Sindkhed Raja is the birthplace and maternal home of Rajmata Jijabai and the maternal family of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. After Lakhuji Jadhavrao and his sons and grandsons were murdered by the Nizamshahi, branches of the Jadhav family scattered to various places, one of which settled in Bhuinj, Satara district. That branch of the Jadhav family still resides in Bhuinj today. Located on the Pune–Satara highway along the Krishna river, Bhuinj village is home to the ancestral residence of Lakhuji Jadhav’s descendants—Raijirao Jadhav. This mansion in the village is popularly known as the residence of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s daughter, Ranu Akkasaheb. There were originally two mansions of the Jadhav family in Bhuinj; one has collapsed, while the other is still intact and in use. Currently, three families of the Jadhav lineage reside in this mansion. ... Upon arriving in Bhuinj, the mansion is seen first, followed by a round bastion constructed in dressed stone at its end. The platform of the mansion is made of dressed stone, while the upper construction is of bricks. No fortifications are visible around the mansion for protection. To enter, steps are built on either side of the entrance. Once inside, one sees arches on both sides and a traditional quadrangle-style layout. The main hall of the mansion houses a large shrine with idols of deities. On the opposite side is a Ram temple, which contains an idol of Lord Ramchandra. The descendants of the Jadhavrao claim this idol was gifted by Samarth Ramdas Swami. Other parts of the mansion are in use and not open to visitors. Ten minutes are enough to explore the mansion. Ranu Bai, daughter of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Saibai, was married to Achaloji Jadhavrao of the Jadhav family in Bhuinj. Ranu Akkasaheb resided in this very mansion. She was present at Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation ceremony on Raigad. After her passing due to old age in Bhuinj, her memorial shrine (Vrindavan) was built here befitting her noble lineage. However, with time and encroachment, the memorial was destroyed, and its stones were used elsewhere. During the reign of Shahu Maharaj, Raijirao Jadhavrao from this family rose to fame as a nobleman. On 25 February 1728, he was martyred in the Battle of Palkhed. British documents mention that during the colonial period, the Jadhavrao family held a jagir worth up to fifteen lakh rupees. Not far from the mansion stands the memorial structure of Raijirao Jadhav and Kamala Bai. This memorial reminds one of Lakhuji Jadhavrao memorial at Sindkhed Raja. Sculpted on the platform of the memorial are images of elephants caught in the mouths of lions on all four sides. The structure, built of dressed stone, features a circular dome with carvings of Sharabh (a mythical creature), lotus flowers, and elephants on its walls. Presently, due to a lack of maintenance, the monument lies neglected, with trees growing atop the dome. The site beside it was once the location of Ranu Bai Saheb’s Vrindavan. A tour of Bhuinj village can be completed in about an hour.
© Suresh Nimbalkar