
Jedhe Shakawali

Jedhe Shakawali or Jedhe Chronology is a bare record of events with dates covering the period from 1618 to 1697 AD kept by the Jedhe Deshmukhs of village Kari located near Bhor in Pune district. It is known to be the valuable source for the political history of the formative period of Maratha Empire. The document was first edited by B.G. Tilak and published by Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal, Pune, in 1916.
Background.
The Jedhes, the Khopades, the Bandals and the Naik-Nimbalkars were the prominent Deshmukhs of Maval. Out of these, Jedhes of Kaari, in modern-day Bhor, were the Deshmukhs of 'Rohid Khora', which includes the forts of Raireshwar and Rohideshwar, in the Maval region of the modern Pune district, which is near Bhor about 48 km towards south of Pune. Being the leaders of their region, they were privileged persons and enjoyed a high status in political, social and economic life of the region. Kanhoji Jedhe is regarded as the real founder of the Jedhe family as he and his son Baji, popularly known as Sarjerao Jedhe, brought their family to prominence by rendering valuable services to Shivaji, the founder of Maratha Empire in the 17th century. Jedhe Shakawali (chronology) and Jedhe Karina (statement) are their family records which is now regarded as the genuine evidence for many historical events including birth date of Shivaji.
Contents.
Jedhe Shakawali consists of year-wise data starting from 1618 AD (birth of Aurangzeb) and ending to 1697 AD (the besiege of the Gingee fort). The years are, however, mentioned in terms of 'Shaliwahan Shaka', the Indian year, which is approximately 78 years behind the modern AD. It also mentions many-a-times about day, date and timing of the event. The main feature of the Jedhe Shakawali is known to be the brief and 'To the point' descriptions of the events.