Hambirrao Mohite | |
|---|---|
| 5thSenapati of theMaratha Empire | |
| Monarchs | Shivaji I Sambhaji |
| Preceded by | Anandrao |
| Succeeded by | Maloji Ghorpade |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1630 Talbid, Satara,Ahmadnagar Sultanate (present-dayMaharashtra,India) |
| Died | December 1687 (aged 56–57) Wai,Maratha Empire |
| Children | Tarabai |
| Parent | Sambhaji Mohite |
| Occupation | Senapati,Sarnaubat[1] |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Maratha Empire |
| Branch/service | Maratha Army |
| Years of service | 1674 - 1687 AD |
| Battles/wars |
|
Hansaji Mohite (1630–1687), popularly known asHambir Rao Mohite, was a prominentMaratha general who held the esteemed position of the 5thSenapati of theMaratha Army during the reign of ChhatrapatiShivaji Maharaj.[3] He was recognized for his exceptional military prowess and successfully led various campaigns on behalf of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, subsequently continuing his service under ChhatrapatiSambhaji Maharaj.
Hambirrao's true name was Hansaji, and the titleHambir Rao was bestowed upon him by ChhatrapatiShivaji Maharaj in 1674. His descendants continued the title ofHambir Rao.
Hambirrao was born into the house ofMohites ofTalbid. Talbid was a hereditaryJagir of the Mohite clan.
After the demise of ChhatrapatiShivaji in 1680,Soyarabai, who was Hambirrao's sister, attempted to displaceSambhaji from the throne in favor of her own 10-year-old son,Rajaram.[4] Hambirrao was temporarily absent fromRaigad, and he was urgently called back. Upon his return, his sister earnestly implored him to secure the army's backing for her son as the futureChhatrapati of theMaratha Empire.[5] Hambirrao traveled toPanhala with the initial intent of apprehending Sambhaji but ultimately switched his allegiance, offering support to Shivaji's elder son over his own sister. This action played a pivotal role in securing Sambhaji's ascension on throne and thwarting the conspiracy devised by Soyarabai.[6]
On January 30, 1681,Burhanpur, a prominent trade center connecting southern and northernIndia, witnessed a sudden attack by Hambirrao Mohite and Chhatrapati Sambhaji. During this time, Jehan Khan served as theSubahdar of Burhanpur, and the city's garrison comprised only 200 soldiers. In contrast, Hambirrao commanded a formidable army of 20,000 troops. The Mughals found themselves unable to effectively resist Hambirrao's forces, resulting in substantial losses for them. In this battle, the Marathas seized assets exceeding a value of 1 crore rupees.[7]
Later on 17 March 1683, Hambirrao emerged victorious in Battle of Kalyan Bhivandi against Ranamast Khan, a formidable chieftain in the service ofAurangzeb, near the vicinity of Kalyan-Bhiwandi.[8]
Final battle and death
In the year 1687, during a significant battle that transpired in the vicinity ofWai province, Hambirrao defeated theMughal commander, Sarja Khan. After the clash a cannonball struck Hambirrao, ultimately resulting in his death.[9]
The filmSarsenapati Hambirrao is based on his life story.[10]
Senapati Hambirrao was played byAshutosh Rana, in the historical dramaChhaava in 2025.[11]
Origin andEarly life | ||
| Ancestry and family |  | |
| Battles | ||
| Forts | ||
