Calligraphy-09.02.2012

These lines are from a famous poem  written by  poet Kusumagraj and sung by Lata Mangeshkar.
 It is based on the historical incidence in 1674.

Prataprao gujar,  was the Senapati of Shivaji's army. A few months before Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation in 1674, Prataprao Gujar was sent to deal with the invading force led by the Adilshahi general, Bahalol Khan. The Maratha army surrounded the camp of Bahalol Khan at the place of Naesari. Prataprao's forces defeated and captured the opposing general in the battle. In spite of specific warnings against doing so by Shivaji, Prataprao released Bahalol Khan along troops and the seized war material, when Bahalol Khan promised not to invade Shivaji's territories again. Days after his release Bahalol Khan started preparing for a fresh invasion.

 When Shivaji Maharaj  heard of about Prataprao  decision, he was incensed and wrote an angry letter to Prataprao refusing him permission to see him till such time, Bahlol Khan was re-captured.Prataprao Gujar was very unhappy.One day he learnt of Bahlol Khan camping nearby. So, in a fit of anger and over-reacting to the letter, he left alone, without asking his cavalry to charge.   . On seeing their leader head to certain death, 6 other Maratha sardars(Visaji Ballal, Dipoji Rautrao Vithal, Pilaji Atre, Krishnaji Bhaskar, Siddi Hilal and Vithoji Shinde )  joined him in the charge, they attacked   15000 troop enemy camp and were slaughtered.