Shankaraji Narayan Sacheev

Shankaraji Narayan Sacheev (1665 – 1707), also known as ‘Shankaraji Narayan’, was one of the most popular warriors and diplomats during Chhatrapati Rajaram’s regime. His contribution to the war of independence against Mughal rule is considered to be immensely supportive. He was the founder of the princely state of Bhor located in Pune district.

Early Life & Career

Shankaraji was born in a Deshastha Brahmin family in or around 1665. His grandfather was a Officer-In-Confidence of Shahaji and father Naro Mukund was a Sabnis of Fort Sudhagad during Shivaji’s regime. Being friendly and watchful since childhood, Shankraji became well conversant with the people and geography of the Maval region of Maharashtra at his very early age. In 1677 he started his career under Peshwa Moropant Pingale and soon he was engrossed by Ramchandra Pant Amatya for the purpose of some special assignments in the Maval region. During Sambhaji’s regime he was awarded the post of ‘Rajadnya’ for his excellent performance in the area stipulated to him.

Contribution to the War of Independence

After elimination of Sambhaji by Aurangzeb in 1689, Shankaraji gathered his soldiers in Maval and started attacking Mughal army nearby. Initially, he conquered the forts of Wai and Rajgad. Thereafter, jointly with Ramchandra Pant he captured forts of Pratapgad, Rohida, Torna and Purandar. Aurangzeb’s well known General Shaikh Nijam was also defeated by him near Sangameshwar. Jointly with Ramchandra Pant, Santaji and Dhanaji he attacked another Mughal General Sarjah Khan near Satara and vanquished his army. Rajaram was so delighted with his victories that he conferred on him the post of ‘"Sacheeva"’ i.e. Secretary in October1690 and additionally, he was given charge of entire Konkan region. Thenceforth, Dhanaji was directed to work under his supervision. He was also made responsible to look after Rajaram’s "Zanana" (Queens) on the fort Karigad. As mentioned in the Jedhe Shakawali, he quickly shifted the "Zanana" to fort Sudhagad during the capture of Karigad by Alibaig, the Mughal Officer at Junnar, and later on recaptured the fort. He also captured Fort Siddhgad located near Bhimashankar through his subordinate Gunaji Sawant.

Later Career & Death

After Rajaram’s death in 1700, Shankaraji became one of the closest advisors of Rajaram's Queen Tarabai. Jointly with Parshuram Pant Pratinidhi, he helped Tarabai to enable her son Shivaji II to occupy the vacant throne of Rajaram. In 1705, he captured fort Rohida and re-annexed fort Rajgad to the Maratha Empire. In 1707 after Shahu’s release from Mughal camp civil war between Shahu and Tarabai commenced. Shahu appealed Shankaraji to join him or face the consequences. Shankaraji who was loyal to Tarabai was caught into a great perplexity and depression and ultimately committed suicide in November 1707 at Ambawde near Nagnath. A deeply moved Shahu appointed Shankaraji's orphan son Naro Shankar on his vacant post.

References

*‘Shankaraji Narayan’ (Marathi) by K.V. Purandare
*‘Marathi Riyasat Volume II’ (Marathi) by Govind Sakharam Sardesai
*‘Jedhe Shakawali’ (Marathi) Edited by Dr.A.R.Kulkarni