During the establishment of Swaraj by Shivaji Maharaj, many brave heroes like Kanhoji Jedhe, Tanaji Malusare, Murarbaji and BajiPrabhu Deshpande contributed. In it, there were the companions of Maharaja like Tanaji, Yesaji, Suryaji, while Kanhoji Jedhe, Baji Pasalkar were also experienced warriors. One of the families who gave their all for Swaraj and Shivaji Maharaj was the Jedhe family of Kari. Kanhoji Jedhe and his son Baji alias Sarjerao of the Jedhe family had a great contribution during Shivaji Maharaja’s period. Kanhoji Jedhe was in charge of Kari village near Bhor. Kanhoji Jedhe was born in Kari village and spent his childhood in Mose Valley. For the next few years he was in the south with Shahaji Raja. After Shivaji Maharaj started the work of establishing Swaraj, Kanhoji Jedhe joined the cause on the request of Shahaji Raja. ... Although Kanhoji Jedhe was assisting Shivaji Maharaj in the cause of Swaraj, he was in the service of Adilshahi. AdilShah had granted him a vatan as rewards for his service to Adilshahi. When Afzal Khan attacked on Swaraj AdilShah ordered Kanhoji Jedhe to help Afzal Khan on June 16, 1659, but Kanhoji Jedhe refused and supported Shivaji Maharaj with his five sons. Kanhoji showed his loyalty to the Swaraj and brought together the Deshmukhs of 12 Mavals and brought many Maratha chieftains with him to the Swaraj. Jedhe performed a great feat in the battle of Pratapgad. Shivaji Maharaj honored Kanhoji Jedhe with the honor of reward for his services for Swaraj. Kanhoji was not only brave but also had a mind as big as the sky. In the battle of Pawankhind, 300 warriors sacrificed their lives so that Maharaj could reach Vishalgad safely. For this act, Shivaji Maharaj has decided to give him the greatest honor reward. When Shivaji Maharaj told Kanhoji Jedhe about what he wanted to achieve, without hesitation, Kanhoji Jedhe showed his loyalty by putting his life on the line. When the Maharaja raided Shahistekhan, Kanhoji Jedhe's two sons were with him. During the Battle of Purandar, Kanhoji son Baji Jedhe recovered the flag on time and risked his life to save it. On this, Maharaja gave him the title of Sarjerao. The memorial of Kanhoji Jedhe can be seen in Ambwade village and the Wada (mansion) of Jedhe family can still be seen in Kari village. One should visit Kanhoji Jedhe's Wada at Kari and memorial at Ambwade, which testify to his prowess. Kari village with Jedhe Wada is 60 km from Pune via Kapurhol and 15 km from Bhor. While going to Kari village via Ambwade, we can see Kanhoji Jedhe's memorial, Jiva Mahala, Pant Sachiv Wada and memorial in Nageshwar area and Nageshwar Temple. On entering Kari village on the left side of the road is the Dhareshwar Shiv temple as well as Bhavani Mata temple. Going straight ahead on this road, we directly reach Jedhe Wada. There is a newly built temple in front of the wada and there is an idol of Maruti in the temple premises. In the construction of this wada is facing east. Its construction is simple and there is an open porch in front after entering through the door. Accommodation is possible here. Yashwant Abasaheb Jedhe, the 13th descendant of Kanhoji Jedhe, lives in Jedhe wada and we met him. With the help of the Government and Archeology Department, this wada has been renovated while maintaining the original structure. The backbone of Jedhe's descendants is still connected to the soil here and their nobility remains. The wada is shown after welcoming the guests and having tea. While walking around the wada, we feel that we are in the time of Shivaji Maharaja’s period. In the wada, we can see Jedhe's shrine and the brass gods and idols in it. Apart from this, Kanhoji Jedhe's descendants can still see his armor and some swords of Shivaji Maharaj period. Jedhe Shakavali and Jedhe Kareena are the greatest gift to Maharashtra from the descendants of Jedhe family. This has helped a lot in during Shivaji Maharaja’s time to present the history.
© Suresh Nimbalkar