Raghuji Bhosale I

02.05.2025

Raghuji Bhosale I

Why in the news?

          The Maharashtra government recently reclaimed the iconic sword of legendary Maratha warrior Raghuji Bhosale I.

About Raghuji Bhosale I:

• Raghuji Bhosale I (1695–February 14, 1755) was the founder of the Bhosale family of Nagpur and an important commander in the Maratha army during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.
• Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj had bestowed the title of 'Senasahibsubha' on Raghuji Raje for his bravery and war strategy.
• Raghujiraje Bhosale I led military campaigns against the Nawab of Bengal in 1745 and 1755 and expanded the Maratha empire to Bengal and Odisha.
• Along with this, he established his dominance over the regions of Chanda, Chhattisgarh, and Sambalpur during his reign.
• He also defeated the Nawabs of Cuddapah and Kurnool and established his military and political dominance in South India.

Who were Nagpur Bhonsles?

• Like the Peshwa, Holkar, Gaikwad, and Scindia families, the Nagpur Bhonsle family also played a significant role in expanding the Maratha Empire.
• The Nagpur branch of the Bhonsle dynasty was founded by Raghoji Bhonsle I in the early 18th century.
• He expanded Maratha influence in central and eastern India, including parts of present-day Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha.
• The family was one of the royal or Kshatriya clans of the Marathas and considered itself as the descendant of Udaipur’s Sisodia Rajputs.
• The Bhonsles of Nagpur were known as Hinganikar as one of their ancestors — who was probably a contemporary of Maloji, the grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj — rehabilitated the village Beradi near Hingani in the present district of Pune.
• The Nagpur Bhosales ruled over a mineral-rich region abundant in iron and copper, which were skillfully used to craft both everyday items and formidable weapons.
• The quality and artistry of the weaponry crafted by the Bhosales are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship.

                                                              Source: Indian Express

Consider the following statements regarding Raghuji Bhosale I:

Statement-I: He was the founder of the Bhosale family of Nagpur and an important commander in the Maratha army.

Statement-II: He was bestowed the title of 'Senasahibsubha' by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Answer C