26. Vs Bahlol Khan from Vijapur

Shivaji was ready to face a swift attack from Vijapur now. Greatness of this personality is he never allowed his enemies to unite against him & decided to strike Bahlolkhan before he could join by his generals. This attack was leaded by his commander-in-chief Prataprao Gujar in mar 1673. This battle known as battle of Umrani. Marathas hemmed in Behlolkhan’s army & blocked the access to water source. The bitter fight lasted till sunset. Casualties were heavy on both sides. After sunset, Vijapur forces managed to get access to water. Next day Maratha forces withdrew from there even after Bahlolkhan surrendered completely in front of Prataprao Gujar by bending on his knees.

Shivaji blamed Prataprao for allowing khan to escape. Don’t know what happened but Prataprao must have his own reasons for allowing khan to escape. Now Maratha forces moved towards south & attacked Hubli in 2nd week of apl.1673. Bahlolkhan who was released by Prataprao again struck Maratha forces in Kalhapur region. Shivaji was very angry on Prataprao about it. He wrote a letter to his general Prataprao saying don’t show me face again till you catch Bahlolkhan again. Stung to the quick, Prataprao Gujar rashly fell upon camp of Behlolkhan of 10,000 with just 6 warriors with him. This happened at Nesari & date was 24th feb.1674.

Prataprao & all other 6 were killed in this attack. We all know a song ‘Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat’ After Prataprao Gujar, Hambhirrao Mohite became commander-in-chief of Marathas. But Bahlolkhan was behind 2nd commander-in-chief Anandrao. He also asked assistance from Diler khan against Anandrao. But Anandrao took his way towards Kanara, journeying 15 leagues per day, which was impossible for Mughals & Vijapur. Knowing it is impossible to catch Anandrao, Diler khan turned towards Panhala & laid siege to it. After 5 days he returned to his base station. Bahlolkhan went to Kolhapur region.

Anandrao otherway attacked Bankapur & Pench, which were Jagirs of Bahlolkhan & plundered them completely. He killed Khizr khan, cousin of Bahlolkhan & brought 500 horses & 2 elephants. He returned to Raigad, to present booty to his king Shivaji. Soon again he was ready for more rob attacks on Bahlolkhan’s Jagir. Shivaji now had a compact territory & an efficient army & navy under him. Mughals inactive, Vijapur distracted, Golkonda friendly, British on good behaviour & some what weak Portugiz – this was picture in totality in Deccan at beginning of 1674.

It was while Aurangzeb was on his way to Hasan Abdal near Rawalpindi, he got the news that Shivaji has crowned himself as CHHATRAPATI on 6th june 1674, & set himself as sovereign prince. He was no more only a rajah, but only “Coroneted King of Medieval Indian History After 1300 Years.”