अक्कलकोटचा संक्षिप्त इतिहास(m)
The fall of Fort Raigad marked the beginning of Shahuraje’s upbringing in Mughal captivity, along with his mother. During their captivity, the Mughal emperor granted Shahuraje the Akkalkot Pargana as a jagir to cover his expenses for milk and food, despite him being only ten years old at the time. Although Akkalkot initially belonged to the Mughals, it became part of the Maratha empire after being conferred to Shahuraje. During their imprisonment, the Mughal emperor granted Akkalkot Pargana to Shahuraje as a jagir to cover his expenses for milk and food. This occurred when he was only ten years old. Although Akkalkot initially belonged to the Mughals, it became part of the Maratha Empire after being granted to Shahuraje.
Chhatrapati Shahuraje’s release in 1707, facilitated by Prince Azam on the advice of Zulfikar Khan in the aftermath of Aurangzeb’s death in Aurangabad, marked a crucial turning point. Equipped with royal insignia, Maratha guards, and the rights to collect revenue from several Deccan subahs, Shahuraje set out to reclaim his rightful place. In 1708, he formally ascended the Maratha throne, establishing Satara as his capital.
Maharaj Chhatrapati Shahuraje carried out his first expedition to a place called Parud. During this Maratha civil war against the Mughals, Shri Sayaji Lokhande Patil, a Sardar in the Mughal army, attacked Chhatrapati Shahuraje. In the ensuing battle, Shahuraje killed Sayaji Lokhande and most of the male members of the Lokhande Patil family. Ranoji Lokhande, Sayaji’s son, was brought before Chhatrapati Shahuraje by his mother, seeking mercy. Though Shahuraje could have eradicated the Lokhande Patil clan by killing Ranoji and his mother, he instead chose to show mercy. He adopted Ranoji into his own family, renaming him Fatehsinhraje (meaning “victorious”) in honor of the expedition’s success. Fatehsinhraje lived and studied in Satara, assisting Shahuraje in his future expeditions across the Deccan plateau. He also played a key role in reconquering Raigad Fort from the Mughals, restoring it to the Maratha Empire.
In 1707-1708, Maharaj Chhatrapati Shahuraje established the princely states of Akkalkot and Sawantwadi. He sought a reliable ruler for Akkalkot, and Fatehsinhraje, his first adopted and eldest son, was the ideal choice. Shahuraje coronated him as Rajasaheb of Akkalkot, thus establishing the Akkalkot lineage. Meanwhile, Shahuraje adopted a second son for the throne of Satara, naming him Rajaram II, also known as Ramaraja. After Shahuraje’s death, Rajaram II was crowned Maharaj of Satara. Tensions escalated as Shrimant Fatehsinhraje felt increasingly uncomfortable coexisting in Satara under the rule of Rajaram II, his younger brother. Believing that his interests would be better served in Akkalkot, Fatehsinhraje permanently departed from Satara and chose to spend his remaining years there. He established full control over the Akkalkot state in 1751. Soon after, he began the construction of a Shri Ram temple, Fateh Bagh, and a lake known as ‘Mahadev Tala.’
Shrimant Fatehsinhraje I had two wives, however, had no children from either of them. In 1755, he adopted Baba Saheb, the son of his biological brother, Shri Babaji Lokhande, naming him Shahaji I. During this adoption process, Shrimant Fatehsinhraje I granted the town of Piliv in the Solapur district to his brother, Shri Babaji Lokhande, bestowing upon him the rights of Jahagirdari and the title of Jahgirdar. This established the Piliv family as a branch of the Akkalkot Royal Family.
In 1760, Shrimant Shahajiraje I ascended the throne of Akkalkot State as the ruling Rajasaheb. He constructed the renowned “Shahaganj” garden, which still exists today. He had two sons: the elder, Fatehsinhraje, and the younger, Tulajiraje. Later, Tulajiraje was sent to a village called Rajache Kurle in the Satara district for reinforcement, where he received this village as a Jahagir. His last name was changed from Bhosle to Raje Bhonsle, thereby establishing the Kurla Raje Bhonsle family as a branch of the Akkalkot Royal Family. Following his death, his elder son, Shrimant Fatehsinhraje II, became the third person to ascend the throne of Akkalkot and took on the title of Rajasaheb.
After the death of Shrimant Fatehsinhraje II, his son Shrimant Malojiraje I was crowned Rajasaheb of Akkalkot. At the time, British rule had been established, however, he passed away at the tender age of 25 years. Following Shrimant Malojiraje I’s death, his son Shrimant Shahajiraje II came to power and became the Rajasaheb of Akkalkot. Under his rule, the administration of the estate fell under British management. Overall, the administration was known to be effective, as he focused on the welfare of the people and promoted agriculture and trade.
After Shrimant Shahajiraje II’s passing, his son Shrimant Malojiraje II ascended the throne as Rajasaheb of Akkalkot. During his reign, the esteemed Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj visited Akkalkot, and Shrimant Malojiraje II had the privilege of meeting him and receiving his blessings.
Shrimant Malojiraje II had two daughters and no sons. Yearning for a son, he prayed to Swami Samarth Maharaj, who blessed him with the words, “Yes, there will be a boy.” A declaration that brought immense joy to everyone. On December 15, 1867, Shrimant Malojiraje II was blessed with a son named Shrimant Shahajiraje III.
Following the death of Shrimant Malojiraje II, his underage son, Shrimant Shahajiraje III, ascended the throne and became the Rajasaheb of Akkalkot. He distinguished himself through his remarkable contributions, especially in promoting knowledge and education. Committed to ensuring that no child was deprived of education, he established primary schools linked by a central building known as the Central School, which continues to educate students today. He also facilitated access to further education by constructing a grand building for higher secondary education in the heart of the village, near the Palace, named Shri Shahaji High School.
The death of Shrimant Shahajiraje III left no heirs to the royal family. Consequently, Rajmata Lakshmibai decided to adopt a son. In 1898, she adopted the eldest son of Shri Ganpatiraje Bhonsle from the Kurla Raje Bhonsle family and named him Fatehsinhraje III.
On August 20, 1916, Shrimant Fatehsinhraje III ascended the throne as Rajasaheb of Akkalkot. He conducted inspections and conceived the idea of building a new Palace. Under his supervision, the construction of this palace began outside the city, displaying Doric and Corinthian architectural styles. This palace, known as “Fatehsinh Mahal,” stands as a symbol of prosperity and was completed in 1925. Behind the Palace, a luxurious house was built for royal guests, featuring all the essential amenities and painted in white for an appearance of elegance and opulence.
During World War I, Shrimant Fatehsinhraje Bhosle guided the estate chiefs as their leader. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, King George V granted him the title ‘Honorary Captain’ in 1918. In addition to the new palace, he established a unique armory museum, renowned for having the largest collection of one-man-established armories in Asia. This museum houses historical military literature, making it a valuable treasure for scholars, historians, and tourists alike.
After the death of Shrimant Fatehsinhraje III, his elder son, Shrimant Vijaysinhraje, ascended the throne on April 3, 1923. Given his tender age, his revered mother, Shrimant Tarabai Rajmata of Akkalkot, efficiently ruled the state as regent from 1923 to 1932. The British government bestowed upon her the title of ‘Kaisar-e-Hind’ in recognition of her exemplary administration.
Shrimant Vijaysinhraje Rajasaheb enriched the armory museum by incorporating taxidermied specimens of wild animals, including tigers, leopards, blackbucks, wild boars, bears, deer, and sambars. This initiative resulted in the creation of a unique museum dedicated to fauna. Today, this armory continues to be a prominent feature of the new royal Palace.
As Shrimant Vijaysinhraje had no children, royal lineage traditions dictated that his younger brother, Shrimant Jaysinhraje, ascend the throne as the Rajasaheb of Akkalkot. Shrimant Jaysinhraje Bhosle actively supported the principles and objectives of the Indian government, collaborating with various entities such as the State Bank, Development Bank, Khadi Gramudyog, Purchase and Sale Cooperative, Telephone Office, and Panchayat Samiti. He also provided spaces at a nominal rent for government offices. While Shrimant Jaysinhraje had two biological daughters, he had no sons.
Shrimant Mrudularaje Ranisaheb, the wife of Shrimant Jaysinhraje Bhosle, made significant contributions to education, aspiring to establish a college for higher learning in Akkalkot. She founded the Akkalkot Education Society and generously donated 13 acres of land to the institution. Today, a magnificent building stands on this land, and the college is thriving. Shrimant Mrudularaje Ranisaheb also donated her own Shri Muralidhar Temple and its surroundings to the Shri Vatvriksha Swami Maharaj temple. Additionally, at the request of Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj’s devotee, the late Kaladgi Maharaj, she generously donated two hectares of land. Shrimant Mrudularaje Ranisaheb passed away on December 10, 1985, due to illness.
Following the death of Shrimant Jaysinhraje Rajasaheb in 1965, and in the absence of biological or adopted sons, his elder daughter, Shrimant Rajkumari Sanyuktaraje, ascended the throne. She led the Akkalkot Education Society and made significant contributions to educational initiatives.
Shrimant Fatehsinhraje Maharaj III established a museum at the old palace, although the collection of weapons was susceptible to damage from dust and moisture. To safeguard these historical artifacts, Shrimant Rajkumari Sunitaraje took the initiative to relocate the entire collection to the new palace, ensuring they were meticulously preserved. Additionally, she enhanced the display with new items such as toy cars and toy dogs, which improved the overall arrangement. Her dedicated efforts revitalized the museum, for which we express our heartfelt gratitude. She remained unmarried until her demise in 2019.
In 2005, Shrimant Sanyuktaraje Bhosle adopted Manajirao Raje Bhonsle, son of Adv. Shri Jayajirao Raje Bhonsle from the Kurla family, naming him Shrimant Malojiraje III Sankyuktaraje Bhosle. In 2018, she passed away, and Shrimant Malojiraje III was coronated as the current Rajasaheb of Akkalkot. He is currently renovating the new palace and other heritage properties while focusing on the overall socio-economic development of Akkalkot and its infrastructure.