Chimnaji Damodar

Chimnaji Damodar Moghe, historically known as ‘Chimnaji Damodar, was among the first ones to cross the boundary of Maharashtra in 1698 to attack Mughal subjects located in the Central and Northern parts of India. He also worked as a Minister in the court of Chhatrapati Shahu and as a Peshwa in the court of Chhatrapati Sambhaji II of Kolhapur.

Early life and career

Chimnaji Damodar was born in a Karhade Brahmin family. The year of his birth is not known, however, it must have been around 1675. He was the Jahagirdar of the village Parola located in the Khandesh region of Maharashtra. During the regime of Chhatrapati Rajaram, Ramchandra Pant Amatya encouraged the independent Maratha warriors to invade Mughal areas with intention to distract Mughal army concentrated in Maharashtra under the leadership of Aurangzeb. Chimnaji Damodar; along with Nemaji Shinde, happened to be the first to successfully respond to this strategy by crossing the boundary of Maharashtra and entering into Malwa. His troops attacked Mughal subjects in Central and Northern parts of India and looted enormous money and treasure.

Later life

In 1707, when Shahu was released by Mughals, Chimnaji Damodar left Tarabai and joined Shahu. He contributed a lot in Shahu’s victory against Tarabai at Khed as a result of which Shahu appointed him as ‘Mutalik’ (Deputy) of the then Peshwa. Subsequently, he was appointed on the prestigious post of ‘Rajadnya’ (Deputy of the King). In 1718-1719, he accompanied Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath in his expedition to Delhi. In 1720, after Balaji Vishwanath’s death, Bajirao became the new Peshwa in spite of objection raised by Chimnaji Damodar stating that Bajirao was too young and inexperienced for such a responsible post. Resultantly, he withdrew himself from the Shahu’s court. In 1727, Chhatrapati Sambhaji II appointed him as Peshwa of Kolhapur state. In 1731, he joined hands with Dabhade and fought with Bajirao at Dabhai but lost. However, since then his relations with Bajirao went on improving till the end of his life. He had a son namely ‘Balwantrao’.

References

• ‘Peshwyanchi Bakhar’ (Marathi) Editorial Notes by R.V.Herwadkar
• ‘Marathi Riyasat’ (Marathi) by Govind Sakharam Sardesai
• ‘Adnyapatra’ (Marathi) Editorial Notes by R.C.Dhere & P.P.Joshi