Prataprao Gujar

Prataprao Gujar (actual name Kudtoji Gujar) was the second Sarnaubat (Commander-in-chief) of Shivaji's army,which was probably the most successful guerilla force in 17th century India. He was given the pseudonym of Prataprao (The brave) by Shivaji in acknowledgement of his bravery in the war against Mirza raje Jaisingh.

Related Topics:
Shivaji - India - Mirza raje Jaisingh

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He was a gifted general, who enjoyed the trust of his king and the loyalty of his troops. His major drawback was his impulsive emotional nature.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A few months before Shivaji's coronation in 1674, Prataprao Gujar was sent to deal with the invading force lead by the Adilshahi general, Bahalol Khan. The Maratha army surrounded the camp of Bahalo Khan at the place of Naesari. Prataprao's forces defeated and captured the opposing general in the battle. Inspite of specfic warnings against doing so by Shivaji, Prataprao released Bahalol Khan along troops and the seized war material, when Bahalol Khan promised not to invade Shivaji's territories again. Days after his release Bahalol Khan started preparing for a fresh invasion.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When Shivaji heard of about Prataprao decision, he was incensed and wrote an angry letter to his Sarnaubat. In a fit of anger and over reacting to the letter, Prataprao and six of his men attacked the camp of Bahalol Khan and were slaughtered. This event has been retold in the form of a Marathi poem "Sat vede vir" (Seven irrational braves).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Shivaji's army avenged the death of their general, by defeating Baholol Khan and looting his jagir (fiefdom) under the leadership of Anaji and Hambirao Mohite.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Shivaji's second son , Rajaram , was later, married to the daughter of Prataprao Gujar.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~