Maharaja Damaji Rao Gaekwad, also known as Damaji II, was the second son of Maharaja Pilaji Rao Gaekwad. He ascended to power in 1732 following the assassination of his father by the allies of Abhay Singh, a Mughal officer of Ahmedabad.
Revenge and Recovery
Upon taking control, Damaji Rao’s first action was to seek revenge against Abhay Singh. His initial attempts were unsuccessful, leading to the loss of Baroda and a retreat to Songadh, the old capital of the Gaekwads. However, with the aid of relatives, Damaji Rao launched a successful campaign to recapture Baroda in 1734 by defeating Sher Khan Babi, the then Governor. Baroda has remained under Gaekwad rule since this recapture.
Expansion and Alliances
Damaji Rao’s success continued as he managed to expel Abhay Singh from Gujarat. In 1737, Momin Khan was appointed as Viceroy of Gujarat, and together with Damaji Rao, they captured Ahmedabad in 1738 from Ratan Singh, an ally of Abhay Singh. This victory secured Damaji Rao substantial benefits, including half of the revenues from Ahmedabad and Viramgam.
The following years saw Damaji Rao consolidate his power in Gujarat and Kathiawad. A peace treaty with Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao of Poona proved beneficial for the Marathas. By 1753, Damaji Rao, with the help of the Peshwa’s forces, captured Ahmedabad, marking the end of Mughal rule in Gujarat.
Military Campaigns and Challenges
Damaji Rao played a significant role in the Battle of Panipat in 1761, where the Marathas faced defeat against the Afghans. Returning to Gujarat, he focused on quelling rebellions by native Muslim rulers, expanding the Gaekwad Empire, and relocating the capital from Songadh to Patan.
Conflicts with the Peshwas
In 1763, Damaji Rao fought alongside Raghunathrao Bhat and Peshwa Madhavrao against the Nizam of Hyderabad, emerging victorious. He was awarded the title “Sena Khas Khel,” a significant honor in the Gaekwad dynasty. However, in 1768, Damaji Rao rebelled against Peshwa Madhavrao but was defeated. Though forgiven, he faced severe terms and heavy fines, and his eldest son, Govindrao, was imprisoned in Poona. Damaji Rao passed away on 18 August 1768, at Patan, before the treaty could be finalized.
Succession and Legacy
Damaji Rao left behind six sons, leading to disputes over succession. His eldest son, Sayajirao, from his second wife Kashibai, and his second son, Govindrao, from his first wife Manubai, were both involved in the succession struggle. Despite the disputes, Govindrao initially succeeded the throne, was replaced by Sayajirao I, and was reinstated in 1793.
Damaji Rao Gaekwad’s samadhi is near Savli, known as ‘Damaji no Dero,’ alongside the samadhi of his father, Pilaji Rao Gaekwad.
No Comments