Some of the forts in Maharashtra are more famous for the village under the fort than for their name. Talbid village has got a similar luck. The tomb of General Hambirrao Mohite is located in Talbid village, which is known for its prowess and bravery. Talbid village and Shivaji Maharaja had a unique relationship. Shahajiraje's second wife, Tukabai, Maharaj's stepmother, helds from Talbid village, meaning that in a way, this is Maharaja's ancestor. Shivaji Raja's second wife Soyrabai also hails from Talbid village i.e. Maharaja's father-in-law but also Rajaram Maharaj's wife Tarabai i.e. Maharaja's daughter in law also held from Talbid village. As such, Talbid is a village related to Maharaj. This village has continuously contributed to the work of Swarajya. Not one, but two sacrifices have been made in the form of Senapati Hambirrao Mohite and Ranragini Tarabai in the Yajna Kund of Swarajya. ... Even so, the tomb of General Hambir Rao Mohite in Talbid village is still unknown to the people. On the way to Karad on the Mumbai Bangalore highway, there is a fork leading to Talbid at a distance of 6 km from Umbraj and the distance between Umbraj and Talbid is 10 km. While entering the Talbid village, the tomb of General Hambir Rao Mohite is visible in front. This memorial is a square shaped foundation of stones and carvings are done here. In the lower part of this there are sculptures of elephants and peacocks on all four sides. There are two cannons near the mausoleum and one of them is partially broken. There is a newly built dome near this memorial and a side garden has been established in front of it. Apart from this memorial, there are three more memorials in the village and one of these has four separate shrines. There is no definite information available about who these memorials belong to. Talbid is the village of Hambir Rao Mohite, who played important roles in the army for the formation of Swaraj and was the chief commander in Shivaji Maharaj's cabinet of eight. Hambirrao Mohite took charge of the post of commander when the general Prataprao Gujar was killed in the battle of Nesri and he handled it equal ability. Hambirrao Mohite achieved the post of Commander-in-Chief with self-reliance and prowess. On December 16, 1684, when General Hambirrao Mohite fell in battle with the Mughals at Wai, his mausoleum was built in his native village of Talbid. After the death of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, Hambir Rao's daughter Tarabai stood as the queen. Maharani Tarabai was instrumental in creating the leadership of Santaji and Dhanaji.
© Suresh Nimbalkar