Marathi Latche Marathi Aetihasik Lekh Part 01

This document is the first part of a Marathi historical work titled "Lache Marathi Aetihasik Lekh Part 01" by Vidyanand Swami Srivastava, published by Aietihasik Gaurava Granthmala in October 1936. The book focuses on the history of the Marathas in "Lat" (South Gujarat) from 1670 to 1818 AD, and their relationship with the Bansda Chaulukyas.

The author, Vidyanand Swami Srivastava, presents himself as a retired Vaidic and Historical research scholar with extensive experience and authorship of various historical works. The preface details his initial research into Chaulukyan dynasties, the challenges posed by their claims of direct lineage, and the apathy towards historical accuracy. A pivotal moment was his meeting with Maharaja Indra Singji Bahadur of Bansda, whose eagerness to uncover his dynasty's true history led to the author's deeper investigation.

The introduction provides geographical and historical context, explaining that "Lat" was the ancient name for South Gujarat, predating the influence of the Gurjars who later gave the region its name. It traces the etymology of "Lat" and its presence in ancient Indian literature, distinguishing historical accounts from Puranic legends. The author discusses the geographical boundaries of Lat in relation to Anarta and Aparant, referencing the river Karbena (present-day Kaberi) as a demarcation line.

The book then delves into the historical periods, starting with the Mauryas, Kshatrapas, and Guptas. It highlights the rise of various principalities after the Gupta empire's decline and focuses on dynasties established in Aparant and Anarta. The text recounts the spread of Chaulukyan power from South India, its eventual decline, and the emergence of new dynasties. It specifically details the struggles between the Chaulukyas of Patan and Nandipur, and the eventual displacement of Chaulukyan power in Lat by the Baghelas, followed by the advent of Mohammedan supremacy until the Maratha conquest in 1763 AD.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the rise of the Maratha Empire, focusing on Shivaji Maharaj's campaigns. It discusses his early struggles, his interactions with the Mughals and the Bijapur Sultanate, and importantly, his expeditions into Surat and Gujarat. The book highlights the crucial role played by local chieftains, including the Rawals of Bansda, in assisting Shivaji's campaigns. The author emphasizes that this support was not merely a matter of bardic tradition but was substantiated by recent historical research.

The latter part of the book presents a series of translated Marathi historical documents (letters, orders, accounts) from the Peshwa Daftar and other sources. These documents, numbered from 1 to 127, provide detailed records of the Maratha administration's interactions with the Bansda State. They cover aspects such as:

• Shivaji's era: A letter from Moropant to Prataprao Gujar requesting the enlistment of support from Rawal Mulraj of Bansda.
• Peshwa administration: Numerous orders from various Peshwas and their officials (Balaji Vishwanath, Bajirao I, Damaji Gaikwad, Naro Krishna, Apaji Hari, Ganesh Vishwanath, etc.) detailing the collection of tribute (Chauth and Sirdeshmukhi), succession disputes, financial arrangements, the granting of Sanads, the attachment and release of the state, and the administration of parganas like Bishanpur in relation to Bansda.
• Genealogical and Succession Records: Documents illustrating the succession of rulers in Bansda, including disputes and the recognition of new rulers by the Peshwa government, such as the case of Uday Singh, Jorawar Singh, Kirat Singh, Vir Singh, and Nahar Singh.
• Financial Records: Detailed accounts of revenue, expenses, levies, and outstanding dues related to Bansda and its parganas, often showing the financial complexities and demands of the Peshwa administration.
• Territorial Administration: Records of the transfer of parganas, the establishment of Thanas (posts), and the appointment of officials (Kamavisdars, Deshmukhs, etc.) to administer the region.
• Interactions with other powers: Mentions of the Gaikwad's role, the English influence, and the economic and administrative entanglements of the Bansda state within the broader Maratha dominion.

Overall, "Lache Marathi Aetihasik Lekh Part 01" is a scholarly work that aims to reconstruct the history of the Marathas in South Gujarat, with a specific focus on the Bansda Chaulukyas, by presenting meticulously researched historical accounts and primary source documents. It sheds light on the political, administrative, and financial relationship between the Peshwa government and the local principalities during the Maratha period.