Hambirrao Mohite
Hambirrao Mohite was the chief military commander of Shivaji's army. An able military general, he executed several campaigns for Shivaji and later served under Sambhaji.[1]
Hambirrao Mohite | |
---|---|
Born | 1632 satara, Maharashtra |
Died | 1687 (aged 57) Wai, Maharashtra |
Allegiance | Maratha Empire |
Service/ | Maratha Army |
Years of service | 1670-1687 |
Rank | Senapati (Military general) |
Relations | Soyarabai (sister), Tarabai (daughter) |
Early life

Hambirrao was born to Sambhaji Mohite, a military chieftain. He grew up with 2 brothers Harifrao, Shankarji and 2 sisters Soyarabai and Annubai. Soyrabai later married to Shivaji, which made Hambirrao Shivaji's brother-in-law.
After Prataprao Gujar's death, Shivaji made Hambirrao his Sarsenapati (commander).[1]
Attack on Burhanpur
Burhanpur was a major trade center connecting southern and northern India and had a total of 17 trade centers in the city. On 30 January 1681, Hambirrao Mohite and Sambhaji suddenly attacked Burhanpur. At that time the Subedar of Burhanpur was Jehan Khan. For the protection of Burhanpur there was only an army of 200 and Hambirrao had an army of 20,000. The Mughals did not even have the strength to oppose Hambirrao's army. Marathas got assets worth more than 1 crore hons in this battle.[2]
On 17 March 1683, Hambirrao was defeated in a battle by Ranamast Khan, one of the most powerful chieftains of Aurangzeb, in Kalyan-Bhiwandi.
Death
In 1687, in a battle fought near Wai province, Hambirrao defeated Rustum Khan, but a cannonball hit Hambirrao leading to his death.[3]
References
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- Pratik Gupta (2014). Maratha Generals and Personalities. p. 43.
- Sawant, Indrajit. Marathyanche Swatantrayuddha Bhag 1 - Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
- Joshi, Pandit Shankar. Chhatrapati Sambhaji, 1657-1689 AD. New Delhi: S. Chand, 1980. p241