Present Head
- Raj Kumari Niharika Karnasingh Ghorpade, born , educated at Mayo College Girls School, Wadia College, Pune, Deakin University, Melbourne (Australia), and International School of Business and Media, Pune.
- Raj Kumar Parth Karnasingh Ghorpade, born , currently a professional racing driver.
History
Origin and Ancestry of the Ghorpade Dynasty
The rulers of the Dattawad Jagir belong to the distinguished Ghorpade dynasty, which shares its ancestral roots with the royal Bhosale clan of the Maratha Empire. Both families trace their lineage back to Sujan Singh of Chittor, belonging to the legendary Sisodiya Rajput clan. Karnasingh Sisodiya migrated to the Deccan, where his descendants entered the service of the local Bahmani rulers.
According to historical accounts, during a military expedition to capture a seemingly impregnable fort, the clan used a trained monitor lizard (known as a ghorpad in Marathi) to scale the steep fortification walls. This daring feat earned Karnasingh's descendants the title of "Ghorpade," which they adopted as their surname in place of "Rana." Karnasingh's son, Bhim Singh, was subsequently bestowed with the title of "Raja Ghorpade Bahadur" by the Bahmani Sultanate, cementing the transition of the family name. While the Bhosales descended from Bhosaji (the sixth descendant of Sujan Singh), the Ghorpades descended directly from Karnasingh, establishing themselves in Mudhol and other key principalities of the Deccan.
Foundation of Dattawad Jagir (1688)
The Dattawad Jagir was formally founded in 1688 by Malojirao Ghorpade. Malojirao was a prominent warrior of the Maratha Empire who demonstrated exceptional valor during the turbulent years of the Mughal-Maratha Wars. Following the siege of Raigad in 1687, Chhatrapati Rajaram I of Satara recognized Malojirao's outstanding services and rewarded him with the prestigious title of Amir-ul-Umrao (meaning "Chief of Nobles" or "Chief of Chiefs"). Additionally, the house of Dattawad held the titles of Senapati (Commander-in-Chief) and Mamlanat Madar (Pillar of the Realm), underscoring their military dominance and administrative significance within the Maratha state.
The Maratha and British Periods
The territory of Dattawad was historically classified as a Saranjam or Jagir, holding the status of "Dumala" (a dual-fief under shared sovereignty). Initially receiving its Inami (gifted) lands directly from the Chhatrapati of Satara, Dattawad's administrative allegiance later shifted toward the Chhatrapati of Kolhapur as the Maratha polity fragmented into western and eastern seats of power.
During the British colonial era, the status of the Dattawad ruling house was recognized in official colonial registries. In 1886, the Government of India published a compilation of political agreements known as Aitchison's Treaties, compiled by C.U. Aitchison. In these records, along with the historical surveys compiled by Major Graham, the Dumaldar of Dattawad is officially referred to as the Chief of Dattawad. The state maintained its unique identity as a senior feudatory Jagir under the political supervision of the Kolhapur residency, preserving its revenue-collection rights and local judicial authority.
Post-Independence and Modern Era
Following India's independence in 1947, the princely states and jagirs of the Deccan underwent a rapid process of political integration. Along with the parent state of Kolhapur, the Dattawad Jagir signed the Instrument of Accession to merge with the Dominion of India. In 1948, the territories of Dattawad were formally integrated into the Bombay State, which was later reorganized into the modern state of Maharashtra in 1960. Today, Dattawad exists as a historic town in the Shirol Taluka of the Kolhapur district, keeping alive its rich Maratha-Rajput legacy through its surviving heritage structures and local traditions.
References and External Links
- To read more about the colonial treaties and administrative classifications of the Deccan Jagirs, see A Collection of Treaties, Engagements, and Sanads Relating to India (Vol. VII) by C.U. Aitchison.
- For details on the Kolhapur state and its major feudatories, refer to the Kolhapur State on Wikipedia.
- Learn more about the history of the Ghorpade clan at the Ghorpade Dynasty on Wikipedia.
Genealogy
- General Shrimant Sardar Malojirao [Mahaloji] Ghorpade. b. 1624, son of Shrimant Sardar Bahirji Vallabhsinh Ghorpade [Mudhol], educ. privately. Received thirty-six villages near Vijayanagar, in a division of the family jagir in 1637. Entered the service of Shahji Bhonsle and served under Shivaji the Great and Sambhaji. Captured the fort of Gingee in 1677, Senapati (Cin-C) of the Maratha forces 1687-1689. He was k. in battle at the battle of Sangameshwar, trying to save the Chhatrapati Maharaj, Shahu Sambhaji I, March 1689, having had issue, three sons.
- General Shrimant Sardar Bahirjirao Malojirao Sahib Ghorpade, Hindurao, Mamlakat Madar, Shamsher Bahadur, of Gajendragad. Granted the hereditary title of Hindurao, by the Chhatrapati Maharaj, Rajaram I Shivaji, for his services at Raigad, 1687. Later granted the additional title of Shamsher Bahadur for further services. Captured and imprisoned by the Mughals at Bijapur 1689, but escaped shortly afterwards. Rebelled after the murder of his younger brother and set about carving out an independent principality around Gooty between 1697 and 1700. He d. ca. 1708, having had issue, three sons and one daughter.
- Shrimant Sardar Sayajirao Bahirjirao Ghorpade. He d. young.
- Shrimant Sardar Murarrao Bahirjirao Ghorpade. He was k-i-a (s.p.).
- Raja Shrimant Sidhojirao Bahirjirao Sahib Ghorpade, Hindurao, Mamlukatmadar Senapati, 1st Raja of Sandur.
- Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Sagunabai Sahiba.
- General Amir ul-Umrao, Shrimant Sardar Malojirao Ghorpade, founder of Dattawad. Granted the hereditary title of Amir ul-Umrao, by the Chhatrapati Maharaj, Rajaram I Shivaji, for his services at Raigad, 1687. He was k. by the Mughal forces, after his capture near Subhangarh, 1689, having had issue, one son.
- General Shrimant Sardar Santajirao Malojirao Ghorpade, Mamalakat Madar, Senapati, of Kapshi.
- General Shrimant Sardar Bahirjirao Malojirao Sahib Ghorpade, Hindurao, Mamlakat Madar, Shamsher Bahadur, of Gajendragad. Granted the hereditary title of Hindurao, by the Chhatrapati Maharaj, Rajaram I Shivaji, for his services at Raigad, 1687. Later granted the additional title of Shamsher Bahadur for further services. Captured and imprisoned by the Mughals at Bijapur 1689, but escaped shortly afterwards. Rebelled after the murder of his younger brother and set about carving out an independent principality around Gooty between 1697 and 1700. He d. ca. 1708, having had issue, three sons and one daughter.
- General Amir ul-Umrao, Shrimant Sardar Malojirao Ghorpade, of Dattawad. Granted the hereditary title of Amir-ul-Umrao, by the Chhatrapati Maharaj, Rajaram I Shivaji, for his services at Raigad, 1687. He was granted the village of Dattawad and neighbouring lands. He was killed by the Mughal forces, after his capture near Subhangarh, 1689, having had issue, one son.
- Shrimant Sardar Shivajirao Malojirao Ghorpade, of Dattawad. (qv)
- Amir ul-Umrao, Shrimant Sardar Shivajirao Malojirao Ghorpade, of Dattawad. He had issue, four sons.
- Shrimant Sardar ...Rao Shivajirao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Sardar Kedarjirao Shivajirao Ghorpade. He had issue, three sons.
- Shrimant Sardar Ramchandrarao Kedarjirao Ghorpade. He had issue, six sons. (qv)
- Shrimant Sardar Malojirao Ramchandrarao Ghorpade. He had issue, one son.
- Shrimant Sardar Kedarjirao Malojirao Ghorpade. He had issue, one son.
- Shrimant Sardar Dinkarrao Kedarjirao Ghorpade. He had issue, one son.
- Shrimant Sardar Govindrao Dinkarrao Ghorpade. He had issue, two sons.
- Shrimant Bala Sahib Govindrao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Appa Sahib Govindrao Ghorpade. Adopted into the Kapshi branch asMansinghrao Ghorpade (see below).
- Shrimant Sardar Govindrao Dinkarrao Ghorpade. He had issue, two sons.
- Shrimant Sardar Dinkarrao Kedarjirao Ghorpade. He had issue, one son.
- Shrimant Sardar Kedarjirao Malojirao Ghorpade. He had issue, one son.
- Shrimant Sardar Krishnajirao Ramchandrarao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Sardar Suntajirao Ramchandrarao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Sardar Shivajirao Ramchandrarao Ghorpade. He had issue, one son.
- Shrimant Sardar Bahirjirao Shivajirao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Sardar Jayramrao Ramchandrarao Ghorpade. He had issue, two sons.
- Shrimant Sardar Ramchandrarao Jayramrao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Sardar ...Rao Jayramrao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Sardar Daulatrao Ramchandrarao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Sardar Malojirao Ramchandrarao Ghorpade. He had issue, one son.
- Shrimant Kalsirao Kedarjirao Ghorpade. He d.s.p
- Shrimant Kundirao Kedarjirao Ghorpade. He had issue, four sons.
- Shrimant Nana Sahib Kundirao Ghorpade. He had issue, one son.
- Shrimant Subarrao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Ragobarao Kundirao Ghorpade. He had issue, two sons.
- Shrimant Rao Ragobarao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Rao Ragobarao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Amritrao Kundirao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Appa Sahib Kundirao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Nana Sahib Kundirao Ghorpade. He had issue, one son.
- Shrimant Sardar Ramchandrarao Kedarjirao Ghorpade. He had issue, six sons. (qv)
- Shrimant Sardar ...Rao Shivajirao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Sardar Malojirao Shivajirao Ghorpade. He was k. in battle defending Sandur against Haider 'Ali, 1776, having had issue, three sons. (qv)
- Shrimant Sardar Narsinhrao Malojirao Ghorpade.
- Shrimant Sardar Khanderao Malojirao Ghorpade (qv). He was k. in action against the British, 20th February 1818. Had issue, two sons.
- Shrimant Sardar Shivarao II Raje Sahib Ghorpade, Hindurao, Mamlukatmadar Senapati, Chief of Sandur.
- Shrimant Sardar Bhujangrao Khanderao Ghorpade. He had issue, one son:
- Shrimant Sardar Venkatrao Shivarao Raje Sahib Ghorpade, Hindurao, Mamlukatmadar Senapati, Chief of Sandur.
- Amir-Ul-Umrao Shrimant Sardar Yeshwantrao Malojirao Ghorpade, Granted Sandurby a sanad issued by the Peshwa Bajirao II. He was an Envoy from Daulatrao Scindia, ofGwalior to the Duke of Wellington ca. 1793. He had issue, two sons. (qv)
- Sardar Malojirao [Bala Sahib] Yeshwantrao Ghorpade, had issue 3 sons.[he and his brother inter-adopted heirs] (qv)
- Sardar Narsinhrao Yeshwantrao Ghorpade. Expelled from Sandur by RajaShivajirao II in 1808. He is the ancestor of the Bedag Ghorpade family. He hadissue, one son.
- Sardar Vyankatrao Narsinhrao Ghorpade [Bedag] m. at Baroda, 9th October 1826,Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Yashodabai Raje Ghorpade (ShrimantMaharaj Kumari Yashodabai Sahib Gaekwad), Inamdar of Manjusar, seconddaughter of H.H. Shrimant Maharaja Sayajirao II Gaekwad, Sena Khas KhelShamsher Bahadur, Maharaja of Baroda. He had issue, one son.
- Meherban Shrimant Sardar Ramchandrarao Vyankatrao Ghorpade [Bedag].
- Sardar Vyankatrao Narsinhrao Ghorpade [Bedag] m. at Baroda, 9th October 1826,Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Yashodabai Raje Ghorpade (ShrimantMaharaj Kumari Yashodabai Sahib Gaekwad), Inamdar of Manjusar, seconddaughter of H.H. Shrimant Maharaja Sayajirao II Gaekwad, Sena Khas KhelShamsher Bahadur, Maharaja of Baroda. He had issue, one son.
- Amir-Ul-Umrao Shrimant Sardar Malojirao [Bala Sahib] Yeshwantrao Ghorpade. He had issue, three sons.
- Amir ul-Umrao, Shrimant Sardar Narayanrao Malojirao Ghorpade. b. ca. 1840. He had issue, one son: (qv)
- Shrimant Khanderao Malojirao Ghorpade
- Shrimant Yashwantrao Yeshwantrao Ghorpade.
- Amir ul-Umrao, Shrimant Sardar Narayanrao Malojirao Ghorpade, born ca. 1840, and died in . He had issue, one son.
- Sardar Santajirao Narayanrao Ghorpade (qv)
- Amir- Ul-Umrao Shrimant Sardar Santajirao Narayanrao Ghorpade, married Girjabai Mane. He died in had issue, three sons.
- Vishwasrao Santajirao Ghorpade (qv)
- Yashwantrao Santajirao Ghorpade adopted to Madhbhavikar Ghorpade's [branch of Dattawad].
- Anandrao alias Chimanrao Santajirao Ghorpade educated as a barrrister from England, served in the Government of the erstwhile State of Gwalior and then in the Government of Madhya Pradesh. He died on the 18th November, 1993. He has issue.
- Prataprao Ghorpade educated in Scindia School, Gwalior and a lawyer. He is unmarried and has no issue.
- Rajnanda Ghorpade married to Prakash Chavan and currently lives in Pune.
- Ratnamala Ghorpade is unmarried and currently lives in Pune.
- Amir-Ul-Umrao Shrimant Sardar Vishwasrao Santajirao Ghorpade, married Ratnaprabha Ghorpade nee Gaekwad of Kolhapur. He died on and had issue.
- Major Sardar Daulatrao Vishwasrao Ghorpade (qv)
- Premlatadevi Vishwasrao Ghorpade married to Late. Dilipsingh Gaekwad of Baroda.
- Jaisingh Vishwasrao Ghorpade born on 19th December, 1936, educated in Bishop Cottons School Bangalore, Wadia College Pune and University of California, Los Angeles. He was a managent professor at San Diego State University, retired and currently settled in San Diego, California. He is married to Suzanne Ghorpade and has no issue.
- Amir-Ul-Umrao Major Sardar Daulatrao Vishwasrao Ghorpade, of Dattawad. Maj [17th Poona Horse, IA] born , educated Bishop Cottons' School, Bangalore, and IMA, Dehradun [1949]; married, Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Vaijantimala Raje Ghatge, only daughter of Meherban Shrimant Chiranjiva Rajashri Yeshwantrao Dattajirao Ghatge (Appa Sahib), Sarjerao, Chief of Kagal(Junior), by his wife, Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Babai Raje Ghatge, fourth daughter of H.H. Raja Shrimant Shriram Sawant Bhonsle, Bahadur, Sar Desai of Savantvadi. He died on the 20th March,1968 and has issue, one son and one daughter.
- Shrimant Karnasingh Daulatrao Ghorpade, born , married Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Darshana Ghorpade, nee Mane. (qv)
- Shrimant Sangeeta Raje Ghorpade [Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Sangeeta Raje Sahib Gaekwad, of Baroda at Kolhapur, 28th July 1958. married. Shrimant Rajkumar Anandrao Khanderao Gaekwad (b. at Kolhapur, 28th September 1948), younger son of Lieutenant-Colonel Shrimant Maharajkumar Khanderao Shivajirao Gaekwad, of Baroda, by his wife, Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Maharajkumari Mohini Raje Sahib Gaekwad, daughter Meherban Shrimant Rajamanya Rajashri Sir Piraji Rao [Bapu Sahib] Ghatge, Sarjerao, Hindu Rao, Vazarat, Ma-ab, 5th Chief of Kagal (Senior), KBE, CSI, CIE. She has issue, two sons.
- Shivajirao Gaekwar [b 21 st Sept, 1983, Kolhapur] educated at Pune University, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow and Cambridge University, UK.
- Udaysingh Gaekwar [b 4th Dec, 1991, Kolhapur] currently studying at MS Univerity, Baroda.
- Amir-Ul-Umrao Sardar Karnasingh Daulatrao Ghorpade (see above).
