Prataprao gujar biography of christopher hamilton

Prataprao Gujar born in Bhosare village near Khatav which is located in Satara district, was a highest cavalry officer senapati. He was Senapati of King Shivaji's army, which was probably the most successful guerrilla force in 17th century India. He was given the pseudonym of Prataprao the brave by King Shivaji in acknowledgement of his bravery in the war against Mirza Jaisingh.

In , Prataprao Gujar, the then Commander-in chief of the Maratha forces, was sent to push back the invading force led by the Adil Shahi general, Bahlol Khan. Shivaji had directed Prataprao to finish off Bahlol Khan, who had proved to be treacherous in the past. The Maratha army surrounded the camp of Bahlol Khan at the village of Nesari.

Prataprao's forces defeated and captured the opposing general in the battle after cutting-off their water supply by encircling a strategically located lake, which prompted Bahlol khan to sue for peace.

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In spite of Shivaji's specific warnings against doing so Prataprao released Bahlol Khan. Days after his release Bahlol Khan started preparing for a fresh invasion. When Shivaji heard of Prataprao's decision he was greatly displeased and sent a letter to Prataprao refusing him audience until Bahlol Khan was re-captured. Prataprao realised the full extend of his strategic error and was so upset about it, that he now desperately wanted to redeem himself.

In the ensuing days, he learnt of Bahlol Khan having camped nearby.

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Prataprao decided to confront Bahlol Khan at Nesari near Kolhapur. The potential battle would have had Gujar with 1, troops facings Khan with 15, Given the uneven match Prataprao reasoned that there was no point in leading his 1, cavalrymen into a suicide charge. So in a fit of desperation and anguish and in an over-reaction to Shivaji's letter, he left by himself, without asking his cavalry to accompany him.