New History of the Marathas v1.c12.56

v1.c12.56

When Shivaji heard the full account of the battle of Umbrani he considered Pratāp Rāo’s generosity entirely misplaced in allowing Bahlol Khan to go away unscathed when he was fully in the Maratha clutches. Shivaji imparted a strong reprimand to his commander about his conduct and asked him not to show his face to him again until he had brought Bahlol Khan to complete submission. Pratāp Rāo’s pride was sorely touched by this unwonted censure from his master, and he immediately started in pursuit of the Khan, rightly guessing that the Khan would come out again at him if he would ravage the Kolhapur districts by levying a heavy blackmail. Pratāp Rāo left his headquarters first proceeding to the south and plundering the rich town of Hubli. Bahlol Khan, as expected, came against him with his full force, fired with a resolve to reconquer south Konkan from Shivaji. Bahlol Khan was soon joined by Sharza Khan and they together started their work with great fury and determination. Pratāp Rāo keenly watched for an opportunity to face Bahlol Khan in a personal combat, and having been informed by his spies of the Khan’s exact position, fell upon him in the narrow pass of Nesari near Gad-Hinglaj about a mile to the north of the Ghataprabhā river. When Pratāp Rāo received the news, he was alone with only 6 or 7 of his own bodyguards, his main army far behind : but fired with anger and in reckless disregard of ordinary precautions, he set out and attacked the Khan’s army. But how could eight men, however powerful and determined, hope to beat thousands! These were all quickly cut down on 24 February 1674. Pratāp Rāo fell fighting like a brave warrior proving how dearly he loved his master’s cause in preference to his own life. How much Shivaji mourned his Senapati’s death and reproached himself for this sad result, can be better imagined than described.