Khanderao Dabhade

Khanderao Dabhade, also known as Khandoji Dabhade ( – 27 September 1729) was a Maratha general who served as the Senapati (commander-in-chief) of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shahu I. He is known for his military achievements and is especially credited with leading the Maratha expansion in Gujarat by defeating the Mughals. In 1718, he led the Maratha forces dispatched to Delhi at the request of the Sayyid Brothers to depose Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar.

Family Background and Early Life The Dabhade family rose to prominence under Yesaji Dabhade, a Patil of Talegaon who served in the household establishment of Chhatrapati Shivaji. His sons, Khanderao (Khandoji) and Shivaji Dabhade, later accompanied Chhatrapati Rajaram during his retreat to Jinji in 1689. Following the Battle of Khed in 1707, he allied with Chhatrapati Shahu I on the advice of Dhanaji Jadhav, consolidating his position by establishing a series of fortified posts along the Burhanpur–Surat trade highway.

Campaigns in Baglan and Elevation to Senapati Between 1712 and 1716, Dabhade dominated the strategic Baglan region, systematically intercepting Mughal trade caravans and exacting Chauth. In 1712, his forces plundered a major imperial treasure caravan escorted by Muhammad Tebrezee, effectively rendering the highway impassable without tribute.

To clear the Burhanpur–Surat axis, the Mughal Viceroy of the Deccan, Sayyid Husain Ali Khan, dispatched an expeditionary force under his Bakhshi, Zulfiqar Beg. A subsequent retaliatory force led by Muhkam Singh failed to dislodge Dabhade's garrisons. Immediately following his elevation, Dabhade beat back the Sayyid's army to relieve the Maratha capital in December 1716, and later led an expedition into Mughal territory to plunder Ahmednagar in August 1717.

The Delhi Expedition (1718–1719) In June 1718, Dabhade arrived at Aurangabad with a force of 15,000 cavalry to fulfill the diplomatic terms negotiated between the Maratha court and Viceroy Sayyid Husain Ali Khan. His contingent further distinguished itself in August 1720 at the Battle of Balapur, fighting against the Nizam as allies of the Sayyid brothers.

Death and Legacy Khanderao Dabhade died on 27 September 1729 at Talegaon Dabhade. Following his demise, his son Trimbakrao Dabhade was formally invested as the Senapati on 8 January 1730.