- Chimanaji Deshpande
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Chimanaji Deshpande (born 1628, date of death unknown) was a general in the early Maratha Empire during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj. He is best remembered for his major role during commando attack on Shahistekhan during 1664.
Contents
Background
Chimanaji Deshpande was born into the Deshastha Brahmin family and his native place was Pune. His father was a Hawaldar(head of infantry). His brothers Babaji,Manikrao was one of the few associates of Young Shivaji when later started activities to build new kingdom.His one uncle said to be working as Chief accountant in Jijamata's Lal Mahal office. The Deshpandes had association with Bhonsale family since Maloji Raje's time that is from 1602.
Early life
He was student along with Shivaji Maharaj, they were trained by Dadoji Konddeo and Kanhoji Jedhe. He was one of the "Sahaadhyayi"(fellow student) of Shivaji Maharaj and later a trusted Sardar.
Battle of Pratapgad
He was in army of Netaji Palkar and played role while attacking foot soldiers of Adilshahi forces at Pratapgad and Wai.
Commando Attack in Pune
He and his brother Babaji has assigned duty as bodyguard of Shivaji Maharaj during commando attack on Shahistekhan. As these brothers lived in the Lal Mahal along with young Shivaji Raje, they were very familiar with the building, the grounds and all routes and secret passages.
Babaji is said to have offered cover and personal protection to Shivaji Maharaj in the event of attack by Mughal soldiers and the imperial guards of Lal Mahal. Chimanaji Deshpande first entered the Lal Mahal from garden side and killed two loyal bodyguards of Shahistekhan which paved the way for Shivaji Maharaj and his soldiers to proceed on to attack Shaiste Khan himself.
Later Life & Inheritance
He got handsome reward at the time of Rajyabhishek of Shivaji Maharaj, it was said that this reward value was equatable only with Jedhe family of Bhor and Deshpande family of Shind (Bajiprabhu)
His sons played role during Rajaram Maharaj's time as evidence of few letters.
Categories: People in the history of the Maratha Empire | 1628 births
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