- Source: Yashwantrao Thorat
Yashwantrao Thorat or Yesaji (Marathi : यशवंतराव थोरात or येसाजी) was a military commander and the main supporter of Sambhaji II of Kolhapur from 1717 to 1719. Before 1717, he served Shahu for a brief period. After the battle of Vadgaon he changed the side and support the Sambhaji II. He had the title of 'Senakhaskhel'. He had jagir in the territory of Warana. He successfully launched many campaign against Shahu with the help of Udaji Chavan. Sambhaji II gave him the area of 9 lakh income as saranjam in Bijapur territory. In 1719, he died in the Battle of Panhala against Balaji Vishwanath. After his death his wife Godabai perform Sati.
Early life
Campaign against Mughal commander Padulla Khan
The territory of Karad and Miraj was under the Mughal commander Padulla Khan until 1717. In 1717, Yashwantrao joined Shahu because there were misunderstandings between Yashwantrao and Sambhaji II. At that time Shahu wanted to establish his control in Karad and Miraj territory. So Shahu decided to launch a campaign against Padullakhan in 1717. Yashwantrao joined this campaign with his troops. Shahu's forces attacked on military camp of Padulla Khan in Karad. The army of Padulla Khan was dispersed by the sudden attack. But after a while, he also counterattacked. At the end of the battle Padulla Khan was defeated and he fled to Islampur. This battle is known as 'Battle of Karad'. After the battle of Karad Shahu was successful to establish his rule in Karad and Miraj territory.
Sambhaji's Side
In 1717 Yashwantrao left Shahu and join Sambhaji II due to political reason. Sambhaji welcome him with the title of Senakhaskhel and give him the area of 9 lakh income as jagir in the Bijapur territory.
Battle of Panhala
When Shahu ordered Balaji Vishwanath to marched against Sambhaji II in 1719 due to Sambhaji's aggression in his territory. Balaji first marched towards Ashta and captured it. The Ashta was under Yashwantrao's control. At that time Yashwantrao was in Bijapur territory. When he know about Balaji he marched towards him. The army of Balaji and Yashwantrao came infront of each other near Apti. At last the battle of Panhala was fought between Balaji and Yashwantrao near fort of Panhala. In the battle Yashwantrao was injured by a spear and after a while he died in it. Balaji's troops retreat after a month. After the death of Yashwantrao in the battle, his wife Godabai perform 'Sati'. Sambhaji II made a samadhi mandir of Yashwantrao and his wife near the battle field of Panhala.
References
Marathyanchya Itihasachi Sadhane Vol-3 (1700-1760) – V. K. Rajwade, ref. 1.
Marathyanchya Itihasachi Sadhane Vol-3 (1700-1760) – V. K. Rajwade, ref. 2.
Marathyanchya Itihasachi Sadhane Vol-3 (1700-1760) – V. K. Rajwade, ref. 3.
Chapter 3 — Sambhaji II – Shahu I Relation up to 1730, Pg 79, 82, 83, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95.
Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1707-1813 — Jaswant Lal Mehta
Kolhapur Rayacha Itihas - Prof. B.P. Modak
The Marathas – Prof. A. R. Kulkarni