Ganoji Shirke

Ganoji Raje Shirke was a chief of the Maratha Empire.  Shirkan, Mahad, Konkan - from Raigad to Sawantwadi in the south and such vast territory was the kingdom of Rajeshirke.  They had huge armor.  He had Raigad between 1100 and 1400 AD.  The temple of Goddess Shirkai established at that time is still there today.  Not only that, he brought his sister to his house as a daughter-in-law and honored her by giving her an important position in the Swarajya.  Ganoji Rajeshirke was Sambhaji's wife Yesubai's brother and Shivaji Maharaj's son-in-law.  His wife's name was Rajkunwar.

Aurangzeb attacked Sambhaji Raje.  His brother-in-law Rajeshirke was very upset.  Later, when Rajaram Maharaj was caught in the siege of Jinji, Ganoji Rajeshirke defeated Aurangzeb's besieging army and released him.  To the southwest of Jinji Fort, there was a detachment of them.  Ganoji Rajeshirke took Rajaram Maharaj in his arms at the risk of his life and on the next day, on the pretext of hunting, he led him to the army of Dhanaji (December 1697).

Rajeshirke's father Pilaji Rajeshirke was a great man in history

Later, Rajaram Raje was liberated from the siege of Jinji by Ganoji Raje.  So, being happy, Rajaram Raje gave Dabhol to Ganoji Raje.  Dabhol belonged to Chitnis.  However, due to the hasty transfer of this land, a big rift was created and the case simmered for a long time.  He still feels the cloud.

Suryavanshi refers to the Kshatriya Rajeshirke family's Ramrajya period.  A few years after Shri Prabhu Ramchandra went to Nijdhamas, Rajeshirke established his first throne at Hastinapuri.  The ancestors of the Shirke dynasty ruled over the Delhi throne.  He was called Kutar Badshah.  इ.स.  Detailed information about them is available from 540.  He had close political ties with the Chalukya king and his reign was considered golden.


Rajeshirke-Rajebhosle Relationship


Sharing some detailed information here.  Many of the descendants of Jijamata Raje Bhosale, Sambhaji Raje Bhosale and Raje Shirke have ample evidence / data to support this information.

King Shirke (along with Sambhaji Raje) was instrumental in successfully defending and supporting the Swaraj rulers Rajebhosle and Sambhaji Raje both before and after his death.  The growing relationship between the two so far seems to be closer.  Ganojiraje's father Pilajirao Raje Shirke was a very popular, wealthy and respected person.  Homeland was a small issue for King Shirke, especially when it comes to relationships.

Aurangzeb's proximity to Ganoji Raje was a part of the guerrilla warfare prevalent at that time, and strategic-Swaraj-diplomacy was also commonly used in favor of Swarajya.  Since Sambhaji Raje was captured, no one could explain that Ganoji Raje was not involved in this conspiracy.  His involvement remained a mystery which was later used by Ranganath-Swami for his own benefit

The conflict between Sambhaji Raje and Ganoji Raje was deliberately explored so that the Mughals (Aurangzeb) could trust Ganoji Raje.  It was like Kondajibaba working for Siddi in Janjira, everyone including Yesurani close to Swaraj thought Kondajibaba was a traitor.  Only Sambhaji Raje could give an explanation and then when necessary Sambhaji Raje himself gives an explanation.

Ranganath-Swami leaked the information during Sambhaji Raje's stay at Sardesaiwada (Sangameshwar).  Due to this anti-Swarajya act of Ranganath-Swami, the guerrillas Kawa Bumrange and Ganoji Raje got stuck without any protection as Sambhaji Raje who could give an explanation was arrested.

After the capture of Sambhaji Raje, the Peshwa regained control of the Swarajya as all the three major obstacles were no longer left (Sambhaji Raje, Rajeshirke and Kavikalash) and Rajebhosle was the successor to the Peshwa election.