Prataprao Gujar
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (April 2024) |
| Prataprao Gujar | |
|---|---|
 3rd Senapati of the Maratha Empire | |
| Reign | 1666 – 24 February 1674 |
| Predecessor | Netaji Palkar |
| Successor | Anandrao |
| Born | c. 1615 |
| Died | 24 February 1674 (aged 58–59) |
| Issue | Jankibai |
Prataprao Gurjar (c. 1615 – 24 February 1674) also known as Kudtoji Gurjar was a Maratha general and held the position of the 3rd Senapati of the Maratha Empire during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji.[1]. Prataprao Gujar led Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's army until 1674.
At the Battle of Salher, Prataprao Gujar routed a sizable Mughal army. The Maratha victory at Salher is seen as a watershed in their military campaigns against the formidable Mughal army.
Prataprao Gujjar was later dispatched to confront the Adil Shah's invading army under the command of Bahalol Khan. During the battle, Bahlol Khan was besieged by the Maratha army and taken as a prisoner. However, upon Khan’s promise not to invade Maratha territory again, Prataprao released Bahlol Khan (around 15 April 1673).
However, Bahalol Khan returned again with a larger army which enraged Prataprao Gujar and he decided to attack Bahalol Khan on 24 February 1674. According to the description given by Krishnaji Ananta and the letter of the English interpreter Narayan Shenvi, dated 4 April 1674, “Prataprao attacked Bahalol Khan’s camp in Nesari with only six of his trusted battle-hardened commanders. It was a daring surgical strike which killed many in the enemy camp and demoralised the Bahlol's army. During this daring raid, Prataprao and his six lieutenants also got martyred but only after inflicting huge damage to the enemy camp”.
The song "Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat" written by marathi poet Kusumagraj & sung by Lata Mangeshkar and the commercial drama "Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat" written by Bashir Momin (Kavathekar) are based on this heroic battle. The inaugural performance of the play ‘Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat’ was staged by Malganga Natya Niketan on 19th May 1977. Seeing the encouraging response to the play, Bashir Momin (Kavathekar) converted the play into a shorter version called Vaganatya, which was then performed & popularized by various Tamasha Troupes in rural Maharashtra [2] [3]
After Prataprao's death, his daughter Jankibai was married to Rajaram I, the younger son of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
References
[edit]- ^ Ranade, Mahadeo Govind; Ranade, Mahadeo Govind (2006). Rise of the Marathapower. Read Books. ISBN 978-1-4067-3642-7.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Dr. Sheshrao Patahde. "लोकमान्य लोकशाहीर मोमीन कवठेकर Lokamnya Lokshahir Momin Kavathekar", "Punya Nagari- a Marathi Daily", Mumbai, 28-Nov-2021
- ^ अवलिया लोकसाहित्यिक "Sakal, a leading Marathi Daily", Pune, 20-Nov-2021
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