Chimanaji Deshpande was a general in the early Maratha Empire

Maratha Empire

The Maratha Empire or the Maratha Confederacy was an Indian imperial power that existed from 1674 to 1818. At its peak, the empire covered much of South Asia, encompassing a territory of over 2.8 million km²....

 during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj. He is best remembered for his major role during commando attack on Shahistekhan during 1664.

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

Accountant

An accountant is a practitioner of accountancy or accounting , which is the measurement, disclosure or provision of assurance about financial information that helps managers, investors, tax authorities and others make decisions about allocating resources.The Big Four auditors are the largest...

 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

Netaji Palkar

Netaji Palkar was the second Sarnaubat in the army of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha empire in western India.-Family history:...

 and played role while attacking foot soldiers of Adilshahi forces at Pratapgad

Pratapgad

Pratapgad is a large fort located in Satara district, in the state of Maharashtra in India. Significant as the site of the Battle of Pratapgad, the fort is now a popular tourist destination.-Geography:...

 and Wai

Wai

Wai or WAI may refer to:*Wai, Maharashtra, a town in India*Wai, an alternative name for the Nuristani people, speakers of the Waigali language*NO WAI, a phrase that is part of the O RLY? Internet meme.*Wai, a form of Thai greeting...

.

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

Jedhe

Jedhe is a Deshmukh sub clan of the Maratha caste in Maharashtra, India.The village Kari is the capital of Jedhe Deshmukh. Ambavade is also their village. The clan members were subjects of King Shivaji Bhosale's father, Shahaji...

family of Bhor and Deshpande family of Shind (Bajiprabhu)

His sons played role during Rajaram Maharaj's time as evidence of few letters.