New History of the Marathas v2.c24.s2.75

v2.c24.s2.75

5. Shahu's progeny.—Shahu's mother Yesubai bore two children from Sambhaji, the elder a daughter named Bhavanibai married to Shankaraji Mahadik of Tarla. She became Sati. Sambhaji had an illegitimate wife, who with her son Madansinh was also captured at Raigad by Zulfiqar Khan and taken to the Emperor's camp. Shahu took in all four legitimate wives, Ambikabai Sinde, Savitribai Jadhav, Sakwarbai Shirke and Sagunabai Mohite; while Virubai, his highly honoured, although illegitimate wife presided over his harem. His marriage with the first two took place some time about 1703 in the Emperor's camp. Ambikabai died shortly after and the other wife was taken to Delhi whence she returned to the Deccan in 1719. Shahu on his return home married two wives in the Deccan below fort Purandar, Sakwarbai the elder and Sagunabai the younger. He had besides two concubines Lakshmibai and the younger Sakhu. From Sagunabai Shahu had a son in 1727 who died at the age of three. Sakwarbai had a daughter Gajrabai who was married to Malharrao Bande of Wadgaon. Sagunabai had also a daughter named Rajasbai, who was married into the family of the Nimbalkars. Two illegitimate sons Yesaji and Kusaji were born to Shahu from Lakshmibai. They were given the jagir of Shirol and came to be known as Shirolkar. Yesaji had a son named Balgopalji. After Shahu's death Ramraja discovered four young girls, Santubai, Gajrabai, Lakshmibai and Gunavantabai in the palace who claimed to be Shahu's daughters. Ramjara turned them out in June 1750.¹⁴