Raje Sahib Bhonsle and Shrimant Rajaram II Raje Bhonsle Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib in 1745 (who succeeded him as the Raja of Satara).

Death

After Shahuji's death in 1749 his adopted son, Rajaram II succeeded him, but he was largely incompetent. The Maratha empire was primarily governed by the Peshwas from then onwards, with the Chattrapatis remaining the titular head.

References

• Imperial Gazetteer of India, v. 2, p. 441.
• Kasar, D.B. Rigveda to Raigarh making of Shivaji the great , , Mumbai: Manudevi Prakashan, Rs. 165 (2005).
• Akkalkot, Solapur district gazette