New Delhi: India, throughout its history, have had many great women who carved their own legacy by dint of determination, intelligence and bravery. One such woman was Umabai Dabhade, who became the first female commander-in-chief of the Maratha army, breaking a barrier which was seemingly insurmountable in the Indian society dominated by patriarchy. In this article, we will take a look at the life and legacy of Umabai Dabhade who was a trailblazing feminist when the concept did not even exist probably.
Umabai Dabhade: The rise of a matriarch
Born in Nashik, Umabai Dabhade got married to Khanderao Dabhade, the Maratha commander of Chhatrapati Shahu at a very young age. She was Khanderao’s youngest wife and in 1729, her husband passed away. Their eldest son, Trimbakrao Dabhade became the next commander-in-chief and the patriarch of the Dabhade clan. However, a dispute arose with the Peshwa.
At that time, Bajirao I was the Peshwa of the Maratha kingdom. The main source of income for the Dabhade clan were the chauth and sardeshmukhi taxes from provinces in Gujarat. After Khanderao’s death, Bajirao was planning to take over the tax collections from the Gujarat province and it resulted in a bitter dispute between Trimbakrao and the Peshwa. In 1731, Trimbakrao was killed in a battle and it was initially proposed that Yashwantrao, his younger brother be made the next commander. However, Yashwantrao was too young at that time, Umabai became the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army and the Dabhade matriarch.
The grudge against the Peshwa
Umabai was greatly helped by Chhatrapati Shahu who was sympathetic towards her. Despite losing her husband and eldest son, Umabai ruled the Gujarat provinces with a strong determination. Thanks to Shahu, the Peshwa the Dabhades to continue collecting the Chauth tax as long as they gave half of their collections to him. Umabai never let go of her grudge against the Peshwa and never really paid her dues.
The change of things and alliance with Tarabai
Things changed for the Dabhades after Bajirao I died in 1740 and Chhatrapati Shahu passed away in 1749. The new Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao and Chhatrapati Rajaram II were strangled with acute financial problems and hence, they forced the Dabhades to pay their dues. While Umabai urged the Peshwa to release her family from the revenue system which was deemed unfair, Balaji Baji Rao was unrelenting.
A cornered Umabai joined hands with Tarabai, the Maratha queen against the Peshwa, while she was still trying to broker a peaceful deal. She even met the Peshwa in November 1750 with her request, but the Peshwa refused to relent. Then, on November 24, 1750, Tarabai imprisoned the Chhatrapati. Umabai sent a force under the command of Damaji Gaekwad to aid Tarabai, but the Peshwa was able to capture Damaji.
Gaikwad was let go by Balaji since he was a subordinate, but then the Peshwa attacked his army in April 1751 all of a sudden. The Dabhade family was arrested and Gaikwad was held captive. Later, Gaikwad abandoned the Dabhade family and joined the Peshwa camp, becoming the Maratha chief of Gujarat. Umabai fought valiantly, but tragically lost all her power and wealth. She died on November 28, 1753, at Nadgemodi in Pune.
Umabai Dabhade became the first female commander-in-chief of the Maratha army after her husband and son’s deaths. Facing political maneuvering and financial disputes with the Peshwa, she skillfully navigated power struggles, forging alliances and leading troops. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
