Raghuji Bhosale I

Raghuji Bhosale I Latest News

The Maharashtra government recently reclaimed the iconic sword of legendary Maratha warrior Raghuji Bhosale I.

About Raghuji Bhosale I

• Raghuji Bhosale I (1695–February 14, 1755) was the founder of the Bhosale family of Nagpur and an important commander in the Maratha army during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. 
• Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj had bestowed the title of ‘Senasahibsubha’ on Raghujiraje for his bravery and war strategy.
• Raghujiraje Bhosale I led military campaigns against the Nawab of Bengal in 1745 and 1755 and expanded the Maratha empire to Bengal and Odisha.
• Along with this, he established his dominance over the regions of Chanda, Chhattisgarh, and Sambalpur during his reign. 
• He also defeated the Nawabs of Cuddapah and Kurnool and established his military and political dominance in South India. 
• Raghujiraje Bhosale is also considered the most courageous Maratha warrior of the 18th century.

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Who were Nagpur Bhonsles?

• Like the Peshwe, Holkar, Gaikwad, and Scindia families, the Nagpur Bhonsle family also played a significant role in expanding the Maratha Empire. 
• The Nagpur branch of the Bhonsle dynasty was founded by Raghoji Bhonsle I in the early 18th century. 
• He expanded Maratha influence in central and eastern India, including parts of present-day Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
• The family was one of the royal or Kshatriya clans of the Marathas, and considered itself as the descendant of Udaipur’s Sisodia Rajputs.
• The Bhonsles of Nagpur were known as Hinganikar as one of their ancestors — who was probably a contemporary of Maloji, the grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj — rehabilitated the village Beradi near Hingani in the present district of Pune.
• The Nagpur Bhosales ruled over a mineral-rich region abundant in iron and copper, which were skillfully used to craft both everyday items and formidable weapons. 
• The quality and artistry of the weaponry crafted by the Bhosales are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship.

Source: IE