Keshav Pandit

Keshav Swami Purohit (Died in 1690), also known as Keshav Pandit or Keshav Bhat Pandit, was Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Rajpurohit (Religious chief) and a Sanskrit scholar and poet of his times. He was also the ‘Rajpurohit’ and "Danadhyaksha" of Chhatrapati Sambhaji and Chhatrapati Rajaram. Sambhaji's schooling took place under his guidance.

Early life

Keshav Pandit was born in a Karhade Brahmin family in Ratnagiri district. There is no reference found as to his birth year. However, it must be around 1630. Also there is no mention as to his academic career and regarding how he came in contact with Shivaji.

Contribution to Coronation

Keshav Pandit accompanied Shivaji’s secretary Balaji Awji in his campaign to Uttar Pradesh and Udaipur for obtaining Shivaji’s family history which was necessary for the coronation ceremony.At the time of the ceremony on 5th and 6th June 1674, Gagabhatta sought his assistance for all the rites and rituals performed.
Shivaji gifted him a sum of Rs. 24,000/- towards Dakshina which was the second largest Dakshina ever given during the ceremony. (Gagabhatta was given the largest i.e. Rs.1,00,000/-.)

Contribution to history

Keshav Pandit has written in Sanskrit poetical biographies of all the Chhatrapatis he had worked with. Especially, his book ‘Rajaram Charitam’ written in 1690, gives a detailed account of Rajaram’s secret flight to fort Gingee from fort Panhala through the areas occupied by the Mughal army. It is supposed to be the most reliable source of Rajaram’s escape as Keshav Pandit himself was one of the participants of this journey. The original book is kept in tact in the royal library of Tanjavur.Soon after completion of this book, Keshav Pandit died at Gingee approximately at the age of 60. His heirs are staying in the villages near Devrukh in Ratnagiri district with the surname 'Purohit'.

His Works

*Shivaji’s biography in Sanskrit
*Sambhaji’s biography in Sanskrit
*Rajaram’s biography ‘Rajaram Charitam’ in Sanskrit
*'Dandneeti'(Sanskrit)i.e. Criminal Code proposed for Maratha Empire

References

*‘Rajaram Charitam’ (Marathi) Translated & Edited by W.S.Bendre
*‘Marathi Riyasat Volume I’ (Marathi) by Govind Sakharam Sardesai
*‘Mantarlela Itihas’ (Marathi) by [http://www.hsarpotdar1.wetpaint.com Harshad Sarpotdar]