Women who shaped Nagpur kingdom focus of heritage walk

Nagpur: A heritage walk focussed on ‘Women from Nagpur kingdom’ highlighted the contribution of women in the city and region’s history. The walk at the Kashibai Temple, Mahal, was organized on Sunday as part of the Maasika Mahotsav by Global Shaper Community (GSC) in association with Orange Odyssey.
The heritage walk kicked off with the 70 participants being told of the founder of Nagpur kingdom Raghuji I, though the walk focussed mainly on six women who played significant roles in the history of Nagpur kingdom. The walk was inaugurated by co-founder of Orange Odyssey Amol Wanjari and Mandira Neware. Varun and Shreyas represented GSC and shared the importance of Maasika Mahotsav.
Wanjari covered the entire rule from Raghuji I to the last ruler of Bhosle era Raghuji III. He said, “Nagpur kingdom was founded by Bhakt Buland Shah, according to historical records.”
First among the six significant women from Bhosla era was Rani Ratan Kuvar, who was influenced by Rajasultan Kuvar. Rani Ratan was known as the first woman to ask Raghuji Bhosle for help to put her son on the throne. This particular agreement was called Agreement of Devgad, as it happened at Devgad fort.
The second empowered woman was Dariyabai, wife of Janoji Bhosle. She was an ambitious woman and lied that she was pregnant to stall the adoption of Raghuji II when Sabaji was ruling. Later, Dariyabai herself adopted Raghuji II.
The third and fourth were Chimabai and Aanandibai respectively. Chimabai was a religious woman and was part of Dariyabai’s rule while Aanandibai was the one who stood strong and looked after Chhattisgarh during the rule of Raghuji II.
Bakabai and Kashibai were the fifth and sixth significant women from Bhosle era. Bakabai was the fourth wife of Raghuji II, and was suspected to have been involved with the Britishers. Kashibai was known as the last woman to go sati, when her husband Raje Parsoji Maharaj Bhonsale died.
The Kashibai temple built in her name has immense positive vibrations, and has the typography of temple is from Rajput era. “The temple is named after Kashibai because it is believed that any wish asked here turns true,” said Amol.
He added that at one point Nagpur was so huge that the Marathas rule extended till the Bay of Bengal. Amol said, “Raghuji II is called the architect of modern Nagpur. He built numerous lakes such as Sonegaon and Futala. He also built many gardens, due to which Nagpur came to be known as green city.”
“The name orange city also comes from Raghuji II, as he had planted orange saplings which he bought from Bihar,” he said.
The heritage walk came to an end with a musical tribute to Raghuji Maharaj on his 206th death anniversary. The musical performance was by Baithak team, including Riddhi Vikamshi, Hrutupurna, Shaunak, and Kanak. Flowers were offered and a lamp was lit on Raghuji Maharaj’s samadhi.
(Reporting by Deepika Patil)