Queen Tarabai (1675-1761)

Tarabai was the daughter of Maratha nobleman Hambirrao Mohite and was married to Rajaram second son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. She was courageous, farsighted, at the same time ambitious with leadership quality. When Shivaji's eldest son Sambhaji was killed by Aurangzeb, his son Sahu also was kept under Mughal custody. Next target was Rajaram himself, who escaped however. It was during these fugitive days, that he was in Karnataka and Rani Chennamma of Keladi helped him.

Tarabai managed administration during Rajaram's absence till he was back and assumed kingship. When he died in 1700 CE, she became the regent for her son Shivaji and ruled till 1714 CE.

Sambhaji's son Sahu who was imprisoned was released after Aurnagzeb's death in 1707 CE. This created rift in Maratha country. Sahu though the rightful heir, Tarabai wanted her son Shivaji II to become the king. Two seats of rulers one in Satara and another in Kolhapur emerged, as desired by Mughals!

During interregnum, Tarabai drove back Mughal forces who were attacking one fort or the other. She used guerrilla warfare mastered by her illustrious father-in-law and was able to get back attacked forts. The retaliation continued for a long time.

The State of Karnataka owes a chapter in history to queen Tarabai. She arranged a competition for scholars to write a book on life and achievements of Shivaji Maharaj. A historian, Sesho Shrinivas Mutalik from Karnataka participated, whose work "Shivaji-Mallamaji Samarotsav" in Marathi won the third prize. The other two books have been lost forever, but Shesho's is available and is a treasure-trove. Shesho's work deals with Shivaji's expeditions in the South and encounter with the brave queen of Belavadi. Mallamma. It throws light on the magnanimity of Shivaji as well.