WHO WAS BAJIRAO ????
I came across a news saying ,Sanjay Bhansali is making historic movie titled Bajirao- Mastani. Even Google search on Bajirao gives the link with Mastani more precedence than Bajirao’s link , indicating its popularity. Is this the only definition of Bajirao or it is our limits of thought that we cannot see his greatness.
Bajirao was the eldest son of Balaji Vishwanath, a clerk from Konkan who with his diplomacy and valour rose to prominence among Maratha...s and even helped Shahu to become the rightful Chatrapati. At the age of 20, Bajirao was appointed Peshwa (minister) of the Chatrapati. It had been 13 years after the death of Aurangzeb, Marathas had freed their land and were contemplating enjoying the fruits of their struggle. It was then that Bajirao proclaimed to Chatrapati Shahu that time was ripe to strike at the root of Mughals and free the land from Indus to Krishna.
I came across a news saying ,Sanjay Bhansali is making historic movie titled Bajirao- Mastani. Even Google search on Bajirao gives the link with Mastani more precedence than Bajirao’s link , indicating its popularity. Is this the only definition of Bajirao or it is our limits of thought that we cannot see his greatness.
Bajirao was the eldest son of Balaji Vishwanath, a clerk from Konkan who with his diplomacy and valour rose to prominence among Maratha...s and even helped Shahu to become the rightful Chatrapati. At the age of 20, Bajirao was appointed Peshwa (minister) of the Chatrapati. It had been 13 years after the death of Aurangzeb, Marathas had freed their land and were contemplating enjoying the fruits of their struggle. It was then that Bajirao proclaimed to Chatrapati Shahu that time was ripe to strike at the root of Mughals and free the land from Indus to Krishna.
Thus began the 20 year long expansion drive of Marathas in all directions. The expansion met with obstacles like Nizam in Deccan and Mughals in North. But the zeal for freedom and the drive to free the motherland won over all odds. Nizam the most potent of all enemies met his nemesis at Palkhed and again near Bhopal. Although he survived but after accepting the taxation rights (called Chauth) of Marathas in Deccan. Then it was Gujarat and Malwa’s turn to get freed from the clutches of foreign rule. Instead of just freeing up land Bajirao also ensured to establish able administrators like Gaekwad in Baroda and Udaji Pawar in Dhar.
During the Malwa campaign, meant to help the legendary Chatrasal, Bajirao met Mastani. His relentless campaigns in North saw Maratha generals like Ranoji Shinde and Malharrao Holkar to establish their bases in Gwalior and Indore respectively. Bajirao supposedly fought 41 battles and never lost one, due to his superior military tactics. He was a master of military movements with his speed being 4-5 times of the enemies leading to surprise attacks, wreaking havoc. To avoid stoppages for refreshments, Bajirao used to eat corn by one hand while driving the horse by other.
Nadirshah raided Delhi in 1740 and warned the kafirs (Marathas) not to interfere in Delhi otherwise he would teach them a lesson. Bajirao challenged him to cross the Narmada and instead of waiting for him, he moved towards Delhi in his usual lightning speed. Sensing danger, Nadirshah withdrew to Afghanisthan but Bajirao died a premature death at the age of 40 at Raverkhed in MP.
Robert Montgomery , General of Allied Forces in WWII described Bajirao’s battle of Palkhed as masterpiece of military mobility.
But our Bollywood made a movie on Nadirshah (yes !!!) and is now focusing on only the love angle of Bajirao. Even in Maharashtra Peshwas have been derided just because of their castes (Brahmins) by politicians. But did they fight for the motherland or for their castes is for everyone to see.
During the Malwa campaign, meant to help the legendary Chatrasal, Bajirao met Mastani. His relentless campaigns in North saw Maratha generals like Ranoji Shinde and Malharrao Holkar to establish their bases in Gwalior and Indore respectively. Bajirao supposedly fought 41 battles and never lost one, due to his superior military tactics. He was a master of military movements with his speed being 4-5 times of the enemies leading to surprise attacks, wreaking havoc. To avoid stoppages for refreshments, Bajirao used to eat corn by one hand while driving the horse by other.
Nadirshah raided Delhi in 1740 and warned the kafirs (Marathas) not to interfere in Delhi otherwise he would teach them a lesson. Bajirao challenged him to cross the Narmada and instead of waiting for him, he moved towards Delhi in his usual lightning speed. Sensing danger, Nadirshah withdrew to Afghanisthan but Bajirao died a premature death at the age of 40 at Raverkhed in MP.
Robert Montgomery , General of Allied Forces in WWII described Bajirao’s battle of Palkhed as masterpiece of military mobility.
But our Bollywood made a movie on Nadirshah (yes !!!) and is now focusing on only the love angle of Bajirao. Even in Maharashtra Peshwas have been derided just because of their castes (Brahmins) by politicians. But did they fight for the motherland or for their castes is for everyone to see.
