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Anandrao
Anandrao (also Anandrau,[2] Marathi pronunciation: [aːnənd̪ɾaːʋ]; was a Maratha general who briefly held the position of Senapati.[3][4][1] He led several successful Maratha raids and military campaigns in the territories of the Mughal Empire and the Bijapur Sultanate, demonstrating his military skills and prowess. He assisted Prataprao Gujar in various campaigns and accompanied Chhatrapati Shivaji on numerous expeditions.[5] In 1674, he avenged the death of Prataprao Gujar by defeating Bahlol Khan near Bankapura and looting his jagir.[4][1]Later, he assisted Shivaji maharaj in Maratha southern conquest. Early lifeLittle is known about the early life of Anandrao. According to Sabhasad Bakhar, he initially served Shahaji, the father of Shivaji. Later, along with Venkaji Datto, Anandrao entered the service of Shivaji himself. Shivaji appointed him as Hapt Hazaari, placing him in command of seven thousand cavalry. The Bakhar also refers to Anandrao as the "Palalela Farzand" (fostered son) of Shahaji. In a 1674 letter, he is mentioned in an assembly as "Anandrao bin Lakhmoji Naik" (meaning Anandrao, son of Lakhmoji Naik), suggesting that Lakhmoji Naik was his father.[6] Lakhmoji Naik, who held the title of Dinkarrao, was initially in Shahaji’s service and later served Jijabai.[7] He is sometimes referred to as Lakhmoji Raje.[8] It is also believed that Raghoji Mitra, mentioned in the Sabhasad Bakhar, was none other than Lakhmoji Naik himself, who accompanied Shivaji to Agra. The titles "Dinkarrao" and "Mitra" both symbolize the Hindu sun god, Surya. Military campaigns and warsBattle of DevrukhMilitary campaign of KhandeshIn August 1668, following the Treaty of Purandar, Chhatrapati Shivaji dispatched Anandrao and Prataprao Gujar with cavalry forces to serve under the Mughal prince stationed in Aurangabad. However, the treaty did not last long, and in December 1669, both commanders returned to Rajgad without informing the Subahdar of Aurangabad. After the treaty with the Mughals was broken, Shivaji launched a large-scale military campaign against the Mughal Empire in 1670, which he had been preparing for some time. Anandrao accompanied Shivaji in this campaign. The Marathas first attacked Junnar in August 1670 and then advanced north through Nashik towards Baglan. The Maratha forces under Anandrao, successfully raided Mughal camps and outposts in the Baglan and Khandesh regions.[2] Second sack of SuratBattle of SalherBattle of UmraniSack of SampgaonBattle of BankapuraAppointed as SenapatiConquest in southern IndiaSiege of VelloreSiege of BalapurLegacySeveral branches of the Thorat clan trace their lineage to Anandrao or assert their affiliation with his ancestral line.[9] References
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