Balaji Vishwanath and Shrivardhan

Shri Shivchatrapati Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundation for the Hindu Self Rule and it was handsomely carried forward by the Bhat family from Shrivardhan.

The line of the Bhat Peshwas began from BalajiVishwanath and ended after 105 years, when Baji Rao II. accepted defeat and handed the reigns to British Rule.

Shrivardhan was ruled by the Siddi's of Janjira since the 1400's. The governance of the talukas and districts was given to the Brahmins.
The governance of Dandarajpuri fell in the hands of the Bhats.Later fed up with atrocities by the Abyssinians the Bhat family left Shrivardhan. It was at this time that Balaji Vishwanath travelled to Satara and through his courage and wisdom was confered the title of Peshwa by Shahu Maharaj in 1710.

Shrivardhan is a quaint town, with lush Vadi's and narrow lanes. Extremely picturesque and quiet, it gives the hint of the sea from every direction.

NanaSaheb alias Balaji Bajirao who was the 3rd. Peshwa, decided to build a Vada (a distinct style of a house) in the birthplace of Balaji Vishwanath. The foundation stone of the house was 20mtrs. long and 13mtrs. wide. It boasted of a water body and beautifully carved lotus flowers on the steps leading to it.
Today all this is hidden with a building which the Municipal Corporation uses for games and an auditorium.

I had made it a point to go and see for myself the birthplace of the 1st. Peshwa after whom the glorious era of the Peshwa's came into existence.

Standing Proud and Tall is the statue of Balaji Vishwanath, the only memory of this courageous administrator.








What is heartening to see, however is that at the entrance to Shrivardhan, there is a placard stating the Birthplace of the 1st Peshwa.

To reach Shrivardhan, you can take the Mumbai Pune Expressway to Pali then onwards via the Mumbai Goa Expressway to Mangaon and onwards to Shrivardhan.

Unexplored and hence cut off from being a "Tourist Attraction", its beauty engulfs you, imploring you to become a part of its bounty.

Passing Away Of An Icon

Passing away of an Icon………………..Mohini KarKarey

Mr.K.V Peshwa, a Geologist, Gemmologist, Historian, Sanskrit Pandit,

Music Maestro, A Royal, the 9th descendant of the Peshwas.

The list seems endless but he excelled in each and every field

and his achievements today, speak louder than words.

He began his career at the NCDC as a Geologist later working for the GSI.

He turned towards Gemmology, a Science with a strong base in Geology,

in his later 50’s.

Sensing the need for identification of stones he studied first,

at the GII in Mumbai and then GAGTL in London U.K.

He was the founder of the Gemmological Orientation and Development Society in Pune,

and then at the J.R.V.G.T.I in Fergusson College Pune.

Teaching was his passion and today after 22 years,

his students stand him proud with their achievements.

To me, his daughter,

he imparted his knowledge in Gemmology and History and today solely to

his perseverance I can call myself a Gemmologist.

HE was a father, a teacher, a mentor and a friend,

one whose guidance and values have carried me forward.

His multi faceted personality, his lineage and bearing,

truly made him a Brilliant Cut Diamond.

I know that I have to carry his ideals and teachings forward,

and will always remember him with a smile,

always holding my head high with pride,

when I am called my father's daughter.

The Unsung Hero ---- Kanoji Angre

It was sheer coincidence that I found myself travelling towards Alibaug. Visiting friends was the Agenda but then the History buff in me took over and I found myself in the Kulaba Sea Fort. Disappointment, though hit me like a ton of bricks at the utter neglect of the fort. Except for a sign at the entrance saying that the place is under the jurisdiction of the ASI there is no mention of the Great Commander Kanoji Angre. All there is, is a half complete statue of the great General. Wanting to know more I delved into the literature of the time, and came up with this Post, as a befitting tribute to him.

Kulaba Fort

The naval base and the Armada were established by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Slowly and steadily he laid a stronghold on the sea forts of Vijaydurg, Sindhudurgand Kulaba. Thirteen forts were built during Shivaji's rule and because of this, the English, French, Portugese and at the time Abyssinians (Habshi's), found it difficult to enter the Konkan coast by the sea route.
After Shivaji, once again the coast was under the constant threat of capture from the Dutch, Portugese and British.

Sindhu durg fort

Vijaydurg fortThe Dawn of a superior fleet of ships, the strengthening of the sea forts and the complete ascendancy of the Marathas can be ascribed to one person and that is " Kanoji Angre".
Even though the foreign news makers described him as a Brigand and a Pirate, the fact is that Angre was the Commander in Chief and the General who rejuvenated the Naval Force which ruled and protected the Konkan Coast from all outside advances.

The sea fleet during Shivaji's reign was huge but he had to look after both seawards and landwards to strength his kingdom. In contrast Angre had only the coastal region to put his energy and expertise into, and this he did handsomely.

He placed the whole of the Konkan under his jurisdiction.From 1690 up until his death in 1756, he rebuilt his fleet and strengthened his sea forts making Vijaydurg his Capital.
There wasn't a single bay, cove, port or the mouth of a river which wasn't under his control
On the might of the Navy, the British Historians have commented that the fleet was huge with ships with 3 and 2 sails. These could carry anywhere between 300 to 200 tons of weight. The guns and cannons on these ships varied between 32 and 10 depending on the size of the ship. It has been recorded that every time the foreign invaders tried to combat with Angre's fleet they had to lose and surrender their ships.

The Navy became very powerful under the guidance and able command of Kanoji Angre and up until his death, no outside force dared to invade the shores of the Maratha Empire.