Parshuram Pant Pratinidhi
Encyclopedia
Parshuram Tryambak Kinhaikar (1660–1718 CE), popularly known as Parshuram Pant Pratinidhi, was a diplomat and warrior of Maratha Empire
during Rajaram and Tarabai
’s regime. His contribution to the Maratha war of Independence is considered to be of vital importance. He was also the founder of the princely states of Vishalgad
and Aundh
in Maharashtra
.
family in 1660. His father was a Kulkarni of few village around his native place ‘Kinhai’ near Korgaon in Satara
district. At the age of 14, Parshuram Pant came to Vishalgad
and started working under Ramchandra Pant Amatya
as a clerk. Due to his steady progress both in clerical as well as military functions, he was soon promoted as Ramchandra Pant's deputy and was sent to Fort Vasota to look after military administration.
in 1689 which was ultimately captured by Aurangzeb
in the same year. Parshuram Pant, however, recaptured the fort in June 1692 with tremendous efforts and bravery. Thereafter, under the able guidance of Ramchandra Pant Amatya, he initiated continuous victorious campaigns against Mughal
army and re-captured the large region between Miraj
and the fort of Prachitgad
(also called Rangna). He also captured Fort Bhudargad
and Chandangad from Mughals.
Delighted with his performance, Rajaram honored him with the title of ‘Subha Lashkar’ and ‘Samsher Jung’ and later on conferred on him the post of Peshwa
(Prime Minister) and Pratinidhi (Deputy of King). On 31 October 1699, with intention to create confusion and suspicion in the minds of Maratha Generals, Aurangzeb wrote a secret letter to Parshuram Pant but arranged to reach it in Ramchandra Pant’s hand. It read, "It was great to hear that Parshuram Pant was joining the Mughal camp for a consideration that was mutually agreed upon". Simultaneously, Parshuram Pant got a letter of same sort addressed to Ramchandra Pant. However, this trick could not work as both of them were closely associated with each other. During December 1699 to April 1700 when Satara fort was blocked by Aurangzeb, Parshuram Pant ensured non-stop supplies of food grain and ammunition to the Maratha army from Fort Parali. After Rajaram’s death in 1700, Parshuram Pant became right hand of Tarabai who sought his help in restoring her son Shivaji II on the vacant throne of Rajaram. In 1702, he fought for saving the fort Vishalgad
continuously for five months and killed the 6000 attacking Mughal soldiers of Aurangzeb. Ultimately, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed and the fort was handed over to Aurangzeb on 4 June 1702 after receiving a sum of Rs. 2 lac in cash towards tribute. Parshuram Pant would not get it back until 1707, however, just within a span of 3 years, he recaptured other forts like Panhala Fort
, Pavangad
, Satara
and Vasantgad.
, he was allowed to keep the existing jehagiri at Fort Vishalgad too. His reluctance, however, compelled Shahu to put him in prison twice during 1710 to 1714 but subsequently he was released and restored after settling the disputable issues. Being a genuine worshipper of Goddess Yamai, he wrote a few poems praising the goddess and received great respect and honor until his death in 1718. His son Shrinivasrao alias Shripatrao was appointed by Shahu in his place.
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 Rajaram and Tarabai
Tarabai
Tarabai was a queen of the Maratha Empire in India. Her husband was Chhatrapati Rajaram, son of Shivaji. Tarabai was the daughter of the famed Maratha general Hambirao Mohite...
’s regime. His contribution to the Maratha war of Independence is considered to be of vital importance. He was also the founder of the princely states of Vishalgad
Vishalgad
Vishalgad was one of the important forts of Shivaji and Maratha Empire. The name ‘Vishalgad’ meaning grand fort in Marathi, was given by Shivaji after annexing it for the Maratha Empire in 1659.The fort is about 1130 meters that is 3630 feet.-Origin of the name Vishalgad:Khelna was in the control...
and Aundh
Aundh State
Aundh State was a princely state in British India, in the Deccan States Agency division of the Bombay Presidency. It was one of the Satara Jagirs, and was founded in 1699. It was founded by Parshuram Tryambak Pant Pratinidhi who was warrior during the period of Sambhaji Raje and Rajaram Maharaj...
in Maharashtra
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state located in India. It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India...
.
Early Life & Career
Parshuram Pant was born in a Yajurvedi Deshastha BrahminDeshastha Brahmin
Deshastha Brahmins are the original and the oldest Hindu Brahmin sub-caste mainly from the Indian state of Maharashtra and some districts of northern Karnataka. The word Deshastha comes from the Sanskrit words Desha and Stha which mean inland or country and resident respectively...
family in 1660. His father was a Kulkarni of few village around his native place ‘Kinhai’ near Korgaon in Satara
Satara
Satara is a city located in the Satara District of Maharashtra state of India. The town is 2320 ft. above sea-level, near the confluence of the Krishna and its tributary river Venna. The city was the capital of the Maratha empire in the 17th century, hence one of the the historical cities of...
district. At the age of 14, Parshuram Pant came to Vishalgad
Vishalgad
Vishalgad was one of the important forts of Shivaji and Maratha Empire. The name ‘Vishalgad’ meaning grand fort in Marathi, was given by Shivaji after annexing it for the Maratha Empire in 1659.The fort is about 1130 meters that is 3630 feet.-Origin of the name Vishalgad:Khelna was in the control...
and started working under Ramchandra Pant Amatya
Ramchandra Pant Amatya
Ramchandra Neelkanth Bahutkar , also known as Ramchandra Pant Amatya, was the youngest member of the Council of Ministers to Emperor Shivaji dating from 1674 to 1680. He also served as the Imperial Regent to Chhatrapati Sambhaji, Rajaram, Shivaji II and Sambhaji II...
as a clerk. Due to his steady progress both in clerical as well as military functions, he was soon promoted as Ramchandra Pant's deputy and was sent to Fort Vasota to look after military administration.
Contribution to the Maratha War of Independence
Parshuram Pant exhibited his leadership qualities for the first time during the blockade of Panhala FortPanhala fort
Panhala fort , also known as Panhalgad, Pahalla and Panalla , is located in Panhala, 20 kilometres northwest of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India. It is strategically located looking over a pass in the Sahyadri mountain range which was a major trade route from Bijapur in the interior of Maharashtra to...
in 1689 which was ultimately captured by Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb
Abul Muzaffar Muhy-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir , more commonly known as Aurangzeb or by his chosen imperial title Alamgir , was the sixth Mughal Emperor of India, whose reign lasted from 1658 until his death in 1707.Badshah Aurangzeb, having ruled most of the Indian subcontinent for nearly...
in the same year. Parshuram Pant, however, recaptured the fort in June 1692 with tremendous efforts and bravery. Thereafter, under the able guidance of Ramchandra Pant Amatya, he initiated continuous victorious campaigns against Mughal
Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire , or Mogul Empire in traditional English usage, was an imperial power from the Indian Subcontinent. The Mughal emperors were descendants of the Timurids...
army and re-captured the large region between Miraj
Miraj
Miraj , is an historic town in southern Maharashtra, India. The history of the town dates back to the early 10th century, and the town is known for its rich tradition of Hindustani classical music and for religious harmony. It served as a stronghold and a strategic bastion because of its location...
and the fort of Prachitgad
Prachitgad
Prachitgad is a in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, India. It covers an area of .- Location :It is located within Ratnagiri district at Shringarpur. The closest city is Sangameshwar which is approximately 22 km away.-Major Features:It has an outer wall and an inner wall. The outer wall...
(also called Rangna). He also captured Fort Bhudargad
Bhudargad
Bhudargad is a tehsil in Radhanagari subdivision of Kolhapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra.Bhudargad is a taluka in Kolhapur district. It comes under Radhanagari subdivision.Gargoti is the headquarter of Bhudargad taluka...
and Chandangad from Mughals.
Delighted with his performance, Rajaram honored him with the title of ‘Subha Lashkar’ and ‘Samsher Jung’ and later on conferred on him the post of Peshwa
Peshwa
A Peshwa is the titular equivalent of a modern Prime Minister. Emporer Shivaji created the Peshwa designation in order to more effectively delegate administrative duties during the growth of the Maratha Empire. Prior to 1749, Peshwas held office for 8-9 years and controlled the Maratha army...
(Prime Minister) and Pratinidhi (Deputy of King). On 31 October 1699, with intention to create confusion and suspicion in the minds of Maratha Generals, Aurangzeb wrote a secret letter to Parshuram Pant but arranged to reach it in Ramchandra Pant’s hand. It read, "It was great to hear that Parshuram Pant was joining the Mughal camp for a consideration that was mutually agreed upon". Simultaneously, Parshuram Pant got a letter of same sort addressed to Ramchandra Pant. However, this trick could not work as both of them were closely associated with each other. During December 1699 to April 1700 when Satara fort was blocked by Aurangzeb, Parshuram Pant ensured non-stop supplies of food grain and ammunition to the Maratha army from Fort Parali. After Rajaram’s death in 1700, Parshuram Pant became right hand of Tarabai who sought his help in restoring her son Shivaji II on the vacant throne of Rajaram. In 1702, he fought for saving the fort Vishalgad
Vishalgad
Vishalgad was one of the important forts of Shivaji and Maratha Empire. The name ‘Vishalgad’ meaning grand fort in Marathi, was given by Shivaji after annexing it for the Maratha Empire in 1659.The fort is about 1130 meters that is 3630 feet.-Origin of the name Vishalgad:Khelna was in the control...
continuously for five months and killed the 6000 attacking Mughal soldiers of Aurangzeb. Ultimately, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed and the fort was handed over to Aurangzeb on 4 June 1702 after receiving a sum of Rs. 2 lac in cash towards tribute. Parshuram Pant would not get it back until 1707, however, just within a span of 3 years, he recaptured other forts like Panhala Fort
Panhala fort
Panhala fort , also known as Panhalgad, Pahalla and Panalla , is located in Panhala, 20 kilometres northwest of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India. It is strategically located looking over a pass in the Sahyadri mountain range which was a major trade route from Bijapur in the interior of Maharashtra to...
, Pavangad
Pavangad
Pavangad is a hill fort in the Kolhapur District, Maharashtra half a mile east of Panhala fort from which it is separated by a ravine. The chief defense of the fort is a scarped rock fifteen to twenty-five feet high. In most places the steepness of the rock has been increased by artificial scarping...
, Satara
Satara
Satara is a city located in the Satara District of Maharashtra state of India. The town is 2320 ft. above sea-level, near the confluence of the Krishna and its tributary river Venna. The city was the capital of the Maratha empire in the 17th century, hence one of the the historical cities of...
and Vasantgad.
Later Life & Death
In 1707, Shahu was released by Mughals and civil war between him and Tarabai commenced. Unlike many others, Parshuram Pant remained loyal to Tarabai and fought against Shahu but was defeated and subsequently imprisoned. Later on he was released in 1710 and was earnestly requested by Shahu to assume the post of Pratinidhi which he did with a little hesitation. Even though he was granted a separate jehagiri at Aundh near KaradKarad
Karad is a town and a municipal council in Satara district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It lies at the confluence of Koyna River and the Krishna River. The two rivers originate at Mahabaleshwar which is around 100 km from Karad. They diverge at their origin and then meet again in...
, he was allowed to keep the existing jehagiri at Fort Vishalgad too. His reluctance, however, compelled Shahu to put him in prison twice during 1710 to 1714 but subsequently he was released and restored after settling the disputable issues. Being a genuine worshipper of Goddess Yamai, he wrote a few poems praising the goddess and received great respect and honor until his death in 1718. His son Shrinivasrao alias Shripatrao was appointed by Shahu in his place.