Dhanaji Jadhav

Dhanaji Jadhav – July 1708) also known as Dhanaji Jadhav Rao, was a prominent Maratha general and served as the Senapati of the Maratha Empire during the reigns of Rajaram I, Tarabai, and Shahu I. Alongside Santaji Ghorpade, he conducted highly successful campaigns against the Mughals from 1689 to 1696, contributing significantly to the Maratha cause. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in the initial expansion of the Gujarat Subah while consistently defeating Mughal forces.

Background Dhanaji was a member of the Jadhav clan of Sindkhed Raja.

Queen Tarabai praised Dhanaji and his colleague Santaji, for their daring attack on Aurangzeb's camp. A marathi drama 'Bhangale Swapn Maharashtra' written by Bashir Momin Kavathekar depicts the thrill and adventures raid on Aurangzeb's camp at Tulapur and also brings out how stringently the guidelines laid down by Shivaji Maharaj were being followed by Maratha soldiers (which spared Aurangzeb's life because he was offering religious prayers).

In November 1703, Aurangzeb initiated negotiations with Dhanaji through his son, Muhammad Kam Bakhsh, with the intention of transferring Shahu I to him. However, these talks proved unsuccessful due to what were perceived as exorbitant demands made by Dhanaji on behalf of the Maratha king.

Gujarat campaign In 1705, a Maratha Army, consisting of approximately 40,000 soldiers led by Dhanaji, launched a successful assault on Surat, defeating the Mughal forces across the entire region of Gujarat, extending up to Bharuch, and subsequently imposing the Chauth tribute on them. Dhanaji also achieved victory over the Mughal army commanded by Nazar Ali, the Nawab of Baroda.

Later years and death In 1708, through the mediation of his assistant Balaji Vishwanath, who would later assume the position of Peshwa in 1713, Dhanaji disassociated himself from Tarabai and aligned with Shahu I at Battle of Khed. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, he died due to a leg injury at Vadgaon, Kolhapur. Subsequently, his post was assumed by his son, Chandrasen Jadhavrao.

Movies He was portrayed by Shubhankar Ekbote in the 2025 Hindi film Chhaava.