Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja’s prowess not only earned the name of his family and descendants but also the name of other brothers of his Bhosale family. The curiosity about the other brothers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja’s family and their places is always growing in minds. So today let's know about the family and place of Sharifaje Bhosale, brother of Shahjiraje Bhosale and uncle of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Sharifaje Bhosale stronghold is Khanot village in Daund taluka of Pune district. Khanot village is 35 km from Daund and 8 km from Bhigwan village on Sholapur highway. Due to the catchment area of Ujani Dam, the original village of Khanot has been displaced and it has shifted somewhat upstream. If you ask anyone in village about the old mansion (wada) of Raje Bhosale, they bring it near this fortress and leave. ... This fortress, which was in good condition until recently, is now in a dilapidated condition since a village is situated nearby. This square shaped fortress is spread over about half an acre and the outer stone wall is still in good condition. This rampart is about twenty feet high. Although the gate of the fort is still in good condition, the inner side is overgrown with thorn bushes. After climbing 5-6 steps in front of the door and entering inside by opening the door, there is a courtyard and foundation of the mansion (wada) in front. There is a lot debris inside and because of the thorny bushes growing in, we cannot move around as we want, so we have to turn back from here. Adjacent to the fortress is another large stone gateway and another small stone gate a short distance away, but the adjacent walls of this small gate are missing. Looking at these remains, it cannot be determined that there was another mansion (wada) next to the current. Behind the fortress is the newly built temple of Mahadev and looking at the grand Nandi idol here, this temple must have been the grand Shiva temple in times. In the premises of this temple we can see Gajlakshmi, four idols (virgal), one Satishila and some other idols as well as broken sculptures. Four stone wheels are placed in the premises of this temple. Half an hour is enough to see the fortress and the surrounding area. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja’s grandfather Malojiraje Bhosale became an important chieftain in the Nizamshahi court due to his prowess. Malojiraje Bhosale had two sons Shahaji and Sharifji. After the death of Malojiraje, Nizamshah continued his father's Jahagir (chieftain) to both of Maloji's sons, Shahaji and Sharifji. Cousin Vithojiraje took over the administration and raised both Shahaji and Sharifji. When he was only three years old, he received five thousand mansabdari. Sharifji served the Nizamshahi along with Vithojiraje. Sharifji was married to Durgabai, daughter of Vishwasrao of Junnar. In the battle of Bhatwadi in 1624, Sharifji fell martyr. Sharifji genealogy in Khanot follows his son Trimbakji, his son Venkoji, then Mankoji and then Shahaji (second). Shahaji (second) had four sons namely Mankoji, Sambhaji, Maloji and Swaroopji. Among them, Mankoji was adopted by the Karvirkars, while his father Shahaji Raje (second) became famous as Khanwatkar Raje Bhosale.
© Suresh Nimbalkar